i '^v LIBRARY OF THE SPECIAL COi ^ Ai?dHJVES MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO._ 4:.1.5__.__ DATE_7.:i_8„8 >S S O U R C E . LJChLLlXJ^ - -■|jAi-^V<>-£l=^2_ . pek s 1 G4 THE S^A ^^sS^^ \^^A ^•. mm wf m ™) iswf ifm« ^ ^m ^ DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE, EDITED BY ^J®f «• tie P. BARRY, CONDUCTOR OF THE HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. VOL. 6_1845. ROCHESTER, N. Y. I^UBLISHED B¥ B. F. SMITH & 00., SEED STORE, FRi E. SHEPARD, PRINTER, 20J STATE-STREET 1845. Gri«» INDEX TO VOLUME SIX. A Address of Mr. Mack, noticed, 10. of Dr. Lee, at Rochester, 26. • of Josiah Quincy, at Utica, 150. Agriculture,— Address to the friends of 17. ». iri common schools, 33. in France, 1 82. in Paris, Schools in Scotland, 179. , The study of 34, 130, , Improvements in 83. , Lectures on 81. , Report on, by the editor, 98. , Sixty-nine Patents granted, 107, , French system of 116. as a profession, 118. in Western New York, 147. , Chair of 153. Agricultural Society, Mon . Co. election of officers, 3 Report of Committee on Farms, 42. List of premiums of- fered, 47. • . . . ' List of awarding com mittees, 1 38. , Exhibition of, and prem's awarded, 1 64. Wayne Co. 163. Wyoming Co. Fair, fee, 166. Hamilton Co., Ohio, 66. of England, 132. , N. Y. St. winter meeting, Election, 20, Executive meeting, 67. List of premiums, 75. List of Judges, 142, arrange- ments for fair 117, 133. Papers, 29. School, state, 178. Statistics, 49. Products, 69. * Fairs, 151. School at Aurora, 67 . • •••••• Anecdote, 121. Report, by Dr. Lee, 69. . • • . * Meetings of members of Legisla- ture, 53. Alders and other bushes, destroying of 180. Apples, T. H. Hyatt seedling, 14, , Culture of 30, , Fine sweet 31. , Gathering and preserving 158. , American, in England, 175. " American Agriculturist," noticed, 1. • ' . • Quar. Jour, of Agriculture, noticed, 36. American Institute — annual fair, 133. Horticulture, 174. "Albany Cultivator," noticed, 1. Agents, List of 15. B Beans for sheep; 4. Bees — Improved corn hive, 8. Board or ribbon houses, 8. ^ Biography of an extraordinary Porker, 11. Birds, good influence of 104. Book Farming — a fact — 1 1 . — a plea for its opponents, 21 « , a plea for 39. , objections to 51. Butter, Proportion of milk in 165. C Canal statistics, 90. Catapillars, 75, 104, 94. Cabbages, directions for storing 159. Celery, securing fcr winter 159. Cemeteries, 54. Central New York, crops in 181. Charities that sweeten life, 106. Cherries, 109. INDEX TO VOLUME SIX. Chemistry, 4. Chilblains, or Johnny-cake gent, 22. Cincinnati Pork, 123, Clubs and associations, 58. Corn Fodder, 38. .... Steeping for seed, 66. Corn, Experiments in culture of 87. Corn cob meal — Inquiry — 38. "Colman's European Agriculture" noticed 5, 78, 83, 162. Common schools in Cortland county 179. Coffee Plantation, 12. Correspondents, notice to 33 49, 65, 97. Cotton Beds, 7. County Fairs and cattle ehows, 163. Curculia, 103, remedy against, 91. D Dahlia Roots, 159. Devon cattle, 105, 117, 149. Downing, A. J. Letter from and reply to, 166. Duties of women to their country, 122> Debt, Keep out of 12. E Educate Farmers, 89. Effects of drinking cold water, 123. Electricity — Its effect on Vegetation, 66. Emur, or Wheat Barley, 73. Enlargement of the farmer, 161. F Facts for forty millions, 173. Farmers ! read this 1 05. " Farmers and Emigrants book," 97. Library and Jour, of Agriculture, 133. Clubs, 18, 23. Gardens, a pattern for 140. Farming in Virginia, 169. the profits of 102, Fattening animals, 155. Fences, Barns, 8cc, 122. Fence, a cheap and durable, 168, << The Flowers"' (poetry,) 29. Flowers, wild 75 . , Bulbons 159. Flowering shrubs, plants, kc, 110. Flower gardens and shrubbery, 62, 76. Foddering on the ground, 2. Fountain of vice, 91. Food of plants, 36. Frosts, the late 103. "Jack frost," (Poetry), 9. Fruit culture — its progress— 74. • . . crop, 74, 94. • • ., High prices of 135. ..., Fine 159. • •• of the season; 141. ••• Trees, scions of 187. Fruits and fruit trees of America," noticed, 136, 14), G Grain, crushing or grinding 2, 60. Guano, 19. Essay on 180. Gardens and orchards, operations for March, 46. April, 61 . • • • • • November, 174. — Clay vs. sand, 104. , Neglected, 159. , Kitchen 67. Genesee Farmer, prospectus for vol. 7, 1 77. to the readers of, 182. H Hay-making, practical hints on 101, • • • Racks, movable 29. Hedges, 110. Hens, a new way to fatten 114. Herkimer county, census of 179. Honey Dew, 37. " Hovey's Magazine" noticed, 14. Hogs, very fine 71. Horses, soaked corn for 180. Horticulture, importance of 13. Horticultural Society at Aurora, 136. for Mon. Co. 168. of Mass. 158. Industry and Economy, 149 " Indiana Farmer and Gardener" noticed, 33. Insects, 75. Insect Blight, 126. Inquiry, 182. Iron Mines, 123. L Live Stock, ancient and modern improvers of 60. Liebig and Agricultural Science, 66. Lime and bone dust, 89. phosphate of 101. burning with stone coal, 141. Locust Borer expelled, 95, Lecture by the Editor, 146, M Maple Sugar, 11, 37. Manures, nature and action of 54. Liquid 58, 172. Their waste, 85. Marl, 68. Man grown by Guano, 123. Massachusetts apples, 16, Marriage Portion, 29. Mustard Seed, 7. N New- Year's address to our patrons, 1. "New-YorkFarmer and Mechanic's" criticism on "S. W.," 73. New-England Schools, 116. INDEX TO VOLUME SIX. o Oakland Farm, Jtc, 134. "Ohio Cultivator" noticed, 19, 22, 162. Ohio Agricultural Convention, 81. Oil, how to extract 10. Orchard Ground, preparation of 159. Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, 93. Our volume for 1846, 178. Peas, culture of 102. Pea-Bug, Bruchus Pisa, 121. Pears, culture of 45 ; "fire blight," 45, 14= Pitt's Separator, 9. Plaster, reduction of tolls on 102. Plowing, subsoil 40. , Fall 84. Plant potting, 94. Plum, the 187. "Prairie Farmer" noticed, 19. Prairie Ronde, 1 35. Population of the State, 161. increase of 18. Potatoes, desease in 69, 113, 134, 170, 134. general subject of 91 . Poultry, 171. , statistics of 40. R Rails and Fcncf^s, 18. Reaping Machine, 41. Recipe for puddings, 92. Resolution of Col. Pratt in Congress, 12. "Rural Economy" noticed, 61. Rust on Wheat, 135. S Salt, Plaster, &c., on Quince trees, 147. Scales, variation in 4, 23. Scraps of curious information, 173. Science and Agriculture, 40. with Practice, 114. Seed, time of sowing 91 . . .. •, sprouting, 67. • • • • directions for sowing 173. Seneca Co. at commencement of Harvest 1 16. Sheep, the Alpaca 25, 84. , valuable Merino 97, 123, on the prairies, 82 , Shade Trees, 41. Short horn cattle, 56. Slobbers in horses, 127. Smut rust and chess, 137. in Wheat and Oats, 88. Insect, 134. Sows devouring their offspring, 86. Spinning Wheels on Boston Common, 7. Spring, blooming Trees and Shrubs, 74. State Census for 1846, 83, Fair at Utica, 145, 153. Fairs and Tavern Keepers, 168. Stock, wintering of, 180. Stockton Butter, 118. Strawberries, 109, 126, 136. Subscribers, to 179. Sugar from corn stalks, 37. Symphytam, or Comfrey, 68. T Taking a hint, 187. Teasel, culture of 120. Tests of a thriving population, 164. Tobacco a remedy for the Peach Worm, 109, Tomato Catsup, how to make 14. Transplanting, 167. Tree planting, 187. Turnips, 97. V Vinegar, quick process of making 37. Vegetables, culture of 62, 95. Vegetable Nutrition, 68. Virginia Land, 170. W Water, its importance, fcc, 132. " Western Reserve Magazine" noticed, 67« Wheat, a new variety of 19. culture, 21, 107, 129, crop, its prospect, Sic, 67, 167. Insect, 78. • in Western New- York, 167. land, 86, What should parents do with their boys 1 90. Weather, observations, &c., 74, 111, 124, 119. Wine from Parsnips, 26. Winter work, 25. Wintering Stock, a dialogue, 62, 72. Wool, preparing for market, 66. Work and Wages, 137. Wyoming Co, a letter, 162. Wyoming, to the farmers of 181. ENGRAVINGS. Pitts' Separator, 9. The Alpaca, 25. Movable Hay-Rack, 29. " Northern Spy" apple, 30. Reaping Machine, 41. Durham Heifer " Estorville," 72. Pear tree trained in a pyramidal form, 46. ^\^^;^| VOL. VI. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. JANUARY, 1845. NO. 1. PUBLISHED MONTHLY. BY B. F. SMITH &, CO, PROPRIETORS, At the Seed Store, No. 4, Front Street, near Buffalo St. AMONG THE CORRESPONDENTS ARE Dr. DANIEL LEE, L. B. LANGWORTHY, N. GOODSELL, T. C. PETERS, Prof. C. DEWEY, P. BARRY, AND L. WETHERELL, T. H. HYATT. FIFTY CEXTS A YEAR:' Five copies for Two Dollars; Eight copies for Three Dollars. All pay.uents to be made in atlvaiice. Money and subscriptions by a regulation of the postmaster general, may be reinitted by post masters free of expense. JiO' Address B. F. S.mith &• Co. TO OUR PATRONS. With a new cap, and our frock and iroivsers spic- and-span new, we make our new years bow to our friends and patrons, wishing them all a pleasant, happy, and prosperous new yeaj-, with our most un- feigned thanks for that patronage and support which has enabled us to make our appearance with that de- gree of respectability that redounds equally to their credit and our satisfaction. Notwithstanding the turmoils, and junketings, and heartburnings of the great political campaign, our little baniling has pursued the even tenor of its way, going about like a "roaring lion," seeking to do good to all who admitted it to their tables and fire- sides. And although some zealous and mistaken seers have prophecied rather warm work on this mundane sphere this fail, yet the winds and storms, and rain and snow, prevail as usual, and we have the hardi- hood to go on with our work rejoicing ; persuaded that a time and season for all things will he vouch- safed by that Being whose mercy and beneficence or- der all things wisely. We trjst we have now all the means and appli- ances to render our forthcoming volume one of the most useful and interesting publications that have yet emanated from the agricultural press. In addi- tion to our regular list of correspondents, we have the assurances of assistance from many of the for- mer contributors to the Old Genesee Farmer, first established on this day, fourteen years ago ; which, together with selections from over twenty agricul- tural journals, edited by the ablest men in this coun- try and Europe, we trust to succeed to the entire content of our subscribers ; in fact, we think we incur no risk in Raying, Ihat if any of our patrons, at the year's end, shall say that there is not one, or even fifty articles if they please, that are not each worth the price of our paper to him, his paper shall be free. If all those who are our firm and undeviating friends would put their shoulders to the wheel, and each procure us one new subscriber, it would great- ly assist us in being able to beautify the paper by il- lustrations, and extra labor in its execution. We ardently solicit communications from every observing and experienced farmer throughout the land ; and let no one forbear giving his experience and knowledge to his brother farmers, from fear of any inability or iingrammatical construction of lan- guage ; as it shall be the duty of our editor to cor- rect any errors of this kind, and to lick the most de- formed cub into shape and comeliness. It is facts we want — those stubborn things — if ever so homely. We desire of our correspondents, that they will so time their subjects that they shall be in seasmt, and not agitate the subject of ivatcr melons in .Jan- uary, nor of foddering cattle, nor making cider in July. 0;5^ Post-masters, from v/hom we have ever re- ceived the most liberal assistance, will please act as agents, with the usual discount on subscriptions. The Albany Cultivator, (Luther Tucker, editor and proprietor,) always comes to hand in sea- son. The December number is rich, varied, and in- structive : like cream cheese, it improves with age. On the first of January, it will join in wedlock with the Central N. Y. Farmer, a neat, well-bred, and highly-educated daughter of the western district, Irora Rome, Oneida Co. Such a galaxy of talent admonishes us to "fly round," in these days of pro- gress and improvement, or we shall be of " the things that were." Our little damsel, the Genesee Fanne; will be "at home," if any of the old beaux of the Central Farmer should call. She does not set her cap so hig;h as their old flame does, now she has got to the metropolis. If you can't call, leave your cards, (50 cents) — she will be punctual in returning the favor. The American Agriculturist, (A. B. Allen, editor, N.Y.) This is a very valuable publication, and is close at the heels of our fastest nags. It comes of good stock, is of fine proportion and ap- pearance, and comes up to the scratch with a bold bearing and independent front. It is in every res- pect worthy the patronage of all those who are seek- ing after information how to till the earth, and make it " bear exceedingly." GENESEE FARMER* Jan. 1845 CRUSHING OR GRINDING GRAIN FOR ANIMAL FOOD. It is a well-established fact, from actual experi- ment, that no stomach, either of man or beast, can digest the htiU, or coriaceous covering of any of the grains, and that all tlie whole and unbroken kernels of all the grain and seeds of the vegetable kingdom, if uncrushed and unbroken in some degree, pass through the animal system undigested and unchang- ed, and are therefore wholly lost. Nothing but the stomach of fowls can perform that operation. All the grains, and even the grass-seeds, deposited from the droppings of cattle and horses, germinate and grow, as freely as if they had not passed the or- deal of the stomach and' bowels. Every observing man will endorse this o])inion, by seeing how often Indian corn passes the intestines of hogs and oxen unchanged : and it is particularly the case with swine — those gormandizing, voracious, and hoggish brutes, who, in their eagerness to get more than their share, do not grind more than one- half their food. It is said, and there is good author- ity for believing it true, that three hogs confined in a narrow slip, so that they cannot pass each other, and the first one fed with as much corn as he will eat, and giving nothing to the other two but the droppings of each other — that the second one will be m the best order, and the third one in good win- tering condition. Horses grind their grain better than any of the farm stock, except the sheep, and yet not perfectly ; at any rate, it cannot fail to strike every one, that there is great importance attached to the process of grinding or crushing Indian corn, as well as econo- my for fattening hogs, as it is important to do it in the shortest time and at the smallest expense. Therefore, assist that curious machine, the animal stomach, by grinding the food, and also in cooking it afterwards, if you wish to arrive at the greatest re- sult in the shortest period of time, and at the least cost. There is no doubt but the cooking of food assists its digestion one-half in point of time ; hence the necessity of using that auxiliary in fattening ani- mals, as in consequence you relieve the digestive ap- paratus of one-half its labor, enabling the animal to consume and digest twice the quantity of food it could in the raw state. The animal fattens twice as fast, or somewhere in the neighborhood of that ra- tio, when the fcod is ground and cooked. FODDERING Ox\ THE GROUND. Mr. Editor, — What a miserable and wasteful po- licy it is to fodder cattle on the bare earth — the winds scattering it over the whole yard — the cattle, in wet weather, nmning over it with their dirty feet, and entirely wasting one-half the food that is fed to them ! Some provision of rack or box should always be made for that pui-pose. Where none is prepared, and no convenience exists for that purpose, the neatest operation wc have observed is this : take 4 posts of 3 by 4 scantling, 6 feet long ; board them up on four sides, 2 feet 9 inches from the bottom, and 6 feet square ; nail a 6-inch strip across the top, to strengthen them, an I then two strips of the same wi dth diagonally from corner to corner, forming an X on each side, compelling the creature to eat in the center of the frame. Four cattle can feed at each, and if the niRst&r creature offers to move, they simply change places by traveling one-quarter round. It can be easily moved from place to place;, and, if well made, is very durable. H. Y. Origin of Isabella Grapes in America. — The Isabella grape is named from Isabella Gibbs, the wife of Colonel Gibbs, distinguished as a man of great scientific attainments, and who, during a residence in France through the revolutionary war, was ena- bled to collect one of the most valuable cabinets of minerals of his time; the collection having been made from the public sales of the effects of guillo- tined noblemen. His cabinet was purchased by Yale College, at the time of, or soon after, the last war. Mrs. Gibbs, some forty years or so since, brought the grape from North Carolina to Brooklyn, and from her specimen the grapes in this part of the country have sprung. This grape has since been cultivated in Europe very extensively. To Remedy Cast-iron Stoves, that Smoke froji Cracks or bad FiTTiNc^-Take 1 part of fine salt and 2 parts of hard-wood ashes; beat them together with water till of the consistence of mor- tar. Fill the open places, then heat it up, and it will remain as hard as the iron, until, by long stand- ing without heat, it attracts moisture, and becomes soft. B. M. (I^ Editors of papers, to whom we send this number, who publish our prospectus or notice our publication and terms, with such remarks as they shall deem our due, will receive the Farmer in ex- change. 05^ In this number we make copious extracts from Mr, Colman's reports of his tour in Europe, connected with the farming thereof, hoping thereby that farmers generally may be induced to give Mr. Colman their sujjport. We refer to another part of our paper for the terms. (^Cf° We shall forward this number to many per- sons who are not our permanent subscribers, both on our own motion and at the suggestion of their personal friends. To those who are pleased with the work, and forward the subscription price of 50 cents, free of postage, before the 1st of April, it will be continued; in all other cases it will be dis- continued. The Mange. — This troublesome disease, which shows itself by cattle rubbing themselves and by eruptions, is cured by washing them in the water in which potatoes have been boiled. Cultivate Winter Apples. — Mr. J. R. Pell, of Ulster Co., N.Y,, has an orchard containing 20,000 apple trees of one kind of fruit — the Newton Pippin. Last year he gathered irom his trees 1,700 brls. ap- ples. Part of the crop he sold in the N. York market at $4 per barrel, and the remainder were sent to liondon, and sold at $9 per barrel. 05^ To keep a fellow out of mischief, there is nothing like giving him plenty of hard work. " An empty mind is the devil's work-shop," says an old and true proverb. To MAKE Yellow Butter in Winter. — Put in yolk of eggs just before the butter comes, near the termination of the churning. This has been repeat- edly tried, and it makes very fine sweet butter. It is kept by many as a great secret, but its great va- lue requires publicity. — Boston Cultivator. 05^ Postmasters, by law, are allowed to for- ward money and order publications, free of expense. Vol. 6. GENESEE PARMER, MONROE COUNTY. The annnnal meeting of the Monroe County Ag- ricultural Society was held at the Rochester Seed ■Store, on Wednesday, Dec. 11th. Owing to some misunderstanding as to the hour of meeting, the number present was not so large as usual. The following gentlemen were elected officers for 1845 : President, John H. Robinson, of Henrietta. • Vice-Presidents, Elisha Harmon, Wheatland, Caleb K. Hobbie, Irondequoit, Frederick P. Root, Sweden. James P. Fogg, Trensm'e)'. Henry M. Ward, Recording Secretary. Thomas H. Hyatt, Corresponding Secretary. TOWN COMMITTEES. JVheatland — Jira Blackmer, Wm. Garbutt, Geo. Sheffei". Chili — Wm. Pixley, Jacob Strahan, John K. Ballentine. Riga — James R, Flinn, Aretus Adams, Alfred Fitch. Ogden — Miles Landon, Marcus Adams, Jesse Harroun. Sweden — W. E. Skidmore, Seth P. Staples, Asa Row'e. Clarksan — Dr. A. Baldwin, Frederick S. Church, David For- syth. Parma — -Isaac Chase, Roswell Atchinson, J. M. Webster. Greece— Geo. C. Latta, Robert H. Brown, Hall Colby. Gcrtes — Matthias Garrett, Wm. Buel, Wm. Otis. Brighton — Romanta Hart, C. F. Crosman, Nathaniel Hayward. Henrietta — W. C. Cornell, Geo. L. Beckwith, Elihu Kirby. Rush — Thomas Wright, Gay Markham, John B. Steel. Mendon — Abraham Cole, Ezra Davis, E. H. Barnard. Piltsford — E. Sutherland, Luther Bushnell, Marvin Hopkins. Perinton — Gideon Ramsdell, Zerah Burr, John Ayrault. Penfield — Samuel Miller, Elias Beach, Jonathan Baker. Webster — Byron Wood- hull, Wm. Holt, Al;)heus Crocker. Irondequoit — H. N. Langworthy, John McGonagal, Benj. Wing. Rochester— E. Darwin Smith, J. M. Whitney, J. H. Watis, E. B. Strong, E. Wolcott, Samuel Miller, John Longmieur, B. F. Smith, Amos Sawyer, P. Barry, Thomas Weddle, Wm. Kidd, Jas. P. Fogg. A very interesting report was read by L. B. Lang- worthy, Esq., from the Committee on Farms. A committee of three were appointed to obtain and publish the excellent address of Dr. Lee, deliv- ered before the society, with the report of the com- mittee on Farms, and the proceeding of the society. After it was made known that Wm. Garbutt, Esq, of Wheatland had obtained the premium for the sec- ond best farm, it was announced, that he had dii'ected the premium of $8 to be added to the funds of the society. Wherefore, it was resolved, 1'hat the thanks of the society be tendered to Mr. Garbutt for his gene- I'ous donation ; with the hope that his honorable ex- ample may find a response from others — thereby increasing the funds for further usefulness, James H. Watts, Esq., offered the following reso- lutions, which were passed unanmiously : The members of the Monroe Agricultural Soci- ety present, having learned that M. B. Bateham, Esq., long a devoted friend to the cause of agricul- ture amongst us, had removed to Cohmibus, Ohio, It was resolved, That we, as members engaged in the sam'5 cause in which Mr. Eateham has so long acted with us, and as editor of the New Genesee Farmer, also an officer of this society from its com- mencement— regret his removal from amongst us; but at the same time wish him God speed in his new undertaking at Columbus, Ohio, where he has gono for the ]5urpose of conducting an agricultural paper. Resolved, That the President of the society sign the above resolution, and that a copy be forwarded to Mr. Bateham, after its publication in the Genesee Farmer. Report of the Committee on Field Craps. At a meeting of the executive and special commit- tees, on the 1 1th December, the following crops were offered for premiums: The committee cannot but regret that the applica- tions were so few, especially after having experienc- ed so fruitful a year in almost every department of agricultural labor. It seems as though the wits of all men had gone a " wool-gathering'' to Texas, Or- egon, or some other region except their farms, if we are to judge by the meagre number who have made known their success in their farming opera- tions, for the past year, to this committee, and they were unable to assign any reasons for the backward- ness or neglect, except that the recent political cam- paign, with its excitements and call upon the time and attention of all classes, has obliterated all re- membrance of the necessity of taking the proper measures to com].ly with the law, to enable them to enter their crops for premiums ; for it is perfectly within the knowledge of many members of this com- mittee, that several large and important crops were made by members of this society, who through neg- lect of measuring and certifying the same, were ex- cluded from entering for competition. To John McGonagal, of Irondequoit, they award the second premium (there being no competitor) for the best two acres of wheat, of 45 16-60 bushels per acre, of the Red Chafl" Bald variety, $7. Statement of Mr. McGonegaV s Wheat Crop. The kind of soil on which my crop of wheat was grown, is a sandy !oam. The previous crop was wheat, which I harvested two years before and seeded with clover in the spring before harvesting. The next summer, after the clover began to head, I turned in my cattle, and soon after commenced plow- ing the lot which has about fifty acres in it ; that part measured off was plowed about the middle of June. About the first of August harrowed over well ; cross plowed the last of August ; plowed again the second week in September, and sowed the 11th and 12th of September. There has not been any manure drawn on for ten years, except plaster, which I sowed on the clover in the spring before plowing. I sowed about one bushel and eight qte. per acre of the Red Chaff Bald variety ; limed be- fore sowing. Harvested some of the last days ia August, which was cut with a sickle, bound and put up in three or four days, and^lrawn into the barn and thrashed the fore part of September, and measured. The expense I cannot come at very exactly, as it was plowed with the rest of the field each time. Plowing three times, . . . $5 25 Harrowing, . . . . . 2 63 2^ bushels of Seed, ... 2 25 Reaping, binding and setting up, . 4 00 Drawing in, . . . . . 2 50 Thrashing and cleaning, . . . 7 00 Whole expense, .... $23 63 I certify that the above is a true and correct state- ment according to the best of my knowledge. JOHN McGONEGAL. GENfiSEE FARMER. Jan. 1845 Sworn to and subscribed before me this, 11th day of December, 1811. WILLIAM SHEPARD, J. P. To Rufus Beckwith, of Henrietta, for the best acre of corn, of the large eight rowed variety, of 126 bushels per acre ! of shelled corn, the first pre- mium of $7. Statement of Mr. Beckwith' s Corn Crop. The kind of soil on which my crop of Corn was grown, is a dark gravelly loam, approximating to black sand. The previous crop was wheat, 2 years previous seeded with timothy, and pastured two years. No manure to previous crop. Manure to this crop about thirty wagon loads of coarse barn yard manure. Plowed once about eight or ten inch- es deep, and harrowed tnoroughly the first days in May. Planted the first week in May in drills about three feet six inches apart, and from twelve to eigh- teen inches in the drill. The seed was the large 8 rowed variety ; dropped about four grains in a hill, and used about three pecks of seed to the acre. — Cultivated between the drills for first hoeing, and plowed two furrows between the drills the last hoe- ing, (there were many hills missing, having been destroyed by worms.) Cut the stalks by topping the corn in September. Harvested about the first of October by husking on the hill or drills, and took from the same ground 20 cart loads of pumpkins. The whole expense per acre of producing and har\'esting the crop as near as can be stated, inclu- ding the value of the manure and seed, the labor of men and teams at cost, or at current rates of wages, would not exceeA fifteen dollars. I certify that the above is a true and correct state- ment, accoi-ding to the best of my knowledge. RUFUS BECKWITH. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this thirtieth day of November, 1844. ELIHU KIRBY, J. P. To John M'Gonegal, of Irondequoit, for the sec- ond best acre of corn, of the 10 and 12 rowed vari- ety, of 85 13-56 bushels per acre, the second pre- mium of $5. To Adin Manly, of Clarkson, for the best acre of oats, of the black and white variety mixed, of 87 J bushels per acre, the second premium (there being no competitor) of $3. Statement of Mr. Manlfs Oat Crop. The kind of soil on which my crop of Oats was grown, is clay loam. The previous crop was Corn, and the quantity of manure to previous crop 10 loads of barn manure from barn yard in the spr'ng. Ma- nure to this crop, twelve loads of the same kind and plowed in. Plowed once m April, harrowed once on the second day of May, and sowed the third day of May, broadcast, harrowing twice. The kind of seed was black and white, about half and half, four and a half bushels per acre. Harvested 20th of August, with cradle. The whole expense per acre, of producing and harvesting the crop, as near as can be stated, inclu- ding the value of the manure and seed, the labor of men and teams at cost, or at current rates of wages; Plowing, harrowing, sowing and harrow- ing seed, $3 87i Harvesting, thrashing and manure, . 7 25 "^^hole expenfie. .1 12J I certify that the above is a true and correct state- ment, according to the be^t of mv knowledge. ADIN MANLY. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this twenty-- third day of November, 1844. SALMON WEBSTER, J. P. L. B. Lakgworthy, ^ Rawson Harmon, V Committee. Nathaniel, Hayward, 5 The next meeting of the society ,v*-ill be held at the office of the Genesee Farmer, over the Seed Store, on the second Tuesday in -February, at 11 o'clock, A.M. The Farmer, Democrat, and Advertiser are re- quested to publish the proceedings of this meeting. Mr, Editor : — Having had, during the past year, something of a crop of wheat to dispose of, I have found an amount of difl>3rence in the weight of my wheat by scales at different mills, which I cannot account for ; and I would feel obliged if you can inform me whether the scale-beams of wheat scales in your city and vicinity are sealed. — Perhaps you, or some of your correspondents, can inform the farming interests, if they can with cer- tainty rely upon correct weights in a matter of so much importance to them. Yours, &;c., A Farmer. Victor, Dec. 16, 1844. Although we never had great confidence in the cor- rectness and delicacy of the Platform Scales owing to their peculiar construction of short leverages and oscillations, yet for large weights and articles not over valuable, we have heard of no complaints, when well constructed ; we also know that the City Seal- er often resets and adjusts them. Currents of air striking the large hopper in which millers weigh, from above or below, can easily make a great differ- ence in the result. We shall be glad to hear from our correspondents. Ed. Farmer. Beans for Sheep. — If you have any beans on hand which are unfit for culinary purposes, in con- sequence of being mouldy or rancid, wash them carefully and give them to j'-our sheep. A gill a day will be of more benefit to them tjpan a pint of corn. Beans, for sheep, even in this condition, we consider equal to the best corn in any state. — Me. Cultivator. Upon the above. Dr. Lee, of Buffalo, remarks : " The Cultivator tells but half the story, ff'hij is a gill of beans better for a sheep than a pint of corn? This is an important problem, and one that not one flock-master in a thousand can answer. If the ob- ject be to form fat sheep, then the remark that beans are worth more than corn, is not true — for corn contains more of the fat-forming elements than beans. But if the object be to form muscle and icool, then the remark is true. Beans contain more of the elements of wool than any other cultivated plant. Hence nature, ever true to herself, has en- dowed the sheep with a taste for this plant which is denied to the pig." Chemistry. — Prof. Dewey is giving a course of very interesting Lectures on Chemistry, with ex- periments, at the Collegiate Institute. The lectures are delivered on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7 o'clock, P, M. a ticket for two dollars will admit a gentlemen and lady to the course. This is a rare opportunity ofiered to the citizens of Rochester and its vicinity for acquiring a knowledge of chemical attraction, electricity, he. &.c. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. From, the C'ultirator, COLMAN'S EUROPEx\N AGRICULTURE. The second part of this work has made its ap- pearance. The great difficulty of procuring the in- formation sought, in an exact and authentic form, amidst the embarrassments and inconveniences which surround a stranger, are mentioned as reasons why this portion of the work has so long been delayed. — Mr. Caiman says he cannot promise his third and fourth numbers at any paiticular time, but assures us that no unreasonable delay shall be permitted. He has yet to visit Ireland, some of the counties of Scotland, the dairy portions of England, and the flax and hop districts. In the spring he intends to visit the continent, and hopes to be able to return to this country in the autumn. The first division of the number before us, is devoted to a continuation of remarks on the Allot- ment sif'steni. Under this head, many useful facts are given, showing the large amount of sustenance which tho soil, under proper management, is capable of yiel ling — though, as Mr. C. says, it is probable that the " utmost productive capacity of an acre ol land, in any crop, has not yet been fully determined." An instance is mentioned where a man had sup- ported himself, wife and son, from two acres of laud, for which he paid a rent of $45,60 ; and in the course of seven years, saved enough from the pro- duce of his two acres to purchase two acres at ^144 to!ftl92per acre. In another case, six acres under spade cultivation, is stated to have given an average of 52 bushels of wheat per acre. Another witness brought before the Parliamentary committee, testi- fied that on the estate of Lord Howard, Barbot Hall, Yorkshire, tv,'ent3'-eight bushels of wheat had been obtained from a quarter of an acre : being at the rate of 112 bushels per acre. Mr. Colman thinks, however, that the accuracy of this statement may be consiJered doubtful."' An instance is mentioned where a man in Sussex, John Piper, who occupied four acres, and kept two cows, worked one of the cows in a cart, by which he makes an annual saving of ^2i. Notwithstanding the cow is worked, " she makes eight pounds of but- ter ])er week, besides furnishing some milk for the family." Great pains are taken in all classes to save the manure. Nothing is wasted. The animals afe stallfed, and only turned into a yard a few hours a day for ex- ercise. Brick or stone tanks, well cemented, are simk near the cow-stables and pig-sties, for the reception of all the liquid manure. " The contents of these tanks, on becoming full, are pumped into a small cart with a sprinkling box attached to it, like that used for watering streets in cities, and distributed over the crops, always with the greatest advantige, and with effects immediately perceptible." All which Mr. Colman saw, convinced him that there is no necessi- ty of impoverishing the soil, but that under the right management, it will keep itself in condition, and be ever improving. The allotment system, though so evidently beneficial to the poorer classes, is strongly opposed by the farmers in general. In relation to the causes of this opposition, it is all-^ged that the farmers are not willing to lessen the dependence of the laborers on them for support — that the great crops obtained under such nice cultivation, con- trasted with those of the farmer, tend to throw the latter into the shade, or by proving what Ihe land is capable of producing, may induce the landlords to raise their rente. Besides, it is said the farmers are unwilling to see the laborers appear in the markets in competition with themselves. Mr. Colman ob- serves, that whether these reasons actually exist or not, " the motives named are but too consistent with the weakness and too oiten unrestrained selfiishness of human nature. Every man certainly has a fair right ' to live,' and the duty of every just man is to ' let him live.' Blessed be the day, if come it over should, when every man willl earn that his own true prosperity is essentially concerned in the prosperity of his neighbor, and that no gratification on earth, to a good mind, is more delicious than that which is reflected from the happiness of another, to which he has himself been instrumental." Some of the allotments are managed by men who act in the capacity of school teachers, and the schol- ars, who are boys from eight to fourteen years of age, perform the labor of cultivating the crops — working on the farm a given number of hours each day in return for their instruction. The system works well, both for the boys, and the condition and product of the grounds. Yet Mr. Colman feels constrained to add his " strong conviction that the education of the laboring classes is not viewed with favor by those who move in a higher condition of life." " Every approach, therefore," he continues, "in this direction, is likely to be resisted ; and this feel- ing of superiority pervades, with an almost equal in- tensity, every class in society, above the lowest, from the master of the household to the most men- ial beneath whom there is any lower depth. Edu- cation is the great leveler of all artificial distinctions, and may therefore be well looked upon with jeal- ousy." Steeping Seeds. — Considerable has been said, during the past year, of a mode of steeping seeds, introduced by Mr. Campbell, of Scotland. Mr. Colman introduces one or two letters from Mr. Campbell, in reference to this subject. The steeps he employs, are sulphate, nitrate, and muriate of ammonia, nitrates of soda and potass, and combina- tions of these. One experiment given, is in sub- stance, the following. Some earth was dug up six feet below the surface, which was totally destitute of organic matter. It was sown with seeds which had been soaked in these solutions, and produced plants with seven or eight stems each, while plants from the unprepared seeds produced no more than three stems each. They had not reached maturity when this statement was given, and of course, the relative yield of grain could not be told. Spade Husbandry. — This mode of cultivation seems to be extending itself in Great Britain, and under the cheapness of hand labor which there pre- vails, is found fully remanerating. The principle is the same as that of subsoil plowing. The best tool for the work, is a three pronged fork, 14 inches deep, and 7J inches wide. This works easier than a spade, and pulverizes the ground better. Though, as Mr. Colman observes, spade husbandry cannot bo generally introduced into the United States with advantage, yet ho says there are some cases in which it might be found profitable, such as on farms where the poor are kept. In England, no farm is over con- nected with a pauper establishment, and some cau- tion is there used, lest those establishments be found too comfortable and attractive. Mr. Colman cites the example of a man in New England, who from only seven acres of land, sells annually $2,500 worth of produce. Condition or LABORERS.—Mr. Colman says, " it 6 GENESEE FARMER. Jan. 1845 is with England a question of trememlouB impor- tance, what is to become of the vast accvmiiilations of people, which are ccntinually increasing here at the rate of from seven hundred to a thousand per day. * * * The svibject, it appears to me, and perhaps wholly from my being unaccustomed to a condition of things in any degree resembling it, is daily assuming a fearful aspect : I do not mean of danger to the government, for the government seems never to have been stronger, but fearful in its bearings upon the public peace, the public morals, the securi- ty of property, and the state of crime." Mr. C. does not pretend to offer a remedy for this state of things, but seems to think the allotment system the best which has yet been devised, as it is, at all events, capable of improving, to some extent, I he laborer's condition. Progress of Agriculture. — Under this head, Mr. Colman gives an interesting description of the great improvements which have been made and are still going forward in England, by means of drain- ing, iriigation, k.c. Of the live stock, he speaks in the highest terms, but does not go minutely into this subject, intending to take it up by itself hereafter. He speaks not of the cattle as seen at the cattle shows, but as they are seen every Monday in the Smithlield Market, and at the other smaller markets and fairs in various parts of the kingdom. He says '' here are cattle and sheep of several different breeds, and all of remarkable excellence of their kind ; I do not say perfect, for that, in almost all cases, would be assuming too much, but leaving very litle to be desired beyond what has been attained. Their con- dition and form, their symmetry, then- fatness, are admirable ; and each breed is seen retaining its dis- tinct properties ; and what is most remarkable, showing how much can be done by human art and ekill, in improving the animal form and condition, and bringing it to a desired model." Application of Steam to Agriculture. — The application of steam to the plow, so far as Mr. Col- man has heard, has not been attended with much success. Steam engines are extensively used in some sections, for thrashing grain. In the Lothians of Scotland, it is said that the use of steam power for this and other purposes, saves one quarter of the horse power required on the farm. A very impor- tant item, as the keeping of horse teams is the greatest single source of expense to the British far- mer. A six horse steam power, usually thrashes from 30 to 40 bushels of grain per hour. Mr. C. suggests that in the prairie districts of our western country, wherever coal can be had, steam power might be advantageously used for many farm pur- poses. A very important use of steam power in Britain, is the conveying of live stock to market by means of steamboats and railroads. Cattle are brought in immense numbers to Smithfield market by these convevances, without loss of condition — sometimes the distance of seven hundred miles. Mr. C. thinks no parties have suffered injury from railroads. Contrary as it may be to all theories, the farmer near market is not injured, though the distant one is largely benefitted. The Increase of Agricultural Products in Britain, is shown in a very striking light. The av- erage importation of wheat into England from 1801 to 1810, when the population was set down at 17,- 442,911, would have given a fraction over one peck to each person. From 1811 to 1820, when the po- pnlation was 19,870,589, the quantity imported would have given less than a gallon and a half to each person. From 1831 to 1835, the population was 25,000,000, and the quantity imported would have given to each person one gallon. Taking the three years 1833-4-5, the importation would have al- lowed only one pint and one fifth to each consumer. This will give some idea of the immense produc- tion and resources of that little inland. Under a fast increasing population, as before mentioned, the dependance on foreign supply, has been constantly growing less. Among the means of improvement, Mr. Colman remarks that the Royal Agricultural Societj' is an efficient organ. It was instituted in 1837. It has begun the establishment of an agricultural library and museum, the object of which is to exhibit spe- cimens of agricultural productions which are capa- ble of preservation, seeds, plants, grasses samples of wool, mineral manures, models and drawings of im- plements, &,c. &c. Mr. Colman remarks that he has often urged the establishment of agricultural museums in the United States, especially in the ca- pitals of the States, where the different legislatures assemble. The suggestion is a valuable one. — Cannot our New York State Agricultural Society profit by it ? The management of the Royal Agricultural So- ciety at its exhibitions, is spoken of as admirable in many respects. Mr. C. says — '' every possible ef- fort is made to secure an impartial decis'on among the competitors ; for besides that they are not suf- fered by their presence to influence the examiners, the examiners themselves are selected from among persons as far as possible disinterested, and not like- ly to be influenced. They are chosen, likewise, with a special reference to their character and quali- fications, to the nature of the subjects submitted, and every pains is taken in this way, to secure the greatest aptness and talents. The name of the competitor is not given if it can be avoided, but only the number of the article presented. The rules of admission and competition, are stringent and abso- lute, and no exceptions are on any account allov.-ed." The Highland Agricultural Society in Scotland, and the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland, are both spoken of as excellent institutions, similar in their objects and management to the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England. Model Farms. — Mr. Colman notices some of these. He has visited that at Glasnevin, near Dub- lin, and furnishes some highly interesting particulars in regard to it. In connexion with this establish- ment there is also an agricultural school, \^'here young men receive such an education, theoretical and ])ractical, as fits them to pursue the occupation of farming to the best advantage. The young men work in the field about six hours per day. Mr. C. had the gratification of listening to an examination of fourteen of these young men, brought out of the field from their labor, and declares that " it was em- enently successful, and in the highest degree credit- able both to master and pupil." The products of this model farm, as given by the superintendent and teacher, are quite remarkable. Seven hundred and twenty bushels of potatoes per acre, are given as an average crop. The superintendent states that the largest crop he ever oljtained, was in a field where the sets were three feet apart each waj'. Medium sized potatoes, planted whole, are preferred to cut ones. The experiment had been made, and the dif- Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. ference between the whole potatoes and cuttings was marked and obvious in favor of the former,— The cattle on the farm are soiled. Italian rye grass is mentioned as one of the best articles for feeding. It is cut four times in a season, yielding at each cutting a good crop. Lucerne is sometimes cut five times. The Scotch potatoe oat, and the Hopetown oat, are the varieties of this grain here raised.- — They yield an average of 80 bushels per acre, and weigh about 44 lbs. per bushel. The typographical execution of the second Part of Mr. Colman's work, is very perfect, and though the matter is somewhat miscellaneous, it is of a nature calculated to interest not only the agricultural, but general reader. The style is exceedingly chaste and agreeable, and a most beautiful moral tone per- vades the whole. His remarks on the condition of the laboring classes in England, show how vastly superior are the advantages of that class in this country. ^^ COTTON BEDS. We have received from ,T. A, Geurnsey, Esq. a copy of the " Southron,*' published at .Tackson, Miss., containing some remarks on the advantages of cot- ton for bedding. These advantages may be sum.med up as follows. It is claimed that " it is the cheap- est, most comfortable, and most healthy material for bedding, that is known to the civilized world." In addition to these, may be named '■^svperior cleanli- ness— vermin will not abide it — there is no grease in it, as in hair or wool — it does not get stale and acquire an vnpleasant odor, as feathers do — moths do not infest it, as they do wool — it does not pack and become hard as moss docs — nor does it become dry, brittle and dusty, as do straw or husks — and it is in many cases medicinal.'''' It is said not to cause that lassitude and inertia, which is produced by sleep- ing on feathers. People not acquainted with it, have supposed they had been sleeping on the best feathers when in fact their beds were made of cotton. The relative cost of cotton compared with feathers, hair, fcc. may be seen from the following statement : " Cost of a Hair Matrass. — They are generally sold by the lb. and cost from 60 to 75 cents per lb. 30 or 40 lbs. will cost $15 or $20, Wool. — 30 lbs. of wool, at 30 cents per lb. t;9 ; 12 yards ticking, at 12i cents per yard, i}^l,50 ; la- bor, thread, fee, 2,75. "Total $13,25. Feathers. — 40 lbs. feathers at 30 cents per lb., Sl2,00 : 15 yards ticking at 12^ cents per yard, l,87i ; labor, &c. 2,75. "Total $]6,62|. Cotton.— W lbs. cotton at 8 cents per lb., $2,40 ; 12 yards ticking at 12 J cents per yard, $1,50 ; labor, thread, fee, $2,75. Total $6,65." It is recommended to run the cotton through a " picker," where one can conveniently be obtained, before using. This gives it additional cleanliness and buoyancy. The substitution of cotton for bedding throughout the United States, would be an immense saving, be- sides opening a new avenue for that article to an extent according to the estimation of the writer, equal " to more than two of the largest crops of cotton ever produced in the United States." — Culti- vator. Hurrah for the girls of '44, cried a politician at a caucus. No, no, luirrah for the girls of 16, respond- ed another, and the sentiment was enthusiastically cheered. MUSTARD SEED. We have recently purchased from J. H. Parmlee of Ohio, a part of his crop of brown mustard seed, raised, as he informed us, on 27 acres of good rich land, prepared with as much care as is usually be- stowed upon wheat land. The crop was well work- ed during the season, and when near ripe was cut with sickles, laid on sheets or wagon covers, hauled to the barn in sheets, and there thrashed out and fanned. He has delivered to us a part of the produce of 27 acres of land, 114 barrels, containing 382 bushels 45 lbs. of brown nmstard seed, weighing 52 J lbs. per bushel, making 20,100 lbs., for which we paid him 8 cents per lb,, making $1,608,00 ; and he has, he says, 100 bushels of tailings, which he estimates will clean up 75 bushels, say, 50 lbs. per bushel, making 3750 lbs. at 8 cents, 300,00. Produce of 27 acres of brown mustard seed, $1,908,00, or $70,66 per acre. The time is not far distant, if not already at hand, when the interests of the American farmers will be best promoted by devoting a portion of tlieir tima and land to the raising of many crops which are now imported from countries refusing (except when their own crops fail) the surplus of the American farms, and thus not only raise the price of their grain crops by diminishing their quantity, but se- cure to themselves a large amount of money which is annually sent out of the country to purchase these crops : mustard seed is one of them, which can be raised here to a profit, and for which, if the seed is delivered clean and in good order, the de- mand wdl be found very active and certain. Respectfully, J. C. Fell k, Brother. THREE HUNDRED SPINNING WHEELS IN OPERATION ON BOSTON COMMON. In an address delivered before the Caledonia (Vt.) Agricultural Society, by Henry Stevens, in which the importance of affording suitable encouragement to domestic manufactures is very forcibly set forth, the author says : " We find in the American Annals, an account of the anniversary of a society for encouraging indus- try, held 1753, on which occasion Boston Common presented a novel sight. In the afternoon, about 300 young female spinsters, decently dressed, ap- pearing on the Common at their spinning wheels, which were placed regularly in three rows, and a fe- male was seated at each wheel ; the weavers also appeared cleanly dressed, in garments of their own weaving. One of them working a loom on a stage, was carried on men's shoulders attended with mu- sic ; an immense number of spectators wore pres- ent at this interesting spectacle. The Rev. Dr. Cooper preached a discourse, and a collection was made for the benefit of the institution. Ladies of Boston whirling three hundred spinning wheels ! — These were afterwords the matrons who refused British tea, and who never saw a piano. Wonder if a thousand delicate ladies could not be seen in the city, at their pianoes, whore one old fashioned rosy damsel could be found at the healthy exercise of the spinning wheel ?" Mr. Stevens adds — "The woman who manufac- tures for her own household, and one piece of goods to sell, does more to retain the solid coin in our State, than all the banks, or the great financiers," 8 GENESEE FARMER. Jan. 1845 BEES.— IMPROVED COMMON HIVE. It is a good time during these long evenings to think about our Bees, and to look over the product- iveness or otherwise of the result of the past season as a part of the farm stock. The season of 1843 was a bad year for the produce of honey, and although they swarmed well, yet owing to the great drouth that pervaded this region, they barely produced food enough for their own subsistence, \vithout producing but very little to spare to their protectors. Tlhe past year has been the most singular that I have known in twenty years' experience, with respect to swarming, and the complaint is general in the west- ern country as far as heard from, without exception. Bees wintered well, considering the quantity of hon- ey they made last year. The season opened fair and every thing went on prosperously, until the period of swarming, for which every preparation seemed to be ready; they " hung cut" day by day for four or five weeks, when they gave up emigrating, and concluded not to " go to the west" this year. As far as I am advised, not over one quarter of the hives swarmed at all, and one half of those ran away. The only cause of failure that came under my observation, and the only reason that I can give, is that on those days which were warm enough, and when I had made preparation for several swarms, there invariably came up either a cold wind or clouds, or rain, and this state of things continued until the young queens were killed by the old ones, and the new colonies were obliged to domesticate with the parent hive. This j-ear cannot be counted a prolific one for honey, owing to the August and September drouth : many growers have not filled one set of boxes, in the patent hive, vrhich in good seasons fill two. A new modification of the common hive has lately been introduced, which completely disposes of the necessity of allowing the bees 1o choose their time and disposition to swarm, and yet increases the num- ber in an equal ratio, without loss or the danger of losing them. To explain it, take for instance a common square hive and saw it in two parts from top to bottom, then put it together v/ith four Dowell pins and a hook and staple on each side to fasten it together again. Across each half are fixed some thin pieces of slats to keep the bees from constructing their combs con- tinuous, and across the hive. Put a swarm of bees into them in the usual manner. The next year when they show a disposition to swarm, have another hive on the same plan, with the pins and hooks exactly alike ; then slip down two pieces of tin or sheet iron of the size of the hive, and divide them ; then, b)' the help of an assistant, add one of the new halves to each, and you have two swarms, each with room to work, and so do as often as they show signs of swarming. It does not seem important whether you have got a queen with each or not, as both parts have brood comb and they will immediately provide them- selves with one ; and the principle may be applied to the patent hive with drawers as to the old fash- ioned plain hive. I believe it to be the subject of a patent right, and is sold at a fair price to all appli- cants. L. Arther's Ladies' Magazine for January. — The first Number of the new Volume has been received. It is a splendid number, and embellished with two engravings, "Joan of Arc," and the "Bridge of Doon." The editor and printer have evidently tried to see what they could do. It is destined to take a liiffh rsnk Tvith th6 Ic'sie of !i?b*^ ]n^^---^^::-rs^ BOARD OR RIBBON HOUSES. Mr. Editor, — During the past season we erected a house upon the plan now coming into practice in this section. The best way to make myself under- stood, will be to tell what we did, and hov,' we did it. The house is 40 by 24 feet, and about 12 feet high. The lower or main story is 8 feet in the clear. The sills are laid upon a good wall. The boards or rib- bons used for the superstructure, are of hemlock, 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. These are laid one upon the other, in the same manner as brick work, core being taken to break joints. The paititions should be carried up and worked into the wall with the main body. The door and window frames should be put in at the time, and worked to, but they should not be nailed in, or in any way fastened ; otherwise, when the mass settles, it will break out the nails. I should merely put in some of the ribbon, which could betaken out when the permanent fiames are to be put up. AUoVi-ances must be made for settling. If the boards are seasoned, 3 inches will probably be enough ; but if green, at least 6 ought be allowed. The partitions should be designed so as to stieng- then the middle of the wall. We have two in ours, dividing into three rooms, two of 14, one of 12 feet in width. The partitions are carried up to the roof, and a plate dispensed with, though a ridge pole is necessary. The boards were nailed with 8 penny nails, except four or five of the last courses, which were thickly nailed with lO's. The outside we have sided up, and the inside we shall plaster duectly upon the wall. It makes a very warm and cheap house. The only alteration we shall make in the next will be to saw the timber 1 h inches thick instead of 1 in. In every other particular, it is right. Some plaster outside ; bat as we had never seen any done in that way. we did not like to risk it, especially as the sea- son was getting late. Thus far it has answered our most sanguine expectations. P. Darien, Dec. 1844. We attended on Thursday evening, Dec. 19th, the first of a course of six lectures to be delivered by the Rev. Mr. Holland. His subject was the character of Mahommed. It was well attended, and listened to Vv^ith the utmost attention. The lecturer appeared to follow Carlyle generally, in his views of the character of Mahommed, giving him a high place among the heroes of the world. The next lec- ture will be delivered on Thursday evening, Dec. 26, subject, the character of Luther. If the lecturer will speak a little louder, he will oblige one, at least, of his many hearers. F. A young man without money is like a steamboat without fuel. He can't go ahead. Among the la- dies, he's like a moon in a cloudy night — " He can't shine." " And," adds our devil, " a printer with- out money is like a bob-tailed bull in fly-time." Mercy ! — Miner's Ex. A sectarian writing the life of a deceased brother, says that " he early got the world under his feet." That probably means that he was able to go alone sooner than babies in general, as the world is under the feet of every person that stands erect. Why are globes used in schools like a man who supposes every one to be honest ? They are a su- perficial view of the world. Why was Benjamin Franklin the tyrant of the elements ? Because ho ruled the lightnings with a rod of iron. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. PITTS' SEPARATOR. This machine is so well known in Western Nfew York, and its merits have so often been recorded in the principal agricultural papers of this and other states, that it is not deemed necessary to give a de- tailed description of the engraving which we here present, any further than to say, that it represents the machine constructed in a convenient manner to attach to any common thrasher, which converts it immediately into a perfect machine for thrashing and cleaning grain at one operation. Before Mr. Pitts modified his machine, so as to at- tach it to the common thrasher now in use, a ma- chine could be obtained only in connection with the. cylinder ; and many, who had good thrashers, could not afford to throw them away, and purchase a new machine. But this improvement seems to meet the wants of every farmer who owns the common thrashing-machine, and desires to thrash and clean at the same time. It is worthy of remark, that this is the Jirst ma- clmie ever consti'uctcd, in this or any other country, that can be conveniently attached to the common thrashing-machine. No alteration is required to be made, except the addition of a small pulley on the cylinder shaft. It receives the straws and grain as fast as they are thrashed, and elevates them to any desired point ; and while passing through the ma- chine, the grain is cleaned fit for market. A large number of these machines have been ma- nufactured and sold at Rochester, N. Y., the past season, which we learn have given the most perfect satisfaction. Mr. John A. Pitt?, one of the patentees, resides in Rochester, and is prepared to furnish machines, or give any desired information relating to the im- provements. Employment is necessary to man : if agreeable, it is a pleasure ; if up'"^"'- a happineBs, JACK FROST. BY MISS H, F. GOULD. TIiB iVost look'd forth one still, clear night, AnJ whisper'il, " Now 1 sliall he out of fight; So through the valley and over the height In silence I'll talie my way. I will not go on like that blustering train — The wind and the snow, the 3 of the pinon, which, when in bloom, covering the whole tree with a flam- ing coat, is the lichest of Flora's realm ; the quaint li.io's trumpet-shaped flov/ers painted yellou' and red, and bursting in bunches from the blunt extremeties of each leafless branch ; the young pine apples with blue flowret3 projecting from the centres of their squares ; the white tube roses and double cape jes- samines ; the gaudy yellov/ flag, and a score of other flowers, known to us only hy the sickly tenants of the hot house. And when some of the flow^ers have given place to the ripened fruit, and the golden orange, the yel- low mangoe, the lime, the lemon, the luscious cai- mito and sugared zapote ; the mellow alligator pear, the custard apple and the rose apple, giving to the palate the flavor of otto of roses ; when all these hang on the trees in oppressive abundance, and the ground is also covered with the over-ripe, the owner of a cofl^ee estate might safely challenge the world for a fairer garden. Nor must this be thought the appearance it presents for only a short period. The cotFee has successive crops of blossoms, five or six times in the winter and spring, and on the orange, the ripe I'ruit and the young green fruit, are often seen at the same time ; while several of the shrubs and plants bloom nearly all the year. — J\'otes on Cuba. The following resolution has been submitted to Congress, by Col. Pratt, of New York : Resolved by the Senate and House of Represent- atives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be allowed to loan such marquees and tents as he may think proper, whenever cflicially requested by any regu- larly organized State Agricultural Society, to pro- mote the convenience of the farnring and mechani- cal community, and the public generally, at the an- nual agricultural fairs an 1 cattle shows in the differ- ent states of the Union — it being distinctly vmler- stood, that such state societies shall be responsible for all loss or damage, ani that the articles be talven and returned salely without any expense to the ge- vernment. The Liverpool Agricultural Society has offered a pYcminm of jifti/ pounds to the landlord who shall produce off his estate a full, well-grown, fat and con- tent'"-d agricultural laborer, and whose children are well fed and can read and write. Agriculture is the art of raising crops — husband- ry the art of preserving and expending them. Vol 6» GENESEE FARMER. 13 HORTICULTURAL DALVIRTME.YT. BY Pi BARRV. HORTICULTURE. It is our design to devote, henceforward, a limited poition of our cokunns!, to matter peitaining exclu- sively to \io\i\c\\\i\i\B, with a view of piestintr, to the be.-t of our ability, its impoitant claims upon the attention of our readers, and to fumi h regularly such piacticable and seasonable infoimation as will appear to us best adapted to promote its general advancement. The planting, management and improvement of orchards, the culture of garden fruits, culinary veg- etables, as well as ornamental gardening, will all be treated upon at the appropriate seasons, and to as great an extent as the space allotted to these pur- poses will admit. We are not unaware that in Western New York there is a very considerable amount of excellent fruit cultivated, and many well managed and tasteful gar- dens. Indeed, we fcel no hesitation in saying, and we take a piide in doing so, that there is not another portion of the United States that would compare with it in these respects, considering that the pio- neers are yet living v^^ho reclaimed it from a savage state. But, notwithstanding this, Hoiticulture may be said to be in a state of complete infancy ; for one instance of a well cultivated orchard of choice select fruits, ther eare ten that are nuisances instead of ben- efits, — they do not pay for the land they occupy. The cultivation of vegetables is equally, and per- haps more neglected. We have, in a large majority of instance--, in passing around the country, found the vegetable garden the most forbidding spot on the farmer's premises, rich in little else but weeds,; — We feel confident that this will not long be the case. It only requires that sufficient attention be directed to this subject to cause it to be fully and fairly appre- ciated ; and improvement must and will follow. In connection with these remarks we had prepar- ed a somewhat lengthy article, setting forth the ad- vantages that may be derived from bestowing a proper degree of attention to these departments of rural economy ; but the want of space compels us to withhold it for the present. The subject, how- ever, is of great importance to the agriculturist, and we will bring it forward before the arrival of spring. In urging, as we will from time to time, the im- provement "^of Horticulture, we will take occasion to do so on other grounds besides that of mere ulility. There are pleasures and moral influences, resulting from it that lay the strongest claim to our attention. Throughout the wide range of human pursuits, not one presents itself so directly to our ideas of rural happiness as the labors of the garden. It is inseparably associated in our m'nds with what- ever man has "done to beautify the surface of the earth, and to it we owe the innumerable luxuries that contribute so largely to the comfort, enjoyment and ornaments of civilized life. There are persons in the world so absorbed with notions of utility or profit, whom it would be difficult if not impossi- ble to persuade to plant even a shade tree opposite their dwelling. We v/ould not treat the opinions or feelings of any man on this or any other subject with disrespect. Still we are sorry to meet with such, as we have often done, and we could not avoid the moitifying conclusion that they had pennitted the groser elements of their nature to extinguish the purer and better. Mr. Colman, in his chapter on " Ornamental Shrubs and Florvers,'^ alludes to this matter in his own style. He says, " When a man asks me what is the use of shrubs and flowers, my first impulse always is to look under his hat and see the length of his ears. I am heaitily sick of measuring everything by a standard of mere utility and piofit ; and as heartily do I pity tlie man who can see no good in life but in pecuniary gain, or the mere animal indulgences of eating and drinidng." Whether the subject has any connection with the length of the ears, or not, we concur heartily in sentiment with Mr. Colman. The planting of trees and shrubs and the embel- li- hment of our gardens by ornamental culture, cre- ate sources of unspeakable pleasure for ourselves, families and fi lends, and besides is a work of genuine patriotism, for our country should be beautiful as well as great and wealthy. The man who plants a row of beautiful trees by his dwelling, raises mon- uments to his taste, that will endure fresh and green, yielding shade and shelter, when the most costly mansion he can erect shall have crumbled to dust and been forgotten. The love of garden labor and of flowers is natural to the young, and every parent, however humble maybe "their sphere of lie, should make every pos- sible endeavor to cheiish that love and promote and strengthen its developement, as assiduously as he would guard their bodily health. He will, thereby, increase and strengthen their attachments to home, refine and elevate their minds, retain them from vain, idle and vitiating amusements and company, and have the happiness of seeing them grow up v;ith habits of taste and industry, useful and exemplary members of society. The Ladies, however, are true and universal ad- mirers of Flora, and if the men of America were but true to their character for gallantry, they v%-ould make greater exertion and greater sacrifices to grat- ify this eh?gant and innocent taste. Indeed we think in addition to the gallantry of the thing, its utility is susceptible of proof. A certain female writer, we forget her mame, re- marks that '' to the ladies of the creation, flowers are a boon beyond all price, and if the gentlemen knew it, to them through their wives. The lady who is fond of her garden, and delights in the cultivation of it, will not seek expensive pleasures abroad. — Home is everything to her, and if her huskand is wise enoucrh to encourage her taste, he is a happy man." What sav you to this, gentlemen 1 We believe there is a" valuable truth there, and would advise all who have not already done it, to try it — try it. In the absence of any special or combined eflTort to lu-omote Horticultural improvement, it is the duty of all who feel an interest in this matter to labor, by precept and example, as far as their influence ex- tends. Every man and woman who desires to see improved gardens and orchards in their neighborhood, can if they wish do much towards attaining it, and we respectfully call upon them to be active m doing so. 14 GENESEE FARMER. Jan. 1845 THE BLIGHT IN THE PEAR TREE. Ix Hovey'rf INlagazinc of HoiticuUuie, lor Dec, we find a lono- aiticlc of liiteen ])ao-ed on this subject, by the Rev. H. W. Beecher of Indiana, in which he speuks of the various theories of the cause hereto- fore advanced, at much length. Some, he says, are mere imaginations ; some only ingenious, and some Ko near what he suppo.-:es to be the truth, that it is hardly possible to imagine how the di;Covery was not made. This shows that Mr. Beecher believes the discovery actually made. His theory seems to be a derangement of the fluid^^, produced by sudden and severe fro:^ts coming on trees in the fell, while in a vigorously growing state, as they are sometimes w'hen we have waim weather and copious rains in autumn— such was 1843. The sap, he says, descending slowly, in conse- quence of its own thickened and diseased state, the injured condition of the sap vessels, accumulates at the juRcticnof fiuit spurs snd forks of bianches, and remaining there, has the same effect as girdling on the branch, by obstructing the passage of the sap in the vessels. The sap elaborated above this pait and descending by it, becomes contaminated and carries the d'sease into ether parts of the tree by means of the circulation. M". Beecher, in support of this theory, instances several pear oichards where the late growing kinds, and those stimulated to late growth by artificial causes or otherwise, haveinvaii- ably suffered most by the blight, whilst those matur- ing their wood early from natural properties or from being planted on high sandy gravelly soil, escape in a great measure, and in most cases entirely. We must have recourse to much more observation and inquiry before we speak with any degree of confidence on this subject. At present we must say that we doubt very much the correctness of the theory. In tiie Mt. Hope Nurseries, there are several thou- sand pear trees of various ages, from 1 to 8 years oldy and highly snsceptible of blight from this new cause, yet there has never appeared the slightest in- dication of it, while the disease has been committing serious depredations in the immediate vicinity on large trees, much less likely to suffer, because less excited to growth by high cultivatioi?. We have seen many trees killed by this disease, that had not grown a foot in two or three years. The fluids of such trees could not be ve;y abundant, nor the sys- tem in a state of great excitability, so that sudden frostSf in our opinion, could not operate so deadly. — This, to us, is one strong objection to Mr. Beechers theory, which we have raom to mention at present. This g'entleman, however, deserves great credit for the industry and ability he has manifested in the investigation of this important snbioct, as well as for the deep interest he takes in all that concerns the interest of Horticulture. We hop-^ his theory may prove true, for as he says, " the scourge can only be occasional, and a remedy exists to some exten :" 1. By selecting for pear trees a warm, dry, early soil that will ensure early growth and ripe wood before winter sets in. 2. Select such kinds as are naturally early growers and earlv ripeners of wood. 3. Where trees are likely to make late growth, resort in root pruninsc to prevent it. 4. Wh".re 'd'ght does ap-^ear, cut off the affect-^^ part as soon as you discover it, and considerably below. Mr. Boechor concludes his article bv calling the' attention of cultivators to '' Yellov/s " in the peach trees, snd remarks " that it is the opinion of the most intelligent cultivators among us that the ' Yel- lows' are nothing but the developcment of the blight according to the peculiar habits of the peach tree." This is a new idea, and one to which we will refer at some future time. Hovey's Magazine of HuRxicui/ruuE. — JVei(> Volume. '^ This eminently useful periodical has just closed the tenth year of its existence. For some years of that period we have been a constant readei' of its pages, and take great pleasure in bearing our humble testimony to the important services it has rendered to every depaitment of Horficultare. The Prospectus is issued for a "new decade or se- ries,'" and if space permitted us, we should be glad to publish it entire. The following paragraph, hou--' ever, will give an idea of the impoitant objects of the woik : " Horticulture — its science and practice ; the euI-» tivation of Fruit ; the growth of Plants ; the man- agement of Ornamental plantations ; the cultivation of Vegetables ; Hybridization ; Grafting and Bud- ding ; construction of Green-4iouses and Pits ;— > Landscape Gardening ; Floricultuial notices ; Porn- ological notices ; Reviews ; foreign and domestic notices ; exhibitions of Horticultural Societies : — ' replies to queries ; report of the Market ; monthly calendar of the garden : with numerous engravings illustrating the various subjects treated upon, will make up the coming volume of the Magazine, '' The first number of the new series will appear on the 1st of Jan. 1845. It Avill be printed on a beau- tiful type, on extra fine paper, and will be embellish'- ed with several engravings. The terms three dol- lars a year in advance. The Magazine will not be forwarded by mail to any new subscriber without the remittance of the amount. No subscriptions recei- ved for less than a year, and all to commence and end with the volume." Superior Apple. — Mr. T. H. Hyatt, of Roches- ter, has left with us a sample of a kind of apple which he thinks a seedling. It is medium sized, has a thin, smooth skin, of a golden color, with a rosy tinge on one side. It is a fair, beautiful and exceed'-, ■'ngly well flavored apple, ripening from first Nov. to Christmas. Whether it be a seedling or not, it is certainly a very valuable apple. If it should ap- pear that it has never received a name, v/e would suggest that of Hyatt's iS'ecrf/mg-. — Cultivator, We have seen and tasted the apple alluded to above and pronounce it an excellent variety of the season. It is in fine eating condition now, Dec. 20, and may be used a few weeks longer. Flesh white, juicy, and of agreeable flavor. It is not quite as large as a medium sized swaar, flatish form. We consider it well worthy of cultivation. It is said to be a tole- rable good bearer. Tomato Catsup. — To a gallon skinned tomatoes add 4 tablespoonfuls- of salt, 4 do. black pepper, half a spoonful allspice, 8 red peppers, and 3 spoonfuls mustard. All these ingredients must be ground fine, and simmered slowly in sharp vinegar for three or four hours. As much vinegar is to be used as to loive half a gallon of liquor when the process is >ver. Strain throun-h a wire seive, and bottle, and seal from the air. This may be used in tvx'o weeks, but improves by age, and will keep for several years. Vol 6. GENBSEE PARMER. 15 MASSACHUSETTS APPLES. We have just examined a collection of apples, comprising 25 varieties, received by EUwanger &, Barry, of the Mount Hope Nurseries, from S, W. Cole, Esq., of the "Boston Cultivator." These, with two or three exceptions, are entire strangers to Western New Yorl?;, and many of them are superior fruits. We have not space at present to notice or describe the varieties minutely, but will do so in fu- ture numbers, E. fe B. are now making up a col- lection of winter apples, of the favorite varieties of this region, to send in return to Mr. Cole ; and we have reason to believe they will be in no way dis- creditable to our orchards. We would take this occasion to recommend this system of exchanging fruits, to all who feel an inte- rest in fruit culture, as one great means of eftecting improvement. The nurserymen and orchardists of the different sections of the country should send to each other specimens of their kinds, so that a compa- rison might be made, errors detected, and valuable kinds made known and disseminated. i''armers, and others who may have choice fruit in their collection, can give valuable aid in this matter, by sending a few specimens of each to the " Ro- ■chester Seed Store,^' or the "Mount Hope Nursery." They may be enveloped in paper, or packed i ' oats or shorts, to keep them from freezing or bruis ng by 'carriage. The name by which each variety is known may be written on the ])aper enveloping the fruit ; or the specimens may be nvimbered, anJ the names written opposite the numbers, on a dip of paper. American Imports. — Wi.mer's Liverpool News Letter states that the farmers in the cheese manu- facturing districts are in a state of the greatest a- larm at the recent immensely increased importation of American produce, but more particularly of that staple. The hay sent hither during the last season was not of that prime quality to command an extensive end profitable sale, though at one period there was a scarcity of the article in consequence of the long drought, which was, however, corrected by a plenti- i'lil aftermath. The pork would be well received in England, if the English mode of cutting and pack- ing were adopted. But in cheese, with an improved method of churning and making, an immense deal may be done. It has already superseded nearly all the quantities of that article formerly imported from Holland, and the efforts of the American population engaged in its production, should now be directed to a competition with Cheshire—the seat of England's finest sample of the article. The land owners and farmers of the adjucent counties have taken the alarm, and met to discuss the subject ; but they are satisfied that there is not the slightest chances of their getting any additional duty imposed on Amer- ican produce Ijy the government, and their only hope of excluding it from the British market, is on the score of its inferiority ; and in the circumstance that the factors have already begun to complain of its quality. We should recommend that more time should be taken in the manufacture of cheese, in America, that a greater pressure should be applied to it, that they should be made of greater depth and less breadth than at present, that they should be packed in caslcs, separated by thin greased boards, and that the factors should be allowed 120 lbs. to the cwt., the Cheshire manufacturers being about to give only 112 lbs. ADVERTISEMENTS, CANARY BIRDS, BIRD CAGES, CANARY SKEB, HEMP SliED, CUTJ'LE FISH EONE, for sale at the Uoclle^sle^ Seed Store. Dec. 1. B. r. SMITH & CO. WINTER SQUASHES. CHOICE varieties of Winter Crook-neck, Cushaw, Valparaiso, and Nulnieg^ Squashes ; seven year Pniiipkin!--, Spaiiisli Cheese Pumpkins, &c., for salcattlie Uochester Seed Store, B. F. SMITH &. CO. lyrOTICE. — No. 2 of Mr. Colman s " Tonr in Europe" has been -1 received and forwarded to out-e-f-loivn suhsfrriheT.*, wlio have complied with the tet-m^ of subscription. Subscriher.s will much oblige nic in reniiitiufr any unpaid balances, under frunk of Post- mtislera who are unthorized by law to do so. Subscriptions received as UMial. Terms, $5 for te.n AUimbers , $2 in advance, $3 on delivery of 5th number. JAMES H. WATTS, Affent., A'o.3 Ezchavg-e-SU ■Vov. 20. Ruchester, N. T. SAP BliCKKTS. WE are now manufacturing, and have constantly -on hand, a large quantity of Sap Buckets, which we will sell cheap. I'armers, and others wishing to purciiase, are invited to call at our PAIL FACTORY, on Mill street, at the lower end of Brown's Racn, next door to Smftli & Alco'rt's Mill, in the Hy)M LAKE ONTA- RIO, BY L. WKTHEREI.L. Meteorologv is nsulijnct thut is bcgiuiiiiip to interest all classes -of people, and is of particular interest to llie farmer. His labor is mostly performed in the tield — cuns-equcntly, he soon learns to ob- serve the clouds, t!ie direction of the •vinds, and also the thermome- ter and barometer, if he has them ; for upon the favorable operation of thelawsof the science of meteorology depends the crowning re- sult of his labors. But without enlarging on general views, I will proceed to explain the foUowina table. The reader will perceive tliat three 3 -6 Observations. cc s O w u a, 1 Xi 33 28 29.61 29.67 N W N Snow — lair. 2 24 34 25 .91 30.01 S W Clear — cloudy. 3 22 37 35 .94 29.70 S S E Clear — cloudy. 4 31 40 34 .62 .55 S E Cloudy — rain. 5 32 38 34 .66 .62 E Cloudy — rain. 6 36 39 40 .71 .42 S E Cloudy — rain. 7 .50 49 38 .00 .08 s w w Cloudv — rain & snow. 8 20 26 27 .68 .82 N W Fair — snow. 9 22 36 31 .75 .58 w Fair. 10 ,32 26 26 .69 .&2 N E Cloudy — snow. 11 21 29 21 .85 .69 S E Cloudy — fair. 12 24 38 32 .62 .41 S W Fair. la 32 3S 34 .30 .2^ W Cloudy — snow. 14 33 38 33 .24 .24 S E 15 26 29 26 .28 .33 W N W .. J6 2.3 21 20 .30 35 " .. 17 13 28 20 .40 .38 N W W 18 6 21 21 .58 .45 W Fair — snow. 19 22 25 23 .50 .62 W N W Cloudy — snow. 20 17 24 17 ' .76 .65 .. 21 l,") 26 34 .50 .11 S E . . 22 3fi 42 38 .10 28.97 • I Cloudy — rain. 23 32 23.57 ROCHESTER PRODUCE MARKET. Wheat, Corn, Barley, Oats, Flour, (ret.) Beans, Apples, Potatoes, 80 a. OOiHay, ton, §8 50 9 37 V a 40 ,374 40 25 00 4 25 75 1 OO VVood,coidf2 OO 2 1 Salt, bbl., Hams, lb., 5 Pork, bbl. 10 cwt. 3 25 3 25 38lBeef, " 2 00 3 18 25 1 Lard, lb., 5 Cloverseed, 4 00 5 00 Butter, 9 Timothy, 1 1 50lCheese,cwt.4 00 4 001 Eggs, doz. .50 Poultry, lb. 13, Tallow, 6 Hops. 10 00 Wool, 35 75 Sheep Skins, 50 00 Green H'ds, lb. 3 6 1 Dry Hides, 6 121 Calfskin!!, gr'n,5 50 1 Dec. i n 14 BOSTON MARKET— Dec. 17, 1844. Flonr. — Demand moderate, and prices without change. Genesee, good common Branrls, 4,94, and Ohio 4,81 per bbl ; 200 bids- Georgetown, at 4,75 ;;100 do extra, at 4,87^ cash. Wool. — Prime Saxony fleeces., washed, 4.5 a 50 c; A- merican lull hlood, do 40 a 42; do thiee-fourth do 37 a 38; do one-half do 35 a 36 ; one-fourth and common, 30 a 32; superfine Northern pulled lamh, 38 a 40. Cheese.— Shipping and four meal, 3 a 4^ ; do r.ew milk, 4 a B^. Brighton Morlcet, Dec. 16, 1844. At market 540 Beef Cattle, 1000 Sheep, 960 Swine. Prices.— i^ee/ Cntlle. We quote extra $5 ; first quali- ty $4.50; second quality $4 a 4,25; third quality 3,50 a $4 ; one yoke very fine 5,7.5. S/ic^p.— Sales from 1 ,33 to $2. A few stall fed Weth- ers 3,25. Swine. — Several lots to peddle, 3c for Sows, and 4c for Barrows ; one lot 3 J a 4J. At retail, from 3^ to 5c. AGENTS FOR THE ROCHESTER SEED STORE, ANJ> (iE.\ESEE FARMER. I;j>RESH and Genuine GARDEN and FIELD SEEDS, raised for and put up by the Proprietors, may be found, at wholesale and retail, at the following places ; and Subscriptions received for the Genesee Farmer : Buffalo, Lockport, Albion, Lo Hoy, Batavia York, Attica, Mount Morris, Geneseo, Canarhdaigna, Geneva, Waterloo. Auburn, Syracuse, Utica, Oswego, Rome, Palmyra, Bath, itliaca, Elmira. Skaneatclcs. Zanesville, Columbus, Woosler, Mount Vernon, Newark, Sandusky City, Toledo, Conneout, Detroit, Monroe, Fontiac, Milford Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Marsliall,. Jonpsville, Hillsdale, Adrian, Lafnyette, Eric, Hamilton, Toronto, B-lleville, Bath, Napanee, Brantfiird, Simcee, Kingston, Chicago, Mihvaukia, N. V. W. & G. Bryant, S. H. Marks & Co., Nickison &• Paine, Tompkins & Morgan, J. V. D. Verplanck, P.Curtis, R. Sleeper, J F. Wyman, H. O. Hayes & Co. Hemiup & t 'one, Thomas MtClintock, T.M.Hunt, Foster & Nott, J, E. Warner & Co* D. Canfield, Comstock Sl .Tohnsoii, Hoy I Sc May, R. L. Underbill & Co. Ohio, Mich. B. S. Woolcott, H. S. Stephens, John Miller, Samuel Knepper, H.A. Raymond & Co.' Moor & Williams, W. T. & A. K. West, Raymond & Co. Samuel T. Fenton, J. W. Strong, jr. Hosmer Graham, P. Davis, Holmes & Brother, Edmunds & Co. F. J. B. Crane. A. Calleiider. Smith, Potter, & Co. J. W. Underwood, D. K. Underwood, i. W. Williams, Carter & Brothers, Samuel Kerr &. Co. Robert Love, B F.Davy, G. H. Davy & Co. B. F. Davy & Co. J. & R. {-urtis, J. & R.Curtis, A. Thibado, N. Sherman, jr., &. Co. Holton Sl Goodall. B. F. SMITH & CO., Proprietors of the " Genesee Farmer" and the Rochester Seed Store. Inda. Pa. C.W. Ca. 111. W. T. Jan. 1st, 1844. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. To our Patrons — Albany Cultivator — Amer. Agri. 1 Crushing or Grinding- Grain for Animal Food, — fod- dering on the Ground — Items. ' 2 Monroe County Agricultural Society. 3 Scale Beams — Beans for Sheep — Chemistry. 4 Colman's European Agriculture, 5 & 6 Cotton Beds — Mustard Seed — Spinning 'Wheels on Boston Common. 7 Bees, Improved Common Hive — Board or Ribbon Houses — Rev. Mr. Holland's Lecture — Items. 8 Pitts' Separator — .Tack Frost — Items. 9 Notice of Mr. Mack's Address — To Exract Oil — Aromatic Beer. 10 Biographv of an Extraordinary Porker — Book Farm. ing, a Fact — Maple Siiear. 11 Keep out of Debt — A Coffee Plantation — Resolution of Col. Pratt in Congress. 12 Importance of Horticulture. 13 Blight in the Pear Tree — Hovey's Magazine — Supe- rior Apple — Tomato Catsup. 14 Massachusetts Apples — American Imports — Adver- tisements. 15 List of Aerents — Markets — Metreological Table — Advertisements. 16 ERA.'iTUS SllEPARD, PRINTER, ROCHESTER, N. Y, VOL. VI. ROCPIESTER, NEW YORK. FEBRUARY, 1845. NO. 2. PUBLISHED MOXTHLY. BY B. f. SMITH Si, CO, PROPRIETORS, At the Seed Store, JS'o. 4, Front Street, near Buffalo St. DANIEL LEE, EDITOR. Among the Correspondents are — L. B. Langwor- THY, N. GooDSEM,, Prof. C. Dewey, T. C. Peters, L. Wetiierex>l, p. Barry, and T. H. Hyatt. FIFTY CENTS A YEAR: Five copies for Two Dollars; Eight copies foi- Three Dollars. All payiiients to be made in advance. Bloncy and subscriptions, by a ro^iiltttion of the pottmastcr general, may be remitted by post masters free of e.tpeuse. 'SZT Address B. F. Smith & Co. MONROE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. A regular meeting of this society will be held at the Farmer Office, No. 4, Front-street, Rochester, on Tuesday, the 11th day of February, at 11 o'clock A.M., for the purpose of making out a list of premi- ums, and determining the course of proceeding for the coming year. It is desirable that the friehds of the society be punctual in their attendance, as it is important that the list of premiums be revised and corrected. JOHN H. ROBINSON, President. No. 3 of Mr. Colman's Agricultural Reports in Europe will contain an article upon Guano and other manures, prepared with great care by Mr. C. It is expected, that in the month of February this No. will appear. Mr. Williams' Essay on Manures, read before the Seneca Co. Ag, Society, in October, will be published in the next Farmer. Mr. John Christie, St. Catharines, Ca. Yours of January 17th is received, shall be happy to receive the comnuinication mentioned. Please be as con- cise as possible. The communication of Myron Arams, Esq. of East Bloomfield, on the subject of raising corn fod- der, will be published in our next. " Peuficld" is received, and will be published, or the information wanted given in the Farmer. Mr. B. H. of North Fairfield, Ohio, will accept our thanks for the long list of names sent, as well as for the interest manifested in our behalf. The city of Boston appropriated $200,000 for the support of her schools in 18-14. TO THE FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE. Kind REAt'*ER— An arrangement has just been made by which I have assumed the task of editing this paper. This responsibility has been taken, not without the hope that my services may be useful in collecting the most valuable information upon all subjects pertaining to rural pursuits, and scattering it broadcast over the land among all that will con- sent to pay the trifle of fifty cents a year for the cream of agricultural knowledge. The state of New York probably contains not far from £'00,000 practical farmers. Of these, not more than one-fifth read any agricultural paper whatever. This neglect arises not from the circumstance that four-fifths of our rural population have taken and duly weighed the value of these prints, and found them worthless ; but from the fact that they have never read them at all, and know nothing of their true value. How are these people to be reached ? To a part of them, I trust, this humble sheet will find access. In that portion of the Empire State which I regard as Western New York, there are 700,000 souls. To 50,000 families of these I desire the privilege of talking on matters that involve, in an eminent de- gree, their prosperity and happiness. Why should they be unwilling to hear once a month what a friend and neighbor may have to say on the science of agriculture, and the practice of good husbandry ? I have resided among you for twenty years. We all have a common interest ; which is, to produce by our better-directed labor a plenty of all the com- forts of life. When we have dug from the bounti- ful earth the little property which we really need, that each of us may " provide well for his own household," we should be glad to know quite as well how to keep and enjoy the good things that rig-ht- fuUy belong to us, as all the sharpers and non-pro- ducers shall know how to obtain the rich fruits of our toil without giving us a full and fair equivalent. The important science of keeping and making a good use of what their labor gives them, is too much neglected by the producing classes in all countries. As a general rule, that information which enables one to render his muscular strength and mental pow- ers productive in the highest degree, will be suffi- cient to secure him from parting with the fruits of his industry on terms much to his disadvantage. But the majority of working men labor under the double misfortune of not knowing how to work to the best advantage, so far as the results of their physical toil are concerned, and of not understanding 18 GENESEE FARMER. Feb. 1845 how to keep for their own benefit more than a moi- ety of what they do produce. For these people I feel a profound sympathy. Most of them are alike distinguished for their honesty and patient industry. They produce much, because they are always at work ; they consume little, live poor, and die poor, to enrich others. Among the cultivators of the soil, these men read no agricultu- ral papers. They think that they cannot afford to pay fifty cents or a dollar a year for a plain record of the practice and experience of the most successful farmers in the United States and in Europe. But, in sober truth, they are too poor to be able to do without the aid of such information. It pains me when I reflect on the fact, that the number of public paupers in this great and wealthy state increases much faster than population. A la- boring man must be pretty industrious to earn $300 a year, and quite economical in his family expenses to retain a clear surplus of $50. At this rate, it will absorb all the surplus earnings of 100 families to make an annual gain of $5,000. If a man shall acquire $100,000 in 20 years, as some have done in this state, he will draw into his coffers a sum equal to the entire surplus products of 100 laboring men. If from the misfortune of sickness or of accident any five or ten of these 100 families, that live from hand to mouth are thrown out of employment for a short period, they must go to the poor-house, and become a tax on the whole community. In this county (Erie) our annual poor-rates are but a frac- tion less than $20,000. In the whole state, the sum is nearly a million of dollars ! Intelligent reader, allow one who has thought much on this deeply-interesting subject to ask, How much better would it be for each one of these 100 families to have $1,000 well secured as the legitimate product of their honest toil, rather than that ten of them should be in the poor-house, and the other 90 paying $7,000 a year to one rich man for the use of the $100,000 which their productive industry — not ]iis — had called into existence ? If the humane and patriotic will aid in giving this paper a wide and general circulation among the poor- er class of farmers, the rich will take care of them- selves, I should rejoice in the belief that I might give some hints that would be worth a hundred times more than the cost of the " Farmer." There will be a number of important experiments in practical farming tried in Western New York the coming season, the first account of which will be published in this paper. The writer of this will spend the winter in Al- bany. Should the friends of agricultural improve- ment, or others ,wish to command his services in the Legislature, their business will be attended to. Having freely given a great deal of time, first and last, to render rural labor far more productive both to the husbandman and to the community at large than it now is, I claim the right to ask every friend to the advancement of agriculture, and the elevation of honest industry, to co-operate with me in sustaining the "Genesee Farmer," and to carry it home to the fire-side of thousands. Let us show the people "downcast" that some things can be done in Wes- tern New York quite as well, if not a little better, than in any other part of the Union. D. LEE. Q;]/* It is but justice to the publishers and to myself to say, that the January No. was made up without any of my assistance ; except that this hastily-writ- en article foun J a place in a small part of tho edition. INCREASE OF POPULATION. Few are aware how rapidly the human family are augmenting their numbers, even in the largest cities on the globe. It is stated, in a recent report to the British government, " that in a little more than 12 years, 1,200 new streets have been added to Lon- don." On these new streets, 48,000 houses have been erected, most of them on a large scale. London is now about 40 miles in circumference, and contains more than two millions of inhabitants. This wonderful increase of population within the last twelve years is attributable mainly to the nume- rous railways which center in that great metropolis, giving to it and carrying away again daily, it is said, five times as many people as visited it fifteen years ago. There never was a time when human beings were multiplying so rapidly in Great Britain and Ireland as is now taxing place in that kingdom. The aggre- gate increase is the natural effect of improvements in agriculture. These exceed the relative wants of the additional millions of the people living on those small islands, who import less and less grain per head every year. Of course there is a limit to the production of hu- man food, on the limited number of acres of arable land ; but where the bounds are set, no one can tell. At this time it is thought, that fifty millions living on the two islands will consume all that can well be grown at home. By improving our present system of agriculture and horticulture, we can easily add 2,500,000 to the population of New York within the next 25 years. This will more than double the value of all the farm- ing lands in the state. On the contrar}-, if we fail to increase the productive value of our lands, emi- gration will remove nearly all the increase of our species to the more fertile regions of the boundless West. Rails and Fences. — Now is the time to procure rails, and prepare for making good fences next season. Between Rochester and Albany, nothing more discreditable to farmers is seen than the miser- ably poor fences that meet the eye most of the way. Wherever it is worth while to have any fence at all, certainly it is much cheaper, in a long nm, to main- tain a good than a poo?- one. Every sensible reader knows, that very great improvement can be made by fencing judiciously both large and small inclo- sures. Rails are not always used to the best advan- tage, after they have been made or purchased at no small expense. In determining the size of fields in- tended to be used alternately for growing grain, meadow and pasture, much judgment should be call- ed to the aid of the agriculturist. Farmers' Clubs. — We commend to the attention of the reader the article under the above heading, which will be found in this number. Immense good may be gained by the meeting together of a dozen or more practical farmers, young and old, to discuss ag- ricultural topics, and devise ways and means to in- crease the productiveness of rural industry. The same land and labor that ten years ago gave ten bushels of wheat, should now give fifteen bushels ; and ten years from this, should give twenty-five bushels. This is practicable. A vessel loaded with guano has lately arrived at New York— the first cargo brought into that port. Vol. G. GENESEE FARMER. 10 GUANO. We have received from the Hon. J. S. Sherman, of Washington, a treatise on the use of this highly fertilizing manure, with a great variety of well- authenticated experiments, both in England and America, by which it appears that 300 lbs. of Peru- vian guano are equal in effect, to 30 loads of barn- yard manure, when applied to the spring and sum- mer crops, and equally valuable for the wheat crop, and all the grasses. If its virtues are not over- rated, (and from the high standing of the gentlemen) who attest to it, as men of science and practical knowledge, it would be almost iniidelity to doubt, it almost realizes the prediction of one of the early German philosophers, that the time would come when " a farmer would carry the material to manure an acre in his breeches pocket." This material con- tains all the properties of the most valuable manure hitherto known, in a highly concentrated state, par- ticularly ammonia and the phosphate of lime. It is the dung of sea-birds who subsist on fish, deposited during a succession of ages coeval with their crea- tion, in a climate where it never rains ; which by heat and decomposition has become concentrated into the richest of all conceivable manures. It is found in beds of 30 feet in depth, near the sea shore, in Peru, and also in Africa. It is sold at the rate of $3 per 100 lbs. at our sea ports, and by the ton at about the rate of $2 75 per cwt. At the latest advices from Ichaboe, in Africa, where guano has lately been discovered, there were 130 vessels lying at anchor, waiting their turns to procure loads, and an English frigate stationed to keep good order — so great is the demand and anxiety to get this favorite manure. The Bird Islands, on the Labrador coast, on the north of the gulf of the St. Lawrence, are a remark- able instance of the gathering of the feathered tribe for the purpose of incubation. On those islands, in the early part of summer, the congregation of sea fowl, of all kinds under heaven that are found on this continent, is so immense as to darken the sky when they rise, and the noise of their wings is like the rushing of the whirlwind. Whole islands are so thickly covered with their eggs, that it is impos- sible to walk about without crushing them under foot. The iishcrmen clear cfi' favorable spots, and place dov.'n blanlcets and sails, and retire a few hours, and they are covered with eg'gs ; they then are bro- ken on boards slightly inclined, like the roof of a shanty, and dried in the sun into a substance like glue, for winter subsistence. Persons going on to the islands with guns totally forget their use, as ship-loads of birds, which are setting or laying, can be killed with clubs — which is often done, merely for their feathers and down. Why have not some of our adventurous and enter- prising Yankees, whose sails whiten every ocean, pushed their inquisitive genius for discoveries to these islands in pursuit of guano 1 The only objec- tion to its existence in that region that strikes us is, the fact of the heavy shows and rains that climate is liable to, which may decompose and wash away the virtues of the excremental deposit. At any rate, if we were " bobbing for whale" along the Grand Banks and that quarter, we should go " a bird nesting" along those diggings, wide awake for speculation. ? Tea Cake. — Take four cups of flour, three cups of sugar, three eggs, one cap of butter, one of milk, and one spoonfull of dissolved pearlash. MISTAKE CORRECTED, Philadclpliia, January 6, 1815. Sir — ^The subscri}>tion to the Genesee Farmer was paid years ago. You have no claim against me. Please correct your fraudulent mode of keeping books. I shall take the proper means to punish yourmeretricious mode of making former patrons of the Farmer pay postage unjustly. Your repeated duns for money already paid are a nuisance. ■ SAM. C. ATKINSON. Remarks by the Publishers. This letter is one of the many we have received during the month of January, directed to the "Pubhshers of the Genesee Farmer." Now we beg leave to say to Mr. Atkin- son and all others that have received " repeated duns" of this kind, that they are not sent by the proprietors of the Farmri, or any one connected with its publication. We understand these "duns" are sent by Samuel Hamilton, of this city, who, it would appear, is employing his leisure time, in thus " fraudulently" duning the subscribers to the " Old Genesse Faimer," published by Mr. Luther Tucker, which was removed to Albany and united with the " Cultivator," five years ago ! We make this explanation, to prevent the im- pression, (otherwise unavoidable) that these duns were sent by the present proprietrs of the " JVew Genesee Farmer," and we would also remark that they are not less unpleasant and annoying to us, than to those to whom they are so unjustly sent. Ohio Cultivator, — Published at Columbus, Ohio, by M. B. Bateham, late editor of this paper, has just made its appearance, and is a neat and well- executed affair. We marvel that he did not substi- tute the octavo for the quarto form. He is behind the light-house there. He feels well, and comes into the ring like one confident of success ; and if pufTs and promises (which we know him able to perform) augurs any- thing, we think the suckers may be proud of their acquisition. 1 The "Prairie Farmer'' — Messrs. Wright k, Wight, editors, Chicago. This publication is a large quarto, 24 pages monthly, price ^l, and is unique as an agricultural work. The editors are knowing ivights, and generally on all subjects about right ; while the cogitations of some of their cor- respondents are a per+ect specific for the horrors. Any of our readers who wish for the science of log cabins, where the latch-string is always out — of thou- sand acre farms without fences — plowing with four yoke of oxen — fields without stumps — bacon hom- iny and common doings — or white bread and chicken fixings — let them read the Prairie Farmer. New Variety of Wheat. — The Cincinnati At- las states, that several fanners in that vicinity have, for a year or two past, cultivated a new variety of wheat with great satisfaction. It was introduced into Ohio from Alabama, in 1839. It takes the pre- ference over all other wheat which comes to that market, weighing from 64 to fiS lbs. to the bushel. The yield has averaged 30 bushels to the acre the present season. It matures early, having been har- vested in that state on the 6th of' June. By-the-bye this latter trait is a mr St desirable one, as it will very materially tend to protect it from rust, one of the most dire enemies of the wheat crop. — Jlgri. »0 GEN£:SEE FARMER. EB. 1845 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE N. Y. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Albany, Jan. 16, 1845. Mr. Editor — Tn compliance with your re- quest, made before I left Rorhcster, I will give you a brief account ot the proceedings of the State Ag- ricultural Society, at its annual meeting, which took place in the hall of the Old State-House, in this city, yesterday. Hon. John P. Bekkman, president of the society, presided. There was a fair attend- ance of the friends of agricultural improvement from different portions of the state. The following dele- gates were in attendance from county societies, viz. i Abraham Bockee, of Dutchetis ; S. A. BroWn, of Chautauque ; Henry S. Randall, of Cortland ; John P. Bcekman, of Columbia ; John Greig, of Ontario ; Daniel Lee, of Erie ; Abraham Van Bergen, of Greene ; E. Kirby, of Jefferson ; John A. Lott, of Kings ; Carlos P. Scovil, of Lewis ; Benjamin Enos, of Madison ; T. H. Hyatt, of Monroe ; Mr. Fonda, of Montgomery ; Mr. Southworth, of New York ; Elon Comstock, of Oneida ; T. M. Brown, of Onon- daga ; Robert Denniston, of Orange : George Vail, of Rensselaer ; Ebenezer Mack, of Tompkins ; J. McDonald, of Washington ; T. R. Lee, of West- chester ; A. Birdsall, of Broome : David Rogers, of Saratoga. From the report of the Treasurer, it appears that the amount of the receipts for the year has been $4,865 80, and the expenditures, thus far, $3,833 90, and a portion of the premiums are yet to be paid, and some other expenses. The receipts are about $600 more than they were the last year, and the ex- penditures nearly $1,000 more. The Corresponding Secretary made a report, sta- ting that he had opened a somewhat extensive cor- respondence with the friends of agriculture through- out this country not only, but with distinguished in- dividuals in England, Scotland, France, Germany, fcc: and that several valuable communications had been received, in return, from Professor John- son, Prince Albert, and others, and that more were expected in time to be published in the regular vol- ume of Transactions. The Recording Secretary made a report, stating the number of societies formed in the several counties to be about fifty, as near as he was able to estimate them ; that volumes of the State Society's Transac- tions had been sent to most of them ; that consid- erable correspondence had been kept up by him ; and he read over a schedule of the property belonging to the Society. A committee of three from each Senatorial dis- trict was appointed by the President, to nominate of- ficers of the society for the ensuing year, and to fix upon the place for holding the next annual fair. The committee were as follow : Firieec-ssfully passing through the second. It is still l/eld in the school house of an out district, where A. and B. held, al- most in solitude, the first meeting. Every man in the district is now a member, (of course, each takes an agricultural paper,) and many from other parts of the town have associated with them. In addition to the discussions, or talks as they are called, they have frequent lectures on agricultural subjects, choosing the lecturers from among themselves. While, as an additional source of improvement, communications on raising flowers and fruit, rural and landscape gar- dening, many of which are written by the ladies, are read at such meetings. A svibscription is now on foot to procure an agricultural library for the benefit of the club. Farmer C.'s boys have given up their story paper, and now invest their funds in more sub- stantial reading. In short, a general change has come over the face of things in that region, such as would hardly have been supposed possible at the commencement of the cause — a change which man- ifests itself not only in the general tone of reading and of thought, but in the appearance of agricultu- ral thrift in all that neighborhood. D. Richmond, Mass., Jan. 1845. Loaf Cake. — Take two pounds of flour, one half- pound of sugar and a quarter of a pound of butter, three eggs, one gill of milk, one half tea-cupfuU cf sweet yeast ; clove and nutmeg for spice. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 25 Mm^^^^. THE ALPACA. Among the beautiful and useful animals least known to the civilized world, is the Alpaca, a native of the interior of Western South America. It has the characteristics of the sheep, being larger, how- ever, and its wool much longer. The beautiful, sub- stantial fabrics for ladies' wear are mostly made of Alpaca wool. This animal is remarkably hardy, and upon high and airy hills would be enabled to endure the mode- rate heat of our summers in elevated situa- tions ; and its fleece, which would be light in the warm season, would become large in winter, and form a good protection agaiBst our cold winters. Snows and stonms do not afTcct thoBe animals, as their skins are thick and hard, covered with an imper- vious coat, so that it is not injured by moisture. There are a number of Alpacas in England, and in other parts of Europe, and they do well under proper treatment ; though they sometimes suiFer by confinement, and too much kindness — having been managed a-s pets and curiosities, rather than as hardy animals. Parsnip Wine. — Wine made of parsnips ap- proaches closely to the malmsey of Madeira, and is made with very little expense or trouble, and is wholesome and palatable. To every 4 lbs. of parsnips, clean and quartered, put one gallon of water ; boil till quite tender ; drain them over a sieve, but do not bruise them, as no process will clear the liquor afterwards. Pour the liquor into an open vessel, and to each gallon add 3 lbs. of sugar, and half an ounce of crearn of tartar. When cooled to about blood heat, put a lit- tle new yeast, or emptyings : let it stand 4 or 5 days in a warm room, then put it into a cask, and when the fermentation has subsided, bung tight, and let it stand 8 to 12 months before using. The months of April and May are the best for getting a good fermentation ; and in these tem- perance times it is an experiment worth trying. NON AQUA-ARDIANTE. Work for WmxRR. — From the very nature of the season, but little can be done during winter in tlie way of agricultural operations ; but still there are various preliminary stops which may be taken to facilitate those of the ensuing year. Where fenc- ing may be wanted, the present occasion should be seised to ft-U the timber, and get it out into posts and raili, in order that when the season arrives for putting up new fence.:, or repairing eld ones, no de- lay may occur to trench upon the other business of the farm, or that so essential a branch of the farmer's duty, as that of providing good lences may not, for want of time, be neglected. It is good, too, for one to look back upon the things that have passed, to see if some improvement may not be made in the future. If time were taken, in intervals of leisure during the winter season, to digest and adopt plans for early- spring work, one would be able to enter upon and carry them out, under far more favorable auspices than if the necessary arrangements were delayed un- til the time of action arrives ; for arrangements formed amidst the hurry and press of business bat seldom reflect the best energies of the judgment, and more often prove defective for the want of time to mature and develop them. And whilst we may be looking back upon the past and forward to the fu- ture, with respect to the affairs of the farm, let us not omit to return thanks where alone they are due, for blessings already conferred : and in seeking a continuation of them, to do it in that spirit of grate- fulness and humility which becomes a Christian farmer. FiRE-WooD. — If you have not already cut a suffi- cient quantity of wood to serve you through the coming year, forthwith go to work, fell the trees, cut it up into cord-wood, and when that is done, haul it into your yard, and have it neatly piled convenient to your dw^elling, kitchen, and qu'arters. To obtain fire-wood by piece-meal, as the saying is, as it may be wanted, is to indulge in one of the worst habits into which a farmer can possibly fall, and never fails to be pregnant of evil. Therefore we may say to you, that you should not consider that you have dis- charged your duly to your family, and to yourself, until you ha\'e secured, within a few yards of your house and tenements, a supply of wood sutflcient to meet every demand for at least twelve months to come. Gates, — If the entries to your fields are through h(irs, substitute gates for them. — Anie. Farmer. A Short-Horn Controversy has commenced in the London New Farmers' Journal, which promises to reveal some tilings which w'e fancy certain per- sonages, who figured so largely formerly in purchas- ing and sending out cattle for the American market will not care to hear. The veteran breeder, Mr. Bates of Yorkshire, is one of the principals in this affair, and the way he shows up certain pretty hng green horns is a caution to all beholders. There is scarce another man in England who possesses a tithe of the knowledge which he docs on this subject, and we would give more for his single judgment in cat- tle breeding than for all that the flippant talkers, writers, and jobbers who have hitherto monopolized the public ear ever knew, or can know, or concoct to- gether.— Am. Ag. Cup Cake. — Take one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, whites of four ogf^B, well beat together, and bake in pans or cups. Bake 20 minutes. 26 GENESEE FARMER. Feb. 1845 DR. LEE'S ADDRESS BEFORE THE MON- ROE COUNTY AG. SOCTETV, At their Annual Meeting, October, 1844. Mr. President, and Farmkks oy Monroe, — The fact cannot have escaped j'our notice, that competi- tion in growing breadstuffs, provisions, wool, and other agricultural products, is fast becoming a mat- ter of deep interest to those that must live, and hope to prosper, by cultivating the earth. This growing competition is quite unavoidable. The introduction of labor-saving machinery into every branch of the mechanic arts, throughout the whole civilized world, is driving millions from factories and workshops into rural pursuits, who, but for the invention of iron mai, that eat no bread, nor meat, nor wear any clo- thino-, had remained the good customers of the farm- er, mstead of becoming his active rivals, if not ru- inous competitors. Agriculture ie the great business of civilized man ; but, like every other branch of hu- man industry, it has its ups and downs, its sunshine and its storms. It« sunshine is most enjoyed by those that avail themselves of all substantial im- provements in the art and the science of good hus- bandry. These advantages give to the fortunate few, who are wise enough to study and understand them, a double capacity to supply the markets of the world, by increasmg to that extent the productive power of their bands and their fields. Think not that I have a hobby to ride in this mat- ter. I fear bitter experience will soon, too soon, demonstrate the truth of the remark, that it is xiti- sdfe for the farmers of Western New York to des- pise the improvements of the age, and the compe- tition of the whole world beside. At the Agricultural School near Dublin, the pu- pils have raised, this season, a large field of potatoes averaging 750 bushels per acre. With a population of ten millions living on a territory but little larger than this State, and exporting more bushels of grain than all the United State?, the fact has already been established, that in spite of your protective duty of ten cents a bushel, Irishmen can, and do, export po- tatoes to Boston and New York, and sell them at a little over a half cent a pound ! Farmers of Monroe ! I declare to you, without the fear of contradiction, that out of the Free States of this repubUc, and excepting the British provinces adjoining us, agricultural labor is every where very cheap, and likely to fall in price, with the increase of our race, to the lowest point that will serve to keep soul and body together. Europe, at this hour, has two hundred and fifty millions of human beings, not one out of five of whom has permission to eat, or otherwise consume, the entire fruits of his own pro- ductive industry. The market value of the labor of two hundred millions of people is continually forced down, by circumstances over whish they appear to have no control. Nevertheless, their numhcrs are rapidly increasing ; and the most desirable outlet is to emigrate to this country, and settle on the fertile lands of our vast public domain. Answer me this plain question : If other men will work, feed, and clothe the hu- man family cheaper than you can afford to, what is to become of those who have oniy their labor to Bell, and nobody will purchase it at a price compati- ble with a full supply of the necessaries of life ? Profoundly impressed with the importance of this truth, I desire that it may sink deeply into your minds : It is the fact, that the discoveries and im- provements of every year depreciate more and more the market value of the mere mechanical force of human bone and miisclc. The same causes serve to augment, in an equal ratio, the value of cultivated intellect. It is in view of the competition of iron men and iron women, moved with wonderful precision by steam and water power — in view of the competition of starving millions, working each for a peck of po- tatoes a day — and above all, the fearful competition of those that will soon produce two bushels of wheat, and two pounds cf wool, as cheaply as you now do one pound of either — ^that I urge upon your atten- tion the scfBNCE of agriculture. " Science " is but another name for knowledge ; and knowledge is in- dispensable to the practical husbandman, as a matter of self-defence. I have not the vanity to assume to be a teacher. But since the worthy President of your Society has honored me with an invitation to address you, and having assumed the task, I will endeavor to show something of the importance of science to the prac- tical agriculturist. Nothing is more probable than the supposition that some one of you has harvested and brought to this market 100 bushels of wheat from five acres of land. Let me assume that the \v'heat weighed 60 pounds to the bushel, or 6,000 pounds ; and that the straw weighed twice as much as the grain — in all 18,000 pounds. As a simple, practical question, tell me how much of these 18,000 pounds of matter came from the soil ? Tell me how much came from the air ? Conceding that what your cultivated plants draw from the ever -moving atmosphere, need not be re- stored to the fields whence they were taken, can you say as much of the alkalies and other minerals re- moved with your crops, from the soil where tl ey grew 1 Long experience answers this question in the negative. I regard it as one of the greatest discoveries of the age, that about 97 per cent, of the ingredients which make up the whole substance of wheat, rye, corn, barley, oata, peas, and beangs, exist in the air in inexhaustible quantities. To transmute these aeri- form bodies into the plants above-named, and into grass and roots, at the smallest expense, is the ob- ject of nearly all your hard work. If I were to burn in your presence 100 pounds of wheat, including both straw and seed, you would know of a certainty that this bread-bearing plant might all be converted into air and vapor, except something less than three pounds of ash, which would remain. Now, who among you that loves good breal, and would be glad to produce it as cheaply as any one, will refuse to learn how Nature changes all the vegetable matter thrown into the air by combustion, fermentation, rotting, and the respi- ration of all animals, back again into grain, grass, and roots ? Believe me, Nature is quite as willing to give you 40 bushels of wheat to the acre, and from one bushel of seed, as she is 20, if you will only sludif and ohey her uniform laws. A wheat plant is a living being ; and the number which may be grown and brought to full maturity on an acre depends on the quality and quantity of food which you feed to them. It may not be profitable to feed so high as to raise at the rate of 320 bushels per acre, as one gentleman in England professes to have done. But that you may grow 40 bushels on an acre, at a less price per bushel than with any less number, I have no doubt. Vol,. 0. GENESEE FARMER. 27 The raw materials to form 36,000 pounds of ripe wheat plants are not expensive in this section cf countiy. Nor is the knowledge expensive to com- bine and use these materials, so as to save a consid- I crable portion of the ordinary cost of producing 40 | bushels of this grain. But to render this informa- tion entirely satisfactory and generally available, an Experimental Farm is needed, to demonstrate prac- tically how much of the ingredients contained in a field (i. e., what per-centage) comes from the air, and what from the soil. Although I have spent much time in investigating this interesting subject, not only as regards wheat, but corn, oats, and peas, yet I am not prepared to speak very confidently at present in the matter. My impression, however, is that not more than ten per cent, of corn and twenty per cent, of wheat, under the most favorable circumstances, come from the earth. I will state a few facts which form, in part, the basis of this opinion. A few years since, the mayor of Albany {Friend Humphrey, Esq.,) planted three acres in corn, on the poor sand plain, near that city. The quantity of vegetable mould, or organic matter, in the soil was small. As an experiment, he dropped in each hill on two acres, with the seed, a few grains (or perhaps drachms, of horn shavmgs. The other acre received nothing as a fertilizer. On the former he harvested 60 bushels per acre of shelled corn ; on the latter about 15. I learn from the Southern Planter, that farmers in that neighborhood, as an experiment, have paid so high as $3 per 100 pounds for guano — the price of good pork, in many places — to feed to corn and other plants ; and find the food not too expensive for pro- fit. Thousands of tons of this fertilizer ai-e annu- ally consumed in Great Britain, at the cost of 20 or more dollars per ton. The mere soaking of seeds in strong solutions of common sal-ammoniac and saltpetre of the shops, enables plants to increase largely their weight. Now, the question is — Do they derive this additional nourishment, which, as in the case of the horn sha- vings, adds 45 bushels of grain to the acre, and stalks in proportion, from the soil or the atmos- phere ? From the known sterility of the soil, I think at least 90 per cent, of the grain comes from the air. In a mellow, deep soil, where the roots can easily expand, and be accessible to atmospheric influence, no matter how destitute it may be of organic sub- stances, plants gain the most by the aid of concen- trated fertilizers. M. Boussingault heated a fair clayey soil to a high temperature for some time, till he had burned out all the organic matter. In this earth he planted a few peas, and watered them with pure distilled water. Some of them blossomed and bore perfect seeds, drawing all their carbon and nitrogen, as well as ox- ygen and hydrogen, from air and water. Had these peas had the benefit of common rain-water, there can be no doubt that the carbonic acid and ammonia which it contains would have been of essential ser- vice in promoting their growth. An acre of land wholly destitute of vegetable matter, and containing all the minerals required for the plant, might produce a small crop of peas. The game is probably true of corn, clover, and arti- chokes. Mons. B. tried a similar experiment on wheat, but it would not grow to maturity without the aid of some organic matter. To prepare a field to produce a good crop of this grain, other plants which draw nearly all their nourishment from the air, should be first cultivated and " plowed in" to en- rich the earth. There is good reason to believe, however, that nearly all lands in Western New York lack, not so nmch vegetable mould, or organic matter, as some of the mineral or purely earthy in- gredients necessary to produce large crops of wheat. This opinion is not lightly formed. It will take up too much of your time, however, to go into details to explain the facts and reasons on which it is found- ed. 'Thorovgh draining, deep ploiring, and a per- fect pulverization of the soil, i I'egard as of great importance, and calculated to improve our present system of farming. On the subject of draining we have much to learn, and more to practice. Deep plowing has the double advantage of letting ofl", to some extent, any surplus water, and of bring- ing to the surface those saline substances without which no plant can flourish. When any of these arc wholly wanting, there is no remedy but to apply them. Fortunately, only a very small per-centagc of most plants is mineral matter. One hundred pounds of wheat straw give only 3i pounds of a.A ; and 81 per cent, of that is called silica — the basis of common sand. Before this sand can enter into the circulation of plants to form the hone of their stems, to keep them upright, (and many a field of wheat has fallen down, and been lost from a lack of this vegetable bone,) it must combine with potash or soda, to render it soluble in water. Loose, sandy soils are usually barren, because all the alkalies are dissolved and leached out. With- out these, pure sand cannot enter the roots of plsnls, and they die from the lack of their natural almient. The application of wood ashes to such soils increases largely their fertility, although they contain very little organic matter. In clayey soils, the potash, soda, and magnesia are not washed out. After they have been partially exhausted by injudicious cropping, the application of lime sets the beilance free to unite with silica, and form silicate of potash or soda, or double salts, which are soluble in water, and thus enter the roots of plants. These salts are decomposed in the chemical laboratory of vegetables. Silica is deposited in their tissues, and becomes again insoluble. But a small part of wood ashes, when put up in a leach, will dissolve, although every particle of them was dissolved before it entered into the organic structure of trees or smaller plants. On the decomposition of the compounds of silica, potash and soda return to the earth, combine with, and render soluble, more fand. This is carried, with its circulating fluids, into every part of the vegetable, and deposited where needed. It is doubtless in this way that a small quantity of alkali Vv'ill serve to convey into the stems of corn, grass, and grain the large per centage of silica, flint, or sand, which they are known to contain. Thus, if a soil had a moderate supply of organic matter, and only lacked one or two simple mineral, you can readily see how a farmer might pay, as do some in Virginia, at the rate of $60 a ton for ingre- dients to be transformed into plants, and sold, per- haps, at $10 a ton. It is, however, bad economy to waste the raw materials of cultivated plants — the very constituents of our daily bread and meat — and then trust luck to purchase, at a dear rate, something nearly as good brought from Africa, or the Tacific Ocean, 28 GENESEE FARMER Feb. 1845 A lartre portion of tlie elements found in fjuano, and the salts or minerals neec-.ssary to the growth of plants, escape from the bodies of animals, whether man or brute, by their kidneys. You need not be told that the liquid excretions of all animals are salty and that this saline matter must come from their food. Small as this mineral substance really is, when compared with the gross arnovrnt of matter ta- ken into the animal system, it is quite indispensable in the composition of the vegetables that fur- nish it. There are two and a half millions of people in this State, and they may consume an average of five bushels of wheat each per annum. This would use up 12,500,000 bushels a year, or 100,000,000 bushels in eight years. Now, bear in mind the important fact, that it will take just as much and precisely sim- ilar ingredients to form the second 100,000,000 bush- els that were consumed to make the first. Owing to the great abundance — say 80 per cent, — of these ingredients, according to my estimate, being provi- ded by Infinite Benevolence every where at our hands, their loss to the wheat-grower is not impor- tant. But there are elements in this grain which are not abundant, in a form ready to enter into the organization of wheat plants^ When we have the seed, the land plowed, harrowed, and fenced, at no small expense, and ninety four or Jive per cent, of every thing required to give SO bushels to the acre, the other 6 per cent, of ingredients lacking are v.-orth treble their v.'eight in clean wheat, if they will add 15 bushels per acre to the crop. What was the value per pound of th.e fe\y horn shavings used by the Mayor of Albany, which added 90 bushels of corn to two acres of tand, more than were harvested on an acre in all other respects treated like the tvv^o named ? Some of you may have no- ticed, that one kernel of wheat will often send up ten stems ; and that, under favorable circumstances, each stem will bear an ear containing 100 or more plump seeds. I have frequently counted over 130 seeds in a head or car. This is less than half the yield of stems which has been obtained, yet it shows a perfect willingness, and the capacity, in Nature to give a return of one thousand fold on the seed plant- ed. A single peck of seed planted on an acre, in drills, and judiciously supplied with all the ingredi- ents necessary to form perfect plants, and yielding at this rate, would give a crop of 250 bushels. Experience has demonstrated the practicability of increasing largely the yield of grain without aug- menting the growth of straw in an equal ratio. You will bear witness to the truth of the remark, that it is not always the heaviest yield of straw in wheat, oats, corn, clover, or peas, that gives the most grain or seed. I assure you, that if you will feed to your hungry plants a good deal more of those ingredients taken from them, and most insanely thrown away in urine, you will soon know, why guano is worth sixty dollars a ton. By cultivating the soil with the plow and hoe, it loses not only the minerals carried off in the crops, but not a little of the same substances while dissolv- ed in water, which, instead of being taken up into the circulation of cultivated plants, pass with the water into creeks, rivers, and the ocean. How much of the valuable salts of lime, potash, soda, and magnesia are lost from cultivated land, it is impossi- ble to say. But there is scarcely a spring or well, especially in a good grain country, whose water is not " hard." By evaporating a few gallons of such water in a clean vessel, a thin coat of wdiite powder will cover its hot tern and .>-idei — being the minerals held in solution in the water, which it took from the earth. All the streams that flow into the ocean have more or less cf these saline ingredients dissolved in them. The sea is a vast salt-pan, with no other outlet than by solar evaporation. The known difference in the water tlial. falls from the clouds on to the land and that which runs into the ocean — the water running in being salt, and that which escapes by solar evap oration being fresh — makes the water in the ocean very salt, and crystalized more or less, like that in a vat used to make salt, at Salina. No small portion of the rocks foin->d in the bed of the sea are composed of ingredients which, like the crust of lime in a tea- kettle, were once dissolved in water. Few are aware that the materials carried, either mechanical- ly, like mud, gravel, and sand, or in solution, to the ocean, from ancient islands and continents, have formed rocks on this continent estimated at, and I may say measured, by Prof. Rogers, to the depth of forty thousand feet. Mr. Philips, in his " Elements of Geology," sets down the perpendicular thickness of the rocks in Great Britain, which abound in the remains of plants and animals that once lived on the earth, at six and a half miles. Viewed with a chemical and geological eye, the soil in Western New York has many inte- resting features. It possesses many minerals of great value to be used in the preparation of compott heaps. I regret that I have not time to go into de- tails in the matter of combining and preparing the precise elements required by Nature to form the plants most cultivated in this section. To absorb many of the valuable gasses given off from ferment- ing manure, I have reason to befieve that there is nothing better than pulverized charcoal, mixed with plaster. It is a subject worthy of much study, to learn how to save and use to the best advantage all the solid and liquid excretions of every animal that feeds on the fruits of the earth. • Nature has done much for the farmers of Monroe County, in providing ready to your hands a soil re- markable for its fertility, and an atmosphere, for your lungs, not less remarkable for its salubrity. I re- joice to know that these great natural advantages are duly appreciated and welt deserved^ by a rural population alike distinguished for their intelligence and their industry. Think not, that while I contend we all have something to learn, I would under- estimate the wonderful improvements which have been made by the hardy tillers of the earth in Wes- tern New York. No man respects honest, productive industry more than I do. All I desire is, to ste it better directed, that it may be better rewaj-ded. I have often felt, and often expressed, my deep anxiety to see the time when every practical farmer in the State shall be able to produce all that he and his fa- mily shall need, or a fair equivalent, and then know- quite as well how to keep and enjoy the rich fruits of his honest toil, as all the non-producers in the land sliall know how to exchange their shadows for the working man's substance. Believe me — those that create, by hard work, nearly all the good things consumed by civilized man, ought to learn how to keep, as well as how to earn property. Pauperism is on the increase, and it would be well if every man, woman, and child knew the reason why. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. ?9 A MARRIAGE PORTION. Allow me to introduce a siinplo story ; though perhaps not new, ne\ertheless interesting in its re- sults. On the margin of a sunnj'- lake lived a farm- er ; his shaded cottage was an object of pleasure to the mariner of our inland sea, and the traveler could not refrain his commendation as he passed the well- tilled fields, rendered more attractive by the perva- ding spu'it of neatness and order. A wife, with two daughters, shared the labors and pleasures of the farmer. One hundred acres were the extent of the farm, and the fartners Capital was little more than honesty, industry, and health. I need not paint the family circle in its devotion to sacred duties, nor its daily toil — the results will carry to every heart a view of the path pursued. His eldest daughter mar- ried, and he gave to her one-third of his farm, as her marriage portion. Notwithstanding this diminution of acres, he had the same quantity of products as formerly. In due time his youngest daughter mar- ried also, and he gave to her one-half of what re- mained— and still the produce of his farm wa« not diminished. The secret was easily discovered — he applied as much labor and attention to the remaining one-third part as he had been accustomed to give to the whole farm. Do you ask, how this applies to any of us ] Let me explain. We divide our labor over too many acres to afford sufficient culture to each ; and we neglect the aid of science, which teaches us to concentrate the various means always within our control, and their economical and appro- priate application. AGRICULTURAL PAPERS. It may be, and often is asked, how are we to ascer- tain the experience of other farmers, that we may benefit by their experiments and experience ? No- thing is more easy — the agricultural periodicals of this country bring to the fire-side and leisure hour of every farmer, the tried results of experiments throughout the world — they give to him the practice ii every section of our country — they open to him the science of his profession, making clear and intel- ligible all that heretofore has been deemed chance. No farmer can fail to be wiser and richer if he care- fully peruses the well-stored pages of the Cultivator — a paper too well known in this country and in Eu- rope to need an eulogium here ; and it will surely be a matter of surprise to all when I state, that in this county there are not probably 30 farmers who con- sult its pages. Another paper of well-known and deserved merit is the New Genesee Farmer, from the pages of which every farmer can derive lessons of experience and wisdom in his vocation. The American Agriculturist is another periodical worthy your attentive perusal. These and other sources of- fer the ready means of knowledge, at a cost, too, so moderate, that it surely requires but a knowledge of the fact to see one or more in the hands of every man in this country, who desires to thrive, and, like our friend of the Lake shore, be able to give to every daughter a farm as a marriage portion. — Ddaficld's Jig. Address. — Seneca County, JV. Y. Cranbrrries. — Mr. William Hall, of Norway, Maine, has succeeded in raising cranbeiTies on a patch of boggy land. He sowed the berries in the spring, on the snow and ice. The seed took well, and en- tirely rooted out the weeds. Last year he gathered six bushels from a patch of land about three rods square, which a few years since was useless MOVEx\BLE HAY RACKS. Mr. Editor — I acciilentally took up one of your papers sent to our post office, and read an article on foddering cattle, and the description of a cheap and simple contrivance, to do away with a great many troubles of that p?.rt of a farmers work. It struck me as just the thing I wanted. I had 7 head of cat- tle in my yard, and I conhtiucted two cribs, which had accommodations for 8 head, and it works to my entire satisfaction. I have had it in use a fortnight and it has saved me more than the price of your pa- per, and I herewith enclose you one dollar for a copy J'or myself and one of my neighbors. In contriving my racks, I have departed a little from your description, and I think for the better. I also send a rouph drawing in which two sides are only finished. The variations I found advantageous, were to put the boards only 2ft 6in high, instead 2ft Oin, and to drop the cross pieces so that they shall come no higher than the side boards. The whole should be strongly nailed with lOd or 12d nails, and where the cross pieces cross, there should be a good wrought spike that will clench, so that the cattle shall not break them down or push them out of shape. L. L. BARKER. Factory owned by Girls. — The factory girls of Lowell talk of establiehing a large factory, to be worked by themselves, and of which they should be the joint-stock proprietors. Should such a scheme be successfully put in ojjeration, we presume it would not be long before the proprietors would have plenty of applications for ■partners. A young man might thus apostrophize a fair stockholder : " Ever from thai hour 1 loved her, Till for lier stock I paid lier wiih myself." thf: flovv'ers. When God to man a being gave, 'Twas by a garden fair'; Ilis first-drawn breath was iVom a WaVe Of oOoiir-wnt'tingr air. As vision, at his spirit's birth, The tender eyelids burst, He saw, from out his kindred earth The (lowers had risen first. ■"Mid clustering vines and trees that woo'd His new-created sight, Were fruits for rich, salubrious food, And flowers for his delight : And these were fed from living springs^ Baptiz'd with holy dew, I ' And softly fanii'd by angels' wings, In beauty whilo they grew. Tlioy shone, a glorious volume spread For his all-peaceful hours : .The first sweet book man ever read Was of the leaves of flowers. Pure thoughts of his Alniighly Friend, With radiance from above. Were on its countless pages penn'd — Its author's name was Love.— [hannaH f. gduld. 30 GENESEE FARMER. Feb. 1845 NORTHERN SPY. The above figure represents this superior native apple. It originated in the town of East Eioomficld, in the orchard of the late Oliver Chapin. It was but little known until two or three years ago, when a number of young trees, suckers from the original tree, came into bearing, and the fruit was carried to the Rochester mai-ket, where it attracted general attention. It is now esteemed the best winter or keeping variety known — better than the Swaar or Spitzenburg. It commands the high- est price in the market ; we'have seen them sold in the spiing for 8l 50 per bushel ; and last fall, those that we knew to be sold brought $2 25 per barrel ; while $1 was the usual price of ordinary fruit. We have seen specimens produced on eld, stunted trees, that were small and quite deficient in color and fla- vor. Young trees, or those that have been care- fully pruned, produce abundant crops, and the fruit is of large size and extremely beautiful. The tree is a rapid, upright, and handsome grower ; wood dark brown, covered with gi ay-colored spccLs or dots, ve- ry ea.-ily distinguished from any other. Fneit some- what conical, sometimes slightly ribbed ; the speci- men figured measures 12 inches in circumference. Stalk about 3-4ths of an inch, set in a broad, deep cavity. Eye doej)ly sot in a broad deep basin. Co- lor pale green in the shade, dark rod on the sunny side ; those fully exposed to the sun, arc entirely covered with a fine deep red. Flesh yetiovvish white, tender, juicy, and high-flavored, with a pecu- liar musky perfume. In use from November till May. This, like all other popular fruits, is cuioUer- feited by the men and boys who sell apples around the streets, and on the corners ; every apple they can find, that in any way resembles the "Northern S|v. ," is so called by them. We have, during the I.!i;..cnt winter, seen several distinct varieties sold by tliem under this name. How TO Eat an Ap- ple Mechanic ally, s c i e n t i fically, and G K N T E E L Y. — Pare it neatly and carefully, making an entire ribbon of the skin ; then placing the middle finger of the left hand upon the stem, and the thumb upon the blossom end, with your fruit-knife commence cutting a slice from the top to near the centre, and so on, in succession, leaving the core standing as a column or shaft, upon which it revolves until it is demolii^hed. It is a cleanly, deli- cate, and systematic operation, which com- mends it to all persona who are fond of that wholesome and valuable fruit. POMUS. THE APPLE CULTURE. The culture of the apple is of much greater im- portance to the farmer than is generally considered. We know that an orchard has grown to be a matter considered as of almost absolute necessity ; but it is the carelessness with which it is generally planted and cultivated, that warrants the remark we com- naenced with. In growing wheat, corn, potatoes, or any other field product, the farmer very rationally procures such varieties and bestows such culture as will, considering their adaptability to his soil and other circumstances, yield him the most liberal re- turn for his expenditures. These considerations are equally important in relation to the orchard. Your land is occupied with it — ^j'our trees, and planting them, cost something — j'our labor is required to pick, preserve, and carry your fruit to market, if you sell them ; and these, altogether, constitute a consider- able item. Hence appears the necessity of exerci- sing as much care in selecting suitable varieties of fruit as of grain, and of bestowing on them a pro- portionate degree of attention, both in planting and after-culture, in order to insure their health and fruitfulness, and make the investment one of profit instead of Iohs. We know many excellent farmers, whose fields show that they are cultivated by a care- ful and skillful hand, but whose orchard is in a state of absolute neglect. This arises from an incorrect estimate of orchard products. It can be easily shown, that an orchard of choice, well-selected ap- ples, ripening in regular succession, properly culti- vated and attended to, will yield as 'great pro fitsas any other ]>roduct. Our soil and climate are admi- rably adapted to the perfect growth and development of this fruit — proved by experience. An acre of land may contain 150 trees. These, in five or six years, will produce at least five bushels per tree, if Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 31 properly cultivated ; and these, at the low price of 2s. per bushel, would amount to $187 50. At this low estimate, the orchard, after paying- all expenses, would be found highly profitable. Prices in our market vary from $1 to $2 50 per barrel, in propor- tion to the quality. Choice and rare kinds are some- times sold in the spring for 10s. to 12s., and even as high as 16s. per bushel. But for domestic uses, for eating in a raw state, for cooking, and for feeding to hogs, to cows, and even horses — apples are of great value. The great facilities which steam convey- ances and canals now afford for the transportation of fruit, give increased importance to this branch of in- dustry, by opening up new markets, and thereby in- creasing the price of fruit materially in the interior portions of the country. The Atlantic steamers will, we believe, at no very distant day, be loaded with American fruits (apples particularly) for the European markets. The markets of the south, too, will create an increasing demand. This subject begins to be appreciated, as will be seen from the following extract from an eastern paper : FuuiT. — The deiiiand in England for American fruit is likely to become a matter of considerable importance. A lar:;e quantity of apples were sent there last season and paid well. Many orchards of five, ten, and twenty tliou- sand trees, have lately been planted in the Hudson river counties, with a view of growing apples for eKport to foreign countries. We see no reason why peaches from New Jer- sey, and other Atlantic regions where tliey grow, cannot be sent to England, by steameis, and arrive in good con- dition. But even if confined to our own markets, or the marlcets of our own continent, the demand for good fruit will increase asfast and faster than the supply for ages to come. It has been so in every country — the progress of civilization and refinement, the in- crease of population, the accumulation of wealth, invariably increase the demand for the choice pro- ductions of the garden and the orchard, faster than they do the means for producing them. In order to assist those who are anxious to pro- cure the best varieties, we will from time to time notice and describe such as we can recommend. A Fine Sweet Apple. — We have just examined a specimen of a very superior variety of sweet ap- ple, quite new to us, left at the Seed Store by a gentleman who found it at Gould's grocery store, in Buffalo-street, where it had been purchased from some farmer. It is a tender, juicy, fine-fiavored ap- ple, equal, if not superior to any sweet apple we know, and is eminently worthy of extensive cultiva- tion. If the person who brought it to Gould's should see this, he v/ill please leave or send his ad- dress to the Seed Store. The fruit is large, mea- suring 12 inches in circumference, surface uneven, with large unequal ridges or ribs, ; stem slender, about half an inch long, and inserted in a narrow and moderately deep cavity : colyx small, and in a small and rather shallow basin ; skin yellow in the shade, clear red in the sun, and wholly covered with brown dots, so numerous as to make the surface rough ; J{i'if]i. yellowish white, melting, and fine-flavored ; looks as though it would keep well till spring. This v/e consider would be a valuable addition to our pres- ent very deficient list of what are called sweet apples. s TRAW CUTTING MACHINES.—We have for sale four dif- fereut paltenis of Slravy-cutters, which we will sell low. Dec. 1. B. r. SMITH & CO. ADVERTISEMENTS. O. REYNOLDS' NON-SWARMING & DIVIDING BEE-HIVE. THE Subscriber having kept Bees for upwards of thirty years, and haviH? tried many of the various modes, and some of the patents, that have lieea recommended for the preservation of Bees and removing of honey — having been disippointed in his anticipa- tions, became sensible that the iiiiprovements heretofore presented to the public were not such as would give general satisfaction. Knowing that much has been done to advance the interests of tlie Bee-grower, and ihc preservation of the Bees, and believing that art has not yet arrived to perfection, would, with due deference, present to an enlightened community his Non-swarming and Divi- ding Bee-hive, believing that they will compare former improve- ments with his, and decide agreeai)Iy to merit, feeling confident that he will receive a share of their approbation. Said Hive is divided into difterent apartments, and so arranged tliat the Apiarian may cause the Bees to leave one apartment and pass into the others, thereby freeing the honey I'rom its incumbents at the will of the op- erators. Dividing can be performed with ease and safety. All de- predations from the bee-moth and robber may be prevented ; the method of feeding and ventilating being superior. In a word, the improvement is just such as the Bee-grower is desirous of ob- taining. O. REYNOLDS. Extract from the report of the. Committee on Imprurenients, iff.., at the Exhibition of the Monroe Co. Jgricultural Society, at Ru- ehester, Oct. 8th and Olh, 18-14. To Dr. Oliver Reynolds, of Webster, for a newiy-iavented, Non- Swarniing Bee-Hive, combining all the advantages of former im- provements, with some valuable qualifications for ventilation, re- moving old comb, dividing swarms, and preventing the depreda- tions of the bee-moth — the whtle under the entire control of the operator. The Committee award a Diploma. I certify that the above is a true extract from the report. M. B. BATEHAM, Rochester, Oct. 17, ISM. Cor. Sec. Monroe Ag. Society. N B. Any person wi^ihing to purchase Territory, or act as Agent, by directing a line to the Postmaster, Webster, Monroe Co., N. Y., will be promptly attended to. O" For sale at the Rochester Seed Store, No. 4, Front-street. STRAYED HORSES. FROM the Farm of the Subscriber strayed awa}', about three weeks since, an aged BROWN MARE, gray over the eyes, low in the back, with saddle-marks thereon; lias one wiiite hind foot, Ions tail, which, with the mane, is black. Al.-o, a RED ROAN HORSE COLT, coming two years old. Said horses were last heard of in the town of Greece. Any person who can give information as to where said horses are, or have been, shall be remunerated for their trouble, by giving ma notice thereof, through tlie mail, addressed — WILLIAM LOVVRY, of Clarks n, Parraa Center Post-office, Mouroe Co., New Y'ork. ClarksoD, Dec. 22, 1844. H OBSE CHESTNUTS for sale at the Rochester Seed Store, Doc. 1st, 1844. B. F. SMITH & CO. CASH for FLAX SEED; and OIL MEAL for sale— at the Old Oi Mill, Water-street ; or No. 3, Front-street, Rochester, Dec. 1644.— ja^m. THOS. WEDDLE & SONS. A PPLE SEEDS for sale at the Rochester Seed Store, No. 4, Front-street. »• F. SMITH & CO. C\SH FOB TIMOTHY SEED. fr\r\ mr\ i AHA bushels timothy sled OUU J- V^ lUUU wanted at the Rochester Seed Store. The highest price paid in cash ^""^ ^^'"^^^^^^{^j^^i 4, ^o. 32 GENESUE FAtlMER. Feb. 1845 Jletcorological Observations, hade at rochester, seven miles from lake ontario, by l. wetherell. Journal of the Weather for Jan. 1844. Thermometer. Barometer. Wiiul. £ Q s ■o "a ^ ^ a; a be '5 C Observations. "27' 33" l2" Ui H 0. •24 29.25 29.42 .s \v w Cloudy— fair— r.g. .£0. 25 sa 42 40 .58 .32 s ■'X Vmx. £6 47 52 35 .26 .39 s w w Cloudy — rain. 27 2C 20 2;} .57 .50 N W .. 28 12 24 13 .49 .50 N N W Fair. 29 28 33 31 .60 .54 W Snow — cloudy. 30 39 38 36 .11 .37 s w w Rain — snow. 31 29 38 32 .63 .24 w Cloudy — lair. 1 3S 39 35 .33 .56 W N W Cloudy — suow. 2 25 29 25 .75 .75 N Fair, 3 33 43 43 .50 .27 8 S W Cloudy--rain. 4 33 39 3f, .50 .40 w Fair. 5 32 39 32 .30 .41 W N W Cloudy — snow. 6 20 2(1 20 .67 .47 NEE 7 23 32 29 .15 .39 E W Cloud}' — rain &• snow 8 25 32 28 .50 .50 W Cloudy snow. 9 32 40 3G .41 .29 w s w Fair — snow and iilin. 10 25 34 27 .58 .52 s w Cloudy, 11 25 32 28 .50 .36 w Cloudy — snow. 12 22 28 22 .35 .40 W N W .. 13 20 24 21) .12 .38 .S E N .. 14 18 20 16 .r* .68 N 15 25 40 32 .60 .72 w s w Cloudv— r. .g .'^9: in. 16 30 30 26 .72 .62 N E Cloudy,snow,rain, hail 17 28 29 28 ,31 .30 N E 18 18 20 14 .61 .98 N W Fair, snow, r. g. 1.00 19 0 18 14 30.06 .77 S E Fair. 20 24 38 30 29.63 .53 S S G Cloudj'. 21 27 34 30 .39 .49 SE NW Cloudy — Snow. 32 30 36 30 .60 .83 N W .. 23 20 33 38 .93 .70 S S E Fair. Maximum (Dec. 26) tlier. 52 deg.; barom. (Jan. 19) 30,06. Minimum (Jan. 19j thcr. 25 deg.; barom, (Dec. 30} 29.11. Summary'— \^\\. Thermonicter^-highcst degree during the year, 89. <. — lowest i. .. <. 2. (below zero.) Barometer, — liigiiest .. ,. .. 30.10. — lowest < . . . 28.65. Greatest nionthlj' range of ther. in April, 72 deg. Warmest day in the year, June 25. Coldest Jan. 27. Wind noitli in the yearSSdays; ditto north east, 47^ ; ditto east, 471; ditto south-east, 26}; ditto south, 27| , ditto 60uth-v%est, 52 ; we.st, 73} ; north-west, 98}. Prevailing wind for tha year, north-west. We have had much more than our usual proportion of north-east wind, it having been the prevailing wind in M.-irch and April. Number of fair days, 170; ditto cloudy, 196. .. days on which rain fell. 124. snow fell, 70. • • .. .. snow and rain fell, 9. ROCHESTER PRODUCE MARKET. — Wheat, * 87 a 94(Hav, ton, S7 .50 8 00| F.irirs, doz. 12 14 Corn, 371 a 40 Wood,cord,2 00 2 50 Poultry, fb 5 6 Barley, 31 35 Salt, bl)l., 1 13, Tallow, 7 Oats, 25 on Hams, lb., 5 6 1 Hops, 10 11 Flour, (ret.) 4 25 Pork, bbl. 10 00 Wool, 35 40 Beans, 75 1 00 " cwt. 3 25 3 75 Sheep Ski ns, .50 75 Apples, 25 38 r.ccf, " 2 00 3 Ofl r.rcMMiH'di ,1b. 3 4 Pot-itoes, 18 25, Lard, lb., 5 61 Dry Hides, fi 7 Cloverseed, 4 00 5 00 Butter, 9 12| Calfskins, gr'n.5 6 Timothy, 1 1 50;Chec5C,cwt.4 00 4 50i Jan. 26. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. To the Friends of Agriculture- Monroe Co, Agricultnrnl So- ciety— Notice'! 17 Increase of population— Kails and fences— Farninrs' clubs. '.'.".". IS Guano— Mi-takc corrected— Notices of agricultural papers— Now variety of wheat , ig Annual meeting of the N. Y. State Ag. Society !!!!!. 20 Wheat culture; by Mr. Oarbutt— Book farming 21 Chilblains—" Ohio Cultivator 22 Variation of Wheat fecales ; by Agricola — Farmers' Club 23 The Alpaca, (with cut)— Parsnip wine— work for winter — items 24 Address of Dr. I.ec, before the Monroe Co. Ag. Society. ..26, 27, 23 A marriage portion— Agriculturnl paperi— Moveable hay-racks — Postage ; 29 " Northern Spy"— How to eat an apple— The apple culture. . . 30 A fine sweet apple — Advertisements 31 Meteorological table— Markett-Advcrtiscments 32 AGRICULTURAL TOOLS, &c. FOR SALE at the SEED STORE c|- FARMERS' WAREHOUSE, No. 4, Fronl'Sfrcd, {near Buffalo-sl.) Rochester, New York. 10 JC WORCESTER PLOWS, which stand unrivalled for *u- ^t} periority of workmanship and durability. Also, twenty- -five PRKMIUM PLOWS, made by H. Delano. CULTIVA- TORS, Seed Sowers, Grindstones, Root Cutters, Road Scrapers, ,\mes' bejt Cast-steel Spades and Shovels, Ditching Spades, 'Boys' Spades, Shovels, and Manure Forks; Tree Scrapers, 30 doz. Hoes, assorted kinds; Garden Hoes, of every varictv; Garden Rakes; CYLINDER CHURNS, a superior article; SUGAR MILLS, BUDDLN'G KNIVES, Prnning Knives, Grafting Chisels and Saws, Transplanting Trowels, Ladies' Wcediig Trowels, Anti -friction Rollers, Bush Hooks, Ring and Hook Haines, Trace Chains, Cattle Chains, Brass Ox Ball.*, Boll Rings, Ox Yokes and Bowf, Garden Syringes, Hatch's Patent Sowing Machines. CANARY BIRDS, BIRD CAGES, CANARY SEED, HEMP SEED, CUTTLE FISH BONE, for sale at the Rochester Seed Store, Dec. 1. B. K. SMITH & CO. IMPORTANT TO FARMERS. E TAYLOR'S new and valuable Patent STRAW-CUTTER • and COBN-SHELLER.— This is allowed, by all who are ac- quainted w ith Machines for cutting straw, to be ike best yet invent- eil. As it combines durability with simpliril y in its construction, it is not liable to get out of repair. The Knife (which is very heavy, and made of the best steel) is moved by eccentrics, which give it a drawing stroke, of great power; and it can be sharpened and ad- justed to the Machine with less skill than is required to sharpen and li.v a Sythe. Double the amount of straw can be cut in any given time, with half the amount of labor, by this than by any oilier Straw-cutter now in use. There is a Sclf-feedtPg Apparatut attached, which can with ease be so regulated, as to Cut the straw to any desired lensrth. The Machine is adapted to cut all kinds of straw, haj , and corn- stalks, with equal facility; and the r.ipidity with which it shells corn, removing every kernel, and leaving the cob perfectly whole, is unparallcleil. The Subscribers arc now manufacturing three different sizes of the above Machine — oiie with the Corn Slieller, and two without — all are, however, construdled on the same principlo. but varying in price. The one of the largest size can be driven by horse-power, if wished. Every Farmer who lias examined this Machine has f xprrssed his dccido(l opinion, that it is the best adapted for its various purposes of any that have hitherto been presented to public notice ; and there is no assumption in asserting, that a continued use of it will warrant even greater encomiums tliah haVe yet been pas.scd upon it. The ready sale it has Vsd since tlic Subscribers commenced the manufacture, induces them to believe, that no person intending to purchase a Straw-cutter will not do so before examining those which they havi; recently constructed, which may be seen at Baiton & Belden's Tool Store, west end of the Bridge, in Buflalo-slreet ; at B. F. Smith &:, Co.'s, Rochester Seed Store, Front-street ; and at their shop, in the stone building a little west of the United States Hotel, corner of Hill and i^lizabcth streets ; at any of which places persons desirous of obtaining the above-described Machine will liave prompt attention given to all orders thev may eive for the same. BEARDSLEE &. BADGER. Rochester, Jan. 18, 1845, N.B. Persons wishing to secure the right of manufacturing the above-described Machines can address — v.. TAYLOR. (Patrntpo.) Rochester. ERASTUS SHEFARD, PRi:'rtain limns. The time is coming when every good farmer would as soon be without a plow, as with- out an able agricultural paper. There are nearly a million of peo- ple in Indiana, and only one agricultural paper." Wo have been in the habit of sending quite a large number of packages of our Fanner, to Indiana. We welcome the' Fanner and Gardener' into the field : there is room enough and to spare. We shall expect a great Jucreaso to oui- suhscripiibu list from Indiana? j AGRICULTURE IN COMMON SCHOOLS. We are surprised to find the following remarks in the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture, which may be found on page 47 : " Looking at our common schools as they now are, and are likely to remain for years to corne, not- withstanding all the efforts to elevate them, we can- not but deem the plan above mentioned [the introduc- tion of the study of agriculture into common schools] as loorse than foolish ; for the result can be nothing else than the imparting of that ' 1 ttle knowledge" which is always a dangerous thing" (!) The whole educational acquirements of 99 in ev- ery 100 children that now attend common schools in this state, can only be regarded as " imparting" to them a "little knowledge," If this "little know- ledge" be " always a dangerous thing," then the whole common school system should be aboiifhed. If the acquisition of a " little knowledge" of the science of agriculture will be injurious to the sons and daughters of the farmers of New York, should the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture be allowed to circulate among them ? Who knows but that some of the more inquisitive of the rising generation, now attending our com/aion schools, may extract from its ample pages that " little^'' information, which the learned professors pronounce " a danger- ous thing ?" Mr. Pope was a man of genius, and an admirabia poet ; but he had no more idea of the condition of society in this state in the middle of the 1 9th cen- tury, and of the wants of our children, and their du- ties in after lile, than did " the blind ha-d of Scio." To read attentively good books on practical and scientific agriculture, pupib in common schools need not learn any the less of other elementary studies. No one proprc^-es that they shall neglect orthogra- phy, writing, arithmetic, reading, grammar, or any other branch of useful knowledge. Without aba- ting one jot or tittle of their ordinary acquirements in literary pursuits, they may add thereto much val- uable information iu regard to the uniform and uner- ring laws of nature, which fertilize the earth, and enable it to feed all that live. American Hotel, No. 190 Stale Street, Albany. Havingbeen for two months the guest of Mr. C. N. Bkment, the well known keeper of the aliove named establishment, we deem it no more than an act of simple justice to the farming comaiusnty, to say that, abet- ter public house for thrm to stop at cannot be found in this, or any city. The t\merinaii Hotel is Agricultural Head Qnartnrs ; and well it may be. Go where you will about this csta'dishment, and you recognise at once that good order, good ta'ite, and good sense, so agreeable to everv intrliigent farmer. Mr. B. is master of every thiog pertaining to the word com0Jt, D, L, 34 GENESEE FARMER. Mar. 1845 THE STUDY OF AGRICULTURE. Extracts from an unpublished IVork. MINERALS AND ROCKS. Every part of the globe which is not animal nor vegetable, including air and water, is regarded as mineral. The term " rock,'' in popular language, embraces only the solid part of the earth : but in geological language it includes all loose materials, such as soil, clay, gravel, and loam. Taken a's a whole, the earth is about five times heavier than water, and two and a half times heavier than common rocks. The density of the globe in- creases from the surface to the centre. At the depth of 34 miles, air would become as heavy as water, and at the depth of 362 miles water would become as heavy as quicksilver. At the centre of the earth, stcel'would be compressed to one-fourth, and a stone into one-eighth of its bulk at the surface. The rocks which compose the globe are divided into two great classes — stratified and unstrati- riEi) rocks. The latter are supposed to have been a melted mass, which, on cooling, formed a very hard, crys- talline rock, like granite. Such rocks are of great and unknown thickness, and without stratification. All rocks formed in water are stratified, or deposit- ed in regular masses, usually on nearly parallel planes, varying in thickness from that of paper to many yards. Although, as a general rule, the lines of stratification are parallel, or nearly so, they often converge in one direction, and of course diverge in the opposite direction, giving the strata, or layers of rock, a wedge-like form. It is believed by geologists, that the globe was once in a liquid, if not gaseous state. Its shape is precisely what a fluid would assume — an " oblate spheroid" — if it revolved on its axis with the known velocity of the earth. It is 36 miles farther through at the equator than at the poles. The crystalline. form of all the rocks that lie below those that have been deposited and stratified in water, furnishes Btrong presumptive evidence that these ancient rocks" called " primitive" and " granite," were crys- tallized by the cooling of a liquid mass, just as wa- ter is crystallized when frozen into solid ice by re- ducing its temperature below 32 degrees. If we admit that the now solid crust of the earth was once a melted mass, it is obvious that water must have existed in a state of vapor, or in the form of simple gases — that is, in oxygen and hydrogen gases. These are very light, and invisible, like com- mon air. Many other substances beside water — particularly carbon, the substance that burns in wood, coal, oil and tallow, snlphur, phosphorus, and other combustibles — would have existed only in the vastly expanded and intensely heated atmosphere. After the globe had cooled sufficiently to permit vapor to condense into water, and form an ocean around the earth, it would seem that all the carhon that now lies in coal-beds over much of the surface of the planet, and in the carbonic acid which is com- bined with immense and unknown quantities of lime rock, often some thousands of feet in thickness, and of vast extent — must all have been in a gaseous state. It is obvious, that an atmosphere thus loaded with carbon, sulphur, and other poisonous gases, could not support any of the higher order of animals, or more perfect plants. The way in which this bad at- mosphere was purified, and a barren granite rock rendered the fit habitation for the highest class of animals, with man at their head, is worthy of con- sideration. * * « * There can be little doubt that internal heat, deep in the bowels of the earth, elevates more or less fre- quently, and to a greater or less extent, large sec- tions or tracts of the earth's smface. By this means islands, mountains, and whole continents may, in the course of ages, be raised by slow upheavings from the bottom of the deep sea. Mountains several miles above the level of the ocean are very common; and some of them are composed, in part, of rocks many thousand feet in thickness, having the remains of marine animals imbedded in them, showing that these rocks were deposited in water, and entombed living animals in their once-soft mass. Marine shells are often found miles above the present level of the sea. Either the ocean must have fallen some eight or ten thousand feet over its whole surface, or these fossiliferous rocks must have been elevated from the bed of an ocean where they were formed. The latter supposition is doubtless the true one. De la Beche estimates the average height of dry land above the ocean at two miles. The average depth of the ocean is thought to be not far from two and a half miles. As nearly three-fourths of the earth's surface is covered with water, it follows, from the above facts, that aM the land above the level of the ocean might be washed by rains antl rivers in- to the sea, and not half, or more than half, fill it up. The repeated upheaval, and sinlcing down of ditFer- ent portions of the earth's crust, have subjected ev- ery part of our planet to elevation into dry land — islands and continents — and depression into the bed of an ocean, ORGANIC structure AND FUNCTIONS OF CUIiTI- VATED PLANTS. To the practical farmer and gardener, plants may be regarded as machines, which transform the raw materials of grain, roots, hay, flax, hemp, tobacco, and cotton, into those valuable products. Hitherto we have studied the geological and chemical charac- ter of plants and animals as they exist in rocks, in soil, in u-aier, and in the atmosphere. We have now to study them when subject to the control of new laws, which break up previous chem- ical combinations, and form peculiar compounds, un- like any inorganic product, and without which all animal life would speedily become extinct. Regard- ing a cultivated plant as a living machine, which, if properly tended, will change stone and dirt into bread and honey, aside from the interest of the subject aa a matter of science, we should investigate the struc- ture of this curious machine, and the /miction or of- fice performed by every part, that it may operate at all times to the very best advantage. In treating of the organic structure of plants, with reference not to their botanical character, but to increase their quantity, and improve their (]uality by judicious culture, they maybe divided into Roots, Stems, and Leaves. ROOTS THETR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS. When a seed is made to sprout, the part of the new living being which is firs^ developed, and buista the membrane that incloses the seed, is called the radicle, or root. This shoots downward, as if in search of nourishment from its parent earth. Con- nected with the radicle, a portion of the infant plant shoots upward, as if in search of the light and heat Vol. 6. GENESEl! FARMER. 35 of the sun. This is called the plume, or plumula, from which leaves are developed, and the trunk; or stem, is formed. The roots of plants are only the prolongation of the woody fibres and bark of the stem into the earth. The inner bark is called the coriich; and the outer the epidermis. Both of these membranous cover- ings of plants extend over all their roots, and are perforated by innumerable pores, called spongioles, or little sponges. The woody portion of roots is also very porous and spongy, so as to permit the easy ingress and egress of water, or sap. All new roots put forth have their origin in the alburnum, or white sap-wood, that surrounds the hca rl-icood, as it is called in forest trees. It is through the numerous tubes or vessels in the sap- wood, which extend from the roots to the leaves of plants, that all liquids pass up to the latter organs. These liquids descend in vessels that lie in the cor- ticle, or inner bark. The obvious function of roots is to imbibe liquid nourishment from the soil, that it may pass up and supply, in part at least, the wants of the living be- ing. It is a question of considerable importance, whether roots have the power to discriminate as to what substances they will admit as suitable food, i;nd what reject as improper or poisonous. This is still an open question. Liebig, Dumas, and Bous- singault, find reason to believe that roots act mecha- nically, like a sponge, and take in whatever sub- stances may be held in solution in the water that enters their pores. Other physiologists, of equal distinction, believe that roots are endowed with a kind of elective alfinity under ordinary circumstances, which selects what is needed to accomplish the pur- pose of nature, and cxchides matter which would t'ounteract that purpose. If the stem or root of a vegetable be placed in a vessel of water, and the quantity not large, it will all be taken up, and either decomposed to furnish al- iment to the plant, or it will be dissipated into the air from its leaves. When the supply is exhausted, the leaves and flowers wither, or dry like herbs and hay. In the summer season, and under the influ- ence of a hot sun, the leaves of corn and clover curl up, because the evaporation from their surface ex- ceeds the supply of moisture from their roots. It is probable that the circulation of a plant is most active v^hen the temperature of the atmosphere is such as to cause a free evaporation from its leaves, Vv'ithout drying them. The chill of evening, and even clouds, by checking evaporation, will enable the ascending sap to restore freshness to drooping plants without the aid of any moisture from the air. But to render their resuscitation doubly sure, nature usually condenses vapor in the form of dew, which supplies these organs, not only with water, but with carbonic acid, and otlier gases imbibed by the leaves, and used as food to nourish plants. If a few leaves on a growing plant be bent over, EO that they may be placed under a tumbler inverted, and full of w'ater, and the leaves thus fixed, be expo- sed to the direct rays of the sun, bubbles of gas will be seen to form on the leaves, and gradually rise and collect in the bottom of the tumbler. If this gas be examined, it will be found to be pure oxygen. If the water contain carbonic acid, it will gradu- ally disapijear, and an equal bulk of pure oxygen will be left in its place. This demonstrates the important fact, that leaves, when subjected to the direct rays of the sun, have the power to decompose a compound of carbon and oxygen, which is always formed hy the bur ning, fer-- menting, and rotting of vegetables, and by the /-ce- piration of all animals. As carbonic acid exists in immense quantities in stratified rocks, particularly limestone and magnesia, it may be regarded as a mineral substance. Its im- portant constituent — carbon— forms about 60 per cent., and sometimes 90, of mineral coal. While there are many situations, or operations in nature, in which carbon and oxygen unite to form carbonic acid, it is worthy of note that this compound is no where decomposed except in the organic laboratory of plants, and that by the action of the light of tho sun. Both its carbon and oxygen are indispensable ingredients in building up the bodies of all animals ; but not one of them can decompose either carbonic acid or water, and thus obtain the carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen necessary to form animal fat and mus- cle. Plants alone have this power. It sometimes happens that the quantity of oxygen given oflT from leaves is less than the quantity im- bibed in the carbonic acid. This fact is accounted for by the analysis of the plant, which shows that a portion of the oxygen has entered into the compo- sition of the organic substances of the vegetable. On the other hand, Sprengel has demonstrated, that when plants arc watered with liquids containing car- bonic, sulphuric, or nitric acid, the quantity of oxy- gen given off" by the leaves is greater than that im- bibed from the air. Thus demonstrating, that those acids, when taken in by the roots, are decomposed ; and as the excess of sulphur does not escape by the leaves, nor remain in the plant, it is inferred that it must make its exit from the plant by its roots. " AMERICAN QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE." Under the above name Prof. Emmons, of Albany, and Dr. Prime, of Newburgh, have commenced the publication of a handsome Quarterly of 200 pages, for the purpose of bringing to the aid of practical agriculture more science than has hitherto been done in this country. We hope that their eftbrts in this laudable enterprise will be crowned with success. There is enough of scientific attainment already de- voted to the profession of agriculture to sustain a work of this character, if it can be placed under the inspection of all who will feel an interest in reading its pages. To medical gentlemen, who are more or less engaged in rural pursuits, and to all that have studied the sciences of geology, chemistry, vegetable and animal physiology, this Quarterly will be of great value, while common, plain farmers will also find in it much to interest and instruct them. Its leading article, " On the Food of Plants," is a well-written essay from the pen of Dr. ITun. He follows the theory of Liebig, Dumas, and Boussain- ganlt. Dr. H. has somehow fallen into the common error of regarding the "salts of soda, potash, ah':- mina, silex, and other earthy and saline matters," as " not forming any part of the organized tissues of plants." He says, " they are simply deposited in these tissues, and are called the inorganic constitu- ents of plants." On the contrary, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are regarded as organic ele- ments", whether organized in plants and aniniah, or in the form of carbonic acid, vapor, and ammonia, in the air. This arrangement is not only not true to nature, but it dcfctroys all distinction between unor- ganized carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, 30 GENESEE FARMER. Mar. 1845 and these simple elementary bodies alter they have been organized, to make up the principal bulk and Bvibstance of all plants ami animals. When soda, potash, iron, or lime form a part of lean meat, skin, or of any animal or vegetable tis- sue, they are as much organized or organic bodies as the carbon, water, or nitrogen which enter into the composition of the same tissues. Unorganized ox- ygen and hydrogen united in the form of water, are quite as much mineral matter as the chlorine and so- dium which may be dissolved in such water. All the elementary substances required by nature to form a perfect plant, exist in a crude, unorganized etate, and are then alike inorganic bodies. So, too, when nature combines these inorganic bodies into an organized being, whether vegetable or animal, they are all alike organized substances. Fermenta- tion, respiration, rotting, and combustion, disorgan- ize the compounds of carbon, oxygen, h}'drogen, and nitrogen, quite as much as those of soda, potash, al- umina, and eilex. Plants alone, while acted on by a due degree of heal, light, and moisture, have the power to reorgan- ize crude mineral matter, whether drawn from the earth or atmosphere. Decompose any organic sub- stance, whether animal or vegetable, into its simple chemical compounds, like water, carbonic acid, and ammonia, and no animal can live on, or reorganize its living tissues from these inorganic bodies. The foundation of all rational agriculture rests on a knowledge of the constituents of cultivated plants, and on a knowledge of the circumstances necessary to enable seeds, buds, and roots to multiply them- selves to the largest extent at the least cost in labor and in land. To obtain this information, every farm- er should study the science, as well as practice the art of his noble calling. As a means of disseminating this invaluable scien- tific knowledge, we commend the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture to the favor of the agricultural com- munity. Price $3 per annum. FOOD OF PLANTS, From the Maine Cultivator—^^ We have been very much interested in reading an address, delivered by Dr. Lee, of BnfFalo, before the Monroe County Ag. ricultural Society. He there asserts that plants — a field of wheat for instance — obtain 97 per cent, of their food, and consequently 97 per cent, of the amount of the produce is derived from the atmosphere and but 3 per cent, only obtained from the soil. How this fact is ascertained, or how it may be de- monstrated, does not appear." The editor of the Cultivator has mistaken the meaning of our remarks upon the above subject. The paragraph to which he alludes is in these words : " I regard it as one of the greatest discoveries of the age, that ahout 97 per cent, of the ingredients which make up the whole substance of wheat, rye, corn, barley, oats, peas, and beans exist in the air in inexhaustible quantities. To transmute these aeri- form bodies into the plants above named, and into grass and roots, at the smallest expense, is the object of nearly all your hard work." If 100 lbs. of wheat straw be burnt in the open air, it will leave only 3 J lbs. of ash, or earthy mat- ter ; the balance, 96| per cent., will be dissipated through the atmosphere in the form of vapor, car- bonic acid, and free nitrogen. If 100 lbs. of wheat be burnt in the same way, there will remain only 1 8-10 lbs. cf ash. Now, as 200 lbs of straw, in a good crop, will contain 100 lbs. of wheat, it follows that 300 lbs. of ripe wheat plants, dnj, will yield 8 8-10 lbs. of earthy matter, lacking only 2-lOthsof 1 per cent, in 300 lbs. of being precisely 3 per cent, of earthy matter. In what way does the 97 per cent, of our cultiva- ted plants get back from the air into cur growing crops ? When plants rot on the surface of the earth, either with or without passing through the digestive or- gans of animals, the nitrogen which t5iey contain passes into the air in the form ef ammonia, cr tf a carbonate of that volatile alkali. The carbonate of ammonia, ammonia and carbonic aci.!, pre all very soluble in water. The dews, rainr, anj sn( ws b:ing this aeriform food of vegetables down to t'le eaith, and convey it, still held in solution, '"nt » the rcota and circulation of plants. Vegetable moul ', or car- bonaceous matter in the soil, having an affin'ty for ammonia and carbonic acid, retains these vchtile el- ements around the roots of plants, and prevents, in a good degree, their speedy evaporation by the heat of the sun. No solid earthy matter can pcs.-ibly nourish any plant unless it be dissolved in ualer, so that it can enter their roots ; or be in the form of gas or vapor, so that it can enter their leaves. In answer to the question, ''How much of a field of wheat or corn comes from the air ] and how much from the soil ?" the author says — "I am not prepared to speak very confidently at present in the matter. My impression, however, is that not more than ten per cent, of corn, and twenty per cent of wheat, under the most favorable circum- stances, come from the earth." By this is meant, that when the farmer takes 100 lbs. of ripe, dry corn from his field, the soil from which it was taken has lost only 10 lbs. of its solid earthy matter ; and in the case of wheat, the soil loses only 20 lbs. of the constituents of that bread- bearing plant. This opinion is founded on many facts, which will be written out in full, and published hereafter. Suffice it to remark at this time, that a good wheat soil need not contain over 5 per cent, of those aeriform bodies— carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen— necessary to form 97 per cent, of a perfect wheat plant. To concede that 17 per cent, of those materials of which the soil contains only 5 per cent, come from the decomposition of earthy matter, is an allowance beyond the demand of rea- son, and probably beyond the truth. In addition to what nature every where furnishes ready for the use of the practical agriculturist, we are confident that the raw materials necessary to form a bushel of good wheat, in Maine or New York, need not cost to exceed 10 cents. In this state, if we should cast into the middle of the Atlantic every year the raw material ready to coin one million of half-eagles, and save all the elements of wheat, corn, and potatoes now annually wasted, we should be largely the gainers by throwing away gold, rather than human food and raiment. No human being, nor any domestic animal, can live without bones ; nor can any of our most valua- ble plants grow to maturity without the presence of phosphorus and lime, the two important elements of bono. Of lime there is no lack in the country ; but of phosphorus the supply is very small, and there are millions of acres of cultivated lands where the crops are greatly injured from the absence of this highly Vol, 6. GENESEE FARMER. 8t combustible substance. It is mainly lost in the loss of the liquid excretiopi of man and beast. It is proper to remark, in regard to the per cent- age of earthy matter in cultivated plantp, that some contain aeh^gh as 15 per cent. Timothy hay has 9 per cent. The proportion of their substance which plants derive from the atmosphere directly through their leaves, is a matter involved in too much doubt for me to give an opinion respecting it at this time. D; L. Albany, Feb. 18, 1845. HONEY-DEW. This is a term made use of by many to denote a vi.jcid saccharine substance often seen upon the leaves of plants during midsummer ; and the more general impression is, that it descends from the atmospheie, as other dew, and has an injm-ious eftect upon plants on vv^hich it falls, producing all manner of diseases, as rust, blights. Sic, fee. I would invite the atten- tion 01 such as would investigate this subject, to visit a green-house during the wmter, where the glass, being kept closed, prevents a free admission of the atmosphere perpendicularly, which might be es- sential for depositing this substance : neither, in case it could so descend, is it supposed capable of forming it at this season. In green-houses which are not often fumigated, plants often become infested with ditFerent kinds of aphis, or plant lice, which are a great nuisance, and if allowed to remain long, materially injure the plants. Where elevated plants become infested wath these in- sects, the leaves of those standing beneath them will have the same appearance that those in fields have during summer, which are said to have been the re- cipients of the honey-dew. Ants are known to be particularly fond of this excrementitious matter, and during summer may be seen ascending and de- scending such plants as are infested with differ- ent kinds of aphis — mixing with them without niilestin;:', gathering the substance from the surface of the leaves whereon it has fallen, and olten receiv- ing t directly from the extremity of the insect, as it is eje. ti3d. T'i3 h meyy-'-levv may, therefore, be considered no- th'ng mor^ mr less than matter ejected from these in ect--, 5n I will br? found most abundant vmder plants or tre'^s on which these insect feed, or in the vicin- ity of woo 's, or svvampp, from which some of t'lc Tv'inge ' va-i%tips mxko their flight. Wh'le u son th-" subject of deiv, will any of your co?respjn lent"- inf 'rm me why il is, that during the summar, in *h-^ mornings, we often sec each blade of glass orndm nt'' ! with a small pearl, or dew drop, upon its exfr. ma point, while the blade below re- mains dry, unl?s3 where the blade is upright, and the drop has increased beyond what the point can sup- port, when it descends upon the blade, or drops from the point when it recline^i. Has electricity any agency in the formation of these drops "? If so, how is vegetation infmenced by it ? N. GOODSELL. MAPLE SUGAR. We liave in hand a communication on the subject of iiJi.k'ng maple sugar, from W. S. T., which, "d- thoigh a reasomble articls, yet from its hngth we are obliged to abridge it, for the want of spac?'. He very rarn'^.itly recommends cleanlines"? in the kettles and sap-tronghs, er buck3ts, vyhich, if oil, m ist b^ well Bcaldc 1 ; ani he prefers green •■\'ooi t) dry, on account of the blaze, which is apt to burn and disco- lor the sugar. He recommends preparation to be made early, eo that the first running, which is the richest and "most valuable, may be secured ; and prefers the use ot the augur for tapping, boring from 1 J to 2 inches in depth, and no more. The spouts so made, that ia driving in they shall only pinch at the b .rk and out- er edge of the orifice, so as not to impede the flow of the sap. Care should be taken that the boiling works be placed near the centre of the sap bush ; and in the boiling process, towards the latter end, that it does not burn. If the weather be not too warm, enough sap may be boiled at once to make from 100 to 200 lbs. before sugaring — which, when commenced, should be driven on as fast as possible, till about the consistency of good molasses, when the fire should be allowed to expire. For clarifying sugar, he says, " many ingredients are used. Some use milk and sugar, beaten toge- ther ; some use nothing but cold sap. I have used them both, but prefer clear eggs alone, as being bet- ter than eggs and milk together. Cold sap is better than milk alone, from the fact, that if milk is put in before the syrup is perfectly cold, it is apt to coagu- late, and gives the sugar a bad appearance." He ad- vises, that every time the boiling-kettle is emptied of syrup, it should be well cleaned before using it again. We are obliged to W. S. T. 'for his friendly of- fers, and hope to hear from him again on other subjects. f QtJicK ^jjfcNEGAR Process. — Prepare a barrel, without heads, with netting or cross pieces of wood across the bottom ; fill it with hard-wood shavings, loosely packed, so that a current of air can pass through, and set it over a tub. Take any quantity of rectified whiskey, and mix it with from 4 to 6 times its quantity of water, and cause it to trickle slowly on the top of the shavings until it has all passed ; and so continue to pass it through until it is thoroughly converted into vinegar. It will be necessary, on first putting up the concern, to mix a small quantity of molasses with the liquor, to cause the shavings to become oxidated, after which spirits, cider, beer slops, fee, may readily be changed into vinegar in less than 24 liours. The rationale of the process is — the immense surface, of exposure to the air, whereby oxygen, on the acidifying principle is absorbed ; in comparison with the old process, wherein only one surface comes in contact with the atmosphere. A. Cor?t-Stalk Sugar. — The manufacture of sugar from corn-stalks promises to become an extensive and profitable branch of business at the West. Mr. John B:al, of New Harmony, Indiana, has made 395 lbs. of good sugar this season, from the corn-stalks that grew on three-quarters of an acre. This is at the rate of 500 lbs. to the acre. His ])lan is thus briefly n-^ticed in the Cleveland Herald ; " When the ears begin to form, they are pulled off. When the leaves are dead about half way up, the stalk is strip- oed of loaves, cut up at the ro it, the top cut off, and then ground in a sugnr-mill. Twenty stalks Vv'ill yield about one pcmd of sugar. Mr. B. made SOlbs. in a day, v/ith a simple apparatus of his own con- struction. 500 Ib^. at 4 cents per lb. is ^20 per acre. It w^ ill hT.ve proiur-^l — say fifty bushels of corn, at 25c-^nts. ^If!. — .iw,. Fanner, S8 GENESEE PARMER. Mar. 1845 CORN FODDER. Mr. Editor, — One evidence of improvement in ao[ricultiire is the almost universal use of corn- stalks for fodder ; it being as rare now to see a field of stalks left to be run over and trampled under foot by cattle, as it was, before the establishment of ag- ricultural societies and agricultural newspapers, to see a field of corn cut up by the roots, and housed in good order for winter feeding. Many farmers are now beginning to find, that corn can be cultivated exclusively for fodder, cheaper than they can raise other feed. But there is an error very prevalent in regard to the best method of cultivation — I allude to sowing it broadcast. Farmers are so much in the habit of sowing all crops broadcast, that the subject of drilling-in crops has received but little at- tention. We reason, that because labor is high and land cheap, therefore we cannot afford the time and expense of drilling, but must use more land and get lighter crops. As I have had some experience in cultivating corn fodder, I think I can make it appear that the drill system of culture is the cheapest. Lands to produce corn for any purpose should be highly manured — and of course they will be very subject to weeds. Corn cultivated in hills is usually very much injured by weeds ; but very much more so when sown broadcast. Other spring grains are put in the ground so early, that they get the start of weeds ; but by the time corn is planted, vegetation is rapid, and if it has to run an even race with weeds, they are sure to come off victorious. In getting the seed into the ground, sowing broadcast is the most expeditious ; but this advantage is greatly overba- lanced in harvesting and curing the Crops. Corn fodder is the most difficult to cure of any crop within my knowledge. When we recollect, that from 800 to 1000 lbs. of syrup, boiled sufTiciently to grain into sugar, has been obtained from one acre of stalks, we shall realize that stalks contain an abundance of sap. The following method of cultivation I have prac- ticed with good success : Prepare the land as usual for corn ; mark off the drills, 3 feet apart, north and south, so as to admit the noon-day sun between the rows. Let the corn be dropped in the drills so as to have at least one kernel in every two inches. Two bushels of seed should be used to the acre, and there is not much danger of getting the corn too thickly in the drills. They should be covered by drawing the earth from each side of the drill with a hoe. As soon as the rows ca» be distinguished, they should be plastered, cultivated, and hoed. A skillful hand with a cultivator will perform the aftei'-culture, as the corn will grow so rapidly as to soon cover the ground, and prevent the growth of v/eeds. It should be cut as soon as it gets iis growth, and before frosts. The best method is to use a common corn- cutter, laying the stalks upon the ground in small bunches, and when wilted, binding them in small bundles, and stacking them in the usual manner of stacking corn. From seven to nine bundles placed in a stack, and bound around the top, will cure well. The stacks will need to stand a long time in good weather to be thoroughly cured : and after all, they will almost assuredly heat in the mow, and become mouldy, unless well salted. Of their value as food for stock I need not speak, as horses, cattle, or sheep will discuss that matter to your entire satisfaction, provided you place them within reach. The great difficulty with corn sown broadcast is in the harvesting and curing. I knew a crop on rich land, which grew about seven feet high, and the stalks were so limber as to scarcely bear their own weight. It had to be cut with a sickle, which was a slow, tedious process. If they can be mowed ot cradled, there is still much danger of their^becorning spoiled before they can be cured ; and there is no safe manner of curing them ejicept by stackingi Farmers will at once perceive that ihcv are much more readily bound and stacked when in drills, and cut with a sickle or corn cutter, than when scattered ove? the whole surface. There is another use for corn sown for fodder, which is practiced by some farmers near Boston — ■- viz,, for soiling — and it is represented as a crop equal to any of the articles used in England for that pur- pose. If, instead of trying to introduce foreign ar- ticles, of which we are entirely unacquainted, we should try experiments in using corn, we should probably find our account in it. We know it is con- genial to our climate, and will afford wholesome food for man and beast. Yours, MYRON ADAMS. East Hloomfield, Jan., 1845. CORN-COB MEAL— INQUIRY. Mr. Editor, — Allow me to express the grateful feeling of a tiller of the soil, that we ha^-e so easy and direct a channel through which useful knov/- ledge may flow to our understandings, as is presented in the "Farmer." This I take to be the legitimate channel to which we of Western New York are to look for the opinions and experience of those who, in their agricultural practice and researches, have gone before us, or stand above us ; and when we fail to find in this channel that which is calculated to aid us in coming to right conclusions, and set- tling upon right grounds^ any interesting and impor- tant question which may be agitating our own minds, and which is material in its effects upon the profits of cultivation or the economy of feeding, I consid- er it perfectly apropos to invite those who maybe in possession of the knowledge which we desire, to throw it into the channel, and let it come down to us. And it is with a view to elicit facts, both scien- tific and experimental, on a subject which I consider of great importance to the farmer, especially of Western New York, that I beg to be allowed to propound a single question ; hoping that they who have understanding in the matter will not vrithhold it : viz.. What is the influence, or relative value, of corn cobs as food for domestic animals ; and to what kind of stock can it be most profitably applied, if to any ? I add " if to any," because the term " most profitable" implies that the cob may be fed to some kinds of stock with profit — a proposition which I suppose some will not acknowledge as true. I am aware that this question has its advocates pro and con ; and while one says that the cob, ground up wiih the corn, is worth as much as the same bulk in oats— another says, it is worth no more than so much saw-dust, and all the good it does the animal is in simply distending the stomach ; and again, a third puts in his plea that neither are correct, and says, that if you take the cob in its juicy state,(that is, before the corn gets thoroughly seasoned,) you will find that it contains much nutrition, but after the corn in the ear becomes fully dry and hard, the cob be- comes hard of digestion, and is no longer fit to enter the stomach of any animal. Not being competent to analyze the cob, I cannot Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 39 reconcile these conflicting opinions, nor decide which should be entertained. If the first be correct, how much valuable food is annually lost, and how impor- tant that we, as farmers, be immediately set right; but if, en the other hand, the substance is useless, or posi* tively injurious, how important still that we have wisdom on the subject, and not abuse the creatures committed to our care. In the early part of last summer, I had as a tra- veling companion, for a day or two, a gentleman from Ohio, of apparently much intelligence and ex- perience as a feeder, particularly of horses ; and, in talldng upon this subject, he said that he had fed cob meal until he had become satisfied that, to a horse in health it was decidedly injurious — to use his own ex- pression, it made their hair stand the other way. He thought the cob possessed of a medicinal qual- ity, which in certain cases might be useful. A neighbor of mine, last fall, carried to one of the city mills, and got ground, a quantity of ears of corn, in all ten bushels, which he fed to a cow designed for his family beef. He w^as well satisfied with the re- sult, and thought it a matter of much economy. He paid 4 cents per bushel for grinding — 40 cents, the price of a bushel of corn. So we sec it costs just as much to grind a bushel of cobs as it does to grind a bushel of corn. Now, if it is economy to carry cobs to a mill, and pay 4 cents per bushel to have them ground, (and it certainly is, if the first of the above theories is correct,) — if they are valuable in one state, and not in another— or if they are good for cattle, while they are injurious to horses — in short, Avhatever truth is in the case, I for one shall be glad to have it plainly shown ; and I shall keep my eye upon the channel, and seize with avidity up- on any thing that reflects upon the point at issue. Yours, kc. PENFIELD. Jan. 20, 1845, (C^ Some remarks on the above will be given in our April number. A PLEA FOR BOOK FARMING. Mr. Editor, — Strange as it may seem, when the nubeliever seeks for arguments to disprove the truths of our blessed religion, he neither goes to the Pagan iTiythology,to the monstrousHindoo superstitions,nor to the gross and self-indulgent code of morals incul- cated by the Arabian prophet ; but he is invariably driven to the lame alternative of judging Christian- ity by those very institutions and morals which Christianity itself has set up — thus unconsciously setting his own seal to the very truths which he, in his proud self-blindness, attempts to refute. So with the ecofler at Book Fanning. How often does the poor bMnd, bookless farmer, insist that there can be no improvement on his mode of manuring and culture. Ask him how he manures his fields, and he will unconsciously betray the fact, that he pur- sues those very improvements which that prince of agricultural science, the great Tull, labored half his life to bring to the conception of the dull prejudiced mind of the English farmer. Until TuU's day, 1740, it was the practice of the farmer to take ancient customs as an infallible rule of practice — nothing was investigated, nothing was improved ! The age of human progress had indeed commenced, but as yet it had shod little light on agricultural science. Such is the isolated life of the farmer, that he is ge- nerally the last in the social circle to be benefited by the progress of light and knowledge. I have of- ten thought, when conversing with a farmer, tiiat his prejudices were the more obdurate and unyield- ing from the lack of that daily collision with his fel- lows, without which the mind of man is continually prone to a narrow-minded, hopeless egotism. In less than ten years after Tull had forced upon the mind of the English farmer the idea of theoret- ical agriculture, Mr. Bakeweil commenced those ex- periments upon breeding, based upon natural prin- ciples, and a patient observation of the nature and physical organization of the animals he wished to improve ; thus, the sheep which he introduced, and others have since improved, are capable of being fat- ted at about half the age required by the old, stunted breed. The same improvements have been made in swine, and other farm stock, until even in our own land we have hardly a farmer, however besotted his prejudices against agricultural progress, who has not inadvertently mixed the blood of his long-nosed, land-pike breed of hogs with that of the more comely improved animal : like the old schoolmaster in Guy Mannering, whose obdurate habits v/ould not permit him to exchange his old, greasy, thread- bare suit for a better, until it was abstracted from his bed-side at night, when he unconsciously donned the new suit left in its place ! Hov/ it strikes at my life when I hear a farmer complain of his hard condition — the deterioration of his crops — the high price of labor — the low price of his produce, &c., kc. The effect upon the minds of his growing children is most disastrous ; so far from teaching them to like and to learn that which cannot fail to improve and exalt his noble calling, it only leads them into the most fatal en-ors in relation to that which constituted both the pecuniary success and the true independence and respectability of life ? When I see a boy, fresh from tho farm, fatally in- stalled into a law olfice, I cannot but reflect upon what Junius has said about the soul-destroying in- fluence incidental to the legal profession. When I see him behind the counter of a village store, I can only apply to him the soliloquy of Cardinal Wolsey: This is tho end of all thy greatness ! Here falsehood and meanness have a precocious be- ginning, even before the end of adolescence ; as his manhood develops, so does his knowledge of the tricks of trade. Like the ill-fated, demoralized, and demoralizing gambler, who has converted his wealth to mischief ; so does this farmer's son go down to the grave, a bankrupt in mind, reputation, and es- tate : without the proud satisfaction of having made one blade of grass grow, or of leaving behind him a single, solitary example of true, exalted morality, for the benefit of his race ! Let me, then, admonish the farmer to beware how he belittles his own calling to the ears of his sons and daughters. Let him give them the best educa- tion in his power, both physical, moral, and religious. In no instance may he utter in their presence the vulgar, exploded notion, that hook learning is only necessary to the professional man. If his own tastes are unhappily perverted, by his early defective education — if he " cannot teach and will not learn," let him, then, reflect the more on the responsibility he incurred when he became a father, and the duty he now owes to his own ofispring. If he does not himself know, and cannot or will not comprehend, how one acre of arable land may be made to produce, with a little more expense, twice or even thrice the usual crop — if, by growing a green crop instead of exposing his fallow land to the rays of an American sun, his'^soil inspires, instead of expiring, carbon and 40 GENESEE FARMER. Mr A. 1845 ammonia — let him not prevent his children from leai-ning that which he will not learn, and from Sv-e- ino- ihat v liich he has neither eyes to see nor heaJ to comprehend. S. W. SUBSOIL PLOWING. Col. Sherwood, of Auhurn, made use of the sub- soil plow the past season on fifteen acres. A part of the subsoiled land was planted to corn, and a part sown with wbr^at in the fall. The soil was loamy, and the subsoil oard cby and gravel. He used the subsoil plow of Ruggles, Nourse k, M;ison. ^ It re- quired lour oxen to draw it : and to woik to the best advantage, at the depth it was run in this case, which was one foot, Col. Sherwood thinks there ought to be six oxen. The team worked over from anlicre to an acre and a quarter a day. The ground had not been plowed for thirty years. It W"as natu- rally w^et, so much so, that in a wot time the water would stand on it to the injury of the grass. The effect of the subsoili ig was, to render the soil and subsoil so friable, that the water immediately found its way through : and though a portion of the past season w'as very wet. the water at no time remained on or so near the surface as to do the least damage to the crop. That part which was put to corn was first plant jd on the 20th of May, but the seed failed, and it was planted again on the last day of May and first day of June, and grew so vigorously, that it got ripe as soon, as other corn in the neighborhood. Sev- eral strips, of 20 to 30 feet wide, were left through the field not subsoiled. The ditference in favor of the subsoiled portion was very obvious, in the ranker growth and larger size of the corn on that part — it was so plain, that it might be seen to a row. The different portions were not measured separately at harvest-time. The effect of subsoiling on the wheat crop cannot be told at present. — CuUivaior. discovery that the science, of nature (chemittry) is eminently and necessarily applicable to the art of hu- man existence — farming. I say, it is the backward- ness and infancy of science, not the ignorance of farmers, that deserves reflection." — JVew England Former. SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE. A spirited waiter in the London Agricultural Ga- zette, in speaking oj' the comparatively slow prog- ress of improvement in agriculture since the days wh^n *■ Adam delved and Eve spun," up to the pres- ent time, says, the scientific world is responsible for the backward state of agriculture compared with other arts, and that farmers are not altogether culpa- ble for their ignorance respecting the scientific prin- ciples of their pursuit, since those who alone had the power, and whose province it was to give them light, did not diffuse it for their benefit, ( if indeed they had discovered it,) till the example was set by the immortal Davy. Now, however, the writer thinks the farmers are promised the needed light of science, and being made familiar with its doctrines and its terms. Thus he says : " What if Farmer Dobson did think; Inst year, that jlmmo-nia was the name of a gentleman's daugh- ter 1 lie knows better this year ; and next A^ear we shall hear of his putting sulphuric acid or gypsum on his dunghill, to seize this fair lady as she tlies. Why should ho be expected to be a ready-made chemist ? When he was a boy, chemistry was scarcely born. He had no eiucation in chemistry. How should h*^ know it h^^i any thins" to do with farming 1 He is not to be blamed f')r his ignora^^ce in this matter. The blame, if anywhere, lies with those who a Ivance it— namely, with the scientific worH, who have al- lowo1 the ph^'sicnl world to jr-ow nearly six th'^n- eand years oU, and have only just made the notable How TO MAKE A COiS'TRART HoRSB GO AT TOUR Bidding. — A neighbor of mine once told me, that he bought one of those ill-tempered horses so often to be found, and, a day or two after the purchase, he took him to the woods to draw a load of fuel. Hav- ing placed a reasonable load on the sled, he bade him go ; but no, he would not start an inch. After ev- ery fair method had been tried to induce him to start, all to no purpose— (he only exhibited feats of ill temper- — snorting, leaning, dancing, backing, rearing up, &c.) — he very securely tied him to a sapling, and left him to his will. At noon he was tried again, but to no better purpose. He was then left till night : still he had no mind to go. He was now left over night : by this time he felt quite willing to move, whicb very kindly he did, with his load. His master then put him in the stable, rubbed him down, and gave him a good breakfast. I was told, he never after refused to move at his master's bidding. This was rather a severe chastisement, but perhaps it was the only way he could be cured of his contrary will. Probably if this horse had been properly treated when young, he might never have needed such se-* verity.— -.Ifoss. Ploughman. Statistics of Poultry, — According to the re- turns made by the census of 1840, the aggregate amount of capital invested in the United States in this branch of domestic industry is very great. The amount in the various states and territories is as follows : Maine $124.17^ Kentucky f53fi,439 Now Hainpehire 97,&62 Tennessee 681,53-1 Vermont n6,437 Louisiana 273,314 Massachusetts 5-)0,-i95 Mi.«si3sippi 309,481 Rhode Island 61 402 Alabama 8-29,2a0 Connecticut 176,&!i9| Missouri , 230 283 New York 2,373,029 Indiana .393,223 NewJersey 412,487 Illinois 330,908 Penn«.vlvania 1,033,172 Michigan 82,730 Delaware 47,405 Arkansas 93,r}4f orth rarolina ."544 12" South Carolina 590,594 Georgia 473,158 Ohio 734,931 Wisconsin 16,167 Iowa 17,101 Uislrict of Columbia... 3,092 Ti.tal S12,176,I70 If you would have your fowls lay in winter, you must feed them w^ell, procure a warm house for them, place a box containing gravel, limOy and ashes, and fresh meat two or three times a week. There is a beaut' fal circumstance connected with agricultural emulation. In many of the pursuits of life, one man gets rich by making another man poor, climbs the ladder by putting his feet on another man's shoulder — or, he builds his own building out of the fragments of his neighbor's, which he has un- dermined. This is often a crying injustice, and in- flicts many bitter mortifications, or arouses vindic- tive and tiger passions. Emulation in agricultural improvement enkindles no such baleful fires. A man can make no improvements in husbandry without at once exteniing the knowledge anl advantage of them to others. The enlargement of the capacities of the soil, and every increase of its productions, confer an immodiats benefit upon the whole com- munity. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 41 REAPING MACHINE. The advantages of this machine over all otherg are as follow : its construction is of such a nature as to allow the machine to turn right or left, on any circle that may be required — the cutter having the same motion as if moving straight forward. The easy manner in which the grain is drawn down against the cutter, by the use of an endless apron, without the danger of beating out the grain, (as is the case where reels are used for that purpose ;) also, the simpl'3 way in which the gi ain is discharged from the machine, by a man who stan.ls upon the same plat- form on which the grain falls, by the use of a sort ol rake or fork, in a proper shape for bind-'ng ; the frame extending back far enough to ailmit the horses directly in rear of the machine — which is another gr^at advantage over all machines diawn from the sill or corner. The mction of th? cntt'?r is obtained by means of internal gear, inclosed in the driving- wheels, v/hich aie made principally of cast iron — an advantage, when compared with external gearing, of 50 per cent, in the cost of the required amount of motion. It must be clearly seen, that it does away with the complications of frame-work, journals, and boxing, &€., w'lich is required to support external gearing. There are, also, farther advantages in the internal gearing — it forms the driving-wheels, and being so inclosed, cannot possibly get out of order — and, at the same time, is entirely out of the way. The cost of the machine will be about ^75. WM. H. KETCHUM, E. P. NEEDHAM. Buffalo, Feb. 1845. As far as mechanical construction and ingenuity of contrivance in its action can be judged of, without seeing its operation, we think the above machine promises well, and will be a cheap and labor-saving michine for well-cleared fields, and particularly for the western prairies. One span of horses and two men are expected to cut from 20 to 30 acres per day. — Ed. Farmer. f No man ever trusted in God but he found him fpithful , nor in his own heart but he found it false. Who-'ver has true Christianity, cannot be poor; who- ever is without it, cannot be rich. SHADE TREES. A very sensible correspondent of the " Boston Cultivator," in speaking some time ago of the party zeal evinced in tlie late campaign, and the unprofita- ble and foolish direction that was given to it in many respects, remarks, in regard to pole-raisings " Had the worthy guardians of the nation's rights who reared them, planted trees with good roots in their places, a much nobler object would have been gained than any that are now existing. Then they might have stood for ages, and furnished a beautiful object for future generations to look upon, and plea- sant shades for the children of future years to gather under. Then the hoary-headed sire might have told his children's children, as he sat down in the evening of his days, that " that tree was planted as a politi- cal emblem, in 1844." It would have been a beauti- ful theme for the men of either party to have dwelt upon, and our country would have been vastly richer in rural embellishments than it will be when these seared poles have fallen." He also recommend!-', " that the members of 'Con- gress for each party, immodiately on the convening of that body, call meetings of their party, and deter- mine forthwith what trees shall be thdr emblems for the next campaign, and oive notice thereof, with the assurance, that none will be accepted but those that shall appear the next summer full of leaf and thrifty growth." We like the suggestion very much, though we fear it is made in vain. If carried out, it would be a new and interesting feature in politics, and one from which the country would derive some benefit, to make up for the great waste of time and labor of which we have been guilty. In passing through the country last aut'.nnn, we saw farmers and their fam- I ilies engaged, with the utmost enthusiasm, in erect- [ ing poles ; while their dwellings, barn?, fences, gar- ' dens, Sic, indicated sharaefal neplect. We Vke to 1 see a proper degree of interest taken in the affairs of the nation ; but when men nerlect their own daily and legitimate pursuits, to babbb about politics and I enact absurd and unmeaning foll'es, they should re- I member, that they are doing themselves an-1 t^eir 1 country a positive injury. P. B. 42 GENESEE FARMER. Mais. 1845 REPORT OF THECOMMITTEE ON FARMS. From the Second Annual Kopurt of the Transactions of the Monroe County .'igricultiira! So':ie?*. The Committee on whom devolved the duty of examining such farms as applications were made irom the owners, in accordance with the regulations of the societ)', may be expected to make a more parti- cular and extended report than was given at the annual Cattle Show and Fair in October last, at which time some general and commendatory re- marks were made by the Committee on several farms which they visited, which were not com[)etitors ; as well as upon those that were, which did not quite come up to that point of excellence in genera!, sys- tematic management which the committee had laid dov/n as their guide. This Committee may be expected to lay down some general rules, as a criterion of what they con- ceive to be a true system of farming for a majority of the land in this county, and that manner of fenc- ing, draining, manuring, and rotation of crops, and general management, upon which they predicated their premiums ; and although some of those points are still unsettled, and some important questions still remain debatcable by our best and most experi- enced farmers, yet, to exhibit the grounds upon which they arrived at their conclusions, they " will also give their opinions.*' This Committee are decidedly of opinion, that the wheat crop, (combined with wool growing,) is the only crop, in this county, that farmers can depend upon for producing at all times ready money, at a fair remuneration for thoir labor^^especially if they are located at any great distance from market. Corn, hay, oats, potatoes, pork, fcc, cannot be depended upon as ready cash articles, to any great amount ; with the exception therefore of those farmers whose lands are not adapted to the grain crops, and are more natural to ojrass, grazing and fattening cattle may succeed well, and in some hands we know it does ; but yet, they can hardly compete with the more hilly, cheap, and broken lands of the southern and eastern parts of this state, the outlay for which is not over one quarter of the amount that our lands were purchased at. Therefore, it recurs with great force to the minds of this committee, that the wheat crop is the only one adapted to a profitable and suc- cessful course for the farmers of this western coun- try to pursue, as a main dependence to make money, pay for their farms, and gel out of debt. The committee will therefore proceed briefly to State what they consider a good, judicious, and suc- cessful system for conducting a farm, and what state of preparation and rotation of crops it is neces- sary to pursue, to come up to that point of excel- lence which should be the perfection of the art ; and those whose exertions come nearest to that course v.'ill, consequently, be the successful competitors for thoir favors. liOt a farm consisting of any number of acres, not too large-^say, for example, one hundred acres of arable land, independent of wood lands, orchard, and garden — ^l)e in the first place well fenced, if with rails, well staked and ridered ; or what is better, with corner stakes and yokes, the yokes placed at two or three rails from the top, in which case the stakes need not be set in the earth ; or what is better still, where there is a sufficiency of stones, let the fences be made with them, and it can hardly be conceived, by those unacquainted with the process, how small and inferior an article will make a good and lasting fence, merely by the plentiful use of cedar, pine, or chestnut sticks laid in crossways with the stone, al- v/ays reserving a sufficient quantity of stone to copd the wall, and form a cap, to cover and retain the whole line. Divide the whole into such sized fields as shall comport with the size of the farm, and in such a manner as will allow it always to be nearly equally divided into a three-course rotation. The fences to be clear from weeds, brambles, and shrubs, and of a sufficient height to protect against all de- predation : for there is no better opiate to induce good nature, and calm and uninterrupted sleep at night, than good strong and high fences. If there are any low or springy lands, let them be thoroughly open, or under-drained — under-draining is by far the most convenient, safe, and economical. The barns should be large, with an under^ground basement, if possible ; sheds and stables, large and roomy enough to house every hoof on the farm ; barn yards not too large, with water handy ; a pig- gery, with boiling apparatus ; and proper protection and fixtures for the sheep ; with a well-built, snug, and convenient house ; an industrious wife, not too handsome ; a lutchen and flower garden ; a well- chosen fruitery, and orchard — and that is what this Committee would consider a pretty smart chance of a beginning. Now, we would propose that there should be a flock of sheep, of a hardy, Jlne-u-ooled variety if for the fleece, or of a large-framed long- wooled variety if for the carcase- — as an indispensa- ble requisite to commence with, not only as to profit from themselves, but as an important element in wheat husbandry. A greater profit will be realized from the sale of the wool and carcase than is lost to tlic farm by the food they consume, as their manure is the perfection of food for the wheat plant, and, from its intimate division and distribution, it is in a better state to feed they ou:ig plant than any other, except, perhaps, the artificial compounds. The true v,-heat farmer should have no more cows, oxen, or horses, than are necessary to carry on the farm, and subsist the family — and those of the very best breeds. It must be very bad econoiny to be obliged alwa}^s to keep half the farm in pasture and meadow, merely for the sake of keeping a great herd of cows ; coupled with the privilege of foddering 20 or more tons of hay, and making a few pounds of butter, to sell at 8 cents per pound, the market- ing of which costs more than its produce. We would premise, that a farm, when it is right, should not have one square foot but what is arable, and capable of producing any crop put upon it ; and as nearly as convenient, always to have one-third in wheat, one-third or more in clover and grass, and one-third or less in summer crops. Now let us explain the viodus operandi : It is now spring— one- third in wheat, properly seeded ; one-third or more in meadow and pasture ; and such portion of the other third as shall be convenient fall-plowed, for summer crops, which is to be devoted to oats, corn, potatoes, bagas, wortzel, carrots, &,c. — on which is to be expended the fresh barn-yard manure made the win- ter previous, or so much as is needed, and the ba- lance composted, for dressing the summer fallow. All of the oat, corn, and potato ground, or so much as the season will admit, should be sown with wheat, after the crops come ofl' ; if any lays over, it may be sown the next spring with peas or barley, and followed with wheat. The manure which was applied to the summer crops, is now in the best possible state for produ- Vol 6, GENESEE FARMER. 43 cing- wheat, having- lost its fermentative quality, and, by rotting-, plowing-, and working, has become ■thoroughly divided and ir-ixed with the soil, and is in a better state to promote the production of the wheat berry than in any other shape that it can be applied- So much of the summer crop and enough of the ^rass in pasture to make aboii^. one-third of the ara- ble land, comes into Vv^heat each year„ This course of cropping gives but a small portion of mowilig ■iand, after providing pasturage for the sheep and neat stock ; yet, with the judicious use of the Toot ■crops, and the straw from the wheat and oats, a very small quantity of hay need be used before the first •of April, and yet the whole farm stock be kept in as ■good order as those to which is fed a ton and half per head ; by which course a great amount of land is relieved, for the grand desideratuiri of ihe v/heat crop. The meadows and part of the pasture of this year, become the summer fallow of the next ; and this year's stubble, properly seeded, becom.es the meadow and pasture of the succeeding season. This course 3''our committee consider the best, sa- fest, and most profitable, taking into consideration the importance of keeping the soil in good heart and productiveness, and in a state of improvement, ra- ther than impoverishing it. Yet there are some good and judicious farmers who, occasionally, where a field throws heavy to straw, follow v^^ith two or more crops of wheat alternately ; when clover sue ceeds well, and the ground is free fiom weeds and :?oul grasses, v/e have known this course to succeed well, even with once plowing, but it is a course, generally speaking, more to be deprecated than praised. Another course is pursued, by some of our best 'farmers, who prefer to let all the manured summer- crop land lie over to the next season, and take off a crop of barley or peas, and follow with wheat. The Committee incline to the opinion, that this ■course must neatly or -quite e?:haust and neutralize all the virtue of the previouG year's manuring, and have a tendency to keep the land in a situatioB not improved for the wheat crop, if not losing m its qua- iificutions to produce, for any length of time, a cer- tain and profitable return. Another course, pursued by equally judicious farm- ers, is to take a four-year course rotation, by allow- ing all the seeded ground to lie two full years in clo- ver. The first year it is mowed and pastured, and the second year it is mowed or pastured till about the first of June, then plastered, and at the proper time cut for clover seed ; the year after, mowed or ■pastured till the first week in Juno, when it is turn- ed under for the summer fallow, for wheat. This course, on large farms, with a heavy stock of cattle and sheep, (as it allows more hay and pasture than the three-year course,) is a very successful method: and even for those of a medium size, may suit well for some particular soils ; and perhaps in those ca- ses where the management for saving and increasing the manure is not skilfully and judiciously perform- ed, this is a safe course, if one-quarter of the arable land gives a sufficient quantity of acres in wheat: The three-year course in three divisions — Field A. 1841 • ..^. in wheat, seeded. 184-2 ...... in meadov/, pasture and summer crops. 1843-4 in wheat. The four-year course, in four divisions — Field A. 1840 • »» in wheat, seeded. 1841 ...,.■......» ..T.,.0 . in meadow and pasture. 1842 •• in meadow, clover-seed, and summer crops. 1843-4 • • .-^ •■« • • • • •» again in wheat. Eut whatever course an cnterprizing and thinking farmer may pursue, if he has a system and p'an of proceeding; and pursues it constantly, he will soon come to a result as to what process is best adapted to his soil. Without regularit)-, system, and a<;odo of rules and reasons, no -course will succeed, nor any valuable result be reached. It is said, that bad hab- its, regularly followed, are not so pernicious to the human system as an irregular and mixed course of life ; and the remark is peculiarly applicable to the arts of husbandry. We say — system ! system ! sys- tem :' aHd follow it. good or bad, and conviction must follow, by comparison with others pursuing a differ- ent course. The Committee can conceive of no better system of fanning than -that of 100 acres of arable land, (or double or treble that arnount, if you please,) of which one- third, say 33 acres, is put into wheat producing from 800 to I,OCO bushels : with 100 to 150 fine-woolcd sheep, prodircing from SQO to 600 pounds of wool, worth from 40 to 50 cents per pound; and the balance of the land in grass and summer crops, every item of vvhich should be consumed on the farm, to subsist the family, hired help, and farm, stocks, and, perhaps, to help to pay mechanics ; all the ofi'al, hay, straw, and roots, going to increase the manure heap, which, with a plentiful use of plaster and clover, will more than compensate for the wheat and wool subtracted from the soil, and sold. The Committee, in awarding their premiums, have selected those who, in the Words of their instructions, came the nearest to their standard of excellence — " reference being had to the general sj/s- icm of management, and the profit ohtained: rather than to natural advantages or expensive improve- ments. Elisiia Harmon, of Wheatland, to whom was awarded the first premium, cultivated a farm of 400 acres, 306 of which are improved ; has been settled 40 vears ; the soil a sandy loam, inclining to gravel, abundantly filled with a limestone shale ; on a part of which are beds of plaster, which are opened, and manufactured for use and sale, averaging i,9S-0 tons per year. This tract was originally ah oak opening, with gentle undulations, and is, altogether, a splen- did wheat farm. The dwelling-house, baras, and out-houses, are of a superior construction and fin- ish. He has this year over 92 acres of wheat, yield- ing over 2000 bushels — has raised an average of 50 bushels of clover-seed for the last 15 years — usually alternates his crops, by wheat one year and clover two years, but has one field that has produced wheat every other year for 15 years past, without any de- terioration of the land. Plowing commences, for the summer fallowing, on the first v/eek m June and second week in September, using his sheep and the wheat cultivator intermediately between the plowings— sows from the 12th to the 20th of Sc])- tember, 5 pecks to the acre, of pure White Flint. His stock consists of 400 sheep and 106 lambs, Saxon and Merino. His clip of wool this year was 1,600 lbs., which sold in market for 40 cents ; 7 cows, 12 horses and colts, and 30 hogs, a part of them fine Loicesters : and what particularly com- mended itself to this Committee was, over four miles of stone fence. His summer crops were 8 or 10 acres of corn and oats each, root crops, pota- toes, &0v ^10 and Vol. Transactions. 44 GENESEE FARf^IER. KIar. 1845 William Gakbutt, of Wheatland, to -whom the Committee award the credit of being- the only farm- er accountant, that they visit ;d, who kCi-t liis ac- counts of prolit and loss on every crop on his farm, and the produce and cost per acre, and tbe general result for t^ome 2ft years past. For a description of his farm, and his tVotem of farming, they propose to let him tell his o-wn story : To the Viewing Committee of the Monroe Agricultural Society. * * * * But to my own busine>s : My farm consists ef 200- acres of (harerl ai'ouiul ; but the mill-puiid overflows 10 aire.*. which is of litilo value except for pastwe in autumn and dry seasons, and 6 ;icr.'.s iire occupied with roods and yjrds; which leaves 13-1 fir cultivation. I geneiul'.y calculate, when ciicumslances will adnnt, to have 45 acies in wheat. 1-3 in barley arid oats, 15 in hoed cru'^s, 40 in pnsture, 40 for hay and clover-seed, and 30 in fallow. The g:round in- tended for the hoed crop is always in clover, if practicable, highly manured with rotted manure, and plowed ander in the fall. The barley stnbble i-s twice plowed, receives a lighl dressing of manure, and is sowed with wheat; so that about twc-tit'tlis of n'.y wheat crop are raised after summer CK0p<, the rennainder after fallow (viz., clover pas- ture;) the whole of the wheat always seeded with cloven and timothy. I aiiniMlly sow from lO' to 12" tons of plas- ter, and the two seasons past have put 4 tons, each year, or my manure in the yards. My cereral average stock has been 300 sheep, 30 hogs, 15 head of cattle, and 8 horses ; keep three good teams, and a span of nwres for breeding, and oflds-und-ends. I stable or yard all my stock in winter, and make »11 my forage into manure. 1 keep the stock in the yanls i:i the spring as long as I conveniently can, seldom turning sheep out before the Ist of May, cattle the 10th, and teim not untill >pving work is done. My inrst pasture is my fallow ; second, clover, which is intended f jr hay and seed. The cattle are wintered on corn-stalks-, straw, and roots; fiheep on chaft", straw, and shorts, nf which {feed ajinualiy from 1,000 to 2.000 Imsliels. I always endeavor to f.-ees the amount both in the expenses and income. Owing to the failure o( my clover, I have the present season more acres in wheat, more in fallow, less in hoed crops, less in grasi, and fewer sheep than usual — viz., 57 acres in wheat, 43 in fillow. 10 in barley, 10 in hoed crops, of which 2 are in potatoes, 3 roots, and 5 corn ; and 8 in oats. .Stock, 10 horses, 26 cattle, 24 hoffs. 190 old sheep, and 60 lambs. J'resent season, 4 men by the year from the middle of .Tuly ; une more for tiio si'ason ; 3 one mor th in hay and harvest, and one bv the day through wheat-cntiing. And I would fuitiici stale, that the great diirerence in my vdient crop per acre, ii the various V"ars, was morn owing to the seasons thin tn tho cuitivatinn, or the condition of the Innd to pro luce a cr.ip. The cnips nf 1833-4-5 wer - very heivy. yet the grnn d wa^ not in anv better condition than it was in 13.JG and 1337. when th crons were lig'it ; and tlie -ame may lie siiH nf 1341 and l.-J-i2 'fhe cni| of 1842 was the liahtesi I fverhnd, b -in',' (Uilv 19 bu-"he's p r acre, owiriff t') th- ru-it; fir if it hi.d not rusted, it won (1 bavi- bi'on 30 bnsliels per acre. Yours mo.t respectful y, \V1LL:;.M G.XRDUTT Jonx Ayrault, Perinton. This farm is of a natural soil for a grazing establishment, and is bet- ter adapted to gr3.i8 than for grain crops. It con- tains 300 acres, 250 of which are improved. The soil is a clayey loam; with some parts rather wet, but reclaimed by extensive under-draining. Usually has under the plow from 20 to 30 acres : the balance in pasture and meadow,- which produces on an aver- age 2 tons of hay to the acre ; composts his ma- nure, and applies it a.g a top-dres.-ing to his meadows; as also his stravx^, as it comes fron> the barn, and with great advantage — 'Cuts from (iO to 65 acres of hay, arrJ keeps his meadows lying- in grass as long as they produce Vi'eil,-witkout any rotation—- mowa off the tops of the leaves of the oats in June, to make them start out, and to assist the yoving clover — has some superior stone wall, and aH hia fences are first-rate, mostly of white cedar, high, strong, and secure. Dwelling-house, barn, and out-houses ex- cellent ; garden neat, and laid out with taste ; fruit- ery well-stocked with the best varieties ; stock, 105^ neat cattle, a part spayed heifers, and 10 calves ; buys most of his stock at two years old ; 6 yokes of working oxen, 50 sheep ; sells hia fat cattle for the Eastern mark, and is maldng extensive experiments with it, on- various crops and soils — is not prepared, as yet, to state tbe result — one field limed with 60 bushels per acre — wheat, heavy and lodged, yielded over 30 bushck per acre— one field not as clean as desirable, some chess and other foul growth — '12 acres of corn and potatoes, very fine — 40 acres of grass, a great part of which is clearr, heavy tim- othy, a part intended for market — .has 70 sheep, [not enough,] and but few neat cattle, and horses for farm use — an excellent arnl well-arranged dwelling- house and garden ; barns, outhouses, and fixtures good. The owner does things al>out right, and can- not fail of reaHzing all reasonable expectations.— Fourth premium of $4 and Vol. of Transactions.. John McGoxegal, Irondequoit. Fifth premiunx of $2 and Volume of Transactions. The Committee will close this Report with an expression of their gratitude for the kindness, good feeling, freedom, and bo.spitality with which they were in all cases received by the farmers, and their tidy, economical, and pleasant helpmates, as well as by their hardy sens and blooming daughters: and they feel to regret that they either have not the honor of holding an appointment on this Committee for life : or were not all bachelor.?, that they might have a chance fir a life est.nte, real and personal, among the fair dwellers in these rural habitations. L. B. LANG WORTHY, >. R. HARMON, .Tr., f WM. C. CORNEIX, V Committee. M. E. FATEHAM, ^ N. HAYWARD, ^ Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 46\ HORTICULTURJIL DEPABTMEMT. BV P. barry;. GARDEN AND ORCHARD— OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. Hot-Beds.— -So little is done in this respect by our reader?, that it would be nearly a waste of paper to say much in relation to it. Those who do intend to avail themselves of hot-bed culture for early vege- tables, have undoubtedly commenced, as the wea- 'ther, during the latter part of the past month, has been highly favorable. Tomatoes, Egg-Plants, Peppers, Stc, should now b(3 sown in pots, if not dene before, to be ready for planting- in the open ground. Tomato plants may be raised in pots, or boxes, in an ordinary sit- ting-room : we saw as good plants rais^ed in this way last spring as any produced in hot-bsds. Lettuce, Radishes, Cress, fcc, can be sown in cu- cumber frames, to save labor, as they will be used before they will come in the way of the vines. Brocoli, Caulijiower, and Cabbage seeds may now be sown, to be ready for planting out in their season. Scions for g'-afting should be cut this month, if not alteady done — no time is now to be lost. Be careful about cutting the best kinds only, and keep- ing correct memorandums of their names. Put them away carefully in a cool cellar, with the lower ends in earth or sand, till ready for use. Pru7iiag orchards should now be attended to, as soon as the weather is mild enough to be out. Where the heads of fruit trees have become dense with branche.-, so that ihg sun cannot penetrate Jreely, they shouid be thinned. The fruit will be jnuch larger and finer tfevored^ Use a saw, and smooth over the incisions carefully with a sharj) knife. Grape Vines, not pruned last fall, should now be pruned immediately, before the sap begins to ilow. "Without a proper pruning, a crop of grapes need not be expected. Ttansplanting of currants, gooseberries, and such plants as put forth their leaves early, should be at- tended to this month, towards the latter part, if the ground should thaw, and the weather be mild. Straivherry Beds, Bulbous Roots, &.C., that have been protecteL.', should be uncovered as soon as the weather is sufficiently warm. If you intend to graft, you should prepare your grafting-wax, and put your ifnplem.jnts in proper working order now, while you have leisure. By and by you will regret it, if you don't. See, also, that your fences are all up and in good order round your garden : if you don't, the cattle will be breaking in and destroy your beds of early vegetables, after all your trouble. Gates, too, are frequently out of or- der, causing great inconvenience, and often loss. Nothing, it strikes us, can be a stronger indication of slovenliness and bad husbandry than bad fences and gates, any where on the premises, but particu- larly around the garden or the dwelling, where neat- ness and good order ought to be manifested, if any where. Provide your Garden Seeds, the first opportunity, from a responsible source. It is a ruinous economy to take any thing that comes easiiot and cheapest. A few shillings are a 7nere nothing, in such cases. Don't sow a seed, unless you are as confident as it is possible to be that it is the very best. You should have all in readines;'^, in order that you may improve the first favorable moment to get in your first sow- ing of seeds, so that the summer will not be three- fou'ths spent before you have your family supplied abundantly with good healthy vegetables. These we consider an imp'oitant item in domestic economy. Next month we bhall say more on this subject, " FffiE^BLfGHT "—A REMEDY. We have received a communication from Mr. John Christie, Wclland Hill, St. Catharine's, C. W., in relation to the " Fire Blight," as it is terniCil, in the pear tree. He says, it may be easily discovered during the month of May or early part of June, by the top leaves and some of the outer branches turn- ing a copper color, and drooping. Trees exhibiting such symptoms of the disease, if examined, will be found to have portions cf the bark shrunk and dead. These should be at once tho- roughly stripped off, even should it be necessary to encircle the tree — guarding carefully against injur- ing the cuticle, or soft substance between the bark and the tree. After thi^ operation has been carefully performed, in a week or so new bark begins to form, and the sap resuming its natural course, the tree puts on a beautiful and healthy appearance. Should any of the branches be black or dead, they should immediately be removed below the diseased part, and the cure will be effected." Note. — Without expressing our belief whether the above cure, siigge.-ted by Mr. Christie, would be effectual, we would advise those who have valuable pear trees to examine t'rem frequently and carefully, and on the first in lication of the disease, hasten to remove the affected part. This, owing to the imperfect knowledge of the cause of the disease, is the only cure that can with confidence be recommended, without entering into vague speculation. We recollect having seen an article in the " Al- bany Cultivator" of Oct. 1844, which assumed that the "common cause of blight in pear trees is a worm, the egg of which is deposited in the branches by a small insect." He add?, that " if iron cinders or iron ore, or any other articles of iron, are placed around the roots of the tree, the insect will bid it adieu." Thus, theories and remedies multiply. Rivers' Method of adnpliiiirtliePear to Garden Culture, and indncing Early Frnitfnlnes?. During the last fifteen or tv/en^y years, the cul- ture of the pear has received more attention from pomologists in the principal horticultural districts of both Europe and America, than any other fruit, and perhaps more, indeed, than all the others united. The long years of patient, zealous investigation de- voted to this subicet by the late Dr. Van Mens, of Belgium : Knight, of England, and others, as well as'^the late R. Manning, and others, in our own country — have improved and multiplied the number of varieties to an astonishing degree — that is, if any thing could be astonishing in this age of startling progression. We have ourselves seen 60 varieties exhtbited on one table : but this is trifling, consider- ing the fact that some American nurseries enume- rate 300 sorts in their catalogue : and, including Europe and America, there are not less, and proba- bh- more, than 1,000 varieties now r-.H^vf- - 49 GENESEE FARMER. Mar. r845v About the commencement of the present century, the most extensive catalogues published in France, which then was foremost m the culture of the pear, did not exceed 180 or 190 sorts, and msst of these are now superseded by recent productions. The world may now be said to be rick in this delicious fruit, and'the great subject of inquiry and research at present seems to be, what system of culture is the best adapted to spread the benefita sf theso vast im- provements- amongst the tillers of the soil, — to place them within the reach of every man who owns a square rod of earth, and ih.!i% in the shortest period of time ? The importance of this question has, for se- veral years past, been fully appreciated in Europe ; and multitudes of experiments have been made by practical fruit-growers, with a view to discover a method of inducing early fruitfulness, and adapting them to garden culture. We have felt a deep interest in this svibject. We were aware that the great mass of the people of this country were discouraged from attempting to cultivate the }7ear ot> aecouat of the length of time it requires, usually, to bring it into a bearing state ; it being a very common sayirg. that if you do plant a pear tree, you need not expect to live to see it bear ; or, as il has been said poetically- — lie that plants pcnrs, Plants lor his heirs. This obstacle in the way of tlie general culture of the pear has, as vve have remarked, awakened a spirit of investigation on the subject, that, so far, has been attended with the most cheering success. B.ooi Pruning and Groicing 07i (Quince Stocks, after being thoroughly tested by the most skilful and practiced fruit-growers for eight or ten years,. have been found eminently successful in obviating the objections we have mentioned. A treatise on the subject, the result of eight years' careful expe- rience, by T. Rivers, of the Sawbridgeworth Nur- series, near London, was read before the London Horticultural Society in 1840, and shortly after pub- lished in Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, in this country. Mr. Rivers states, in his treatise, that he was fed to the discovery of the benefits of this system in the endeavor to test his specimen trees. His object was to confine them to a small space, and promote early fruitfulness. After resorting to several me- thods, such as planting in brick pits, plunging in large pots, fee, all of which were expensive and un- satisfactory, the idea of" frequent transplanting oc- curred to hiin, from observing that some apple trees in his nursery, that bad been removed one or two consecutive years, had " acquired a stunted and pro- lific habit, making abundance of bloom-buds, and bearing profusely." These trees, he found, had no large feeding roots, but only a mass of fibres. " It then occurred to me," he says, " if I coiild keep the roots of my pear trees in a iibrous state, by frequent removals, I should make them acquire the stunted and prolific habit I had so long observed in the ap- ples. In attempting to remove my pear trees, a se- cond thought occurred, that it would be less trouble to dig a trench round them, and cut all their roots at a certain di.-3tance from the stem: and this complete- ly ftdfilled my anticipations. I have pruned thus ra- dically for five seasons, and with the most satisfac- tory results." This is the basis of this new and im- proved mfithod of fruiting the pear. At the tun this treatise was publishe.^, it excited great interest, and since then it has been thoroughly put to the test, and the results, as far as we have been able to- learn, have been highly satisfactory. We are familiar with numerous instances where the pear is succes&fuily cultivated, aa dwarfs, on quince stocks, standing 6 feet apart, and bearing abundanlh% We cannot ssy that wc have seen root pruning fairly tested. Mj". Rivers published last summer, (1844,) in a supplfemenfrto his catalogue, some additional inform- ation on this subiect, the result of still farther expe- rience. ISs system is illustrated by engravings of the trees,, roots, and tops, trained in the several me- thods. We copy tiie anne:ied figure from " Hovey's Magazine,'" which represents a pear tree trained ia the pyramidical form, accompanied by the explana- tory Remarks cf Mr. Rivers : Tlio adjoining' cut ia &-, portiaitof a tree, of I>oii- ise Bonne, of Jersey, ta- lieti lierc in antiimn, 1843;h t!ie tree four yenrs old, six feet in heicht, grafted on. a quince stoclt, and root - j)rutied. This approaches to Hic pyramidal shape, so well adapted to i fquare appropriated to them, or in rows by fhn fides of garden walks,. The adjoining wa? one of a group, all of which were laden with fine frnit — EOi much so, tljat they re- quired to be fastened tc stui;es. It will be scmi that its roots an a mass of fibres, showing the etiects. of root - pruning. Thn- tree was taken up, that the artist n:ight give it, with its roots, exactly af- ter nature, or rather art.. The pyramidal form, isv perhaps, of ail shapes the most eilgible for pears in the open quarters, aa scarcely any pruning or their branches is required. By merely going over the- trees in June and July,, and pinching off the enda- of the side shoots to with- in two or three buds nC their base, they soon be- come well furnished with bearing shoots, and as- sume a close pyramidal' form. The height of the trees may be regulated by fancy : from six to eighS feet seems the most eligi- ble. Nothing can be more interesting than these py- ramidaV trees when in full bearioff ; indeed, they are perfectly beautiful, and their fruit, from being ful- ly c\pi« Second best do, 3 Third best do, vol Tr Best <|iiarter-acro of parsnops, S •Second best do, 3 Third best do, vol Tr (One-third of the premiums to be paid in books.) DOMESTIC ARTS, Best 10 lbs butler, in rolls, SSlSecond do, 2 vols Gen Far Second best do, vol Tr Best 10yds domestic fuUud cloth, 3 Best 20 lbs packed butter made pecond do, 2 vols Gen Far in Mayor Juue, 3 Best i-lb sewing silk, 3 Second best do, vol Trj.Second best, vol Tr Best 10 l!)s of honey, 3* Third best, 2 vols Gen Far Second best dn, 2 vols Gen Far'Cest specimen of domestic man- Best 10 lbs of maple sugar, 3. ufactnred silk, .*? Second do, 2 vols Gen Far Seci-mi best, vol Tr Best 10 yds home-made flannel, 3 Third best, 2 vols Gen Far Di.'-cretionsry premiums to be awarded to females for Rrticles of domestic manufacture, not enumerated, atcording to tUe funds of the Society. HORTICULTURAL. (Funds raited by Gardeners and AmaftUfS.) For the best twelve varieties of apples, 3 of each, §2 " second best, do, vol Tr " third best, do, 2 vols. Gen Far " best dozen p<'airB, plums, peaches, and quinces, 1 " best new seedling apple, pf ar. and peacli, each vol Tr " beet sample of graiies riiieued in the open air, 2 " second best do, vol Tr " third best do, 2 vols Gen Far " best two each of musk melons, water melons, pumpkins, sijiiaches, and egg plants, 1 Best two heads each of cauliflower and broccoli, 1 Best six each of beets, carrots, parsneps, turncps, salsify, celery, cabbages, onions, and tomatoes, each kind, 1 Best assortment of double dahlias, vol Tr and 1 Second best, vol Am Inst and I Best assortment of cut ^lowei-s, vol Tr Second best do, 1 PLOWING MATCH. To the «wncr of the team which plows one-fotirtb of an acre best wiihin CO minutes. Col Rep and 2 Second best, vo! Tr a«d a Third best, vol Am Inst and 2 Fourth best, 2 The depth of the furrow must not be less than 6 inches, and the width not less tlian 10 inches. ON FARMS. For the bcst-manag'ed farm, not less than 40 acres, reference being had to the general .system of nianagerueiit and the profits ob- tained, rather than to natural advatitagcs NURSEKIE!^, ROCilESTliK, N.Y. THR Proprietors r'-spectfnlly nnnource, that their present stock of Fruit and Ornameutai 7'rees, Shrubs, and Plants is unu- svally fine. The Collection of Fruits comprises the most esteemed American and Foreign varieties : the trees are handsome, thrifty, and of the most s.iitable age and size for successful transplanting; and being propagated with the most .scrupulous care by the proprietors them- selves, either from bearing trees in tii(^ir own grounds, or from others of undoubted correctness, can willi confidence be reconiraended as genuine. A choice collection of Pears, comprising the most esteemed Euro- pean varieties, selected by one of the proprietors jiersonally in the best nurseries of France, is also offered: they are on Quince Stocks, intended for growing in the pyramidical forni, and will bear tht! year after transplanting; they niay be planted six feet apart, and are consequently adnii ably adapted for garden culture. Over 2,000 trees of the valuidiln native apple the " Northern Spy" are yet on hand: this is gener.dly acknowledged to be one of the best T.irieties cultivated. Tlie collection of Roses is very fine, including a very choice a - sortment of Standard oi Tree Roses, 4 to C feet high : ihese are beautiful objects for lawns or borders — most of them are perj/etual, or ever-h|jr,ming. A large and splendid stock of Grccn-hovse plants, including the finest net€ varieties of Roses and Geraniums, &c., are on hand, aud are ofTered a", low pricep. Trees, Shrnb*, PHnts, &c., securely packed for transportation to any part of the country. Priceil Catalogues sent gratis to all post-paid applications. The Public are respectfully invited to visit tlie establishmeut — lo- cation, nearly opposite the iVInunt Hope Ccmctciy. All orders and coinmunioations must be addres:^ed, post-paid, to ELLWA\GER & BARRY. N.B. Scions of the '• Northern Spy" epple, and other choice va- rieties, will be liirni hed in snijll ipiantities. B. F. S.MITH & CO., FARMERS' WAREHOUSE ^ SEED STORE, No. 4. Fro.n"t-str!;et. Rochk.stkr, N. Y. BF. SMITH Radish, with several kinds of Dwarf and Early Peas, were imported by them from the long-established house of R. Winch & Son's, London. Most of the Garden Seeds were raised particularly for th-^m, by C. F. Crosman, former proprietor of the Seed Store ; ;ii;d they have no hesitation in saying, that their assortment of Seeds is as good an can be found nt any establishment in the county. \i B. F. S. & Co. have also a large assortment of PLOWS, amongst them the celebrated " Massachusetts Plow," the " Delano Plow," and Others ; Sub soil and Side-hill Plows, of different sizes. A com- plete as.sortmcnt of ools for Gardeners aiid Nurserymen. B. F. SMJH & CO. ~~ WINTER SQUASHKS, /CHOICE varieties of Winter Crook-n:;ck, Cnshaw, Valparaiso, V^ and Nutmeg Squa.^he3 ; seven year Pum|)kins, Spanish Cheese Pumpkins, &.c., for saleatthe Rochester Seed Store, B. F. SMITH & CO. POP CORN.— Twenty Bushels for sale at the Rochester Seed Store. Dec. Ist, 1844. * B. F. SMITH &. Co. The manner of u-ing this Rake is as follows: By one regular draft, or stroke, a sheaf of grain can be collected with perfect clean- iies on the bed of the swath ; preserving evenness of straw, and without the ncci:;sity of shelling the grain, as with the com- mon Rake. Wherever this Rake has been introduced, it has obtained a deci- ded preferei.ee o\er all others; and it will be found, by aiiyonegiv- ing it a fair trial, to po.-sess such 1 1' iiualed excellencies in perform- ing all the va'>ou.» operati ns of ral-.liig, and with so great a saving of iriain and l.ibor, us to make it the interest of the farmer to pos- sess them. L. STEDMAN. Rochester, (Franlfort.) " We do certify, that wo have had B. Partridge's Patent Grain Rake in use thrcuphout the past iKirvett, and found it to work extremely well. It gathers the grain much cleaner, and does the work much faster and easier lor the oj eiator; and v» e cheerfully re- comuieud it to the public as bciiii: a great labor-sa\ ir.g implement, JOHN DWIGHT, ' Saliiia, HIRAM BRINTNALL, Syracuse, GEO. H. BURGESS, Elbridge, JOHN PHILLIPS, Onondaga, CORNELIUS WOODRUFF, Lysaiidor, GEORGE S. BABCOCK, Preble, J. B. GILBERT, Preble, GEO. HOUSE. Onondaga, ISAAC BRINTNALL, Onondaga." BOARDMAN'S ROLH ESTER KLRSERY AlVD GARDEN, One mile east of the Bridge, on Main-street. THE Projirielor of this Establishment has on hand, this spring, a very e.\tensive assortment of all the choicest varieties of Ap- l>le, Peach, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Apricot, Almond, and a variety of Siiadc and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, &c. &c. The trees are very large and of fine growth. A few hundred of each kind, of extra size and beautj , will be selected for retailing, and will bear fruit in a short time. For more particular information, the public are re- ferred to the annual catalogue, which may be found at the Rochester Seed Store, or at No. ii2, Butfalo-street. Orders left at the above places, or addressed to A. C. Smith, Rochester, N.Y., post-paid, will receive prompt attention. NORTHERN SPY GRAFTS. fT^HE Subscribers offer for sale a quantity of Grafts of the above A choice fiuit, which they will wan ant to be genuine. Also, G rails of all kinds of choice Apples. BISSELL & HOOKER, (Successor toE. Boardman,) Rochester Nursery, Main-st Bj- 17,000 Apple trees for sale. COMIAN'S TOITR IN ElfROPE- NOS. 1 and 2 on hand. Subscriptions received by nie, at the corner of Buffalo and E.vchange streets. Terms — 5:5 work entire, in 10 numbers : $2 «ii subscribing ; *3on delivery of the 5ih number, JAMES H. WATTS, Rochester, March 1, 1845. Agent for Henry Colman. B.tGS ! BAGS ! BAGS 1— I have a laige slock of GRAIN BAGS on hand, such as Farmers and Millers will want ; and will be glad to exhibit them for sale at less prices than they have ever been sold in Western New York. To be found at the well-known Hardware Store of E. Watts, 3, corner of Exchange and Buftalo streets. March 1, 1845. JAMES H. WATTS. ' SAP BUCKETS. WE are now manufacturing, and have constantly on hand, a largo quantity of Sap Buckets, which we will sell cheap. Farmers, iind others wishing to purcliase, .ire invited to call at our PAIL FACTORY, on Mill-street, at the lower end of Brown's Rai;', next iloor to Smith &. Alcott's Mill, in the Hydraulic Build- ing.'!. Our Buckets are in;»dc of first-rate Pine stuff, and warranted to be well seasoned. Also, Pails, (Cheese-tubs, Keelers, Pine and Oak Churns, &c., &e. ; for sale wholesiale and retail. Rochester, I9lh of 10th mo., '44. jaSra. 1. BUNKER & CO. VOL. VI. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. APRIL, 1845. NO. 4. PUBLISHED MONTHLY. BY B. F. SMITH 8l CO, PROPRIETORS, At the Seed Store, No. 4, Front Street, near Buffalo St. DANIEL LEE, EDITOR, Among the Correspondents are — -ii. B. Langwor- THY, N. GooDSEM,, Prof. C. Dewky, T. C. Peters, li. Wetherell, P. Barry, and T. H. Hyatt. FIFTY CKiVT.S A YEAR: Fire copies for Two Doli.ors ; Eight copies for Three Dollars. All payii.ents to be made in advance. Money and fubscriptions. by a i-e^nlation of the postmaster general, may be remitted by post masters free of expense. ^SO" Address D. F. Smith & Co. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. We ehall not be able to pnblisii, in this number, the circular of the Chemung Agricultural Society, containing Mr. A. J. Wyncoop's " Plan for Aericultural Schools ;'' and before our next publication, the Legislature will have closed its session. We can only say, that if the plan could bo carried out, as proposed by Mr. W., the agricul- tural regions of this world would become terrestrial Paradises, and a sXxit" of society, of knowledge, and of improvements would exist, as near j)erfection as we, who are of the " earth earthy," could enjoy. We onlv fear Mr. W., like many other projectors and ben- efactors of mankind, is in his views some few lustres in advance of t'le age. Wc have received from Henry O'Reilly, Esq., at Washington, a circular addressed to the proprietors of the old and worn-oul lands of Virginia, Marvland, &c., offering his assistance and views in reu- ovating the over-tasked soils of that region ; together with liis ser- vices in making sales, and introducing some of our northern enter- prising Yankees, as t'le true leaven to raise the character of those countries. Intelligent white frtc labor is the truepaKocco for that Sahara of barrenness and sterility that is spreading over these, the fairest regions of this continent. J. S. Skinner, late editor of I'lc Baltimore American, one of the oldest and most able writers on agriculture in these United States, is engaged w ith our late fellow-citizen, Mr. O'R., 151 these laudable objects. We wish them all that success which we shall not fail to lend them, whenever it is in our power. Aurora Agricultural Institute. — This institution, as will be seen in tlie advertising notice, is about going into operation. If there is sufficient intelligence, patriotism, and correct views of the dignity of labor, extant among cur farming community, to entrust some of their sons to this institution, they cannot fail of reaping a rich reward. It commends itself particularly to our sympathies and cordial good-will, by observing that it has the countenance and support of that veteran agriculturist. David Thomas, of Cayuga Co., than whom a more honebt, benevolent, and disinterested individual does lint exist, nor one imbued with more true practical knowledge and science, of »il that, appertains to the vegetable kingdom ; its structure, and its economical aud perfect developm«nt. We wish them the fruition of all their anticipations. Ellsworth's Rlpokt. — We have received this very able and laborious leport n])on the agricultural, mechanical, and scientific interests of our Union. It is a perfect encyclopajdia of the new in- ventions and discoveries m the arts and sciences in the United States; .containing, also, reports on various new productions aud new pro- cesses for producing the greatest yield of crops — experiments witli manures, and various views of thi" soils, productions, and climates of almost every part of the country, and much carious information on the recent inv. 1 Mons and patent rights of this "universal Yan- kee Hation."' It is document Ni.. 78 of the2i^ h Congress, and cim- ains 520 pages ; ani a mori- interesting volume has not issued from Ue press, within our remcmbrnnce. We have also received a>i address delivered by H. Sutton, Esq. to a farmers' club at Romulus. Although it is a well-concocted and truthful exposure of many of the fallacies of the day, abounding in every-day, common-sense views of society, and the duties of the farmer ; yet, from our limited pages, and the necessity of dividin?, it would niea.-urably s|X)il its. value. We will dispose of it as de- sired, on the tirst opiiortuiiity, or in clieap postage time, at farthest " T. n. P." The disease called Bloody Murrain, among cattle, if stubborn aud dangerous ; but if proper remedies are applied in its incipient stages, yields to proper treatment. The work spoken os cannot be had short of Albany or New Y'ork, and would be too ex- pensive to order by mail. Merchants going to New York would readily accommodate our correspondent. " W. S. T.," " Alvin Wilcox," and "A Young Farmer," have been received. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. We had intended to prepare for our paper, in a condensed form, much valuable, statistical informa- tion, and to commence with the present number. — But the somewhat onerous duties that devolve on the editor, will prevent his doing much till the ad- journmenl of the legislature. In the London Farmers' Magazine of the present month, (March) it is stated that the exports of flour, wheat, pork, and beef, from Montreal and Quebec, for the years 1843 and '44, were as follow i l)l3. Flour. bus. Wheat. bi .JPnrk. biv. Beef. 1844. 415,487 282,183 11,164 5,568 1843. 172,813 87,712 8,208 4,545 2,956 bus.Barley. 63,755 620 1,023 bus Oats 24,574 2,315 Increase 242,654 194,471 Kess Butter, bis. Oat Meal. bus. Peas. 1844. 7,680 6,725 130,355 1843. 2,829 2,777 66,984 Incr'se 4,851 4,448 63,371 63,135 22,259 These figures show a remarkable increase in the exports of 1844, as compared with those of the year before. The depth of rain w-hich fell at Harraby, near Carlisle, in England, during the year 1844, was twenty-eight and one quarter inches. This is less, by three and one fifth inches, than the average fpr the nine preceding years. The January number of the Journal of the High- land Society of the Royal Agricultural Society, contain the reports of many interesting experiments: Forty-four bushels of wheat, have been grown on an acre so poor in vegetable mould, that it contain- ed only \\ per cent. In the annual report of the Agricultural Chemis- try Association, at the head of which is Professor Johnston, of Edinburgh, it is stated that 384 analy- ses of soils, guanos, ashes of plants, oil cakes, wa- ters, &IC.J have been made. Many facts stated in 50 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 this report are interesting, and will be condensed for the Farmer. The expense of maintaining the poor in England and Wales last year, was £4,982,096. The fanners of Holland sent to Lonion, in the month of Febniary, 478 oxen and cows, and 581 pheep. Cattle sold at £14 to £20; sheep at 32s to 43s per head. Advices from Dutch ports say that 7,000 head of cattle are fattening for the game market. The news by the late arrival, is important to the agricultural and commercial interests of this country. The duty on lard and lard oil is soon to be remov- ed. This will operate greatly to the advantage of the corn-growing regions at the west; and indirect- ly, by withdrawing competition, to the benefit of N. Y. farmers. In the House of Commons, Sir Robert Peel's financial resolution passed by 208 majority. No doubt is entertained that the Premier will be able to carry out his scheme for a reduction of excises and duties. The following table exhibits the probable efTect of these reductions and abolitions of duty on the pro- d'.ice of the revenue : Estimated loss on sugar £1,300,000 Duty on cotton repealed 680,000 Duty on 430 articles in tariff 320,000 Export dutv on coal 118,000 Auction duty 250,000 Glass 642,000 Total, £3,310,000 The whole duty is to be taken off cotton, but none from tobacco. On the 4th of March, Canadian flour was quoted at 26s a 27s: and U. S. 27s a 28s free. In bond, i. e. duty unpaid, 16s a 17s. The session of parliament was opened on the 4th of February. The prominent points of the Queen's speech were a suggestion for an increase of the na- val estimates, for the purpose of .creating a steam fleet; another for enlarged educational provisions in Ireland; and a recommendation to continue the in- come tax, with a view to reductions on other taxes. Sir Robert Peel announced in the House of Com- mons, on the first night of the session, that the commissioners to arrange a new plan for the sup- pression of the slave trade, were, the Duke de Brog- lie, on the part of France, and Dr. Lushington on the part of England. Sir Robert said that no meth- od could be effectual unless supported by public o- pinion; and as public opinion in France was against the right of search, it must of necessity be abandoned. So John Bull backs out at last on the " right of search," which was more than half the matter in dispute in his war of 1812, with the United States. The wheat growers in western New York and the new states, are soon to encounter powerful compet- itors in the persons of Russian serfs, and the facili- ties of Russian railways, wielded, as they are soon to be, by science and unlimited poiver. Delay of No. 3 of Colman's Work. — Owing to indisposition, Mr. Colman had not prepared the manuscript of No. 3 of his work, to be published during the month of March, as was expected ; but if his health allowed, he was to send it by the packet of the 4th of March. So that in all of the month of April, Nos. 3 and 4 will no doubt appear. His agent at Rochester has been thus advised. GRINDING AND CRUSHING GRAINS. In answer to our correspondent, on the subject of the advantages of grinding gram for feeding ani- mals, and especially with relation to grinding Indian corn with the cob, we will give our opinion, deduced from some experience, and such reasoning on the subject as strikes us as applicable. With respect to the advantages of grinding all grains before feeding, there can hardly be a doubt. If lor the purpose of fattening, the sooner it can be performed, the sooner the return of the outlay, and sa^«ng in time and labor ; and it is almost self-evi- dent, that all assistance we can render the digestive process of the stomach, either by rendering the food fine and properly divided, and even cooking it, (for to that point it must come in the stomach before it can digest,) is aiding the aniinal economj' in the pro- cess of assimilating it into fat and muscle ; and when we take into consideration that no human or animal stomach can digest any one species of the grains until it is crushed and broken, and the imper- fect manner in which neat cattle and hogs perform that office, there cannot be indulged a rational doubt but that the grinding of grain for feeding must prove advantageous. With respect to the virtue of grinding the cob with the grain, its advantages are at present rather a matter of speculation than of well-tested ex- periment. That the cob possesses some nutritious matter there can be no doubt ; but whether in a greater degree than the same number of pounds of hay, is yet problematical. There is no vegetable matter within our knowledge that will produce the same quantity of potash in burning, from the same quantity of material ; and it consequently must be something more than '• mere pine saw-dust," and contain some of the vegetable products, sugar, gum, fcc, which are the constituents of nutriment in the great mass of the vegetable kingdom. Grain and potatoes contain starch and gluten, and bagas, beets, and other esculents and grasses, sugar and gum, or mucilage, as the principal ingredients of the nutri- tious principle. To feed cattle and horses, when ground with the cob, it has its advantages in lightening the food and distending the stomach, on the principle of using chopped hay or s/ ; or, Cheinislrj/ applied to JlffricuUure. By J. B. Boussingault, Member of the lastUuie. of France, etc." Messrs. Appleton & Co., 200, Broadway, N. Y., have conferred a great b' nefit on the agricnltura! interest of the United States, by re-publishing a London English edition of this work, which is from the pen of one of the be^;t cheni'st.^ of the ag-e. The translation is maiti by a practical agricultu- rist, who has ad ied to the text many valuable noto.^. Unlika most other authors who have written on agi'icuitnral chemistry and physi'.logy, Mors. B. is a practical farmer of hrg^ experipnce, and all his deducti ns in the lahorotiry hiv~ bnen submitted to the rigid test of practical results in the field, on a large scale. It contains more practical experience in farming operations, and more accurate scientific analyses, than can be found in any other work on the subject of rural economy. To BoussiNGAULT and Dumas are we indebted for more valuable discoveries in analytical chemistry, as applied to vegetable and animal sibstances, than to any other, if not to all other living chemists. Leibig was a pupil of theirs before he opened his re. nowned school at Geisen ; and M. Dumns, in his ^•B-larce of Organic Natun'," complains that M. L. only anticipated his instructors in publishing to the world, as his own, discoveries the honors of which were due to himself and his illustrious associate, the author of the work before us. Of the claim of M.M. Dumas and Boussingault to the honor of priority in discovery, as compared with Leibig, we know nothing. Over 100,000 copies of Leibig's works have been sold in the United States. May the work of the Frenchman have a sale equal to that of the German. —Price il.50^ Agricultural Lecturer. — We are pleased to inform the public, that the Executive Committee of the New York State Agricultural Society have made an arrangement with the Corresponding Secretary, Dr. D. Lee, [editor of the Genesee Farmer,] to make a tour through various portions of the state, for the purpose of collecting useful information, and giving occasional lectures on agricultural subjects. We have no doubt his visits will be received by the farmers with warm approbation, and that due notice only will be required to insure the attendance of large audiences to hear his lectures. Dr. Lee is at present a member of the Assembly ; and, during the session, may be addressed here on any matters per- taining to his proposed tour. — Cultivator, For the Goneseo Farmer. OBJECTIONS TO EOOK-F ARMING, Jls detailed in a Letter from an intelligent, hard- working, practical Farmer in Oneida Co., with a, Corresponding Reply to each Objection. "Old Stafflet, with his 1500 bushels of wheai, a year, at an expense of ^100, outshines Dana or Liebig." Reply. — The same farm on which Stafflet raised 1500 bushels of wheat, or 40 bushels to the acre, does not now produce, on the average, 12 bushels to the acre, notwithstanding a perfect system of al- ternating with a clover crop as manure, has been constantly pursued. '"It will not do to spend more money manuring than the crop will come to; when the Seneca coun- ty lands are worn out, go we.it and buy more.-™ What fai-mer wastes a load of manure? 1 have giv- en the straw of 18 acres, this winter, for -25 loads of manure. You say, keep stock to wn-k up the straw into manure: 3 year oli's bring but Sj^lo; this don't pay ii&2 a ton for the h-iv they eat. It costs ^] I the ton to make hay with hired hol;>." Ri^PLY. — -It is the province of book-farming to teach the tro.e ocr>nomy of manuring — to save all astless or mal-anplic^tion, ay initiating tho farmer into a knowledge of the comp, siiion and action of manures, both organic and inorganic: as also the •■>:;mT>osition and action of bl'ints. I havn read ol a farmer who a; plied (o a loo-^e granitic soil, 100 loads of gv.-amp m-ick to the acre: who can doubt but that, at least, half his labor miyfht hav'^ b'^en spared, had a little lime ashes, fcc, been api;lied to the swamp muck, with some fresh dung superadded, an i only fifty loads applied to the acre. All the time a farm- er spends m manuring a loose soil v/ith stable ma- nure, that has lost its nitrogen, and nearly all its carbon, by exposure to sun and rain, he is chopping wood with a very dull axe; ten to one his soil has already in it, quite enough dead vegetable matter, called by chemists * insoluble humus.' Had this far- mer covered up his manure and converted it into compost, with swamp muck, ashes, charcoal, plas- t.?r, k.c., th'is saving "11 the salts in the manure, and also the salts generated from the atmosphere in the progress of fermentation, who doubts but that one load of such compost, would be worth four loads of the exhausted stable manure. As to stock, I say keep no more of it than is ne- cessary to make your straw into manure. I thought that a horse made at least twice as much manure as a cow, until I stabled a cow; I now find that the latter makes as much manure as the former. In New England, a hog often pays for his keeping by the manure he makes. It is not fair, then, to say that stock leave nothing to the farmer, but the mon- ey he receives from the drover. " " I plowed under eight acres of straw on half an acre of land: it was not worth two loads of manure on my gravelly loam." Reply. — So much the more need fiave you of a little stock to work up your straw into manure.— Your land is still rich in vegetable matter: part of which might be made soluble food for plant.?, by the application of a compost rich in lirae and alkaline salts. Stable manure is rich in these salts; but they are exposed to much waste when applied direct- ly to a loose, gravcUv loam: and when the spirit has gone to the'atmosphere, the mere vegetable re- mains are of no more account, than the same weight in that straw of which you speak so disparagingly. 52 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 The advice to the Seneca Co. farmer to go west and work new lands, after he has exhausted the present soil, ont-Hcrods any thing ever prac- ticed north of Mason k, Dixon's line. If the New Eno-land farmer can thrive on his all silicious soil, by the force of his own moral and indomitable phys- ical power, with how much less expense of time and muscle, can the Seneca Co. farmer live and thrive on his calcareous alluvions. Here Nature has de- posited her inorganic treasures with no stinted hand — the subsoil of Seneca county is identical with that of the all alluvial west. A single acre of mountain detritus, covered with that evergreen laurel, whose bleached sepulchral blossoms announce the death of every other genus, would here command a high price, as a raree show, to the lovers of primitive sterility. ^^^^ S. W. For the Genesee Farmer. WINTERING STOCK— A DIALOGUE. James. Bro. Henry, I am glad to see you: for two of my cows are sick, and I do not know what is the matter with them. Let us go to the barn and see them. Henry. The cause of your cows' sickness is noth- intr but poverty. You have your cows, steers and ox- en, all together in the yard, (I ought to have said mudhole) without any shelter, or any means of feed- ing, but on the ground; and, by appearance, not much to eat; and it is a wonder that the half of them are not dead. J. Now, Henry, you are wrong when you think that my cattle have not had enough to eat; for the barn was filled as full of hay as we could cram it, ani"; you see that it is now almost empty. H. Who takes care of your cattle? J. Who fodders them, do you mean? H. Yes, and how do they do it? J. Sometimes one and sometimes another — H. And, perhaps, sometimes no one. J. That may happen sometimes, when we're busy. We take a fork, throw^ the hay out of the barn, then pitch it around the yard, at morning and night. H. And did you do it only twice a day through the severe snow storm in February? /. Certainly ; how would you have us do? H. And do you take care to make as many piles of hay as there are cattle; so that each one can have a chance? J. Why, I never thought of such a thing! Can not two eat from one heap? H. As I said before, it is really a wonder that half of your cattle are not dead: and yet you have wasted more fodder than would have made them all fat, if you had had but comfortable houses for them, and conveniences for feeding, without the fodder be- ing trodden underfoot. Then, too, your yard would have been neither a snowdrift nor a mudhole, the win- ter past, and your hay would not have been thrown around and trodden into the mud, and the cattle left to starve. But let us go and sec the calves and sheep. Have they done any better? J. Oh, yes, we bad 8 calves, and only two of them are dead: and we think there is no fear but that all of the rest will come through. H. What do you mean by coming through? J. Why, we mean that they will live through winter. H. So you think that it is doing very well, not to lose more than two out of eight? J. Yes; that is better than the most of our far- mers do. H. And how is it with your sheep? J. Pretty well; I think there are not more than twenty of them dead; are there, Joe? Joseph. Yes, father, there are over thirty. In that heavy snow storm I could not keep them alive all that I could do. H. You had the calves and sheep all together, in the field by the stack, without any shelter, and only fed twice a day through that heavy snow storm, with a little hay thrown into the snow, which is trodden under foot in five minutes. J. Like enough; but could not they have dug it out? //. No; when fodder is trodden under foot, it is lost. Your sheep and calves have wasted more hay than would have wintered twice the number well, if they had but been provided with comfortable shelter, and good racks to feed in. Come and see my stock and you will see the diiference betvi'een poor and good feeding? J, Well, brother, I will; and will come to-mor- row; so that you will not have time to slick up. H. Brother, I am glad you have come; let us go to the barn. We will first go to the cow stable : — Here are eleven head standing, all comfortable and secure from the storm and cold, each one getting its part of the feed, and none is trodden under foot or wasted. Nor are they hooking and jamming each other about; they are warm and comfortable, and do not require near so much fodder to keep them in good condition, as when they are exposed to the cold and storms of our severe winter. J. They are as slick as moles, and hog-fat; but then you rich farmers can do as you please; but we poor ones have to do as we can. H. The careless and imfeeling manner in which you have wintered your stock, is the cause of your poverty. You have lost more this winter, in waste of fodder, loss of animals, and in the wretched pov- erty of those that do live, than the whole of your summers work; and more than would have built comfortable shelter for them all: which, besides, would have prevented the cruelty of causing those poor animals to suffer so much from perishing with cold and hunger. " The merciful man is merciful to his beast;" this ought always to be remembered by the farmer. J. Brother, how you talk. Do you think that I am cruel? H. Not intentionally so; but by your carlessness to your animals, you have caused them very much suffering, besides your loss of property. Calves must be kept by themselves, and fed with the best of hav, and some roots — sheep in small fiocks, with comfortable hovels — the lambs, the ewes, the weth- ers, and the young sheep each in a flock by them- selves. They should all be fed three times a day, in good weather; and when cold and stormy, four or five times. J. What! spend so much time on our stock? — They would not pay half the expense. H. Yes, they would pay double the profit that yours have done. The better you feed your animals, and the more comfortable you can keep the-Ti, the better they will pay. And it is not so much labor as you may think: let each of your boys know what part of the stock they have to take care of, and your- self see that each one does his part aright. OL. GENESEE FARMER. 53 /. Well, Henry, I will try your plan next win- ter. But I must have some of those big- beets; — how do you raise them? //. I will let vou know tliat npxt timft. March 15, 1845. WHEATLAND. iX^ We are always pleased to hear from our Wheatland correspondent. LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTURAL MEET- INGS—BEST BREEDS OF CATTLE, &c. It is doubtless known to many of our readers, that the fi lends of ag-vicultural improvement in the legis- lature of this state have established regular weekly meetings, which are held every Thursday evening, at the Capitol, for the purpose of discussing the various subjects connected with the science and practice of agricultuie. These meetings are not confined merely to members of the legislature, but all other friends to the cause are invited to participate in their deliberations. We should judge, from the reports we have seen of their proceedings thus far, these meetings must be very interesting, and cannot be otherwise than productive of much good. Similar meetings have been, and are yet kept up at Boston and New York, and with the best results. These agricultural clubs are also much in vogue in Eng- land, where not only practical farmers join in giving the results of their experience and observation, but many of the nobility — Prince Albert, Sir Robert Peel, Earl Spencer, the Duke of Richmond, and other distinguished statesmen and land-owners — take an active part in the discussions, and in aiding onward the cause of agricultural improvement. These are certainly omens of good, to the friends of agriculture. The last of these legislative agricultural meetings of which we have seen any report, up to this present writing, (Feb. 18,) was held on the 30th ult. ; and the subject under discussion was, " What breed or breeds of cattle, are best adapted to the purposes of farmers in the state of New York ?" The Albany Argus, of the 13th Feb., gives a sketch of the de- bate on this question ; and as it is a subject of great interest to our readers, we know of no way in which the same space can be occupied in our columns to more advantage and profit than in giving an abstract of that debate : " Mr. Sotham said, he was an advocate for the Herefords. He believed they would make more flesh with the same expense than anj^ breed in the country' — that they would carry themselves to mar- ket with less loss, and that their beef would, from its superior quality, command the highest price. In se- lecting these cattle, he had done so from a convic- tion they would prove more generally useful here than any other breed in England. He had had fre- quent opportunities of examining all the breeds there, and thought he was acquainted with the pe- culiarities of each. He had been perfectly satisfied with the Herefords here ; and he only asked a fair trial for them, to satisfy others. He, however, con- sidered mere opinions as or but little consequence in regard to cattle ; he therefore proposed to have the Herefords tried on their own merits ; and for this purpose was willing to put three steers and three cows to a trial with the same number, owned at this time by one man, of any other breerl, under such re- gulations as impartial individuals should deem prop- er. He made th's public oflfer for no other purpose than to have a fair comparison made with various breeds. " Mr. Danforth, member of Assembly from Jeffer- son County, said, he began breeding with native stock; and about 16 years ago, purchased a short- horn bull of the late Matthew Bullock, of Albany, with which he very much improved his natives. ' They were more profitable by at least 20 per cent, than the old stock.' Mr, D. also crossed a Devon bull with his grade Durhams, to very good advan- tage. '•Mr. Betts, of the Assembh'^, thought the natives best : [he spoke more of the experience of hia ' neighbors* vhan of his own.] " Judge Leland, of Steuben county, said they had tried several breeds in his section — the Short-Hjrns, Herefords, and Devons had all been there. Several years ago, Mordecai Hale, Esq., who was in some way connected with the U. S. navy, sent some Her- efords into that county ; and perhaps he ought, in justice to the advocates of Herefords, to say, that they proved the most generally useful of any stock they had tried. They were very hardy, were pow- erful in the yoke, and a decided improvement on the native stock for the dairy. Comparing those Here- fords with the herd owned at this time by Messrs. Corning and Sotham, he thought the latter showed that the breed had been improved in regard to a dis- position to accumulate fat on the most valuable parts — the ' quality pieces,' as Mr. Sotham had called them ; but while this had been gained, it was a qiies- tion in his mind whether they had not lost something on the score of muscular strength and constitution. In relation to this, howeverj he only spoke of the ap- pearance of Messrs. C. and S.'s stock. " Judge L. remarked, that his experience and ob- servation had convinced him, that the native stock of this section would be improved either by the Dur- hams, Herefords, or Devons — that is, a cross from either of these made more profitable stock for gene- ral purposes. " Mr. Howard, associate editor of the Cultivator, spoke against the erroneous notion prevailing with many, that the largest animals must necessarily be the best. "Mr. H. said, he knew it was common, for peoplo who had not given much attention to the matter, to attribute excellence in animals to large size ; and he knew of no error more fatal to improvement. It had been well observed by a distinguished breeder, that large size, merely, no more indicates excellence in quadrupeds than in meii ! The best cattle, for any purpose, whether Short-Horns, Herefords, or Devons, are comparatively small-boned. " Mr. Bement had tried the Durhams, Herefords, Devons, and Ayrshires. He liked all of them ; but the latter he thought rather best adapted to his farm, which is a light sandy soil. " Mr. Stevens, of Buffalo, spoke briefly of the properties of different races ; though as the evening- was far advanced, he could only give a general no- tice of them. In general, he thought the Devons were not good milkers. Some breeders, however, had cultivated the milking property, and had obtainei Devons good for the dairy. He cited the stock of Mr. Patterson, of Maridand, (which had been ob- tained from the Earl of Leicester, and his tenant, Mr. Bloomfield,) as being of this character. The milking properties of the Short-Horns that have been brought here, as he had before said, have been various. Mr. Heaton, of Throg's Neck, Westches- ter county, imported some in 1793. They were good milkers, and a useful stock. The late Samuel 54 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 Miles Hopkins, E^q., imported some to Cayuga coun- ty, which were nUo goorl ; and taking them for all purposes, he did not know that he had evereeen bet- ter. The stock of the late Matthew Bullock were good milkers, but many of them, especially of those bred in early times, had bad constitutions — they had narrow backs and big bones. The Herefords were net formerly considered good milkers, but he thought they had been latterly improved in this respect — a Hereford having received the highest prize of the Royal . Agricultural Society in 1839, as the best cow for dairy purposes, m competition with the Dur- haras and others. He had seen the Herefords of Messrs. Corning and Sotham : and though he, (Mr. Stevens,) was a "Durham man," he must eay he liked th^m. Several of the cow^s in that herd show- ed good developments for the dairy. He could not say how the stock in general might prove in this re- spect. If, as thfiir advocates contend, they are as good as others for dairy purposes, they were certainly a valuable stock ; for he thought their properties for the yoke, and for fattening, were unquestionable." [A bull and heifer of the Hereford breed, and we believe the only specimens in Western New York, were purchased of Messrs. Corning and Sotham, of Albany, and brought on here last fall, by our towns- man, Mr. T. H. Hyatt, for his farm on Genesee- street. They aie beautiful animals, and were notice'' in the December number of the Farmer. — Ed. Far.] For tlif Geiinsee Farmer. PUBLIC CEMETERIES. •• M thi^r, 1 Jdve thy a;i'rtve! The violet, with il^ blos-oms blue and mild, Waves o't-r ihy head. When shall it wave Above thy child?" The attention now devoted to public cemeteries thro' out this country', is a cheering manifestation of incrcasiiHg good taste and public spirit in theAmerican people, and one ol the most pleasing features in the spiiit of our times. The citizens of Boston — the emporium of American literature and refinement, may be said to have taken the lead in this sacred en- terprize, by setting apart and embellishing the ex- tensive and beautiful grounds of Mount Auburn. — Their example has exerted a wide and salutary influ- ence. By directing public attention to the subject, it has difiused, throughout our whole country, a de- sire to appropriate, apart from the noise and bustle of cities and the crowded thoroughfares of trade and traffic, a suitable resting-place for the dead; where their graves maybe protected and beautified by Na- ture's ornaments, — trees, shrubs and Jlowers, planted and cherished by the mourner's hand, as w'ell as by the more costly, but less appropriate ones of art. How consoling the reflection, that the remains of those whom we loved in life, rest in such a lovely place as Mt. Auburn, or our own Mt. Hope, (ol which, as a citizen of Rochester, we feel justly proud,) instead of in the narrow^, bleak, deserted and appalling-like spot in 1hecit3''s midst, without a sin- gle ornament but the grave-.-;tone! conveying but a Binglc impression — that of n;:A jh ! We have expe- rienced many a bitter feeling, as we passed a family b'lriul-ground in the country, with the fences down, and weeds grown rank over the graves, and all with- in sight of the f-miily IwcUin."-. W-; cannot b<:li, ve that such peorle regard with miici venorati >n the memory of their friends and relativc-3, or that they cherish any of the liner feelings and impulses of humanity. p. B, MANURES, Their JYaiure arid Action upon the Soil and Groiiing Plants. BY SAMUEL WILLIAMS, AVATRRLOO, N.Y. The great and increasing attention which of late has been directed towards a scientific knowledge of the principles governing the operations of Nature, now bids fair to dissolve the great mystery by which Nature herself produces without creating, and dis- solves without annihilating, and again reproduces from the dissolved elements, the kindly fruits and flowers of the earth. In the early ages of man's creation, the Egyp- tians carried the agricultural art to such perfection, that by irrigation, and other mechanical labor, they made the fertile alluvions of the Nile so productive, that when a seven years' famine overspread both Egypt and Asia, the granaries of Egypt alone ar- rested the horrors of a general starvation. This same mechanical agriculture, without any knowledge of, or disposition to learn, the secret by which Nature produces, decomposes, and reproduces, does still succeed in the present day, on the fertile virgin soils and bottom lands of our great West. But from the lack of agricultural science, and the preventive wisdom with which its lessons inspire us, the ignorant, improvident farmer in the fertile allu- vions of the West will soon have to lament a dete- rioration in soil, and a diminution, if not a frequent failure, of his crop. While every other profession, requiring the aid of science, is considered unattainable without the most patient study ; the profession of the farmer, the no- blest and most god- like of all, is treated, strange as it may seem, even by the farmer himself, as a calling of hopeless, unintellectual drudgery. When the farmer beholds his growing crops and thriving stock, the bounty of Nature is a mystery to him, with which he can hold no communion of thought or in- tellectual feeling ; his love of gain only, the most sordid of the passions, is excited — he sees only the pecuniary reward of a labor which had been to him toilsome, unintellectual, sterile, mechanical ! When this same farmer held the plow, he knew little more of the composition of the furrow it turned up to the action of the atmosphere, than did the team that drew the plow itself. ******* The two great principles to be impressed on the mind of the farmer who wishes to avail himself of the aid of science in his calling, are, first — that urine, stable manure, and all animal manures, fer- ment ; in i^the process of which they will convert three times their own weight of other substances in- to manure equivalent to stable manure itself. Se- condly, that the more intimately the manure is mix- ed with the soil the better, as in the first place it acts mechanically, to open the soil and let in the at- mospheric gases : in the second place it dissolves quicker, and until dissolved, all vegetable physiolo- gists agree, that manure can have no chemical or or- ganic effect upon growing plants. The same with plaster — untd plaster |is dissolved, it can produce no effect ; hence the importance of sowing plaster ear- ly, even before the snow of winter is gone. From the first principle, the farmer will see how much he loses by permitting the manure of his barn vard to waste itself by fermentation in the open air. Some agricultural chemists have advised that ground plaster should be strewed over the stables and the Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 55 barn yarJ, in order that its lime and sulphuric acid might seize and retain the ammonia which escapes during the fermentation of the manure ; but the best authority decides, that swamp muck, bog peat, or even conunon loam, is better than plaster — that the manure should be pressed down and covered up with straw, in the barn yard, to prevent fermentation there — that it should be hauled out on to the land intended to be manured, as early in the spring as possible. If it cannot be plowed under before it fer- ments, it should be fermented in heaps covered up with swamp muck, or even the surrounding earth, if time cannot be had to procure other matter. Just air enough should be admitted to the manure to pro- mote fermentation ; but none of its gases should be allowed to escape through the earthy covering. Da- vid Thomas has advised, that a thin coat of lime or plaster should be thrown on the top of the earth which covers the fermenting dung : but that in no case should caustic lime be mixed with barn yard manure : when the lime has become carbonated by being some time mixed with loam or muck, it may then be safely mixed with the compost. Lime in the hydrate state spoils animal manures, urine, and sta- ble dung, although it is useful in that state to reduce and render soluble the fibre of such undccomposed matter, as peat-bog, leaves, straw, chip dung, &c. fee. Lime is also useful to decompose the inert ve- getable matter in the soil. When soils fail to pro- duce wheat, our farmers suppose that their vegetable matter is exhausted ; this is a great mistake — it is only the alkalies, earths, and metallic bases that are wanting. These alkalies dissolve the vegetable matter in the soil, and fit it for the food of plants ; they attract the ammonia and carbonic gas from Na- ture's great storehouse, the atmosphere, and prevent their escape, giving them off slowly as food to the growing crop. It has been rightly said, that the atmosphere, and not the earth, is the great storehouse of vegetable and animal food. The decomposition of all vegeta- ble and animal bodies fills this air with the gaseous elements of organic life. Burn a candle, and you add nearlv its weight of carbon to the atmosphere ; that same candle is returned again to the earth, and from the earth again to the ox, and from the ox again to a candle : a perfect reorganization takes place — nothing was lost by the burning of the can- dle, nothing is created in the fattening of the ox — a re-combination only takes place. How often do we hear a farmer boast of having dug his fortune from the earth ; when it is a well-settled fact that 97 parts in 100 of all the solid stracture of all his corn, pork, b*f, kc, (bones excepted) is derived ^fom the at- mosphere. Hence, how encouraging- is it to the Seneca co. Farmer to know, that the farmer on the al- luvial prairies in Illinois has no advantage over him, save in the presence of the j'^t unexhausted salts in the soil, all of which must soon be lost, by an im- provident wasteful system of husbandry. It is now our purpose to learn, how these univer- sal atmospheric treasures are to be seized upon — "by what drugs, what charms, what conjurations, and what mighty magic" we are to convert them into corn, wine, and oil — the fatted calf and the stalled ox. In the first place, then, we will say, that plants are principally composed of four simple substances, — to wit, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, together with about three per cent, of inorganic cultivated for the food of man and other animals, nearly 50 per cent, is carbon. Oxygen in plants exists in the form of water, or sap, as eight pounds of every nine of water is oxygen. Hydrogen is the lightest substance found in the structure of plants, and is received by them in combination with nitro- gen, as ammonia. Nitrogen, although forming 79 per cent, of the bulk of atmospheric air, is supposed by Liebeg not to enter into the composition of plants directly, but only when combined with hydrogen, it forms a volatile soluble gas called ammonia ; this gas is the great stimulus of all growing plants ; when it escapes to the atmosphere, it is condensed and brought to the earth by the dew and rain, ready food for the roots and leaves of plants. As the earth is the receptacle for the above-named consti- tuents of plants from the atmosphere ; and as it is on the earth that these gases are continually gene- rated from decayed vegetable and animal matter, it is of vital importance to the farmer that he keeps the surface of the soil, on which plants are grown, open and loose by tillage. When plants are in their incipiency, this is all-important, as they then feed mainly from their roots ; but as they progress in leaf, tillage becomes less and less imperative, as many plants now feed more from their leaves than from their roots.* Those who have grown a large yield of Indian corn, while their neighbors have suf- fered a partial failure of the same crop, will bear me out in the assertion that the early hoeing, even be- fore the plants are fairly out of the ground, is the grand arcanum in the art of Indian corn growing. This hoeing lots in the ammonia from tho dew and rain, and also that warmth of the sun, which alone can secure that early tenacity of root, without which Indian corn is a very uncertain crop. This loosening and pulverizing the soil not only lets in the ammonia and carbonic acid from the at- mosphere ; it also makes the loosened earth a labor- atory, where every particle of decomposing matter in the soil is made soluble food for the growing plant. Liebig says, that all decaying vegetable matter on the earth's surface is a source of carbonic acid ; as also, that all putritying animal matter is constantly giving off ammonia. It is also necessary to ameliorate the mechanical structure of heavy, tenacious soils, by plowing in long manure, or green crops — thus rendering the soil porous, and capable of absorption. I often hear a farmer say of a particular lot, that it has been cropped until it is heavy and dead. In this state the ammonia deposited by the dew and rain on the sur- face, is immediately taken back again into the atmo- sphere, by the first sunshine or dry wind. Thus many soils are accused of sterility, when nothing is wanting to them but a mechanical change from heavy and dead to light and porous : as it is in this state alone that the soil can receive and distribute the atmospheric gases. Go into your garden in the morning, and examine a bed that was raked the previous evening : it will be wet with dew, induced by capillary attraction. Then look at a bed which has not been raked since the last shower : it will be found crusted over and dry, or much drier than the new bed. A little manure, with thorough mixing and good tillage, is better than much manure badly distributed ; the working of the * When a plan/ is quite matured, the carbonic acid in the soil is no louffer required. „ During the heat of summer, plant! derive carbon exclusi\eiy matter, forming the ashes. Of vegetable substances I from the air.—LieHg. 56 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 soil, and its mechanical etruclnre, leirg no lees im- portant than its chemical fertility — in fact, a heavy application of manure, badly mixed, often injures the crop. V.'hen I hear a fa:mer say, that from the best manured field he ever planted he got but 50 or 60 bu.'-hels of ccrn to the acre, I have replied, " Had you planted closer, cut out the barren stalks and suck- ers, and worked and heed it more and earlier the product might have been doubled. The secret why river bottoms produce better than uplands is resolved into the simple fact, that Nature there has mixed the soil into a rare consistency, which enables it to absorb and retain the atmospheric gases, almost without tillage. * * * « Of mineral manures, I have only room now to speak of lime, the most common as well as the most economical manure of this class. All vegeta- ble physiologists agree, that no plant can be fully matured without those alkalies, earths, and phos- phates which constitute the ashes of plants. It has of late beeii fully ascertained, by Professor Wohler, of Gottingen, and others, that all limestone which has formed, by disintegration, the soil on which w'neat grows best, contains potash. This readily accounts for the activity of our lime as an alkali, when applied to a soil where the alkaline salts have been exhausted by cropping. The action of lime on the soil is two-fold, mechanical and chemical. Take a field of clay loam, so worn and heavy that four German horses can hardly plow it with a steel-laid plow-share ; put on 60 bushels of lime to the acre, well broken, in the hydrate or unslacked state; after this lime is mixed with the soil by plowing and drag- ging, put six four-horse wagon loads of unfermented manure to the acre ; sow the land with wheat, and plow it in after many harrowings ; in the spring sow it with clover. The wheat may be I'ghL for the present year, but the clover will be thrifty. The texture and complexion of the soil will be changed from hard dead pale clay .to a dark friable loam. The mechanical change produced by this lime is apparent the first year ; but the chemical effect of the lime in dissolving the vegetable matter in the soil, and as the inorganic food of plants, will be of nuich longer duiation. Dr. Lee, of Buffalo, a practical farmer and chem- ist, asserts, that when lime parts with its carbonic acid, it becomes dissolved by water, and sinks too deep in the soil to be of farther \ise to vegetation. Hence tlie importance of a yearly application of a little lime, so that it may be always present near the surface, to absorb the carbonic acid from the air, and to retain it for the use of the growing plants TO BREEDERS OF SHORT HORN CATTLE LN THE UNITED STATES. In the month of May last, I proposed, through the columns of the Cultivator and American Agricultur- ist, in N. Y,, to publish an Amciican Herd Book, provided a sufficient demand for a woik of that kind should be made in the manner there indicated. At the time I wn-ote the proposition, I had little confi- dence that it would be met with any general zeal, or approbation even, by the breeders of short horns throughout the country; and in this I have not been disappomted. It is apparent that a lethargy pervades too many of our once spirited cattle breeders, on the vitally important subject of preserving, in an endur- ing form, the genealogies of their individual herds; a course, which, if persisted in, will ultimately lead, not only to their destruction, but to a large pecuni- ary loss to themselves, and awaken, when too late, deep and lasting regrets. But the zeal of our American breeders is not alto- gether lost. A considerable number of enterprising and spirited gentlemen have manifested strongly their desire that the work shall proceed; and, with char- acteristic liberality, proposed such a patronage as shall procure its publication. I propose, therefore, to commence the compilation of the Herd Book as soon as sufficient material shall be transmitted to me for a commencement; and I now request all those gentlemen, who with their an- imals registered, to make out plain and distinct ped- igrees of their stock, with all necessary references and particulars that may be important touching their lineage; and if foreign animals, the date of their im- portation, and by whom made, together witli such other facts as will best illustrate their history, &,c. It is to be observed that the object of this work is not to fs/cr.i//s/i pedigrees, but to perpetuate them; — and it may at once be remarked, that any animal whose purity of blood is not properly sustained, can- not be admitted within its pages. The English Herd Book was first published in 1822. Previous to that time, and for a few years immediately following, many valuable animals, from among the best families of well descended short horns in England, were im- ported into America, whose names and pedigrees are not to be found in its columns. Many breeders in England, not then appreciating the value of such a work, neglected to register their cattle; and these remained thus unnoticed, in many instances, alto- gether, and in others, until the supplementary vol- umes were published. The descendants of those importations, preserved in their purity, and their history proporly authenticated, will be admitted. A large quantity of lime applied to the soil at one But in all cases where references cannot be made time can only be useful in altering the mechanical structure of the soil ; as but very little can be assim- ilated by the growing crop, and its alkaline ])roper- ties arc only needed to make the humus in the soil soluble food, ready for the assimilation of plants. Many farmers erroneously suppose, that when limestone is present in the soil, the hydrate of lime need not be applied to it ; but chemistry teaches that limestone, and even limestone pebbles, are held together so firmly in their natural state by carbonic acid, that but little disintegration can take place until the carbon is expelled by the fire of the limekiln. SHAKER GARDfiN SEFPS^ THR Siil>«cribKr havine boon appoJKtpd A:rrnt for tlic " Unitoil SociRtv," at New Lplinnon, is i.ow oprniiiff a larpc assortimuit of these (lecervcdlv popuhir ami pxrellcnt Seeds, which are confi- dently recommended for purity and accordance with the label. April 1, L. B. SWAN, 18 Buffalo-M. directly to the ErigUah Herd Book, sucli facts and references as will "place the lineage of the animals named beyond dispute, will be necessary to accom- pany the registry. In one particular this will differ from the English registry. That work has neither note nor comment. To all but the initiated in short horn lore, the pages of the Herd Book are as a sealed volame in all that relates to their origin, history, and present condition. Names of animals are often inserted without any reference whatever, apparently for no other purpose than to establish them as ''Herd Book Cattle." It will be otherwise in this. Interesting facts and illus- trations will accompany pedigrees as they may oc- cur, throwing light and information, such as to place every thing relating to this noble breed of cattle, in the most attractive form, and develop in the best Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 57 manner their advantages to the American farmer. In all cases where the parties are unknown to the subsciiber, either personally or by correspondence, they will please to give the name of some distin- jruished breeder, or citizen of their own or a neigh- boring state, as a reference. This is not required through any suspicion of the entire integrity of any gentleman who may offer his cattle for registry, but as a rule for the mutual protection of each one w ho desires a true and unimpeachable record of short horns, (as far as it goes,) in America. As the magnitude of the work (in pages) will not be known till the materials are all collected, the price cannot be exactly stated: but at all events it will not exceed three dollars per copy, as noted in the prospectus last May, deliverable as there stated. All pedigrees, &c., are requested to be transmit- ted, (if by mail, post paid,) to me, at Black Rock, N.Y.; or if more convenient to the parties, to A. B. Allen, at the office of the American Agricultur- ist, 205 Broadway, N. Y. city; or to Caleb N, Be- ment, American Hotel, Albany, N. Y,, who will duly forward them to me. The term.s for registry will be one dollar for a single animal; and fifty cents each for any larger number; to persons having 10 or more animals, with simple pedigrees, a liberal de- duction will be made from this last price, .according to number; the money to be enclosed with the pedi- grees. Accompanying the pedigrees, the number of volumes subscribed for is also requested. All japers to be forwarded as soon as possible; at all events before the first of April next; as the work will be put to press to be delivered to subscribers by the first day of June ensuing. The insertion of this notice is respectfully reques- ted in the Agricultural papers generally, one of which to be sent to me, for which a copy of the book will be presented: and any gentlemen who feel an interest in this subject, will do a favor by giving information of this proposed publication to any neighboring breeders of short horns, who may not otherwise obtain it. LEWIS F. ALLEN. TO COL. RANDALL— INQUIRY. Wheatland, March 11, 1845. Mr. Editor, — I wish to inquire of Col, Randall, of Cortland county, through your paper, in relation to his flock of sheep, for which he was awarded a gold medal worth $12, by the N. Y. State Agricul- tural Society. If the Colonel can inform thp farm- ing community how to realize equal profits from their flocks of sheep, he will receive the thanks of many poor farmers, and of the writer of this commu- nication in particular. His flock is stated at 55, one-half pure Merinos, the remainder half-blood Merinos and South Downs. After deducting the expense of keeping, the net profit would be $763 49, or $13 88 per head. He received $119 99 for wool, or $2 18 per head. He sold sixteen for $726 ; which is upwards of $45 per head. How much wool did the different kinds average per head ? and what did he get a pound for the different grades of wool ? How many of the different grades were sold, whether bucks or ewes ? and what were their relative prices ? Whether many farmers did not receive about an equal amount of money per head for their wool ? In what con- sists the peculiar excellence of his flock and man- agement ? If all farmers had flocks of equal excel- lence, would they be likely to realize as laro-e a profit ? INQUIRER, NEW-YORK STATE AG. SOCIETY. The regular monthly meeting of the Plxccutive Committee of t!ie N. Y. State Ag. Society for Feb- ruary, was hell at the Society's Room in the old State Hall, on the 13th. The President, B. P. Johnson, Esq., of Oneida, in the -chair. Present Messrs. Prentick, Hilliiouse, M'Intvre and Tuck- er of Albany — Mr. Beekman of Columbia—Messrs. Walsh and Vail of Rensselaer — Mr. Exos of Madison, and Mr. Leb of Erie. Reports of Committees. Mr. Johnson, from the committee to whom was referred the applications for the prize for the best managed Cheese Dairy, reported that they had a- wardeJ the Gold Medal to Alonzo L. Fish of Ce- darville, Herkimer Co., and three vols. Transactions to Abraham Hall of Holland Patent, Oneida Co. Mr. Johnson also reported that the committee had awarded the prize of $25, for the best Experiment in the Culture of Indian Corn, to George Geddes of Camillas, Onondaga county. Mr. Johnson also reported that the committee on that subject, had awarded the prize of $20, for the best Essay on Farm Management, to John J. Thom- as of Macedon, Wayne county. Mr. Beekman, from the committee to whom was referred the Essays on the importance of scientific knowledge in prosecuting successfully the ordinary pursuits of agriculture, reported that "the committee had examined the three Essays submitted to them, neither of which, in their opinion, were written with sufficient care to entitle it to the premium; and they recommend that the same prize be offered anoth- er year. Mr. Lee, from the committee to wliom the ap- plications for the prize for the best Text Book on Agriculture for the use of "Schools was referred, re- ported that two books were submitted to them, neither of which were, sufficiently adapted for the ]mrpose, to entitle it to the prize, and concluded by recommending that the same premium be again of- fered. Mr. M'Intyre, from the committee on Essays f n Rotation of Crops, reported that they had awarded the prize, $20, to the writer of the Essay marked A, the author's name being unknown to them. [It was written by John J. Thomas, Macedon.] Mr. R. L. Pell, from the committee on Essays on the Culture of the Apple, sent in a written re- port, awarding the prize, $20, to the Essay sent in with the report. [This Essay was written by John J. Thomas.] Mr. Prentice, from the committee on Essays on the prevalent disease in potatoes, reported that they had come to the conclusion that neither of the Es- says were such as would warrant them in awarding the premiu.m. Mr. Lee, froip. the committee on Essays on Ma- nures, reported against awarding the premium to the Essay submitted to them. He also reported that the committee had awarded a Silver Medal to R. L. Pell of Pelham, UJstor County, for his report of Experiments to show the comparative value of dif- ferent kinds of food for cattle. Mr. Walsh, from the committee on -Essays on the Culture of Silk, stated that but one Essay had been submitted to them, and that evidently not in- tended for the premium, as it did not contain the matters required in the prize Essay. The Essay was referred to the committee of publication. The committee on Wheat, at the annual meeting, 58 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 recommended that a premium of $15 be awarded to M'-. E. J. Ayres of Tompkins, provided he furnish- ed certain farther particular.-, which, Mr. Ayres hav- ing furnished, a premium of $'\5 dollars was voted him on his wheat crop, amounting to 114 busi'iels and 58 lbs. on two acres. Mr. Beekman presented the Annual Report of the American Institute, which was referred to the committee of publication. Messrs. Walsh, Lenox and Prentice, were ap- pointed a committee on the Library. The discussion and arrangement of the List of Premiums occupied most of the afternoon, and not being completed, the Board adjourned" to meet again on tho 15th. Feb. 15th. — The President in the chair. Present — Messrs. Vail, Hillhouse, M'Intyre, Lee, Enos, and Tucker. The premium List was taken up, and after a few trifling additions, was ordered to be published. The Board then proceeded to the appointment of County Corresponding Committees in each County. (We are obliged to defer the publication of this list of committoes till our next.) A resolution was adopted, directing the Corres- ponding Secretary to open a correspondence with the County Committees, Superintendents of Com- mon Schools, and others, for the purpose of further- ing the objects of the Society, and especially the in- troduction of the study of the principles of Agricul- ture into our Schools and Academies. Messrs. Tucker, Beekman and Lee, were ap- pointed a committee of publication. After the transaction of a variety of other busi- ness, the Executive Committee adjourned to meet again on the Second Thursday of March. A room has been fitted up in the old State Hall, rxcl'isivcly for the use of the State Society, where t'v meetings will hereafter be held. Entrance on Lodge, corner of State-street. Payment of Premiums. All money premiums awarded by the Society, may be obtained on application to Thomas Hillhouse, Treasurer, or to Luther Tucb:er, Rec. Secretary, Albany. fl;;^ All premiums not demanded within four months after the award, will be considered as dona- tions to the Society. (\j^ The List of Premium.s offered by the State Society, will be published in our next. CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS. Mr. Editor, — The benefits derived from congre- gation, organization, and combination, to all sects, trades, and professions, are no where more palpably evident than in the association of farmers into town or district clubs, and county and state societies for mutual instruction and information, and the exhibi- tion of excellent specimens of the animal and vege- table kingdoms. No one of our species is so learned, so all-wise, and experienced, that he cannot learn something from the commonest and most weak capacity. By association, wc compare opinions — give and take in- formation on the subjects most important to our av- ocations, and observe the productions of nature and art spread out before us like the grouping of a pic- ture ; where an opportunity is presented to observe, compare, and treasure up facts, that no amount of expense and personal exertions, consistent with our ability, could procure for us. There could be no greater benefit conferred upon a farming community, for the improvement of their minds and profes^^ions, than the institution of town or district societies or clubs. If they even did not have a town fair or public show, yet to have regular evening conversations properly organized, and sub- jects for discussion and elucidation propounded pre- vious to each meeting, so that all could prepare themselves to participate in the subjects brought be- fore the society, would be the means whereby mutu- al benefits would be derived, by condensing and col- lecting all the knowledge possessed by the members. The same advantages are derived from county so- cieties, though not in as familiar and direct a man- ner, as all cannot participate in that free and friendly manner that smaller associations render available ; yet the agricultural press, with its thousand wings, sends forth all the facts and circumstances attending the exhibition and the description of articles and crops brought together for the view of the society, and every process attending the operation of produ- cing them. The Danish proverb says, " No one body knows every thing, bnt every bodi/ does know every ihing.^^ Then if evrry body is willing to communi- cate their knowledge through the medium of the press, any body may, with the most trifling expense, and application, become almost as wise as every body. The prejudice existing ar^ainst acquiring agricul- tural information in the same manner that we acquire the knowledge of history, geography, or even the proofs and evidence of that faith that is within us — is most preposterous. It is too late in the day to undervalue the great lights that shine through the medium of the agricultural press, in which are en- gaged inany of the greatest geniuses of the age, elu- cidating that great and noble art, and dispersing their knowledge and discoveries so freely and plainly, that he that runs can read, and he that reads can un- derstand. None but the selfish and overwise can undervalue the information that may be obtained by the study of well-written essays from the pens of well-informed and practical men ; especiallj^ as every one has the liberty of retaining or rejecting any views not coin- ciding wit/i his own reason and experience. L. A. LIQUID MANURES. Mr. Editor, — Having for years past — so far as your paper, the " Genesee Farmer," is concerned, at least — acted upon the principle of receiving, conclu- ded to change the modvs operandi ; that is to say, give a little, as well as receive a good deal : for that charity which begins at home, and ends there, does not deserve the name. But lest your anticipations should be raised too high by this overwhelming burst of benevolence on my part, to enlighten my brother farmers, I would say — be moderate in your expecta- tions ; for I promise you not to let the whole of my experience, as a practical plow-jogger, run through the hole of one small sheet. But lest your patience be tried by a long introduction, will therefore come to the point which first prompted me to make this effort ; for I am no speech-maker, nor writer of essays. I have long been aware of the importance of ma- nure, as a fertilizer : and the farmer who hopes to succeed witliout it, has made a sad mistake at the threshold of his operations. And farther, the farm- er who does not make it a rule to increase this indis- Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 59 pensable article, has not yet reached the acme of farming economy. With a fall conviction of the truth of this popi- tion, I have beheld with regret, and sometimes con- t;ternation, the large quantities of liquid manure run- ning from my barn-yard, from year to year ; and at length came to the determination it should do so no more. Wherefore, with a little practical common sense, I plowed and scraped the surface of the yard, so that all the liquid in it would run to one corner, in which I the last summer sunk a cistern, laid in stone and mortar, which holds about 60 hogsheads ; across the top of which, and even with the surface of stone-work, were placed two durable pieces of timber, to support the covering of 2-inch plank, that it might be safe, and to give it the finishing-stroke. I placed in it a pump, the spout of which is about 7 feet from the ground ; by which a hogshead can be filled in ten minutes. So much for the cistern and pump, the whole cost of which does not exceed S-5. It had not been long finished before it was full of a strong liquid, and running over. Now, (said I to myself,) here is work enough ! Without delay, I procured a strong molasses cask, and placed it on my wagon, supported by two strong rails within the stakes. An inch hole was bored in each side, just below the rails that supported the cask, in such a manner as to throw the liquor as far as possible ; and also in the back end, just above the lower chime. Thus rigged, I drove to the pump and filled my cask — then to a field of wheat sown upon corn stub- ble, the ground being frozen quite hard. Now, " thinks I to myself," comes the butt end of the pro- ject ! However, nothing daunted in the least, the three pings were pulled in nn instant — the horses moved on at a steady pace for about 25 rods, after which I gradually slackened their pace until the whole was discharged. At the end of SH rods, the width of the field, the two side streams reached the ground at an angle of 45 degrees, and the stream from behind striking the hinder bolster of the wag- on. The ground being frozen, the whole was very evenly discharged, over a surface of about 10 feet in diameter. I need scarcely say, that I returned to re-load, as proud of the operation as if I had been made a stockholder in the " Georgia Lumber Com- pany," or a speculator in a Red Side Bank. Now, Mr. Editor, I agreed, at the outset that I would not let all my experience run out upon one sheet ; therefore conclude by saying, that should any experiments of this sort be of use to the public, I shall be happy to communicate them. Yours with respect, JACOB SUTPIIIN. Sweden, Feb. 7, 1845. We hope Mr. S. will give our readers the result of his experiment ; as, from his well-established re- putation as a practical tvorking farmer, it would be highly instructive. — Ed. Agricultural Products. — The annual report of the Commissioner of Patents, (the Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth,) was a few days since laid on the desks of the House of Representatives. Mr. Ellsworth estimates the agricultural products of the country as follows : ■Wheat bu. in9,3I0,856|Hay, tons IC 410 807 Corii, 494,618,396, Tobacco, lbs 'l«5 73i 554 Oats, 145,929,<)C9|Cotton, 757 6fi8 090 ^y« 24,280,271 Rico, 89,869,145 Barley 3,220,721 Silk, Buckwheat, 7,959,4]0;Sugar, Potatoes, 105,756,133' Wine, . 315,965 . .. 66,400,310 gals. 139,240 , DISEASE OF POTATOES. Messrs. Smith ij- Co. Gentlemkn, — As you have desired me to give you my opinion on the disease which has proved so inju- rious to this important crop, I comply with some re- luctance, for var'ous reasons. First, because I was so engaged the past season that I could not give that attention to the subject which the importance of the case demanded'; and secondly, have been so situated that I have not perused the leading agricultural jour- nals of the day, and of course am not able to jump into their popular current, and swim easv, but must confine myself entirely to my own observations, which I think most of your readers will readily con- clude have not been very extensive. During the early part of last summer, or until the latter part of July, tiie crop of potatoes in this vi- cinity looked uncommonly well ; after which, the tops in places began to change, which was generally considered as indicating early maturity, but which proved to be the incipient stage of the disease. In the month of September, some began to be alarmed, and it was not until this tune that my inquiry was dii'ected to the subject. The first that I examined had the appearance of havin* been perforated in many places by the wire- worm, which I had known to injure them when grow- ing upon alluvial lands, or in the neighborhood of stagnant waters, in which these " varmint"' breed ; and as those looked at were from lands favoring the opinion that that was the cause, I so gave it. I soon found that the disease was not confined to any pecu- liarity of soil ; which led rrie to be more careful in my examination. I found the holes in the tubers were of diflerent dimensions — some larger, some smaller, some round, but otliers irregular, and more resembling cracks than holes made by the worm ; and all surrounded by dark, scurfy-looking spot';, of greater or less extent. I found, also, many smaller spots upon the skin, of the same appearance, but which were not accompanied with any rottenness. By cutting off those sricts very thin, witii a sharp knife, a slight discoloring was perceivable, corres- ponding with the size, and perhaps age, of the scurfy appearance upon the skin. This discoloring I sup- posed must have arisen from a disturbed circulation, connected with the spot upon the skin. By rubbing these spots, I thought I could detect the same smeJI which is emitted when the dark spots upon apples are rubbed ; and when the thin scurf was faken ofl^ and put in the mouth, a similar taste was also ev- ident. Knowing that dark spots upon apples were caused by the growth of a parasitic plant of the Cryptof^a- mian family, (in which is included the rust upon wheat, and others of similar nature,) I came to the conclusion that this disease was caused by a species of those plants, which perhaps first vegetated upon the stalks, and the seeds of which being infinitely small, descended through the pores of the earth, and took root upon the tubers as well as the stalks: and as heat and moisture are favorable to their growth, and light not being essential, their location beneath the soil was no hindrance to their increase. By examining these spots with a magnifying glass, the small projection from the surface, and a radiation from the centre of the roots, (or, as they are some- times called, "the spawns") may be detected. The seeds of this class of plants are so small, that they are capable of being carried by tlie atmosphere to a great distance without being perceivable ; but when 60 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 in abundance, its presence is detected by the smell, as when the rust of wheat prevails. Such is my present opinion of this disease ; but as I do not consider myself infallible, I hope others, with fjrcater opportunities, will continue their ob- servations until the cause is well established, and an antidote discovered. As a preventive, I would recommend many exper- iment'? to be mado with fresh slacked lime, knowing- that this substance is very destructive to most of the species of these plants. In the firt^^t place, immers- ing potatoes intended for planting in lime-water : scattering it about the hills, and upon the tops, wherever it appears : sifting it among the potatoes after they are dug, when placed in heaps to be co- vered in the field, or to be placed in bins in the cel- lar. Perhaps an immersion in salt and w^ater for a short time might destroy the seed, without injuring the vegetating properties of the potatoe. But my impression is, that we must trust to some applica- tion of lime. Yours respectfully. N. GOODSELL. Monroe JVursery, Greece, Feb. 25, 1845. ANCIENT AND MODERN IMPROVERS OF LIVE STOCK. " There cannot be," Ba5's Blacklock, in his cele- brated treatise on sheep, " a more certain sign of the rapid advances of a people in civilization and pros- perity than increasing attention to the improvement of live stock. Yet," adds that author, "as much appears to have been known about sheep two thou- sand years ago as at present— so true is it, that no- thing new is to be met with." Yet that does not rob our modern improvers of their merits ; for though they deserve but little as inventors, they are to be admired for that strength of mind, and deter- mir?l perseverance, which enabled them to rouse their fellows from lethargy, and compel them to be- come true benefactors to their country and them- selves. He adds, '"The greatest recorded improvers of sheep in ancient tmies were Lucius Columella and his uncle, Marcus Columella, Spaniards of dis- tinction, who removed to Rome in the reign of Ti- beiius, and made agriculture the study and business of their lives. The former commenced his celebra- ted treatise on husbandry during the reigns of Tibe- ri >6 and Caligula, and appears to have finished it A.D. 55. ^It is only within a very recent period that the mode of improving live stock by skillful breed- ing has been properly attend3d to. The first, in modern times, who arrived at any thing like emi- nence in this department, was Joseph Allom, of Clif- ton, who raised himself by dint of industry from a plow-boy, and for a long time contrived to keep his methods secret. Though possessing talent, he does n^t appear to have had education enough to avail himself of it; and accordmgly never gained the ex- tensive popularity which fell to his successors. As the introducers of new and important plans of man- agement in agriculture are alvvavs rewarded by large profits, and the gratitude of their countrymen, so none were more generously den It with, in either respect, than Mr. Robert Bakewell, of Dishby, and Mr. EUman, of GIvnde. The former, who may be sail to have created a varietif, considered that a ten- dency to acqiire fat was the first quality to be look- ed tn, in an nimal destine 1 for t!ic food of man, and on this, ivjth him a fundamental principle, were based the whole of his proceedings. Different opin- ions will of course be held on the merits of the the- ory on which he acted ; but all must acknowledge that we are indebted to his skill and experience for the exertions which have been subsequently made to imi rove the qualities of stock of this kingdom, (Groti' Britain.^ It was by his example, in fact, that the farmers all over the country were stimula- ted ; and be the system bad or good, it ought to have our veneratioii, seciag that it was the com- mencement of a new and most important agricultu- ral era. John EUman derives his well-earned fame from the zealous manner in which he improved the South Down sheep, and sprea 1 them through the empire. Till he directed his attention to the sub- ject, every thing connected with the management of the flock was left to chance, or at least to the man- agement of farm-servants, with whozn, of course^ it could not be a matter of interest to select, or sorty suitable animals for the continuance of the race. He speedily, however, corrected this management, and, aided by the introduction of turnep feeding, in no long time, and without any admixture of foreign blood, materially improved the breed. About the year 1770, improvements commenced in Scotland. Till then, in many parishes, no farmer could keep sheep through the winter, and no place was reckon- ed so fatal to these animals as the undrained and un- sheltered parish of Elksdale-Muir, in Dumfriesshire, until one William Bryden, by the orig^inal plan of draining and building stone inclosures, " made it," to use the words of his able biographer, Mr. Scott, of Selkirkshire, "like the land of Goshen — good for cattle ; which is unto this day." Thus it seems, from the earli'^st period, has the improvement of stack been conndered among the most praiseworthy of the efforts t j which the human mind has been directed ; being, in its advance or de- cline, indicative of the progressive or backward ten- dency of a nation : and tho?c individuals, humble though they may be — even the plow-boy, who has contributed to his country's real good — shall' have their biography handed down, and receive the meed of praise from a grateful posterity. There is some- thing so laudable in this peaceful yet important man- ner of contributing to a nation's good — so moral, through the industrial habits and tendencies which it inspires — so powerful, as to be felt by all — so profit- able, that all may enjoy, (for who does not benefit by improvement 1) — distributing its blessings to all, its evils to done — that, in itself, it should be suffi- cient to encourage those in our own country in like manner to be forward in promoting its own good ; extending benefits which may be lasting, yet not im- poverishing themselves. That there are some such individuals among us, we are happy to believe ; and among the number that might be mentioned, the name of Solomon W. Jewett, of Weybridge, Vt., may not be considered among those least worthy of notice. With Mr. Jewett we have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance ; but in all of the corres- pondence had with that gentleman, we accredit him the merit of inspiring the reader with, a renewed de- sire to press forward, and showing himself to be not merely an amateur, but a connoisseur in the business. And that he is a successful breeder and improver, no one that has received his stock will doubt. Mr. Jewitt's efforts havft been mainly directed to the im- provirnr the constitution, assuming the position, that in this cold and variable climate, the first effcrt should be to breed a healthy, hardy, vigorous sherp, and has spared no pains nor money in obtaining the best of the race for breeders ; and, while increasing the weight of fleece, has retained the fineness of fi- bre. This, in connection with improving their shape, Vol 6. GENRSEE FARMER (which IS, however, incideni to improving- the con- stitution,^ we hold to be the true system. In order, however, the more fully to appreciate Air. Jewett's efforts, we make further quotations from our favorite author, as referring to the 'shape of ihe J^Ierino sheep when first introduced into Spain, and the average quantity of wool, as compared with the same race now ; as also, to their origin and peculiarities : " The Merinos received their name from a pecu- liar buff or reddish hue of the countenance, and are supposed to have come originally from Africa ; at least, Marcus Columella, having seen a strange vari- ety from that country exhibited at Rome during some public games and shows, took them to his farm, and having crossed them with the breeds of Tarentum, sent their offspring to Spain. There they throve re- markably, attracting the attention of other nations, to whom they were from time to time exported, and at present may be found in almost every part of the world. The horns of the Merino sheep are of large size, twisted spirally and extended laterally, ap- proaching closely in these characters to the sheep of Mount Parnassus. The ficc has a characteristic velvety appearance, but the cheeks and forehead are disfigured by coarse hair. The legs are long, and small in the bone ; the breast and back are narrow, the sides flat, and "oo much of the weight expended on the coarse parts. There is a peculiar looseness in the skin beneath the throat, which is adm'red in Spain as denoting a temjency to weight and fineness of wool. The average weight of the fleece in Spain is 8 pounds for the ram, and 5 ])ounds for the ewe." Thus much for the description of the Merino sheep as they existed originally in Spain. The va- riety owned by Mr. Jewett is the Paular, a minute and interesting account of which may be seen in the "Farmers' Museum" of Jan. 1844, penned by Henry S. Randall, Esq., of Cortlandville, N. Y.; and their pedigree in another article by the same gentleman, in the December number of the Cultivator, 1844 — leaving no doubt with even the most sceptical as tc their purity of blood. Mr. J.'s Paulars vary so much in shape from those described above, that it might be difficult to trace their identity; all that we have seen having great depth of shoulder, and breadth through the breast and back ; the fore parts in proportion to the lateral, being much heavier than in any sheep we have ever examined. It is in these respects that Mr. Jewett excels as an improver : the width and drpth through the breast denoting constitution, while increasing proportionately the amount of fine wool. The average weight of fleece from his buck Don Pedro, up to and including his fifth year, being 10 13-lG lbs.; and of Fortune, up to and inclu- ding his third year, 10 11-16 lbs. Of the averag-e weight of wool from the ewes we are not informed, the yearling purchased by Mr. Randall cutting 5 12-lf) lbs,, and his yearling buck 8 lbs. If Blacklock's description of the Merino sheep as originally existing in Spain be correct, then we can the more fnlly appreciate the efforts of Mr. Jewett as an improver, for the reasons, that in the general configuration his sheep are more perfect ; their con- stitutions equally good, or bettor ; the quantity of wool increased, the fineness of fibre retained, and a predominance .of the fine to the coarser parts. We design at some future time to speak more fully of Mr. Jewett's stock ; believing the Paular variety to b? that required by our northern farmers, and that Mr. Jewett's sheep will not suffer by comparison with those from any other flocks. E. C, ^alina, February, 1845, HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMEJ^T. BY P. BARRV, THE GARDEN AND ORCHARD. Pruning. — Those who are in the habit of doing things in their proper season, have their fruit-trees all carefully pruned, where pruning was necessary, before this time. There are always some, however, behind-hand, either from negligence or adverse cir- cumstances. We would remind such, that it is not yet too late, particularly for apples, pears, Ike. The stone fruits should not be pruned after the warm weather has set in sufficiently to put the sap in mo- tion, as in that case they will be liable to bleed. They can be pruned in midsummer with less risk. Where fine fruit are wanted, a careful pruning, where the heads of trees have become dense and woody, is absolutely necessary in order to give free access to light, air, &:c. ; and where the trees exhibit a stunted, unthrifty appearance, the ground to some distance, as far as the roots extend, should be spade! so as not to injure the roots, and a few inches of old well-rotted manure applied. This may seem to some rather too much labor to expend ; but we can tell them that it will be ivell expended. If your trees are not worth this care, cut them down, at once. Pruning, we ai-e sorry to say, like most of the other operations pertaining to horticulture, is, gene- rally speaking, but little understood, farther t'.:i.i '.he mere sawing or cutting off a limb. Quite recently, we met with several instances where the are had been used on fine young orchards, to cut off what w^as deemed superfluous wood ! This is pruning with a vengeance indeed ! In pr-uning out superflu- ous wood, regard should be had to the shape of the tree ; and where limbs interfere with each other, as is frequently the case, one should be cut off, or both if necessary. Branches should be cut off as close to the main stem as possible, without injuring it, in order to prevent a cluster of young shoots being im- mediately produced in lieu of the removed limb. A fine pruning-saw should be used, where a saw is necessary ; and the incision should be smoothed over with a pruning-knife. We should like to add further explanatory remarks on pruning, but space will not permit. Grafting. — The season for performing this opera- tion is at hand. Those who have worthless, or even middling varieties of apple, pear, plum, fee, should at once' have them grafted with the most valuable sorts. Nurserymen and others have disseminated fine sorts throughout the whole country ; and com- munication is now so rapid from place to place, that there is no difficulty in obtaining them. Be careful whom you trust toprovide you with grafts, and to graft your trees — gross frauds have been practiced upon farmers throughout the country, by unscrupu- lous persons who make grafting their business during the season. Nothing is easier than to deceive in this respect— the deceiver has ample time to escape before it is possible to detect him. Let such per- sons do the labor, if they choose to warrant it ; but provide the scions yourself, and be sure they are of good quality, and genuine, 62 GENESEE FARMER. April, 184S TRANSPiiANTiNG, — Transplanting should be attend- ed to at the earliest moment practicable. We know well, by experience, that it is quite common to post- pone it until the last m'Mnent. We have frequently seen trees taken l'rcni«the nursery in full leaf, parti- cularly when the spring is unusually early and rapid, like that of 1844 : success cannot be reasonably an- ticipated in such cases. Cherries, particularity, will not bear transplanting in a forward state, and they put forth very early ; so that the moment the ground is thawed, you should procure your trees. Besides, this can be done befoie the hurry of other matters comes upon you. Spring is the best season for transplanting such as are somewhat tender, in northern latitudes — viz., the peach, apricot, and nectarine ; and even the cherry will do better by early spi ing planting. In procuring your trees, remember the following suggestions : Be careful in selecting your varitties. If you are not acquainted with fruits by their names, get some one in whom you have confidence to assist you. If you leave it to a nurseryman, be satisfied that he is correct in his method of culture — that he has him- self a good knowledge of fruits, and is responsible for the correctness of what he sells. Have your trees carefully labeled and packed before leaving the nur- sery. We have seen persons carry a bundle of trees worth $15 or $-20 a whole day's journey unpacked, rather than pay a few shillings for packing. This is a sort of economy that no intelligent man would practice, if he would but reflect properly on the na- tural consequences. Ignorance of the principles of vegetable physiology allows thousands to be miposed upon, as well as to impose upon themselves. • With regard to the age and size of trees for trans- planting, we believe we could hardly persuade a large number of persons, if we were ever so persuasive or if we could demonstrate it as clearly as a mathema- tical problem, but that the larger the better. Our experience, and that of almost every other observing cultivator, have convinced us that this is highly inju- dicious. Apple trees two or at most three years old, from the innoculation or graft, if thrifty and well grown, are the most suitable for transplanting. Pears and plums the same ; cherries one to two years old from the innoculation ; peaches, one ; apri- cots and nectarmes, one, or at most two years old. The remark is often made, by persons wishing large trees, that -'we want tbcm to be up out of the reach of cattle ;'' their system being to plant their trees, seed down the orclvard, and turn the cattle in. This is just the way to ruin the trees. After being plant- ed in a thorough manner, every tree should be care- fully staked, to prevent them from being blown about by the winds, and the orchard, or at least the land about the trees cultivated, and occasionally ma- nured, for at least three or four years. They should be examined every spring, and the pruning-knife ap- plied, to keep the head in proper shape, and to cut off any diseased or dead wood : this system will in- sure an orchard of healthy, handsome trees, and bring them forward rapidly into a productive state. To those general and very simple remarks we should, if space permitted us, add a select list of the various fruits adapted to our region ; but for the pre- sent we must content ourselves with referring those who are about planting to the catalogues of nursery- men.— (See the advertisements.) VEGETABLES. We spoke in our last number of the importance of the cultivation of vegetables ; and now, at the opening of the season of action, we would urge the subject again. If your vegetable garden was not manured and spaded up last fall, do it at the earliest moment practicable. Lay it out in square plots, of convenient ;-ize, with suitable walks. Select a warm dry border for your early sowing, and arrange it so that you can protect it on frosty nights witli mat- ting, &,c. Plant some of the best kinds of early po- tatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, ra~ dish, iS'c. A little attention devoted to these things in due season will be rewarded with an early and am- ple supply of healthful and delicious table vegeta- bles. If you defer it until the season is so far ad~ vanced that you can sow the seeds and have no more trouble with them, you deprive yourself and family of some of the richest bounties the earth offers you. Asparagus. — Every man who has a garden should have a bed of asparagus. Two or three hundred roots are sufficient for almost any family. They will occupy but a small space, and require very little care: it is one of the most delicious and generally esteemed esculents we possess. This is the proper season for planting. The bed should be prepared by a deep trenching and abun- dance of manure. The plants should be two or three years old ; they may be raised from seed, or pro- cured nt the nurseries. They should be planted in rows 15 or 18 inches apart, and a foot apart in the rows. The bed should be covered with manure in the fall, and that should be fi^rked in early in the spring, as soon as the ground thaws. Rrubars.— This is avaluable and generally esteem- ed culinary plant, and should be in every garden. It is wholesome and very agreeable to the taste either for tarts or pies, or vfhen stewed with sugar. It makes excellent jam or jelly, boiled with brown su- gar : and the juice has even been converted into a wine resembling champagne — but being a " staunch teetotaller," we would not recommend the wine- making. One very valuable property is, its earli- ness — it is fit for using before any thing else of the ki 'd. The finer sorts cannot be raised from seeds. The roots must be planted in a deep rich soil ; 2 feet apart each way will answer for the smaller early lands, and twice that distance for the Giant, or Hy- att's, Victoria, &,c. THE FLOWER GARDEN k, SHRUBBERY. We must not forget this department. If we wish to ha^e pleasant, cheerful homes, wc mast bring around them some of nature's ornaments. A dwell- ing destitute of these, even though it be costly in its material, looks boH and repulsive. The humble cot with its smiling flower-plots, is gladdening and invi- ting— an indication of taste, refinement, and hap- piness. To those who have not yet thought of these exter- nal ornaments, we would suggest that they immedi- ately set about it. Plant a few ornamental trees, such as horse-chesnuts, mountain ash, Ailanthus or tree of heaven, weeping willow, Sec. ; some of our native forest trees, such as the white wood, basswood, maples, elms, k,c. — some or all of these, as means, Sic. will admit. Also, some flowering shrubs, such as snowballs, fringe trees, Althea or rose of Sharon, spirspa, silver bell and many others ; Besides climbing roses, honeysuckles, and such things, for training up the house sides, piazzas, or over arbors. Prepare also a little border for annuals-.-they cost little but labor, and furnish a beautiful display of flowers round , the season. The seeds will be fui'nished in pack- Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 63 ages, cheap, at the Seed Store, with directions for sowing, &c. These remarks are addressed to those who have yet to begin ornamental gardening. We would re- mind those who have already made some advance- ment, of the fine new herbaceous plants, magnificent new Bengal, Bourbon, and Tea Roses, that will bloom the whole season in the borders, and can be taken up and kept in the room, or even the cellar, during win- ter. Also, Verbenas, of almost every hue, beautiful ever-blooming border-plants ; besides many others that we cannot now allude to. Ladies ! be stirring when the fine mornings arrive : remember what we said to you in our January number. ADVERTISEMENTS. AURORA A«R1CU; TUMAfj INSTITUTE, AT AURORA, CAYUGA CO., N. Y. THE late Jiulpc EucI, in one of his last public addresses, in speaking of agricultural schools, says, " I pretend not to 'lie spirit of prophecy, yet I venture to predict, that many who now hear me will live to see professional schools of agriculture estab- lished in our land — to see their utility extolled, and lo be induced to consider then) the best nurseries for republican virtues, and the surest guaranty for the perpetuity of our libeities. They should be established — will be established — and the sooner they are establish- ed, the better for onr country." The undersigned, being satisfifd of the great public utility of Buch institutions, and feeling an earnest desire for their early intro duction into our state, have, in order to meet what now seems to be a decided public sentiment in their favor, and call I'or their estab- lishment, resolved to open such a school, and have already made ar- rangements therefor. The Farm upon which the Institute is located is situated iu and directly adjoining the beautifiil village of Aurora, on the east bank of Cayuga Lake, in Cayuga County, sixteen miles from Auburn, and twelve miles from Cayuga Bridge and the .': uburn and Roches- ter Railroad. The communication is direct with Auburn by stage, and with the Railroad by steamboat, in summer. Tiie farm contains Sil2 acres, in a good state of cultivation. The soil is various ; fruit abundant ; buildings are good — part nearlv ne.v — and very pleasant- ly situated. The location is considered o.ie of the most desirable of the many beautiful sitaations on the borders of the Lake, command- ing an extensive and varied prospect of its waters and the surround- ing country — and altogetlier admirably adapted tf the end in view. It is the inlention of the undersigned that this Institution shall af- fard every facility for ooung men to make themselves thoroughly ac- quainted with the principles of agricultural science, and their judi- cious application to practical husbandry ; and particularly to aftbrd young men from our large towns the most favorable opportunity for preparing themselves for agricultural pursuits. It is also their pur- pose to some extent to test, by actual experiment, the correctness of principles in agriculture now received, but not } et well established, and *-eport the same to the j)ublic. The young men wiil be received Into the family of the Principil, and be kept under his immediate and constant supervision. Parti- cular regard will be had for their moral culture, and a strict observ- ance of all rules and regulations required. Terms, $150 a year, payable quarterly, in advance. No pupils under fourteen years of age will be received. Applica- tions for admission may be tnade to the principal, from whom any further information mav, on request, l>e obtained. CHARLES C. YOUNG, A.M., Proprietor and Principal. ALEXANDER THOMPSON, M.D., Lecturer on Buiany, Geology, Agricultural Chemistry, &rc. DAVID THOMAS, n&itor (f Adviser, rated Aurora, JIarch 10, 1845. REFERENCES. B. P. Johnson, Esq., Rome, On.MdaCo., President of the State Ag- ricultural Societ}' ; Daniel I>ee, Esq., Bullalo, Corresponding Secre- tary of the State Agricultural Society ; James S. Wadsworth, Esq., Geneseo ; John Thompson, Jr., Esq., Rohester ; W. IC. Sill, Esq., Geneva; J. S.Seymour, Escj., Auburn; Hon. B. R. Wood, Albany; Joel B. Nolt, Esq., Albany ; Luther Tucker, Esq., Albany, Rec. Secretary of the State Agricultiir;d Society ; J(!el Rathbuue, Es-q., Albauv , Rev. Washington Rosyramidical form, and will bear the year after transplanting; they may be planted six feet apart, and are consequently adnii ably adapted for garden culture. Over 2,000 trees of the valuable native apple the " Northern Spy" are yet on hand : tliis is generally acknowledged to be one of the beft varieties cultivated. The collection of Roses is very fine, including a very choice as- sortment of Standard oi Tree Roses, 4 to 6 feet high : these are beautiful objects for lawns or borders — most of them are perpetual, or ever-blooming. 4 large and splendid stock of Green-house Plants, including the finest new varieties of Hoses and Geraniums, &c., are on hand, and are oflered at low prices. Trees, Shrubs, Plants, &c., securely packed for transportation to any part of the country. Priced Catalogues sent gratis to all post-paid applications. The Public are respectfully invited to visit the establislimeut — lo- cation, nearly opposite the Mount Hope Cemetery. All orders and communieations must be addressed, post-paid, to ELLWANGER & BARRY. N.B. Scions of the '• Northern Spy" apple, and other choice va- rieties, will be furnished in small qnantities. SAI.E of FULL-BLOODED NORM A.N IIORSE« THE Subscriber having relinquished farming, will oiler at public vendue, at his farm in Moorestown, Burlington County, New Jersey, nine miles from Philadelphia, on Tuesday the 20th of May next, his entire stock of Norman Horses; consisting of two Im- ported Stallions, " Diligence" and "Buonaparte:" two Impoit^'d Mares ; two full blooded Fillies, three and four years old ; two Fil- lies by Diligence, from a half-blood Canadian Mare, three and fi.ur years old; and one Filly four years old, by Diligence, from a well- bred English mare, broke and kind to harness. The undersigned deems it unnecessary to speak at large of the quality of these liorsts, vo much having been said of this particular importation, (whicli is believed to be the only one ever made to the United States,) in all the principal agricultural papers. In a few words, they are the Canada Horse on a larger scale, combining the form, activity, and hardihood of that well known race, with greater size and strength. " Diligence" has been a remarkably successful stallion ; he has been exhibited at the Fairs of the Pennsylvania and New York Agricultural Societies, where he was not entitled to com- pete for the premiums, but received the highest en omiumsfrom the committees. At the Fair of the American Institute, in New York c.ty, in October last, he received the Sliver Mednl of the lu- StltUte. ^ r\ 1- It is expected that a large number of the Colts of " Diligence will bo on the ground on the day of sale, some of whirh. no doubt, may be purchased. EDWARD HARRIS. Moorestown, Burlingtoa Co,, N. J., March i5, 184j. 84 GENESEE FARMER. April, 1845 ROCHESTER SEED STORE, FRONT-ST., BY B. F. SMITH & CO. AWARE of tlic important relation which the seedsman holds to the whole farminfr community, and that on hia honor and vera- cit}' the crop and profit of a season in some mcasnrc depend, the greatest care has been nsed in selecting the seeds offered at this es- tablishment for the ensuing year, and they can he relied upon as pure and genuine, carefully selected and raised from the very best varieties, and properly cured. Manv kinds nere raised in the im- mediate vicinity of this city, by C. F. Crosinan, and under the in- spection of the proprietors ; others were raised by experienced seedsmen ; while those varieties of foreign growth which experi- ence has shown are the be^t, have been procured from the most re- sponsible sources abroad. The collection has been greatly enlarged this season, in order to accommodate all who wish to try whatever is new, rare and curious. FIKLD SEEDS. Red Clover, large and ni'^dium. Timothy, \Vhite Uutc'i Clover, Oats, Barley, Seed Corn, Spring Rye, Itrdian and Siberian Spring Wheat, Early June Potatoes, Mar- rowfat and Field P.-.-is. VEGETABLE GARDEN SEEDS. A choice and select varietv of Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Canliflowez, Celery, Beets, Cucumbers, Melons Radish, Squash, &c., J. Y. State Agricultural Society .. . 57 Clubs and Associations — Liquid Manures 58 Disease of potatoes ; by N. Goodsell 59 Ancient and Modern Improvers of Live Stock CO The Garden and Orrlnrd 61 Vegetables — Flower Garden and Nursery 62 AUverlUeiaems, &c , C3, 64 Bleteorological Obsenatioiis. MADE AT ROCHESTEK, SEVEN MILES FRoM LAKK O.NTARIO, BV L. WliTHERELL. JoUHNAL OF THE WeaTHEII FOR IMar, 1844. Tliei aa^ eler. La.o ueler. W i.iil. c c if 3 In 5 "■ 40 c5 'S a 29.40 1'^ Observations. 24 29.44 w Cloudy — fair — r.g. 35. 25 40 55 52 .40 .27 Fair. 20 35 39 33 .40 .42 .. Fair. 27 23 42 31 .42 .45 W N Fail- — clomlv — snow. 28 27 34 29 .52 .40 N W Cloudy, fair snow.rg.02 1 36 42 32 .34 .42 .. Cloudy— fair— snow. 2 • 34 54 40 .37 .14 s w Cloudy — rain. 3 35 32 30 .30 .70 N W Cloud v— fair — r.g.42ia 4 27 40 42 .78 .51 SS E Fair — cloudy — rain. 5 35 46 40 28.99 .47 E N W Cloudy — rain & snow C 2t! 43 35 .81 .70 N W N I'air. 7 33 60 50 .03 .41 SS F, Fair — cloudv. 8 55 56 46 .36 .50 s w w Cloud v — rain — r.g. .02 9 32 39 34 .56 .64 .N W N Cloudy snow. 10 29 38 33 .60 .41 SW NE 11 27 33 25 .54 .76 N E Cloudv — fair — snow. 12 22 46 36 .75 .68 S W Cloudy. 13 30 4H 38 .70 .66 S W N Fair — cloudy. 14 39 38 33 .46 .34 SE SW Cloudv, rain and snow. 15 20 24 20 .40 .38 N W W Cloudy — snow. 16 12 31 2() .29 .10 N W W .. 17 22 40 30 .91 .07 W 18 24 32 22 29.12 .25 N W 19 Iri 25 22 .33 .40 .. 20 22 33 29 .49 .60 21 22 16 28 27 40 27 33 .77 .73 .71 .67 N W W Fair— eloudj —r.g. .20. Fair. 23 35 50 37 .48 .31 SS WW Cloudj- — snow. 24 34 40 36 .41 .58 W N W . * 25 28 42 35 .83 .82 .. 'air. 26 32 54 50 .85 s w Cloudy — rain. Maximum (Mar. 7th)— ther. 66 deg. ; do. (Mar. 2fith)— bar. 29,85 in Minimum (Mar. I6tli)— ther. 12 deg. ; do. {Mac. 17th)^bar. 28.91 in" REMARKS. The first half of March was very warm for the season, but the last half has been very cool and stormy. Spring birds appeared the first of the month. Navigation between Rochester and Canada opened much earlier than usual — fir^t boat here on the 14th. The weather, at the close of the month, is more like spring than it has been for several days past. Prospect, now, of an early spring. AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL BOOKS. Just received and for sale at the Rochester Setd Store, Front-street. THE American Poulterer's Companion ; by C. N. Bement, The New American Orchardist, with an Appendix- ; by Wm. Kenrick. Tlie New American Gardener ; by Thomas G. Fessenden. Blacklock's Treatise on Sheep. Cobbetfs American Gardener. Dana's Muck Manual. The Complete Florist. Every Ladj' her own Flower Gardener. Dr. Smith's F^ssay on the Cultivation of Bees. BOARDMAN'S ROCHESTER NURSERY AND ti\RDE?S, One mile cast of the Bridge, on Main-street. THE Pro|)rietor of this Establishment has on hand, this spring, a very extensive assortment of all the choicest varieties of Ap- ple, Poach, Pear, Plum, (Cherry, Apricot, Almond, and a variety of Shade and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, &c. &c. The trees are very large and of fine growth. A few hundred of each kind, of extra size and beauty, will be selected for retailing, and will bear fruit ill a short lime. Fur more particular information, the jiulilic are re- ferred to the annual cat.dcgue, whjch may be found at tlie Rochester Seed Store, or at No. 22, jiulfalo-stKeet. Orders lift at the above pl.ices, or addressed to A.G.Smith, Rochester, N.Y., post-paid, w ill receive prompt atleytion THE ROCHESTER NURSJiRY, By J. MOULSON.— Office, No. 36. Fronl-street. THIS Nursery is in fine condition, having been established over fifteen years. The collection is particularly choice in fine va- rieties of fruit, and is every way worthy of the attention of the public. Orders received by mail, or otherwise, promptly aitended to. Trees packed for any distance Required selections of varie- ties made when desired. Six or twelve months' credit, on interest, given upon proper reference, when desired. Catalogues gratis upon application. E. SHEPARD, PRI^T£R, STATE-STREET, ROCHESTER. VOL. VI. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. MAY, 1845. NO. 5. PUBLISHED MONTHLY. BY B. F. SMITH & CO, PROPRIETORS, At the Seed Store, No. 4, Front Street, near Buffalo St. DANIEL LEE, EDITOR. Among the Cor respondents are — L. B. Langwor- THT, N. GooDSEf.L, Prof. C. Dewey, T. C. Peters, L. Wetherell, p. Barry, and T. H. Hyatt. * FIFTY CENTS A YEAR; Five copies for Two Dollars; Eight copies ("or Three Dollars. All payments to be made in atlvancc. Money aiul subscriptions. by a regulation of the postmaster general, may be remitted by post masters free of expense. ^^3" Address B. F. Smith & Co. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Mr. Johnson, of Holland, makes inquiry whether an old man may, with any prospect of being- able to see the fruit of his labors, attempt the cultivation of the pear. This fruit has the reputation of requiring great age before it will show fruit ; but our experi- ence is to the contrary. Stocks of 5 or 6 years growth will bear nearly as soon as the apple, if grafted from the wood of a bearing tree. The pear is very apt to throw up suckers from the root: these, grafted as they stand, and taken up the next year, make good trees . The surest way, however, is to procure good-sized trees, from the nursery, of v/hich plenty may be procured in this city, and in three or four years they will show fruit, and in ten years be- come large productive trees. — On the subject of the sweet and sour apple, we acknowledge to scepticism, when it is claimed as an artificial production ; and when our correspondent will exhibit one, half red and half green, both sweet and sour, we will cry pe- cavi ! Hamilton Co. Ohio. — We have received the re- port of the Agricultural Society of Hamilton Co. Ohio. Their proceedings are spirited, with enlarged views of the benefit of association and combination for mutual and general improvement. The report of Messrs. Whittlesey and Randal, appointed to make an. agricultural survey of that county, contains much curious and valuable informa- tion. It refers to 127 farms and locations of differ- ent soils, aspects, and original timber, principally with reference to their ability to produce wheat, no- ting the period the land has been under cultivation, the variety of wheat used, the greatest and the av- erage crop produced ; with the prevailing diseases and accidental causes of failures, and the insects which infect that region. We regret our inability to publish the report, from its length, but shall avail ourselves of many of its facts, for the benefit of our readers. We commend the course taken by the Hamilton County surveyors to the Committee on Farms for Monroe County. Many important facts might be elicited, and valuable statistics and information be obtained. Hay-Rack. — We have received a drawing and de- scription of a " down-east" hay rack. But as we use no carts in this country, and the article is so like the machine known here as a barrel-rack, used to transport flour-barrels to the mills, that we fear it would not come in competition with the neat and capacious articles used " up west." We shall be happy to exhibit the drawing to all inquirers, and to^hear from our correspondent from Waldo, Maine, on other subjects. Virginia State Agricultural Society. — We have received the proceedings of a meeting at Rich- mond, in January last, at which was organized a State Society, nearly on the plan of our own State Society, but we think with some valuable improve- ments, particularly in dividing the state into four great districts, in which the annual fair is to be held alternately ; and in creating, by individual donations and state bounty, a permanent fund, the interest of which shall produce means for ever, and beyond the reach of contingencies. We rejoice that the Old Dominion has waked up. Some of her people are of the right genius to make such an undertaking go off gloriously, and insure lasting benefits to her cit- izens. T. N. D., of Wheatland, Loudon County, Vir- ginia.— We were much interested and pleased with his communication. His correct notions of farming, and the means needed to bring up the worn-out land, of the Old Dominion, would be a valuable medicine for that part of the world, if it could be administered to its inhabitants ; but as our ride does not extend into those regions, having but few subscribers there, and considering the length of his article, conclude not to publish it, at present. Dr. Lee's Report. — Several slashing criticisms have appeared in the New York papers, on the report of Dr. Lee. Strange it is, that the moment an in- dividual has the philanthropic boldness to advocate the rights of the producing classes, the whole ken- nel of those who hope to live by their wits, are out upon him, " tray, blanch, and sweetheart." — Pub. W. S. T. Two communications received. 66 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 LIEBIG, AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. We have just received a long and hig-hly interest- ing letter frcin Mr. Horseford, formerly connected with the geological survey of this state, who is now pursuing the study of organic chemistry with the re- nowned prof, of Giesen University. The letter was not written for publication, but agreeably to a pro- mise made to the editor, to inform him as to the course of study, and all the details pursued in the lecture and recitation rooms of Liebig. Some of the statements are too important to be withheld from the public. The assemblage of chemists is large, as nearly every country in Europe has its re- presentatives . "The last lecture," says the writer, "was on cheese, containing the results of Russian chemists who are at work in this extensive laboratory. "The}'' have discovered two unknown acids in cheese ; and that caseine (curd) is soluble in milk only because it contains an organic acid, combined with soda, in which caseine is soluble.'' The reader will remember, that about nine-tenths of milk is water, in which curd or cheese is in- soluble . The variation of the quality of butter and cheese, by varying the plants, and the composition of the soil on which cows feed, is discussed at length. This is a subject of more practical importance than most dairymen are aware of. We cannot now go into de- tails, but shall resume the subject. Milking cows three times instead of twice in 24 hours, is practiced successfully in the vicinity of Giesen . Much more butter is thus obtained, owing to the rapid absorp- tion of the oily portion of the milk, if the gland that secretes it be allowed to remain distended. Animal Heat. — On this subject Mr. H. remarks, " The most startling thing of the winter session, thus far, has been his (Liebig's) reconciliation of the experiments upon the subject of animal heat with the theory that derives all heat from the 'combustion of organic matter." The experiments on this subject are illustrated by a drawing descriptive of the apparatus . Dulong and Despretz are the Chemists who differ with Liebig. We can hardly make this abstruse scientific discus- sion interesting to the general reader. At the University of Giesen are pursued the stu- dies of law, medicine, physiology, chemistry, Sic . Mr. H. speaks of having met with a gentleman who cultivates 94 species and varieties of wheat, corn and barley. The person named has recently published a work on the " ceralia," which is regard- ed as the best extant. The editor of this paper is promised some of the choicest varieties of these seeds, for distribution through the New York State Agricultural Society. Mr. H. is devoting particular attention to the wheat culture of Germany ; well remarking, " that it is impossible but that the experience in wheat growing by these patient, thinking Germans, for 2,000 years, should be either uninteresting or unim- portant." We expect a communication on this subject. Manures. — Don't forget the use of leached ashes, gypsum, charcoal, and urine. You can hardly apply them amiss, either in the hill, on it, or by scattering broadcast. Sale of Stock. — Mr. Prentice's entire stock of Short Horns will be sold at auction on the 25th of June. STEEPING SEED-CORN. It is beheved that a peck of seed corn soaked 24 hours in a steep made by dissolving one-fourth of a pound of common sal-ammoniac, (muriate of ammo- nia,) in six quarts of water, will serve to protect the corn from grubs, and increase the crop. The experiments made in Scotland the past sea- son, and in England also, have not uniformly proved so favorable as was anticipated. Nevertheless, the testimony in favor of steeps is, on the wholp, calcu- lated to inspire contidence in their practical utility. The temperature of the solution should be between 60 and 70 degrees. Instances are given where it was thought that seed grain had been destroyed — /. e., its germinating power, by the use of too strong solutions of salt- petre and muriate of ammonia. Any one disposed to try the experiment can soak a few kernels in a solution of any given strength for 24 hours, and then place them in warm moist earth to sprout, till he can tell whether the germ be injured or not. The stronger the solution can be made, without injurj'', the better it will operate on the coming crop. Apply all your spare unleached ashes to your spring corn and potato crops, in the hill, or on the hill. In default of unleached ashes use those that have imdergone the process of leaching. The com- post recommended in my report will be found to be very valuable. The mass should lie some two weeks, and be well mixed once or twice, before it is fit for use. The soda thus obtained by the decomposition of common salt will be a most u.seful alkali. The addition of ground charcoal will be useful. The quantity to be used I will leave to the sound judg- ment of the farmer in each case ; premising that the expense will be likely to prevent the application of a quantity so large as to be hurtful. This compost can be used as a top-dressing to grain crops, or it can be applied to hoed crops. ELECTRICITY— EFFECTS on VEGETATION. At a late meeting of the New York Farmers' Club, Mr. R. L. Pell, of Ulster County, presented to the club two pots containing growing plants ; in one of which a regular galvanic battery had been prepared in the usual way, by coils of zinc and cop- per plates, moistened by a weak solution of sulphu- ric ;icid. The wire connecting with this apparatus was brought into contact with the roots of the grow- ing plants. The result was, that the plants thus treated, other things equal, grew 22 inches in the same length of time that the plants in other parts grew but 5 inches. Similar experiments have been tried in Europe for many years, and with marked results. PREPARING WOOL FOR MARKET. This is an important matter. To wash sheep well, a narrow vat, with .-i small stream of soft water running into it, is the best contrivance that we have ever seen. The operator stands outside of the vat, into which the sheep is placed. Water may be poured into the reservoir, in the absence of a running stream. A smoothly planed box, of the right width, is the best apparatus for doing up fleeces neatly. Place the twine at the bottom of the box, roll tight, and tie snugly, It is easy to get 2 or 3 cents per pound more for the same wool, when put up with care and skill, than it would bring if put up in a slovenly manner. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 67 The Western Reserve Magazine of Agricul- ture AND Horticulture, monthlij, in pamphlet foam. Cleveland, O., F. R. Elliott, Editor. This publication is a neat and chaste production, abounding in illustrations, and has some well-written articles on Fruits, Locations, and Planting Trees, a subject to which the attention of the settlers in new countries cannot have their attention too fre- quently called. Ten years ago there were but three or four pub- lications, including our own, in the United States ; ahd now every town of any consequence, and some the reverse of that claim, produce one or more : they are as plentiful as blackberries ! Verily, we are a great people ! PU^IP-LOGS— INQUIRY. Mr. Editor, — I would like some information re- specting the best method of laying pump-logs ; and also what kind of timber will be the most durable. Please answer the inquiry, and I shall feel much obliged. A YOUNG FARMER. Our opinion is, that Avhite pine is the most dura- ble, and easiest worked, of any of our forest woods, and that good straight-grained timber, 4 by 4 for a two-inch bore, and 10 feet long, will do more ser- vice than any other form it can be made in, be- cause the wood is so thin in all its parts, that it is constantly wet, and consequently does not rot or decay. Hoop iron, |-inch wide, is riveted into a band 3^ inches in diameter, and driven into the end of the timber, when one log is inserted into the other. But a much better course is, to have a cast- iron connecting tube, about 3 inches long, and driven into the ends of the logs. Two men will lay 50 rods per day. For tlie liciipsee Farmer. AURORA (Cayuga Co.) AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL. A glorious place, this, for a School Farm ! When N. P. Willis, in his " Cherokee's Threat," essayed to paint the beauties of the vegetable creation, on the borders of Cayuga Lake, he did worse than at- tempt to adorn the lily — he caricatured the indige- nous floral creation. The names of David Thomas and Dr. Alexander Thomson, as connected with the Aurora institution, gives an earnest that no money- making scheme is attempted at the expense of the community. If a thorough knowledge of practical agriculture, in connection with science — if an enthu- siasm for, and an intimate acquaintance with all that relates to the fruits and flowers of the earth, are ad- mitted to be requisite qualifications in those who are to " teach the young idea how to shoot" — then the Aurora school must be a desirable place, not only for farmers' sons, but for any other son who has the taste and good sense to prefer the good and beauti- ful in the world to the world's illusions. S. W. Draining. — This is a branch of rural labor quite too much neglected in this country. The cost need not be any thing like the profit attending the opera- tion. At this time we intend barely to call public attention to the subject. See that your ditches are all open ; for notwithstanding the very dry and un- favorable weather which we have had for the last three weeks, we may soon experience a touch of the opposite extreme. Too much water, or any stand- ing water just below the surface, is fatal to healthy vegetation. SPROUTING SEEDS. Extract from a letter to Messrs. B, F. Smith it Co., Proprietors of the Rochester Seed Store, from a seed-grower in Massachusetts: "I find from many years experience that much labor and vexation is saved by sprouting all small seeds before sowing, and especially onion and carrot. A little plaster of Paris mixed with the seed at the time of sowing will absorb the water and separate the seed. Several years since, I planted a large field of carrots, with the seed dry, without sprout- ing. The seed I knew to be good : but it was almost a total failure ; and in searching for the cause, I found that a small insect, (a sand-fly, I call it,) which, sometimes, in a dry time in the spring, is very numerous. This insect, I found, would destroy the seed as soon as it opened to vegetate^ Since then, i have always sprouted my seed, and have never found any difficulty. Ano- ther advantage I have found in the practice is, that the seed will come up before the weeds, (say from two to four days,) and keep ahead of the weeds through the season . I have always recommended the practice to my customers, which is generally adopted. "If you are seed-growers, I need not mention that in sprouting seeds, they must not, for any great length of time, lie submerged in water. My prac- tice is, to put the xjuantity of seed I wish to sprout into a bucket, and pour to it water sufficient to cover the seed. The water may be quite warm. Let it stand over night, or until the seed is sufficient- ly saturated ; then drain off" all the water, and let stand in a moderately warm temperature till the seed sprouts ; taking care to stir it, and not let the seed get dry. " I have planted carrot seed with the sprouts an inch in length, and had the plants appear in rows on the surface in two days." Ppgspects of the Wheat Crop.— Wheat, on the oak and dry soils, stands well, but is generally backward, which in most cases is undoubtedly owing to late sowing, in consequence of the excessive drought that prevailed throughout this country last autunm. Those that sowed early, notwithstanding the dry season, have the best prospects, for al- though much failed to germinate, yet it has made amends by stooling out, and now looks very well. On sandy soils, the high winds and dry weather have had a bad effect ; and on low and mucky soils the month of April has been severe, and a great deal is killed out, and otherwise looks poor. A great breadth of land is sown this year ; and if the late-sown es- capes the rust, we th'nk there will be a full av- erage crop. KITCHEN GARDEN. We trust that no head of a family who reads this paper will fail to secure a good kitchen garden. It has three important advantages •. First, it is decided- ly profitable. Secondly, its products are exceeding- ingly comfortable ; and, thirdly, a garden furnishes more innocent recreation to a family than any other thing combining the useful with the agreeable. Children should learn to work in the garden ; and boys should be taught to practice the art of grafting and budding, and to understand the theory of im- proving all kinds of fruit. A garden is a capital place to lecture on the laws of nature. 68 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 P^or tUe Genesee Farmer. SYMPHYTUM, or COMFRF.Y ; A neiv kind of Food for Men and Cattle. In searching for aids in a new self-supporting eystem of general and liberal education, especially in the physical and dietetic departments, I was led, Bome ten years ago, to commence a series of exper- iments upon this vegetable ; the interesting results of which I began, in September, 1842, to communi- cate publicly in my own native eastern region. This, for the public benefit, I wish still to do, as op- portunities shall be afforded. I have found this article truly of rare value ; the herb made into hay for cattle, and the root dried and ground to flour for man. Any who shall use similar experiments, I doubt not, will find similar results. It is a native of this and many other countries ; found both in a wild state and also cultivated in many gardens for its healthful qualities. It is peren- nial ; very hardy ; the crop sure ; the growth luxu- riant ; the produce abundant ; while the labor it re- quires is very small. In 1841, I obtained, of two years' growth of roots, on soil of moderately good tilth, after the caps of the roots were taken off to re-plant, when thoroughly dried and ground, at the rate of 24,200 pounds of flour the acre. In 1842, I obtained on the same soil, from the herb of the sec- ond years growth, at two cuttings, at the rate of 11,616 pounds of well-made, good hay the acre. It requires no other tilling, or attention, than digging the crop of roots in April, once in two or three years, and re-planting as you dig, about 7 or 8 inches apart both ways ; and cutting and haying the herbs, once the first year, and twice a year afterwards. When ground in a cofiTee or corn mill, the root flour may then be used like other articles of food, ac- cording to the requsitions of health, convenience, or fancy, in various breads, gruels, puddings, griddles, Boups, pastry and custards, and in such proportions as shall be found agreeable. It is, like arrowroot, sago, and oatmeal, very mucilaginous, nutritious, and easy of digestion. It operates well for the lungs. It has restored a lost voice, and is one of the best remedies for habitual coughs and incipient con- Eumptions. It nourishes the feeble, and suits well a dyspeptic stomach, when no other food can be kept down ; and it sets all right in the bowels. I think it one of the best articles for sustenance and health ever made for man, and that on almost every account But let others cultivate and try it for themselves, and it will probably, with them as with me, be con- stantly growing in their estimation. With kind regards to all concerned, EZEKIEL RICH, A Minister of the Gospel and an Batavia, JV. Y., 1845. Educator. For the GeiiPsee Farmer. SCIENCE OF VEGETABLE NUTRITION. POTATO-FATTED HOGS. How is it that doctors do so disagree. Professor Emmons says, that plants " derive their sustenance almost entirely through their roots." Per contra, Dr. Lee is of opinion that at least 80 per cent, of all vegetable structure is derived from the atmos- phere. Liebig's theory corroborates Dr. Lee's opin- ion : he says, " When a plant has matured the or- gans by which it obtains food from the atmosphere, the carbonic acid from the soil is no longer requir- ed." I have tried the experiment of clipping the leavei of Indian corn, after the pollen was develop- ed : the result was, thot no perfect ears were per- formed. Professor Hall remarks, that different plants pos- sess different powers— some absorbing more from the atmosphere than others ; that a vine running over a dunghill, or in the vicinity of animal and ve- getable decomposition, will flourish better than in an inodorous atmosphere. This strikes at the doc- trine of Dr. Emmons, and corroborates Liebig, Lee, and others. Mr. True Remick, of Maine, fats hogs on pota- toes— prima facia evidence that vegetable physiolo- gists are mistaken in supposing that potatoes do not possess the fat-forming elements of Indian corn. Query — How many boiled potatoes did those hogs eat? how hard was their fat? did it not evaporate when exposed to the hot frying-pan ? Did it never occur to a farmer, that the leaf-lard of a potato-fed hog would evaporate full 15 per cent, in the frying ? S. W. For the Genesee Farmer. MARL. Marl — a species of calcareous carlh, of different composi- tion, and possessing fertilizing properties. — Webster. The term "marl;" in common parlance, is applied to many deposits which contain lime, and by some to soils which are of a yellowish color, which con- tain a small portion of clay, mixed with silicious matter, with or without lime. Shell-marl is a term more limited in its significa- tion, and is used to denote those deposites which are found scattered through different countries, and are evidently produced by different crustaceous animals, while living in salt or fresh water. The shells of such animals are composed of lime, combined with phosphoric and carbonic acid, and, when fresh, con- tain ammonia. All these substances, separate or combined, are taken into plants, and without them many plants will not arrive at perfection. Shell- marl has, in countries where it is found, been consid- ered equal in value with plaster of Paris, and, when applied to wheat lands, even superior to that article. There is another substance, found precipitated from waters which flow from lime formations, which is often called marl. It is found in beds of consid- erable thickness, in some localities soft and friable, in others forming porous stones, of greater or lesser magnitude, when it is called titfa. This substance has been found valuable as a manure, when applied to soils destitute of lime. Localities. — In searching for shell-marl, those pla- ces should be examined which are supposed to have been covered with standing pools or ponds of water at some previous period, and which have been drained by art, or become dry by natural causes. In such localities, it is often foimd resting upon a stratum of soft, unctuous earth, and covered with a quantity of vegetable matter. Test. — The quality of shell-marl may be readily ascertained by putting a small quantity, when dry, into a tumbler, and pouring vinegar upon it : in pro- portion to the rapidity of its effervescence, so will be its value^ N. GOODSELL. RHUBARB, or Pie Plant.— After the plants have a good start, (say second year after phinting,) hoe the eiirth from the roots 18 to 24 inches and as deep as the roots run down. Then put in a quantity (no dangerof getting too much) of r tied cow manure, and the effect is astonishing the succeeding year— rendering it unnecessary to put barrels over them — the stalk being much more tender from its quick growth. You can in this way have cuttings twice a week from the same plant. This is the result of my experiment. J. H. \V. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 69 Albany, April 22, 1845. Messrs. B. F. Smith & Co. — Gentlhmen : I send you a copy of my report on agriculture, with so much marked out as will bring it, I trust, with- in the moderate limits of the Farmer. If it shall be thought best, the balance of the report, with perhaps some additional remarks, will be published in the succeeding number. I have reported a bill to grant $5,000 a year, for three years, to the Fairfield Medical College, provided the trustees shall change the institution into an agricultural school. The buildings, chem- ical apparatus, &c., are well adapted to the object in view. The location is not so favorable as I could wish ; but, with the ice once broken in this matter of agricultural schools, and their practical utility fairly tested, there will be no ditlculty in estab- lishing them wherever they shall be needed. — D. LEE. T? F P O T?, T OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE. In Assembly— w'Harc/i 2Qth, 1845. Dr. D. Lee, of Buffalo, from the Committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred so much of the Governor's Message as relates to that subject, reports : Speaking of agriculture, the Governor says : *• The interest involved is not merely the most important committed to our charge, but more impor- tant than all others.'" This is no more than a just appreciation of that portion of the public interests committed by the House to the charge of your committee. Happy shall we be if any thing v/e can say or do shall serve to lessen the hard work now expended in producmg a pound of wool, a firkin of butter, or a bushel of wheat. Agriculture is a subject that public men are far more inclined to praise than to aid by any legislative enactments. However others may regard the inte- rest of rural industry, your committee believe that, while legislating for half a million of farmers, we owe them something more than empty commenda- tion— something hetter than a heartless lip service. It IS known to all, that no class in the community give so much muscular toil for $100 as do the com- mon field laborers in the state of New York. The hard work of skilful farmers is bought and sold at 9 or 10 dollars a month, and twelve hours toil is cheer- fully performed each day. But the mechanic, the banker, the merchant, the broker, or the professional gentleman, thinks his service very poorly rewarded if he do not receive three or four times that sum. If a man whose whole life is devoted to the culti- vation of the earth, does not and cannot earn so much as the merchant, the physician, or the lawyer, in the course of a year, pray tell us what is the cause, of this inability, that wise legislation may re- move it. And if the agriculturist does earn as much as any non-producer in the state, then please inform us how it happens that an experienced farmer must sell his labor at $120 a year, when he cannot hire one experienced in the mysteries of the law or medicine for less than $1,000 a year. Surely the toiling husbandman needs, if he does not deserve, as many good meals, as much good clo- thing, and as fine a house, as one that merely stud- ies to acquire, not to produce, the good things of this world. Nevertheless, the fact is notorious, that the great body of our rural population somehow contrive to work a little harder and fare a little poor- er than any other class in the community. We learn, from reliable statistics, that paupers in- crease among us much faster than population. The number that live from hand to mouth, only one step from the poor-house, is increasing with fearful rapid- ity. There are already more than 500,000 people in this state wholly dependent on their daily labor for their daily bread. If the legislature will do as much to instruct the producing classes how to keep and enjoy the entire proceeds of their honest toil, as it does to teach all non-producers how to exchange their shadows for the working-man's substance, nine-tenths of our growing taxes for the support of the poor, and the punishment of crime, will cease for ever. On the contrary, so long as three-fourths of any community give the products of three, four, or six hands for the little earnings of one hand, just so long will hungry mouths, naked backs, and houseless heads, claim as- sistance by a tax on the property of those that are better off. According to the official report, the di- rect tax in this state for the year 1844 was $4,243,- 100. This will soon be $8,000,000, unless we cease to manufacture paupers, criminals, and needless lit- igation. On what does the productiveness of the farmer's labor mainly depend ? Surely not on his mere mus- cular strength ; for in that case the mechanical power of a cart-horse will exceed five-fold in value the labor of an agriculturist. It is the sound judg- ment, experience, and acquired knowledge of the di- recting mind that imparts productive value to the labor of human hands. And it is mainly because the intellect employed in rural pursuits is less devel- oped than the mind devoted to other and mere pro- fessional occupations, that agricultural labor is so poorly rewarded. The truth is, that pass/re intellec- tual faculties are utterly valueless. They produce nothing. Hence, as the mind of a human being lacks science or knowledge, the market value of his more physical force depreciates in price. Without going into an elaborate argument, your committee appeal to the ten thousand improvements of the age in which we live, as furnishing conclusive evidence that there is no power on earth so productive of ffreat and beneficent results as the power of highly cultivated intellect. Those that follow the plow, and swing the axe, and gather the harvest, have not, as a class, been in- structed in the sciences which reveal nature's pro- cess for changing earth, air, and water into bread, meal, and clothing. Hence, to manufacture a bar- rel of pork, of flour, a firkin of butter, or 100 pounds of wool, from the ingredients necessary to form those agricultural staples, the farmer loses one-third or one-half of his labor by its misapplication. To make one ripe wheat plant, nature requres no fewer than fourteen simple and distinct elementary bodies. Each one of these substances has peculiar proper- ties, and not one can serve as a substitute for an- other. The laws established by the Creator of the uni- verse, which govern all the changes in the form and properties ol matter, whether in a crude mineral or in an organized condition, making the living tissues of plants and animals, are as uniform and unerring as the laws that regulate the rising and the setting of the sun. By studying the operation of these laws, the practical agriculturist is often able to effect a result in a day, which he could not accomplish in 70 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 a week while working against the purposes of nature. It is not far from the truth to say, that 400,000 of the 700,000 children now attending our common schools, are destined to become practical operatives in the great art of making something into grain, grass, roots, milk, butter, cheese, wool, fat, lean meat, bone, or some of the numerous other products of rural labor. Jf'liere that something can be found, and hoic the raw materials of all cultivated plants should be combined so as to give the largest return for any given amount of capital and manual toil, are problems in practical husbandry, which science alone can solve. If the ashes obtained by burning a ripe wheat, rye, oat, corn, barley, or timothy plant, be analyzed, not far fi'om 80 per cent, will be found to be silica, or common flint sand. This silica is an indispensable ingredient in the above-named crops ; and yet, not one particle of this mineral can enter the root of any plant except it be dissolved in water. Now, of all earthy substances, flinl sand is the most insoluble. Indeed, you may boil it for hours in aqua fortis, sul- phuric or muriatic acid, without dissolving it. How, then, is the practical farmer to dissolve this mineral, which, more than all others, forms the hone neces- sary to give strength to the stems of his grain, that they may hold up, without falling, the load of ripe seed in the ears ? Chemically speaking, silica is an acid, and will unite with a large dose of the two alkalies, potash and soda, and form a soluble silicate of those bases. This explanation reveals the reason why the alka- lies in wood ashes are so valuable as fertilizers on sandy soils. On comparing the analyses of maple, beech, and oak ashes with those obtained from cereal plants, there will be found a striking similarity in their respective constituents. Next to clay, sand, and potash — lime, soda, phos- phorus, sulphur, chlorine, and iron,^are the most im- portant minerals found in cultivated plants. To pre- pare these ingredients for use, the following is a cheap and easy process : Take ten bushels of newly-slacked lime — i.e., ten before it is slacked — and mix it thoroughly with 20 bushels of loam or vegetable mould. Add to the heap five bushels of common salt and an equal amount of plaster of Paris. Moisten till the mass is like damp earth. The plaster will furnish sulphur, and the common salt will yield both soda and chlorine. The latter will leave the sodium and unite with the caustic lime, forminjT a soluble salt, called the chloride of calcium. The sodium being first converted into soda, will then combine with the carbonic acid from the air and organized matter in the vegetable mould, and form a precious alkahne salt, which will dissolve common sand. This compound still lacks phospho- rus and iron. Ground bones furnish the former, and copperas the latter mineral. If one can get the liquid excretions of domestic animals, or of the hu- man species, and saturate the compost heap with this compound of ammonia, phosphoric acid, and of other valuable matters derived from plants, the ferti- lizing properties of this artificial manure will be greatly increased. There is no branch of business in which the sci- ences of geology, chemistry, and of vegetable and animal physiology, are so useful to man, as they are to the practical husbandman. The term science is but another name for knowledge. It is, however, usually limited in connection with natural phenome- na, to the systematic investigation of the laws of nature. Of all men, the practical faimeris most in- terested in understanding and obeying these wise and salutary laws. The fact is susceptible of demonstration, that from a general ignorance of these laws,, we have wasted in the state of New York, within the last twenty-fJA-e years, the indispensable ingredients that go to form both bread and milk for our children, which, if placed in New York or Boston markets, would sell for one hundred millions of dollars. The guano imported into Great Britain last year sold for t!4,000,000. It is retailed in Western New York by an exchange of four pounds of flour for one of guano. To make an acre of wheat that will yield twenty bushels, the plants must ha^e 12 pounds of phospho- rus. To purchase that amount of a substance, which forms one of the constituents of the human brain, at a druggist's shop, will cost $24. The fact is notorious, that there are thousands, if not millions of acres in this state, which once bore 20 bushels of good wheat per acre, that now yield not more than ten bushels. To make our twelve millions of bushels of wheat a year, we annually consume about seven millions of pounds of phospho- rus. It is the phosphate of lime contained in grass and hay, derived from the earth, out of which all our domestic animals form the solid earthy portion of their bones. At present prices, the phosphorus and ammonia annually thrown away in the solid and li- quid excretions of man and his domestic animals, are worth some $20,000,000. A cargo of guano — phosphorus and concentrated nitrogen, derived from the fish on which sea-fowls feed — arrived in New York a few days since, which will sell at some $60,000 ! What consummate fol- ly, to throw away the raw materials which form our daily bread ! In a work just published in this country, M. Bous- singault states, that he has seen fields on the table lands of the Andes which have produced excellent crops of wheat annually, for 200 years. Guano is the fertilizer used on these fields. Recent experiments in Scotland have demonstra- ted the practicability of growing 44 bushels of wheat on an acre having only 1 \ per cent, of organ- ized matter in the soil. It must contain, however, to a limited extent, each of the 14 simple elemen- tary substances which form a wheat plant. It is well known, that if a bin of corn be moisten- ed, it will heat, and grow or rot. In the process of sprouting, a seed first imbibes some portion of the vital gas which surrounds it, which, uniting with the carbon in the starch, forms carbonic acid, and evolves heat. When starch thus loses one portion of its carbon, it is changed into a kind of sugar, making, as is well known, sweet bread from wheat a little grown. If a grain of ,whcat be surrounded by a little waxy clay, only a half-inch in diameter, it will not sprout, because oxygen gas cannot penetrate the compact earth. By sowing grain in wet weather, so that the harrow covers the seed with mud, thou- sands of bushels are lost. It is a matter of great practical importance to know how to develop a large, vigorous growth of roots. On a poor soil, this can only be done by tho aid of science. Deep plowing, and a thorough pul- verizing of the soil, are indispensable to accomplish this object. Vol. C. GENESEE FARMER. 71 If it cost the farmers of New York twice as much land and labor to produce a bu?hel of grain as it does their ccmpetitois out of the state, how are the cul- tivators of the earth among us to prosper ? AH the farmers in the Empire State should rise as one man, and insist that the science of keeping pro- perty, and the science of good husbandry, shall be taught in all their common schools. The same mental cultivation which will enable an honest tiller of the soil to double the products, and doable the value of his better-directed industry, will also qualify him to keep and enjoy a much larger por- tion of the nett proceeds of his labor. It is now twenty -six years since the friends of agricultural improvement first made a vigorous ef- fort to establish an agricultural college in this state. Your committee have before them an essay publish- ed in this city in 1819, of forty-two pages, advoca- ting such an institution with unanswerable argu- ments. At a latter period the lamented Judge Buel suc- ceded in procuring a naked charter for such a school; but not a single dollar could be obtained to aid pri- vate enterprise in teaching the unerring laws of na- ture to the young men v/ho are to pursue the mod- ern art of transforming solid rocks into fertile soils, and these, again, into human food and rai- ment. Wise legislators conferred unlimited authority on a few Canal Commissioners to expend indefinite mil- lions in cutting and beautifying inanimate stone along the line of the enlarged canal : but the law-making power refused to grant one dollar to teach the sci- ence of rural economy to the sons and daughters of practical farmers. Within the last twenty-six years there has been taken from the public treasury about ^200,000 to prepare the candidates for legal honors to study successfully the science of law. We have also four well-endowed medical colleges, now drawing from the public funds $5,500 a year, besides $200,000 before received. We have so long paid a large bounty on al' branches of unproductive industry, that no young man, of any honorable ambition, will consent to toil and sweat, and burn in the sun on a farm, for $10 a month, when, as a clerk in a store, a bank, or a bro- ker's office, or as a student in the doctor's or law- yer's office, he can expect, in the course of twenty years, to command five dollars to one, and at one- fifth of the severe bodily labor exacted of the prac- tical agridulturist. But can all our ambitious young men become professional gentlemen, without render- ing these professional pursuits utterly valueless ? If learning and science are the great highways to honorable distinction and public favor, why deny these advantages to those that do more than all others to feed and clothe the whole community ? It is true that science is the greatest leveler in the world : but, unlike the leveling of ignorance and brute force, it ever levels upward. It takes the highest point of mental attainment already achiev- ed for its standard ; and then, wisely and humane- ly attempts to elevate all below up to that standard. The object of this efTort is to make the triumph of mind over mattet universal and complete. All men blessed with a common share of common sense should have, in their cvery-day business operations, the full benefit of the best lights of modern science. Science gives to the poor man unknown and ever- in";reasing power over heat, light, electricity, chem- ical attraction, air, water, and the solid substances which form the surface of the globe. All these elements are brougiit into requisition by nature, in changing crude mineral matter into living organized beings — into the cultivated plants and do- mestic animals produced by the labor of the husband- man. To increase the knowledge of the producing classes does not detract, in the least, from the at- tainments of any class that may stand, or think they stand, above the common average of the community in which they live. Why shall we refuse to do as much to make skill- ful and scientific farmers as we do to make skillful doctors and lawyers ? There are 11,000,000 acres under cultivation in this state, yielding an average product worth $7 per acre. Communicate to the half-million of men who cultivate these lands a knowledge of the laws of na- ture which govern all the results of rural industry, and instead of exhausting the soil of its bread-form- ing elements at the rate of millions a year, they will improve the land and harvest, at the same cost in labor, three dollars per acre more than they now do. This will add to the productive value of our agricultural industry $ 33,000,000 a year, and to the revenue of our canals more than one million of dollars : for a large portion of this will go to the cities on the sea-board, and be paid for in goods to be returned through our canals to the consu- mers. Thus the property dug from the earth will contribute a double toll to the state. Who cannot see that commerce, manufactures, and all other pursuits in civilized society will be largely benefited by increasing the productiveness of rural labor ? Hence whatever we give to ag- riculture is truly given to all classes. By unwise cultivation, we have all consumed much of the constituents of human food and clothing that a a bountiful Providence spread over the virgin earth in the Empire State. Science now comes to our aid, and teaches us how to change a cold, com- pact subsoil, into a loose, friable, and most produc- tive surface soil. It reveals to us ivhy it is that a good soil will produce 100 pounds oi" ripe wheat plants, and yet lose only 15 pounds of its weight and substance bj^ the operation, eighty-five pounds coming from the atmosphere. Very fine Hogs. — A, Russell, Esq. of Deerfield, Mass., in a communication to the editor of the Mas- sachusetts Ploughman, says, he fatted and killed a pig 11 months and 6 days old, that weighed 532 lbs. Respecting the best mode of feeding hogs, he says, '^ I fed him for the last six months entirely on c(n-n ground in the ear, and wet. This was the largest hog ever killed of his age. I have tried va- rious ways in feeding, and I have had the best luck in giving mixed ground feed, in the cold part of the year ; wet it with warm liquor, and give it soon af- ter it is mixed — always keeping a clean trough and a dry place for them to lie in. It would seem that old Deerfield will soon stand at the head of the list for fat hogs : as it has long been head and horns, above all other towns for fat cattle. Mr. R, says, "Ten of my townsmen have handed me a list of the weight of 12 hogs that they have killed for their own use this winter, which beats the Connecticut hogs mentioned in the Hartford pa- per. Whole weight is 6,698 ; average, 558 ; the largest was 661, the smallest, 503 ; the oldest 20 months ; the youngest, 14 months." 72 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 IMPROVED SHORT-HORNED DURHAM HEIFER ESTERVILLE. EsTERviLLE, the property of E. P. Prentice, of Mt. Hope, near Albany, received the first prize for two- (1,485) — g.g.g.g. (]. Bellona, by Mars (411) — g-g-g-g-g' d. RoUa, by North Star (458,) own brother to Comet, sold for $1,000. Sir Alfred was, in 1840, sold to the King of the French. For tho Genesco Farmer. WINTERING STOCK— A DIALOGUE. (Continued.) James. Brother H., when I got home I saw how miserable and poor my cattle were when compared with yours ; so I resolved to do diflerently in future. But I must have some of the big beets ; so you must inform me how to raise them. Henry. I am glad that you have come to so good a resolution ; and if you do but pvit it into practice, you will have both the satisfaction and profit of it. When you were here before, I forgot to inform you that you must not allow any of your stock to ramble over the fields when they are soft, nor before the grass is well up. What little they get early in the season, by plunging over the fields, is a real injury to the animals, and very luirtful to the ground. You never should turn into the pas- tures until they are up a good bite ; they will then aflbrd much more feed through summer, and the stock will do much better. But to the root-raising : The essentials for rais- ing a bountiful hoe crop of any description are, to have the ground rich — to keep it clean and well pul- verized. Now I nuist inform you how I apply my manure — for you must have manure to make your ground rich. Stabling your cattle, and feeding them with roots in winter, it makes much more and much richer manure. The increasing of the quan- tity and quality of the manure is one of the most essential benefits of the root crop. I prepare my ground in the fall, for all my hoe crops. You now must do the best you can, and next season you can do better. You sec that I have all my manure in the yard, and by the first of May ha^e all the straw and use- less forage trodden under foot, for manure. About the first of April I spread plaster all over my yards, about two tons : and about the last of May, or as soon as spring work is over, I put the manure up into heaps in the j'ards, and cover these heaps over with a thin coat of plaster — about two tons more. The manure rem.ains in these piles through summer, and as soon as my fall crops are secured, or as soon as I can, I apply this manure to my next spring cpop, but previous to putting on the dung, I sow^ the ground with plaster — about two bushels per acre. On the ground intended for the beets, I put of said manure 30 vragon or ox-cart loads per acre ; and on the corn and potato ground, 25 loads per acre ; spread it evenly over the surface, and then plow it deep and well, not leaving any unturned. In the spring, as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry to pulverize, give it a thorough harrowing lengthwise of the furrows; it is then ready for mark- ing for corn and potatoes. But the beet ground must be cross-harrowed, so as to mix the soil tho- roughly. Harrow sufficiently : do not fear hurting it, if the ground be but drj^ Then take your plow and ridge it into narrow ridges, 2^ ;or 3 feet apart. Then with a marker, drawn by a horse, or with 5'our hoe handle, make a mark on "the top of the ridge, about 2 inches deep — drop the seed into it, about 2 or 3 inches apart, then cover them lightly with a hoe or rake. The seed you can get at the Rochester seed store: put on 3 lbs. of the mangel wurzel, or the large white sugar beet, per acre. Try some of each, and Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 73 you will see which is best adapted to your soil ; and also get half a pound of ruta baga seed per acre, to mix with the beets — it gives a double chance for a regular crop. Soak the beet seed in warm soft water, for three or four or even five days, changing the water occa- sionally. When ready to plant, pour off the water as dry as you can : then roll the seed in white plaster or flour, to make it white, so that you can see how you are dropping it. Soak the turnip seed in tanners' oil two or three days,to prevent the flies from eating the young plants. Mix the beet and turnip seed together before sowing, as I have stated above, 3 lbs. of one and half a pound of the other per acre : by thus doing, you have two chances for a bountiful crop. And sow as soon in May as the ground and weather will permit. March24, 1845. WHEATLAND. « N. Y. FARMER & MECHANIC" Criticism on S. W's. Essay on Manure. — Indian Corn as a Green Crop. I have just had the honor to receive through the post-office two numbers of the " New York P^armer and Mechanic." It is a well-printed hebdomedal, on good paper, containing none of those long, common- place talcs, indigenous and exotic, which so general- ly monopolize the columns of those blanket sheets yclept "the cheapest newspapers extant." If the New York Farmer is not, at $2 a year, the lowest- priced weekly in New York, in my humble opinion it gives as much valuable and mteresting matter for $2 a year as any other paper printed there. The editor of the agricultural department of this paper, B*, in noticing the extracts from my Essay on Manures, as published in the Genesee Farmer, de- murs to the assertion that " the atmosphere, and not the earth, is the storehouse of the elements of or- ganic life." He first quotes a passage from Liebig, to show that the oxygen of the atmosphere converts the humus in the soil into carbonic acid, which is ta- ken up as food by the roots of plants ; and then makes the unqualified assertion, that the earth is the storehouse, and the atmosphere the digesting agency of vegetable life." B* is undoubtedly correct when he says that the earth is the storehouse for manures, and that science is with the farmer who fills it ; but science is also with the farmer who makes up for the paucity of his animal manures, by the use of lime, plaster, ashes, &,c. — substances which have the power to receive and fix carbonic acid and ammonia in the soil, to aid in dissolving the incumbent humus, and then to per- form still another part, by entering into the tissues in some form, to add to the organism of the plant itself. If B.'s theory be true, why will a spoonful! of plaster, guano, or crushed bones, applied to a hill of corn, cause it to produce so much more than it v/ould yield without such outward application ? I would ask, if nearly one-half of all vegetable structure is carbon, how is it that some soils produce good crops from year to year, with hardly a trace of soluble ve- getable matter in them ? it is the Avell-settled opinion of Justus Liebig, corroborated by that of Sennibier, Ingenhauss, and others, that the carbon- ic acid of the air, serves for the food of plants, and that its carbon is freely assimilated by them. M. de Saussure was fully aware of the omnipresence of carbonic acid in the atmosphere before he ascertain- ed the fact, by experiment, that it was present in the atmosphere of Mont Blanc, where eternal snows co- ver the earth's surface. B* will admit that oxygen gas and water come from the air. We now come to nitrogen, which, with hydrogen, forms ammonia. Liebig, in his or- ganic chemistry, says, " A certain portion of nitro- gen is exported with corn and cattle ; and this ex- portation takes place from year to year without the smallest compensation ; yet after a given number of years, the quantity of nitrogen will bo found to have increased 1 Whence, we may ask, comes this in- crease of nitrogen ? The nitrogen in the excre- ments cannot reproduce itself, and the earth cannot yield it. Plants, and consequently animals, must therefore derive their nitrogen from the atmosphere." On a dry prairie near Vincennes, Ind., Indian corn has been grown, without the aid of animal manures, more than 70 years in succession, with very little diminution of crop. This fine soil doubtless pos- sesses all the inorganic matter necessary to form the inorganic structure of the plant grown on it ; but I would ask B*, Whence do the plants obtain the constituents of nitrogen and carbon, if not from the atmosphere ? Editor B* claims the character of an unique mas- ter in the science of vegetable nutrition. So far from wishing to dispute his pretensions, I will free- ly acknowledge them, after he has succeeded in his experiment of cutting " three or more growths of corn-stalks, 4 feet high, from one seeding." I have grown here two crops of Indian corn from the same ground in one season ; but from two seedings. In Cuba, green corn stalks (mulsho) is grown for soil- ing mules and cattle ; but when one crop is cut, an- other is sown. The experiment of two cuttings might succeed in favorr.jlc seasons ; but three or more cuttings could riot give " increase to pay the malting." If I were growing corn for fodder, I would always sow it in drills, so wade apart that the soil could be worked during the first week of the plants' growth. No crop pays so well for early hoeing as Indian corn. A crop is often lost in this cli- mate by neglecting to hoe it as scon as the plants are up . - S . W. ExMUR, OR WHEAT BARLEY. Mr. Editor, — At page 49 of the Com. of Patents' excellent report for 1844, I noticed a statement in relation to wheat barley, and infer, from the remarks, that there is some hvnihug about it. The kind of barley above-mentioned has been grown in this region, and we once sowed a bushel. It has the appearance of common barley, yields well, and has a clean, handsome kernel. We could not sell it to the brewers ; and not knowing any other disposition to make of it, discontinued raising. It found no favor among our farmers, and the seed may be lost. If, however, I can find any, I will send the Commissioner a sample. But I have great doubts whether it is of any particular use to the farmer. Yours, T. C. PETERS . Darien, April 21, 1845. The Annual Herd Book. — To accommodate such Sliort-Horn breeders as wish to insert pedigrees of the in- crease of their herds this spring, in the pages of this work, it will be kept open till the first day of July next, by which time it ii to bo hoped that all who wisli to register their cattle will forward their respective pedigrees. The lists are fast coming in, and it will be a source of pleasure to the subscriber to make them as numerous as possible, that the array of American Short-Horns shall at least show some sort of respectability to their friends on the other side of the Atlantic. L. F. Allen. Black Rock, N. Y., April, 1845. 74 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 HORTICULTURAL DEPART.MEJS'T Br p. BARRY. SPRING WEATHER—PROSPECTS OF THE FRUIT CROP, &c. In this region Vv'e have had the most favorable spring for transplanting trees, and arranging and la3-ing out gardens, orchard?, and pleasure-gronnds, that is within our memory ; opening about the 10th of Alarch, and continuing up to the 25th of April, with only a trivial interruption of a few frost;f days. Vegetation has been brought forward gradually, and has not suffered in any locality that Vv-c have heard from, in Western New York, by severe frosts. The last week has been unusually warm for April, and that, with the copious rains which preceded it, has caused a wonderfully rapid development of leaves and blossoms. The country now presents a glorious and gladden- ing sight. Never have we seen fruit trees so prom- ising as they now are : if we escape injury by frosts, we may reasonably anticipate the most abundant fruit crop we have seen for many a year. For this we have great reason to be thankful. Throughout Ohio, and other sections of the west, the entire fruit crop is destroyed ; and even the wheat crop, by combined drought and frosts, is in many sections ruined. For vegetable gardening, the weather has not been so favorable. It has generally been too coM for seeds to vegetate, except in the warmest soils. We have no doubt that many of the early-sown seeds have rotted ; but the weather since the 24th of April has been so warm, that early vegetables will yet be matured in good season, where timely and proper exertion is made. PROGRESS OF FRUIT CULTURE. It is cheering to those who are laboring to pro- mote the cultivation of fruit throughout our coun- try, to witness the increased interest which has been manifested on this subject during the present season, compared with preceding ones. It does now seem, that the importance of fruit culture begins to be justly estimated — at least, by a large number. If the same spirit be maintained for the next quarter of a century, of which we have not a doubt, every family in the land will be in the en- joyment of an abundance of choice fruit ; and not only that, but the fruits of North America will be shipped to every countrv in the world. We build these calculations on the known unbounded facilities which our soil and climate afford, as well as on the indomitable energy of our people, and their unequal- ed enterprise. Orchards have recently been planted, on the most extensive scale, for the purpose of raising fruit for export to China and elsewhere. No pains nor ex- pense have been spared by the planters to procure the most desirable varieties : and we are proud to know, that Western New York has furnished some native productions that stand pre-eminent. Our famous " Northern Spy" apple has been in great demand. All the trees that were in an way fit to plant have been sent out • many orchardists have planted one hundred trees of this variety alone. If proper attention i ; bestowed to this subject, we believe that in a few years a va^^ number of varie- ties, of superior merit to the best we now know, may be brought to notice, and contribute largely to the public good. Every man who aids in introdu- cing a new and valuable fruit, is, in some degree at least, a benefactor of his race. SPRING-BLOOMir^TG HARDY TREES AND SHRUBS. For the benefit of those who take an interest in the floral department, (and we hope they are not few,) we would mention a number of beautiful trees and shrubs now in full bloom, (April 28th:) Donhle-Floicering Cherry. — This, like most other cherries, is a beautifully formed tree, and is now load- ed with large clusters of double flowers, as double as a cabbage rose, about the size, or a little larger, of a 25-cent, piece. This is a most desirable tree for shade and ornament. Donhle-Flowering Peach. — This resembles other peach trees in form and habit, with a great profusion of double rosy blossoms ; very handsome, and forms a beautiful contrast with the foregoing. Large Double- Flotccring Almond. — This tree re- sembles the peacii ; is of much stronger growth, and attains a larger growth than the peach usually does. The blossoms are just now beginning to open : the color is a beautiful rosy red. When in full bloom, every branch resembles a wreath of deli- cate roses. A most magnificent tree. Pyrus Juponica, or Cydonia .Taponica — Japan Quince. — This is a low, spreading shrub or bush, with shining, glossy foliage, and the most brilliant scarlet and rose-colored blossom^^, perfectly hardy, and a regular and most profuse bloomer. This we esteem one of the most superb shrubs cultivated. We once saw about 100 feet of a hedge of this shrub, in full bloom, as it is now, and it was certain- ly the richest thing of the kind we have ever beheld. i>Jo shrubbery should be without it. Double-Flotccring Sloe. — This is another low- spreading bush ; flowers small and double, pure white, the whole bush completely covered when in full bloom, so that it resembles a heap of snowy wreaths ; flowers delicate and pretty. One of the finest and most desirable spring-blooming shrubs. We should allude to several other beautiful spring- blooming trees and shrubs ; but space will not per- mit us at present. PRETTY BORDER PLANTS NOW IN BLOOM. To those who love flowers, none are more desira- ble than those of early spring. The Primula, or Polyanthus, used for borders, is a beautiful plant. , Our borders now are quite gaudy with them. They are hardy, and of very easy culture. The Pansy or Hcarfs Ease, too, is a sweet uni- versal favorite. It turns up its pretty little face to the first warm spring sun, and blooms on till it is again buried beneath the snoAV. The fine new vari- eties are now as large and round as a dollar, and pos- sess the richest tints. Phlox Sctacea is another low, pretty plant, much used for borders. It is called " Moss Pink ;'' flowers of a fine lilac color, very showy. Hyacinths, A^arcissus, k,c., are now in full bloom, and filling the garden with their delicious fragrance, which, with their varied and delicate colors and easi- ness of culture, renders them universal favorites. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 75 WILD FLOWERS. Ladies ! If you wish to transfer some of the fine forest flowers to your gfnrdens, you should commence ■with the season, and mark the locality of those you intend to transplant, and make such notes respecting- (heir habits, Sec, as will enable you to cultivate them successfully. Many of the prettiest are hard to be found after they have passed out of bloom. Multitudes of our native shrubs and plants pos- sess great beauty ; but because they are " wild," they are neglected. Many a door-yard, now with- out the shadow of a tree, shrub, or plant, inio-ht, by the expenditure of a little labor, be made at least agreeable to look at. There is no accounting for the horrid distaste which many people seem to have for anything or everything that is common. We have known people despise the most rare and beau- tiful plant, because it was " similar to something that grew in the woods." We are passionately fond of rare exotics; but we love, not our own beaiitiful wild flowers the less. We wish that people of some refined taste would set an example in this re- spect, and endeavor to diffuse a taste that cannot fail to brighten and beautify rural life. If space permit- ted us, we would enumerate some of the fine spring flowers worthy o'^' culture ; but we would say, " Go to the woods and fields, and see them, and do as we have suggested." THE FLOWER GARDEN .—I^ciuiRiES. Annual flower seeds may now soon be sown. The ground should be rich and mellow. Verbenas, Petunias, Phlox Drummondi, and Chi- nese Monthly Roses, and such plants as give a pro- fusion of flowers from May till November, should now be planted out. We have heard innumerable inquiries from those who were about improving their gardens in the way of ornamental shrubs and plants, what they should get. We would now suggest, that those who contemplate future improvement should make notes of the name and appearance of every beau- tiful tree, shrub, or plant they see or wish to ob- tain, so that they may be able to get it when the season comes. CATERPILLARS. It is now almost too late to guard against these destructive insects. We have noticed unusual quan- tities of them on our trees this spring. Those who may have neglected it so far should, without a moment's delay, examine their orchards ann gardens, every tree around their premises, and destro}^ the insects before they make their way in- to the leaves. On young trees, they are within the reach, and easily killed in any way ; on those of considerable height, a piece of cloth or sponge may be fastened on the end of a pole of sufficient length, and this, dipped in oil or turpentine, will kill them instanter. Insects, — ^Those who wish to be successful in raising fine fruit and vegetables, must be contin- ually on the alert to guard against the ravages of insects. You may lose your fine bed of cabbages in an hour, by the want of proper vigilance ; and so it is with every thing else. It becomes every man who tills the soil to study the nature and habits of insects ; and this is a subject which most of us, to our very great disadvantage, are wofuUy ignorant of. We must get Harris, or some other good work on this subject, and stvdr/. N. Y. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. CatUc-Shotv and Fair for 1845, to Ije held at Ulica, Sept. 16, 17, and 18. LIST OF FREMilJMS FOR 1845. ON FARMS. For Ihe tjeet cultivated farm of not Iocs than 50 acres, exclusive of woodland, regard being had to the quantity of produce, the manner and expense of cultivation, and the actual profits: First premium , $50 ] Second ditto $30 Third do 20. The persons making application for these premiums, must submit written answers to a series of questions, which will hereafter ba published. ON ESSAYS. For the best series of Essays on the imjiortanre of scJentific knowledge in prosecuting succetsfully the ordinary pursuits of agriculture $ 1 00 For the best Agricultural Text-book for schools 100 For the best Text-book on Horticulture 50 For the best Essay on Subsoil Flowing, with the results of ac- tual experiments in the state of New York 20 For the best Essay on Draining, with detoils of the results of actual experiments, showing the expense, and supposed in- creased value of the land 10 For the best Essay on Irrigation 10 For the bi st Essay on the Culture and Manufacture of Silk ... 20 For the best Essiiy on the prevalent Disease in Potatoes 20 CATTLE. Class \—Durhams. Best bull, over 3 years old, ..§15 | Second best $10 'JMiird best.. diploma. Best bull, 2 years old 10 | Second best Colman's tour Third best..dii.lnma. Best yearling bull 10 | .Second best Colman's tour Third best. .diploma. Best bull calf Col. tour | Second best Diploma Best cow, over 3 vcars old.. 15 | Second best 10 Third :ii>st..dipl(UTia. Best heifer, 2 yeius old lU | Seconil best col. tour Third best. .diploma. Best yearling heifer 10 | Second best col. tour Third best.. diploma. Best heifer calf col. tour | Si coiid best diploma Class 11.— Hercfords. ' Best bull, over 3 years old .. 15 Second best ." 10 Bist bull, betweeh 1 and 3 years old 10 Second best . .diploma Best cow 15 Second best 10 Best heifer, between 1 and 3 3 years old 10 Second best diploma Class 111. — Derons. Best bull, 3 years old 15 I Bi?st cow 15 Second best' 10 1 Second best 10 Best bull, between I and 3 I Best heifer, between 1 and 3 years old 10 years old 10 Second best diploma ' Second best diploma Class IV. — Ayrshires. Best bull over 3 years old. .. 15 Second best . . . ." 10 Best bull, between 1 and 3 years old 10 Second best diploma Best cow 15 Second best 10 Best heifer, between 1 and 3 years old 10 Second best diploma Class V. — Crosses of Native and Improved, Best cow, over 3 years old. .. 15 1 Best heifer, 2 years old 15 Second best 10 | Second best 10 Third best vol. transactions | Th;rd |je»t vol. transactions Class VI. — Native cuttle. Best cow, over 3 years old .. 15 1 Best heifer, 2 years old 15 Second best 10 Second best 10 Third best vol. trans | Third best vol. trans WORKING OXEN. Best ten y ke of oxen from any one town 20 Second best 10 Third best col. tour Best team of 20 yoke from any one county 25 Second best 15 Best yoke of oxen 15 Second best 10 Third best vol. trans In awarding the premiums on working oxen, the single teams will be subjected to a trial on a loaded cart or wagon, under the direction of the committee ; and particular reference will be had to the raatcbinp, training, and docility of the animals, as weU as their gen- eral appearance. 76 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 Bfist yoke Best yoke Best yoke THREE-YEAR-OLD STEERS. 15 I Second best Third best, diploma. TWO-YEAR OLD STEERS. 10 I Second best Tliird best, vol. trans. YEARLING STEERS. 8 I Second best Third best, vol. trans. col. tour FAT CATTLE. Best pair fat oxen 15 | Second best 10 Third best, col. tour. Best ox, cow, or heifer . ... 10 | Second best 5 Third best, vol. trans. A fat ox, taking a premium as one of a pair, cannot compete sin- gly for another premium. HORSES. Best stallion, 4 years old. . . 20 Second best 10 Third best vol. trans Fourth best diploma Best s'allion, 3 years old.. . 15 Second best 10 Third best diploma Best pair matched horses .. 10 Second best .. .• vols, trans Third best diploma Best gelding horse 10 Second best .... vol. trans Best breeding mare 20 Second best 10 Third best diploma Best mare, 3 years old 10 Second best vol. trans Third best diploma The variety of horses which possesses size, strength, and endu- rance for field labor, combined with that action which qualifies them for the carriage or saddle — in short, the " horse of all work'' — is probably the most profitable class which our farmers can now engage in rearing; and to such, therefore, will the preference of the soci- ety be given. Horses taking premiums in pairs cannot compete singly for the premium for geldings. Best buck Second best Third best Best buck Second best Third best SHEEP. Class 1. — Long-Wooled. 10 I Best five ewes , . . . .col. tour Second best . ... diploma | Third best Best pen 5 lambs, 5. Class W.—Middle-Wooled. 10 1 Best five ewes .... col. tour Second best .... diploma | Third best Best pen 5 lambs, 5. 10 . col. tour . diploma 10 .col. tour . diploma Class IH. — Merivoes and iheir grades. Best buck 10 I Best five ewes Second best col. tour Second best Third best diploma | Third best Best pen 5 lambs, 5. .... 10 . col. tour diploma Class IV.- Best buck Second best Third best 10 col. tour , diploma Saxons and their grades. .... 10 I Best 5 ewes col. tour Second best diploma | 'I'hird best Be.'t pen 5 lambs, 5. Class I is designed to include the Lcicesters, Lincolns, Cots- wolds, and all the varieties of sheep which furnish the quality of wool suitable for combing. Class U includes the Southdown, Nor- folk, Dorset, Native, &c. ; and Classes HI and IV, all those gene- rally denominated Merinos and Saxons, whether of pure or mixed blood. Class V. — Fat sheep. Best 10 I Second best col. tour Third best, vol. trans. Applicants for the premiums on fat cattl« and sheep, must furnish slatei'.euts of the manner of feeding the animals, and the kind, quantity, and cost of the food. SWINE. Best boar, over 10 months . 10 I Best sow 10 Second best col. tour Second best col. toui Tliird best diijloma | Third best diploma Best lot of pigs under 10 months, not less iban 4 in No. . . cul. tour Second best., .diploma. In awarding premiums on hogs, reference will be had not merely to size and present condition, but to that proportion between bone and meat which promises the greatest value from the least amouut of feed. POULTRY. For the best lot of Dorking I For the best pair of ducks . . 3 fowls, not less than 3, one Do do turkeys. 3 cock and two hens 3 | Do do geese... 3 For the best lot of black Po- land, not less than 3 For the best lot of large not less than 3 For the best and greatest va- riety of fowls, by any one individual 10 VEGETABLES. For C best stalks celery . . . , 3 bc.=t heads cauliflower.. . , 3 best heads broccoli l2 best white table turnips . 12 best carrots 12 best table beets 2 best purple egg plants ... 1 Best half- peek Lima bean?.."^ 1 Best " Windsor do. 1 Best bunch double p3r.'>ley.. 1 3 best squashes 1 Largest pumpkin 1 12 best parsnips 1 ! 12 best ears seed corn 1 12 best onions 1 1 Cost half-p'k table potatoes, 2 3 best heads cabbage 1 I Second best " " 1 12 best tomatoes 1 j Best variety seedling " 5 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on choice garden pro- ducts not enumerated above. FARM LM Best plow 15 Second best .. silver medal Third best diploma Best subsoil jilow 10 Best farm wagon JO Second best vol. trans Best half-doz. baud rakes . dipl Best grain cradle 3 Second best diploma Best half doz. hayforks .. dijil Bsst harrow col. tour Second best vol. trans Third best diploma Best fanning mill . silver medal Second best vol. trans Third best .... diploma | Best improved ox-yoke. .col. t'r Second best .... diploma I Best axe 2 Best farm harness .... 10 Best saddle .... 5 I Best machine for cutting I corn-stalks .... 5 | PLEiMENTS. I Best horse-power machine .. 10 Best cultivator col. tour Second best diploma Best diill barrow col. tour Second best .... vol. trans Best farm horse cart . . . .im>1. tour Best ox cart col. tour Best horse rake col. tour Second best vol. trans Best half doz. grass scythes . . dipl Best do cradle do . . .dip! Best do dung forks dip Best thrashing-machine 10 Second best vol. trans Third best diploma Best straw-cutter . . .silver medal Second best .... vol. trans Third best .... diploma Best clover-machine .... 10 Second best .... diploma Best hoe .... 2 Best flax and hemp dressing- machiue .... 10 Articles not presenting any new and valuable improvements, will not be entitled to premiums. Implements and machines must bo tested as far as possible, in the presence of the committee. BUTTER. For the best lot made from five cows, in 30 successive days — quality as well as quantity considered — 25 lbs. of the butter to be exhib- ited. .$25 Second best .... 15 1 Third best .... 10 Compliance with the following rules will be strictly required of those who compete for these premiums, viz. : The cows to be fed on pasture, green corn-stalk fodder, or grass cut for the purpose, only. No grain, roots, or slops, of any description, to be fed during the trial, nor for 15 days preceding the trial. The cows to be owned by the competitors previous to the 1st day of April, 1645. The milk drawn from the cows on some one day during the trial to be accu- rately weighed and measured, and the result stated. A sample of at least 25 lbs. of the butter so made to be exhibited at the Fair at Utica, for the inspection of the examining committee. The particu- - lar breed of the cows to be stated, if known, and method of making and preserving the butter. A certificate signed by the owners of the cows, and at least one other person who ascistcd in milking and ma- king the butter, detailing the above particulars, will be required. The Executive Committee believe, that few if any premiums of- fered on neat cattle will result in greater benefit to the farming inte- rest than those on the products of the dairy, providing fixed rules, requiring uniformity of feed, be faithfully enforced. The increased list of piemiums isolTered with the hope it will induce extensive com- petition throughout the state. Let this object be accomplished, and an opinion approximating to accuracy may be formed by the |)ublic as to which of the several breeds of cows are the best for dairy pur- poses ; and from those that prove the best, further improvement may be made. Best 25 lbs. made in June ... 10 .Second best . . . col. tour Third best . . . vol. trans Best50lbs. made at anytime, 15 The claimants for premiums must state in writing the time when it was made ; the number of cows kept on the farm ; the mode of keeping; the treatment of the cream and milk before churning; the mode of churning, winter and summer; the method of freeing the butter from the milk ; the quantity and kind of salt used ; whe- ther saltpetre or any other substances have been employed. The butter offered for premiums must be presented in butter tubs, jars, or firkins. Second best . silver medal Third best do Fourth best do Fifth best do CHEESE.— i\^«t less than ICO lbs. One year old or over. Best .... ^^' I Fourth best, Second best .. silver medal Fifth do, Third do .. do silver meda do G. GENE8LE FARMER. 77 Less than one year old. Best .... 15 I Fourtli best silver medal Second and third silver medals | Fifili best do Those who present cheese for (he premiums offered, must state in wri- ting the time when it was made ; tlie number of cows kept ; whether the cheese was made from one, two, or more railkings ; whether any addition is made of cream ; tlie quantity and kind of salt used ; the quantity of rennet used, and the mode of preparing it ; the mode of pressure, and the treatment of cheese afterwards. Best 25 lbs. Second best MAPLE SUGAR. 15 I Third best 10 Fourth best colman's tour diploma CORN-STALK SUGAR. For the best experiment in the manufacture of sugar from corn- stalks, from one acre of nortli'rn corn cultivated for the purpose, so as to obtain the greatest quantity of sugar. . .25. The process of manufacturing and clarifying must be particularly stated, in reference to the maple and corn-stalk sugar. S ILK. Best specimen mannf 'd ... 15 I Second best, cdlman's tour Second best .... 10 | Third best. Diploma Third best . .col. tour I Best half-bus. cocoons, 18-15, !0 Fourth best vol. trans Second best, col. tour Best pound reeled silk ... 10 | Third best, diploma DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. Best rag carpet, 15 yards, Best woolen blankets, ^5 ; sec- ond, 4 ; third, 3. Best ten yards flannel, 5 ; sec- ond, 4 ; third, 3. Best ten yards woolen cloth, 5; second, 4 ; third, 3. Best woolen carpet. 5 ; second, 4 ; tbird, 3. Best tow cloth, 15 yards, 1 ; sec- I second, diploma. I Best ten yards linen, 5; second, | 4; third, 3. Best ten yards linen diaper, 3 ; I second, 4 ; third, 3. I Best hearth-rug, 5 ; second, 4 ; | third, 3 ; fourth, 2 ; fifth, 1 ; sixth, diploma. I Best ten yards kersey, 3 ; sec- I ond best, 2; third, 1. I second, 2 ; third, 1. Best double carpet coverlet, 4 second, 3; third, 2: fourth, 1. Best pair woolen knit stockings 2; second, 1 ; third, diplomat Best wove woolen stockings, 2 second, 1 ; third, diploma Best cotton wove stockings, 2 second, 1 ; third, diploma. Best lb. linen sewing thread, 2 second, 1 ; third, diploma. Best linen woven stockings, 2 second, 1 ; third, diploma. Best linen knit stockings, 2 ; sec ond, 1 ; third, diploma. Best knit cotton stotkings, 2 second, 1 ; third, diploma. FRUITS. For the greatest variety of table apples, 5. For the second greatest, ... 3 | For the third greatest, vol. trans. For the best twelve sorts, not less than three of each, 3 Best new seedling apple, 3. For the greatest variety of table pears, 3. For the second greatest, .... vol. transactions. For the greatest variety of winter pears, " " For the best twelve quinces, .... " " For the best twelve peaches, .... " " For the best twenty-four plums, .... " " For the best six bunches of native grapes, " " For the best SIX bunches of foreign grapes, " " FLOWERS. For the greatest variety and quantity. . .gold medal. For the second greatest ... 5 ( For the third greatest, vol. trans for the best floral ornament. . .silver medal. For the second best ... 31 For the best seedling dahlia, 3 For the third best vol. trans | For the second best ... 2 For the best twenty-five varieties of dahlias, 5. For the second best ... 3 | For the third best, vol. trans. First premium, Second do First premium PLOWING MATCH. ... 15 I Third premium ... 12 I Foorth do. Fifth. . .vol. transactions. For boys under 18 years of age. 10 col. tour 10 I Second Third. . .vol. transactions. Each competitor will be required to plow one-fourth of an acre of sward land in 75 minutes, the furrows not less than 16 inches wide and 6 deep ; plowman to drive his team. FIELD CROPS.-^it rVintcr Meeting. Best crop of wheat, not less than two acres, $15. Second best ... 10 j Third best 2 vols, trans Best two acres of spring wheat, 15. Second best ... 10 ] Third best, 2 vols, trans Best crop of Indian corn, not less than two acres, 15. Second best 10 | Third best 2 vols, trans. Best crop of barley, not less than two acres, 10. Second best ... 5 | Third best, vol. trans Best crop of rye, not less than two acres, 10. Second best, ... 5 | Third best, vol. trans. Best crop of oats, not less than two acres, 10. Second best .... 5 | Third best vol. trans Bert crop of potatoes for table, not less than one acre, 10. Second best ... 5 ] Third best, vol. trans r.est crop of potatoes, quantity considered, not less than one acre, 10. Second best ... 5 | Third best, vol. trans Best crop of sugar beets, not less than half an acre, 10. Second best .... 5 1 Third best vol. trans Best crop of mangel wurzel, not less than half an acre, 10. Second best ... 5 | Third best, vol. trans l?e.«t crop of ruta baga, not less than one acre, 10. Second best ... 5 ] Third best, vol. trans Best crop of carrots, not le.ss than one acre, 10. Second best ... 5 | Third best, vol. trans Best crop of peas, not less than one acre, 10. Second best ... 61 Third best, vol. trans Best acre of corn for fodder, 5. Best half-acre of hops, 5 I Best half-acre of tobacco 5 Best " flax, 5 | Best acre of cabbage, 5 ifest acre of broom corn, 5. i?cst acre of clover seed, 10. Second be*t, col. tour | Third best, vol. trans Best acre of grass seed, 10. Second best, col. tour | Third best, diploma Those who present claims to premiums for farm crops, must stato in writing the follo-ving particulars : the condition of the soil at the commencement of cultivation for the crop ; the previous crop and cultivation, and quantity of manure used upon it ; the quantity and kind of manure the present season ; the quantity and sort of seed used ; the time and manner of sowing, cleaning, and harvesting the crop; the amount of the crop, determined by actual weight or mea ■ surement ; and the expense of cultivation. The land shall be mea- sured by some surveyor, who shall swear to the correctness of his surve}', and that it was made with a chain and compass ; and the claimant of the premium, v.ith two other persons who assisted in measuring, shall certify under oath as to the quantity produced from the piece of land mentioned in the certificate of the surveyor — and a sample of grain shall be presented at the annual meeting, with the oath of the applicant, that the same is a fair sample of the whole crop. MISCELLANEOUS. Wrought-iron gate, witlr cast-iron pillars Best, iron wheelbarrow Ornamental cast'iron vase, on pedestal, i?est sample drain-tile Best quarter of an acre ozier willow 10 silver medal silver medal DISCRETIONARY PREMIUMS Will be awarded for such implements, products, &c., not enume- rated, as shall be deemed worthy of notice or encouragement. REGULATIONS. The premiums for essays and agricultural implements will be open to citizens of otiier states ; all others will be confined to resi- dents of this state, who are members of this society, or who may be- come so by the payment of one dollar on entering their articles. The trial of plows will take place at Utica, on Tuesday, the 15th day of September. No premiums will be paid on any animals or articles taken away before the close of the Fair. Premiums not claimed within four months after they are awarded will be considered as donations to the society. All persons who intend to exhibit cattle, horses, sheep, or swine should give notice to Theodore S. Faxon, Utica, or Luther Tucker, Recording Secretary, Albany, previous to the lOtb of September, that the necessary arrangements may be made for their accommoda- tion ; and all animals must be on the ground by nine o'clock, A.M. of the nth September. All tbosc who intend to compete for the premiums on agricultural implements, butter and cheese, sugar, cocoons, silk, &c should have their specimens on the ground on the IGth, that they may be depos- ited in their appropriate places, and the rooms suitably arranged on the day previous to the Fair. Applicants for premiums are requested to pay particular attention to the notes attached to the premiums on fat cattle and fat sheep, butter and cheese, field crops, maple sugar, &c. The statements required from those who compete for field crops must be sent to Luther Tucker, Recording Secretary, Albany, pre- vious to the Ist of January, 1S4G, and the premiums will be awarded at the annual meeting of the society, on the third Wednesday of Ja- nuary. Competitors for the premiuma on essays must forward their ma- nuscripts to the Recording Secretary, Albany, previous to the 1st of January, 1846, free of postage. No premium will be awarded unless, in the opinion of the judges of the class in which it is oflTered, the animal or article is worthy of such premium. Prize animals and implements at the previous exhibitions, will be allowed to compete for the prizes ; but they must receive a higher prize, or iu a difierent class, to entitle them to a premium. Should the same premium heretofore given them be awarded, they will re- ceive a certificate to that eff'ect instead of the prize. Animals and other articles offered for competition must be labeled with the names and residence of the owners at full length. No viewing committee, with the exception of the committee on discretionary premiums, shall award any discretionary premium witliout the previous permission of the executive board, expressed through the President. 78 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 For the Genesee Farmer. Mr. Editor, — A correspondent of yours, over the signature of '• Inquirer," in attemptincr to give an abstract of my statement to tlie State Agricultural Society, in relation to my flock of Merino sheep, for which a gold medal was awarded me, has fallen into so many &l so gross errors, that instead of correcting them in detail, I forward you the report of the com- mittee of the society, which embodies my statement referred to, with the request that you publish it, accompanying this. I presume that " Inquirer" wrote in good faith : one rinds enemies enough in this world of ours with- out making them voluntarily — without driving friends or indifferent persons into that attitude, by misconstruction and suspicion. But I feel constrain- ed to say to •' Inquirer," that farmers — especially those who are banded together to improve and dig- nify their calling — while they may be influenced by honorable emulation, should be chary, not only of uilfid misstatements injurious to each other's repu- tations, but also of those ciireless, unintentional ones, which, uncorrected^ are just as eifectual to rob us of The immediatp jewel of our souls as the envenomed falsehood of the deliberate slan- derer. The statement below embodies all the important information sought by "' Inquirer." As to what " constitutes the peculiar excellence of my flock," it would perhaps be dificult to satisfy his curiosity on paper. This he could best do by inspection and comparison. To effect the former, he is invited to visit me ; but if the latter would be more satisfac- tory— if " Inquirer," or any of his friends in Wes- tern New York should invite me to exhibit ten or a dozen pure-blood Merinoes against an equal number now owned by any one of them, at the Utica Fair, all I can say is, that I should cheerfully accede to so reasonable a request, only stipulating that the invi- tation should be made to me within thirty days, that my arrangements mijrht be shaped to such an end. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ■ HENRY S. RANDALL. " Sheep. — The committee, consisting of Major Kirby, J. M'Donald, M'Intyre, and C. N. Bement, to whom was referred the statement of Mr. Henry S. Randall, of Cortland, for a premium *for the best- managed flock of sheep,' awarded him a gold medal worth Si '.i. The statement concerning this flock is so well calculated to excite the attention of wool- growers, that the account of Mr. Randall is submit- ted in preference to any abstract that could be made : MR. H. s. Randall's statement. " In the winter of 1843-4, 1 wintered in a separate flock fifty one ewes over one year old, two ewe lambs, two rams, one of them one, and one of them two years old. Of the ewes over one year old, twenty-eight were full-blood Merinoes ; tvv'enty- three were half-blood Merinoes and half-blood South- Down ; the two ewe lambs were fhree-fourth ])]ood Merino and one-fourth blood South Down ; and the two rams were full-blooded Merinos. The flock were kept as follows, through the winter : They were fed with hay morning and night, and were, as a general rule, required to eat it up clean. At noon the flock were daily fed three bundles of oats and barley, (which had grown mixed, say three parts oats and one part barley,) until the 25th of December, after which they received four bundles of oats . The grain was light and shrunken. They received no hay at noon during the winter, and usually consumed all the straw of the grain fed to them. They had a good shelter, and access to pure water at all times. From this flock I raised 53 lambs. The full-blood Merinoes, including two rams, and the two three- fourth blood lambs, (in all ?>2,) sheared one hundred and eighty-six pounds and four ounces of washed wool, which I sold at forty-eight cents per pound. Four of the full-bloods had two-years fleeces on* The half-blood merinoes and half-blood Sonthdowns, (twenty-three,) sheared eighty and one-half pounds of washed wool, seventy one pounds of which I sold at thirty-eight cents per pound. During the summer of 1844, the flock were kept in good ordi- nary pasture, and salted once a week. Out of this flock I have sold during the past summer and fall, ten full blood Merinoes over one year old and twenty full-blood Merino lambs for five hundred and twenty- nine dollars ; and twenty-three half-blood Merino, and half-blood Southdown ewes, and sixteen three- fourth blood Merino and one-fourth blood Southdown lambs, for one hundred and ninety-seven dollars. Expense of keeping 55 sheep one year, • •• .$82 30 Received for wool, estimating that kept at the same price with that sold, •• -$119 99 Received for those sold, 726 00 845 99 Remaining on hand, 39 of this flock. I have submitted no estimate of the original value of the flock, not deeming it necessary, as the dimi- nution of the original number is here stated. HENRY S. RANDALL." We cheerfully comply with the request of Col. Randall, knowing him to be one of the most ardent, indefatigable, and enlightened friends of agriculture and its concomitants that our state can boast. We trust to hear from him as a correspondent as often as is convenient. — Ed. Farmer. The Wheat Insect. — A correspondent of the New York Mirror gives an experiment made by him- self, which serves to throw some light upon the na- ture and character of the wheat insect. He says, *' In the spring of 1844, I placed a bag containing half a bushel of white flint wheat, in a seed drawer, under glass, and near the furnace of my green house. On the Gth of March, 1845, I opened the bag, and to my Burprise, found thousands of living insects, such as are now presented you — some were on the point of leaving tho kernel, others were just com- mencing to eat through, and many were perfectly formed, and running about in all directions. Six years ago I used to soak my early grains in salt brine, for the purpose of destroying the eggs of the insect, which I assured my neighbors, much to their amusement and unbelief, was ensconced in the kernel. Now, by accident, the fact is made manifest. The insect would not liave appeared till June, per- haps, had the wheat been sown. The warm situa- tion it occupied in the greenhouse brought it thus early to maturity." Mr. Cole^ian's Report. — The third number of Mr. Coleman's Report on European xAgriculture is now in press in Boston, and will soon be ready for delivery. It is spoken of as being more interesting than either of the previous numbers Vol 6. GEJNRSEE FARMER. 7a AUKOKA Aar mo will livo to see piofpssional schools of ufricultnre estalj- lisheil in our liiid — to see their utility extollt^d, and to be iudncr(l to con.-idor tlw^ni the best nurserios for roimblican virtues, ami tlir suri'st L'uarantv for tlie perpetuity of our libei ties. They should b( establislK^d— will be established — and the soouer they are establish- ed, the better for onr country." The undersigned, being satisfifd of the great public utility of such institutions, and feelinjr an earnest desire for their early intro- duction into nnr state, have, in order to meet what nov/ seems to be a decided public sentiment in their favor, and call or their estab- lishment, resolved to open such a school, and have already made ar- rangements therefor. The Farm upon which the Institute is located is situated in and directly ndjoiningr the beautiful village of Aurora, on the east bank nf Cayuga Lake, iu Cayuga County, sixtee«r miles from Auburn, and twelve miles from <>ayuga Bridge and the Auburn and Roches- ter Railroad. The communication is direct '.vilh Auburn by stage, and with the Railroad by steamboat, in summer. The farm contains iil2 acres, in.a good state of cultivation. The soil is various; fruit abundant ; buildings are good — part nearly new — and very pb'.asant- ly situateil. The location is considered one of the most desirable o( the inauj' beautiful sitaations on the borders of the Lake, command- ing an extensive and varied prospect of its waters and tlie surround- ing country — and altogether admirably adapted t<> the end in view. It is the itilention of the undersigned that this Institution shall af- fard ev'TV ficilitv for ooung men to make themselves thoroughly ac- quainted with tlie principles of agricultural science, and their judi- cious application to practical husbandry ; and particularly to afford youug men from our large towns th«i most favorable opportunity for preparing themselves for agricultural pursuits. It is also their pur- pose to some extent to test, by actual experiment, the correctness of principles in agriculture now received, but not yet well established, and report the same to the public. The young men will be received Into the family of the Principal, and be kept umler his immediate and constant sui')ervision. Parti- cular re^rard will be had for their moral culture, and a strict observ- ance of all rules and regulations required. Terms, SloO a year, payable qnarterly, in advance. No pupils under fourteen years of age will bo received. Applica- tions for admission may be made to the principal, from whom any further information may, on request, l>c obtained. CHARLES C. YOUNG, A.M., Proprietor and Privcipul. ALEXANDER THOMPSON, 31.D., Lecturer on Botany, Geology, Jgricultural Chemistry, ire. DAVID TIIOIVIAS, y'idlor if Adviser. REFERENCES. B. P. Johnson, Esq., Rome, Oneida Co., President of the State Ag- ricultural Society ; Daniel Lee, Esq., Buffalo, Corresponding Secre- tary of the State .Agricultural Society; James S. Wadsworth, Esq., Geueseo ; John Thompson, Jr., Esq., Rohester ; W. E. Sill, Esq., Geneva; J. S. Seymour, Esq., Auburn ; Hon. B. R. Wood, Albany; Joel B. Nolt, Esq., Albany ; Luther Tucker, Esq., Albany, Rec. Secretary of the State Agricultural Society ; Joel Rathbone, Efi] , Albany, Rev. Washington Rossevelt, New York; Wm. Curtis Noye.s, Es(i., New York ; B. R. Mcllvaine, Esq., New York ; VV.VV. r.hester, Esq., New York ; B. VV. Bonney, Esq., New York ; A. B. Allen, Esq., New York. April. 18-l.->. SALE of FULL-BLOODED NOiiSlAN HOKSES THE Subscriber having relinquished farniing, will offer at public vendue, at his farm in Moorestown, Rurlington County, Nejv Jersey, nine miles from Pliiladelphia, on Tuesday the 28l/i of May next, his entire stock of Norman Horses ; consisting of two im- ported Stallions. ' Diligence" and "Buonaparte;" two imported Mares ; two full-blooded Fillies, three and four years old ; two Fil lies by Diligence, from a half-blood Canadian mare, three and four years old ; lud one Filly four years old, by Diligence, from a well- bred Engli>h mare, broke and kind to harness. The undersigned deems it unne<'essary to speak at large of the quality of these horses, $n much having been said of this particular importation, (which is believed to be the only one ever made to the United Slates,) in all t'le principal agricultural papers. In a few words, they are the Canadian Horse on a larger scale, combining tne form, activity, and hardihood of that ttell-knoion race with greater size and strength. " Diligence" has been a remarkably suc- cessful stallion ; he has been exhibited at the Fairs of the Penn- sylvania and New Y"ork Agricultural Societies, where he was not entitled to compete for the premiums, but received the highest eneomiums from the coinmitlces. At the F.iir of the American In- stitute, in New Y'ork city, in October last, he received the silver medal of the institule. Tt is expected that a large nvrnber of the Colts of Diligence loill he on the ground on the day of sale, same of which, no doubt, may he purchased. EDWARD HARRIS. Moorestown, Burlington Co., N. J., March 15, 1845. SHAKER GARDEN SEEJIS. THE Subscriber having been appointed Agent for the " United Society," at New Lebanon, is how opening a large assortment oftheso deservedly popular and excellent Seeds, w hich are confi- denly recommended forpuritv and accordance with the label. April L " L. B. SWAN, I8Buffalo-st. ROCHESTER SEED STORE, FRONT-S T., BY B. F. SMITH & CO. AW.\RE of the important relalion which the seedsman holds to the whole farming community, and that on his honor and vera- city the crop and profit of a season in some measure depend, the greatest care has been used in selecting the seeds offered at this es- tablishment for the ensuing year, and they can be relie^l u|ion as pure and genuine, carefully selected and raised from the very best varieties, and properly cured. Riany kinds ivere raised in the im- mediate vicinity of this city, by C. F. Crosman, and under the in- spection of the proprietors ; others were raised by experienced seedsmen ; while those varieties of foreign growth which experi- ence has shov/n are the best, have been procured from the most re- sponsible sources abroad. The collection has been greatly enlarged this season, in order to accommodate all who wish to try whatever is new, rare and curious. FIELD SEEDS. Red Clover, large and medium. Tiinotliy, White Dutch Clover, Oats, Barley, Seed Corn, Spring Rye, Italian and Siberian Spring Wheat, Early June Potatoes, Mar- rowfat and Field Peas. VEGET.\BLE GARDEN SEEDS. A choice and select variety of Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Beets, Cucumbers, Melons Radish, Squash, &c., &c.. Sum- mer Savorv, Thyme, aud Sweet Marjoram. FLOWER SEEDS. The collection of Annual and Perennial Flower Seeds contains m:iiiy new and choice varieties, raised for ns by A. Stone, Esq., of this city ; making our assortnient altogether superior to any ever be- fore offered in this city. AGRICULTURAL & HORTICULTURAL TOOLS. At our Warehouse, adjoining the Seed Room, may be found an extensive and complete assortment of Agricultural and Horticultu- ral Implements, embracing every tool used iu the cultivation ol the Farm and Garden. MASSACHUSETTS PLOWS. We also have on hand JoO of the celebrated Massachusetts Plows, made in a superior manner from second-growth eastern timber, which we shall sell at a reduced price. " B.F.SMITH, April 1. JAMES P. FOGG. MOUNT HOPE BOTANIC GARDEN AND NUR8ERIEKS ROCHESTER, N,¥. THE Propri.-tors respectfully annource, that their present slock of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, aud Plants is unu- sually fine. The Collection of Fruits comprises the most esteemed American and Foreign varieties: the trees are handsome, thrifty, and of the most suitable age and size for successful transplanting; and being propagated with the-most .'scrupulous care by the proprietors them- selves, either from bearing trees in their own grounds, or from others of undoubted correctness, can with confidence be recommended as genuine. A choice collection of Pears, comprising the most esteemed Euro- pean varieties, selected by one of the proprietors personally in the liest nurseries of France, is also offered: they are on Quince Stocks, intended for growing in the pyramidical form, and will bear the year after transplanting; they maybe planted six feet apart, and are consequently admiably adapted for garden culture. Over 2,000 trees oif the valuable native apple the " Northern Spy" are yet on hand: this is generally acknowledged to be one of the best varieties cultivated. The collection of Roses is very fine, includiug a very choice as- sortment of Standard or Tree Roses, 4 to 6 feet high : ihese are beautiful objects for lawns or borders — most of them are perpetual, or ever-blooming. A large and splendid stock of Green-house Plants, including the finest 7iew varieties of Roses and Geraniums, &c., arc on hand, and are offered a' low prices. Trees, Shrubs, Plants, &c., securely packed for transportation to any part of the country. Priced Catalogues sent gratis to all post-paid applications. The Public are respectfully invited to visit the establishment — lo- cation, nearly opposite the Mount Hope Cemetery. All orders and communications must be addressed, post-paid, to ELLWANGER & BARRY. N.B. Scions of the '• Northern Spy" apple, and other choice va- rieties, will be furnished in small qnantitiet. 80 GENESEE FARMER. May, 1845 IMPROVED CULTIVATORS ^OR sale at the Agiicultural Depot, adiDiiiing- the Seeil Store, Front-sstreet. B. F. SMITH & CO. SEEDLING POTATOES.— We have a few bushels of Langwor- thy's Premuiin Seedling Potatoes for sale at the Rochester Seed Store, New Block, Frout-street. B. F. SMITH & CO. w ORM BRUSHES, for the purpose of destroying Worms and CateriJillars on Fruit Trees, for sale by B. F. SMITH & CO., Bew Brick Block, Front-street. BAGS ! BAGS ! BAGS !— I have a large stock of GRAIN BAGS on hand, such as Farmers and Millers will want ; and shall be glad to exhibit them for sale at leas prices than they have ever been sold in Western New York. To be found at the well-known Hardware Store of E. Watts, corner of Eichaneo and Buffalo-streets. March 1, 2Si5. " JAMES H. WATTS. THE IMPORTED HOR8E "ALFRED," WHICH drew the fir^t premium at the N. Y. State Agricultu- ral Fair, lield in Rochester, in 1843, will stand for Mares this season, (1845,) at the following i)laces, viz. : At G. hORDON'S,v.rar Genfra— Monday and Tuesday, April 28 and 29 ) ditto ditto. May 12 and 13 ; ditto ditto. May 9G"and 27; ditto ditto, June 9 and 10 ; ditto ditto, June 23 and 24 ; ditto ditto, July 7 and 8. At the. OLD NORTON FARM, East BloomfieU —T\\Mr'i\s.y and Friday, May 1 and 2; ditto ditto, May 15 and IG ; ditto ditto, May 29 and 30; ditto ditto, June 12 and 13; ditto ditto, June 2G and 27; ditto ditto. July 10 and 11. At the AMERICAN HOTEL, State-street, Rochester— Moa- day and Tuesday, May 5 and 6 ; ditto ditto, May 19 and 20 ; ditto ditto, June 2 and 3 ; ditto ditto, June 16 and 17 ; ditto ditto, June 30, July 1 ; ditto, ditto, July 14 and 15. At JOHN BAKER'S, Maredun— Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9 ; ditto ditto, '! ly 22 and 23 ; ditto ditto, June 5 and 6 ; ditto ditto, June 49 and 20; ditto ditto, July 3 and 4; ditto ditto, July 17 and 18. TERMS — Ten Dollars to insvre a foal, payable on the 1st of March, 1846. Perons partivg with Marcs, before foaling time, will be held responsible fur the services of the horse. GEORGE FORDON, April, 1845. f JOHN BAKER. STOCK EXCHANGE -CATTLE, &c. THE SUBSCRIBPZR has on hand a choice col- lection of improved thorough-bred cattle, embra^ cing, already, superior specimens of the Short-Horn Dur- ham and the Hereford, and a sample of the Holderness, &c., and he intends adding to his slock so as to be able to supply farmers and breeders in Western New York, Ca- anda, or the Western Stales, who may wish to purchase Bulls, Cows, Young Stock, Sheep, &c., of the best hreeds and most improved varieties, at reasonable prices. His de- sign is, to establish a sort of Depot, or Slock Exchange, whore orders can be supplied for any of the improved breeds of Thorough-bred, and for superior Grade ani- mals, and where those who have choice stock of this cha- racter for sale can find a market for them, on commission or otherwise. Refekknces. — Editor of the "'Genesee Farmer," L. B. Langworthy, Esq., and T. Weddle, Esq., Rochester. Hon. E. Corning, C. N. Bemcnt, Esq., and Editors of the Cultivator, Albany; Hon. E. Mack, Ithaca; J. S. Wads- w'orth, Esq, Genoseo ; .Judge Leland, Steuben county; Hon. D. Lee, BulTalo ; Hon. .1. McCollum, and W. Fa'r- sons, Esq., Lockport; M. B. Batcham, Esq., Editor of the Ohio Culti\ator, Columbus, O. The subscriber may be found on his farm, near the S.W. corner of the city of Rochester, on Gcnesee-street, (about half a mile south of Bull's Head ;) or orders may be left at the office of the Genesee Farmer. T. H. HYATT. Elmwood, Rodhetlcr, Mai/j 1345. Meteorological ObservatioDs. made at rochester, seven miles from lake ontario, by l. wetherell. Journal of the Weather for April, 1845. 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Thermometer. '28' l2" 32 54 51 58 50 50 52 76 50 76 58 72 48 40 35 54 20 38 44 48 28 38 20 41 24 32 22 28 an 38 41 52 35 41 27 52 46 62 38 56 40 62 47 48 41 54 49 62 48 52 42 44 41 58 44 62 56 72 60 72 Barometer. CO 29.83 .85 .59 .61 .69 .71 .65 .08 .35 .75 .15 .55 .57 .45 .61 .79 .14 .50 .76 .35 .57 .60 .49 .44 .59 .47 .49 .60 .70 .50 M 29.82 .50 .60 .69 .66 .65 .41 .50 .55 .39 .49 .54 .41 .54 .75 .50 .30 .65 .67 .40 .51 .55 .39 .51 .54 .43 .57 .70 .50 .45 .50 Wind > = W N W s w W N W NW NE s w w s w s s w s w N W W N W N E SE NE S E S N W N W W N W Observations. Fair. Cloudy — rain. Fair — frogs first heard Fair — cloudy — rain. Fair — toads first heard Fair — Phcebe heard. Fair — crocus & willow Cloud}' — rain, [in bl. Cloudy — snow & rain Cloudy snow. Cloudy. Fair — cloudy — snow. Fair — cloudy. Cloudy — snow. r.g. .03 Fair — cloudy — r.g. .15. Cloudy — rain. Cloudy — fair — snow. Fair — cloudy — r.g. .03. Fair — aspen in bloom. Fair — apricot Fair — cloudy. Cloudy, rain. Cloudy — foggy — rain. Cloudy. Rainy day. Cloudy — rain — r.g. ,74 Cloudy — fair. Cloudy — showers. Cloudy — r.g. 37. Max. (Mar. 30) then 76 deg.; do. bar. (Ma. 26) 29.85 in. Min. (April 9) " 20 deg.; do. " (April 1) 29.08 in. Remarks. — The last of March was very warm and dry. Summer heat the 29lh and 30lh — spring birds made their appearance, and plants began to blossom. April — First half of the month very cold and dry ; vege- tation made but little progress. Frequent squalls of snow. BEE-HIVES. PARK'S NIAGARA BEE-HIVE, for sale at the Agricultural De))ot, adjoining the Rochester Seed Store, New Brick Block, Front-street- B. F. SMITH &. CO. D AIILIA, ASPARAGUS, and RHUBARB ROOTS, for sale at the Rochester Seed Store. B. F. SMITH & CO. ROCHESTER PRODUCE MARKET. 90 a 9C/Hav, ton, $7 50 8 001 Eggs, doz. " ■ " Wooa,cord, 2 00 2 50J Poultry, lb. Wheat, Corn, 37.Vo40 Barley, 40 50 Salt, bbl., Oats, 25 28 Hams, lb.. Flour, (ret.) 4 25 Pork, bbl. Beans, 75 1 00 " cwt. Apples, 38 50 Beef, " Potatoes, 18 25|Lar- BuREN, ex-President of the U. S. A., and do procure for him an extra price in the city market. They are to be found in various places on and near the Hud- son river, and east of it, and, probably, under differ- ent names, in many other parts of our country. As to the manner of seeding, when I prosecuted agriculture, (which I discontinued two years since,) I planted about 15 bushels the acre, cutting the large ones to save seed. After trying the planting of both large and small, cut and not cut, I never per- ceived any difference in the quantity produced. With regard to methods of cultivation ; — here we find much prejudice and misconception. 1 will give my own method, towards which I was long ap- proaching, while, in agriculture, as in many other tilings, especially in general and liberal education for both sexes, I was endeavoring with half the ex- pense to double the profit ; — something of an object surely : Let sward ground be generally used, after becom- ing well rotted, cither by being plowed long enough beforehand, or by previously growing on it, a crop of oats. Spread on some 30 loads of manure the acre, plow deep and fine just before planting, furrow very lightly 3 feet apart, drop your seeds in the fur- rows about a foot apart, cover lightly and level, hoe once at the proper time, and once only, assisted with a light harrow or cultivator, leaving the ground as level as possible, unless it needs draining ; in which case you may plow lightly and " hill up" some. If weeds appear, mow them with the potato tops just before they die either by age or frost, and hay the whole for cattle, which makes excellent hay, if well made. Peas and beans planted in the furrows with the potatoes are sometimes productive, and without Injury. If you wish to get the greatest present profit from well-manured corn ground, then plant with your Indian corn some few pumpkins, and about 5 bushels of potatoes the acre. This I have proved by repeated experiments — But do not, I beg, furrow your ground very deeply for any seed, do not put manure in the "hill" or "hole," — do not plow between the rows, unless your ground need3 draining, — do not " hill up ;'* but leave the ground as level as convenient unlil harvest ;^for, the old practices are pernicious errors., causing much hard labor for nothing, or worse. It is a maxim with me, founded on both nature and reason, that where there is placed the most ma- nure, there is needed the most water. How does it seem then, I ask in the' name of common sense, to put the manure in the hole, and then by hilling up, shed off the water from the very place where you caused it to be the most needed 1 I once obtained at the rate of 634 bushels the acre, of early Blue Pointers. But my average crop, for 24 years, in the neighborhood of the Grand Mon- adnock, in " the Granite State," was about 200 bushels the acre. During many years, I did not boil, or steam, or bake potatoes for any brute ani- mals, believing it not to " quit cost." In 1842, I obtained from one-eighth of an acre, 26 bushels of Rohan potatoes, and rising of 600 lbs. of excellent hay, which was worth quite half as much as the potatoes. Whoever would grow rich by fanning in high, cold regions, must turn their attention much, and properly, to the growing, and best use, of potatoes and grass, oats and barley. With regard to the late disease of the potatoe in this country, general the last year, and partial the year before", I have made very many and strict in- quiries in very different and distant parts of the land, and have finaily come to the conclusion, that it is an epidemic upon that plant, as sometimes upon the people, not yet to be accounted for upon any known principles of nature, but which, like the other, is sub- ject to many and different facilities, and also to many and different obstructions and preventives. Respectfully to all concerned, EZEKIEL RICH. J\^ear Batavia, J\\ Y., May 11, 1845. Recipe for Sweet or other Corn Pudding. — To four dozen ears of corn, (corn to be scored and then scraped from the ear,) add three eggs, two spoons full melted butter, one tea-spoon full of salt, two large spoons full of sugar, one quart of milk, and bake by a steady fire, in tin or earthen pans, two hours and a half, so that the top shall bake brown : then with sweet butter you can have a most sump- tuous repast. It is a Nantucket dish, and 'n corn season is as much the ruling dish as are buckwheat cakes in their time. Try it. J- II. W. Rochester, JV'. 1''. Vol. C. GENESEE FARMER. 93 HORTICULTURAL DEPJlRTMEJYT BY P. BARRY. ORNAMENTAL HARDY TREES & SHRUBS. In our last number we mentioned a few trees and shrubs that had blossomed, or were then in bloom. We will now notice a few more that have blossomed during- the past month. It is hardly necessary to state, that these notices and similar ones, that we may make from time to time, are not intended for the experienced cultivator, to whom the subjects we notice, and their seasons, are perhaps as familiar as the rising and setting of the sun. Our sole object is to benefit those who have just commenced, or who have begun to think of commencing, the work of ornamental gardening or the cultare of trees and shrubs for ornament. Horse Chestnut — (JEsculus hippocastanum.) — This is a lofty, regular-shaped, beautiful tree. It ranks first amongst ornamental trees. It attains an immense size, 40 to 50 feet in height. Now, and for lO days, it has been covered with long spikes, of beautiful white and pink flowers, of agree- able fragrance. The leaves, too, are very pretty. This tree is admirably adapted for ornament, ei- ther in avenues for which it is much used, or to stand singly on lawns. Ohio Buckeye. — (JEscuhis pallida.) This spe- cies also attains a large s'ze, is of a regular com- pact form ; foliage dark-green and glossy ; flowers pale, greenish yellow. This is a very desirable or- namental tree — it has just passed out of bloom. Laburnum, or Golden Chain — (Ci/tissus lahur- nvm.) — This is one of the most beautiful flowering trees we possess — attains the height of about 15 feet. Those in our grounds, now, are loaded with- long clusters of brilliant golden yellow flowers, which hang down like beautiful gold chains. It is perfectly hardy, and easy of cultivation. There are three other beautiful species of the cytissus now in bloom — viz ., the purpureus or pur- ple-flowering, J'alcatvs or sickle-shaped, and pen- duhis or weeping. The two last are of dwarf growth. The falcatus is a most profuse bloomer ; showy yellow blossoms and delicate foliage. The pendulus is a slender, v.'ceping species, with pretty bluish-pink blossoms. We have it grafted on the common species, 5 to 6 feet from the ground, and it makes a beautiful object for standing separate. Hawthorn — (Cratregvs.) — There are numerous species of the hawthorn that arc very ornamental. The Red Flowering, now and for ten days past in full bloom, is a beautiful tree — the branches arc com- pletely covered with flowers of delightful fragrance, and these are succeeded by pretty scarle' fruit. The Double White, a variety of the English White Thorn, so much used for hedges, now in blossom in our grounds, is more admired than anything else. The flowers are small, pure white, and very double, resembling pretty little roses. These are perfectly hardy, and will succeed almost anywhere. Several of the nutive species, now in full bloom in the v/oods and fields, all around the country, are well worthy of cultivation. The flowers are snow-white, very fra- grant. The trees generally are of handsome form, and possess a great diversity of fruit and foliage. In passing through the country, we find some grand specimens here and there by the way side, or in the fields, that the choppers have graciously spared — thanks to them. American Judas Tree — (Cercis canadensis) — This is a beautiful tree when in blossom, which is in the early part of April. The flowers appear before the leaves, in large nvmierous clusters — are o! a fine purple color and pea-blossom form ; leaves rich dark green, medium size, heart-shaped, and very desirable for its early blossoms. Stoneless Cherries. — There is a chance for some of our farmers' boys to amuse themselves. Cherries without stones are produced in France — and if in France, they can be here. The process is as follows : Early in spring, before the sap is in full flow, a young bearing tree is divided in two, down to the branching off of the roots, the pith carefully removed with a wooden spatula, the parts again united, (the air being excluded by an application of potters' clay the whole length of the opening,) and bound together by woolen cord. The sap soon re-unites the severed parts, and in two years the tree will produce cherries of the best kind, and hav- ing in their centre, instead of the usual kernel, a thin, soft pellicle. — Phil. Sat. Post. The above article has been circulated widely by country newspapers — editors, no doubt, believing it to be a very extraordinary and valuable discovery in fruit culture — really " stoneless cherries" must be a great delicacy in their luxurious imaginations. The worst that we wish them is, that they may live to witness the successful results of the experiment, and eat heartily of " stoneless cherries." In our humble opinion, however, farmers' boys, who feel disposed, may amuse themselves in making experi- ments of a much more rational and useful character than this — let them all take such steps as will se- cure an abundance of good old-fashioned cherries first. This they cannot do, and need not attempt, by any unnatural process. New and improved vari- eties may be produced by the same legitimate and scientific course pursued by Van Mens, Knight, and others ; but not by splitting the trees and removing the pith. It would be about as sensible to iop off" a man's head, and take his heart out, with a view to producing a superior variety of the genus homo! P.S. Since the above was written, we find this ar- ticle in "Hovey's Magazine" for May. That being the only journal in this country that pretends to elu- cidate horticultural science, wo should have expected some satisfactory vouchers for the authenticity of the discovery, as well as some exposition of the principles which it involves. We do not, however, find either, and we are at a loss to know what they wish their readers to think of it. The small space necessarily allotted to us for hor- ticultural items, in this journal, does not enable us to present our views as fully as we could wish on this or any other subject. The reader, we presume, is not at all sorry for that. The " stoneless cher- ries" remind us of the tricky Monsieur somebody, who sold such a quantit}' of wild single roses to our citizens, in the spring of 1844, under the name of Blue Moss Roses. These Frenchmen are cpicer fellows, some of them ; they are continually start- ling the world with their horticultural discoveries and curiosities. 94 GENESEE FARMER. June, 1845 PLANT POTTING. The following extract from an article on plant- potting', in the '^Garc'ener's Chronicle," will be highly acceptable to our lady readers in particular, who cultivate house plants. It is, in our opinion, as correct and comprehensive as any thing on the same subject could be. There is no part of the culture of plants, in pots, of greater importance to their life and health than the potting, and none, we are very sure, more imperfectly understood. A large number of those even, who profess to be experienced gar- deners, are groping in the dark on this subject. Give it a thoughtful reading : '•' The tirst point to be attended to, in the process of potting, is to put a crock over the hole in the bottom of the pot — and to do this in the proper way requires attention. An oyster-shell answers well for large pots, keeping the concave side down- wards. Pieces of broken pots answer equally well, povided they have a concave and a convex side, otherwise a very small portion of the soil, which might perchance get washed down to the bottom through the drainage, would clog up the crevices, and prevent the escape of the water. This, simple as it may be, is the first important step in potting. And let it never be forgotten, that a house owes much of its stability to a good foundation-stone ; and this, be it remembered, is the foundation-stone in potting. The next particular demanding attention is drain- age, which should be of broken pots, varying in size according to the dimensions of the pot. In ordinary cases, the depth of drainage should be from an inch to an inch and a half. The potsherds which consti- tute the drainage should be nearly of one size, which will render the object more perfect. The broken pots can be easily separated, so as to suit the differ- ent sized pots, by means of sieves having large and small meshes : using the larger shreds for the large- sized pots, and the reverse for the smaller ones. In order that the soil may be prevented from intermix- ing with the drainage, a little chopped moss should be sprinkled carefully over the shreds ; this will ef- fectually keep the soil and drainage apart ; a consid- erable portion of moisture is at the same time re- tained by the moss, to which roots cling with singu- lar obstinacy, because they rest on a healthy, well- drained bed. This condition secures to every plant healthy and vigorous action, whether it be in the tiny pot in a ward's case, or over the thousand acres which minister largely to the wealth of nations in every hemisphere. Drainage is the soul of garden- ing ; it is, in fact, life itself to every green leaf un- der the cultivator's care. No plant can be produc- tive, either in the garden or in the field, unless this is secured in a positive degree. Plants in pots, therefore, require the greatest care in this respect, because thoy are in every way artificially circum- stanced ; and this extraordinary deviation from na- t'.irc requires, on the gardener's part, all his energies and all his talents to overcome. Perfect drainage secures to the superincumbent soil, under every cir- cumstance, the means by which vigorous action is induced, or can be maintained for any length of time. Imperfect drainage destroys this action, by producing a glut of watery matter, and places the plant in a pnddln of soured soil, when nothing but the very worst effects are produced. In former days, the kind of soil used in potting was of a very fine description ; in these latter times when cultivation is attended to, this kind of soil is entirely discarded, and rough, turfy material, full of fibre, is now sought after, whether it is peat or loam. The reasons for this preference are obvious — the fine screened soil soon becomes a compactly close body, which neither air nor water can pass through; and we have already shown, that unless both these elements have free access, we are swimming against the stream. It may be said, that potting loosely, and not pressing the soil too firmly in the pot, would neutralize the effects of fine sifted soil : so it would, in the first instance, but the continued ap- plications from the watering-pot would soon bring all the evils we have been describing. On the con- traiy, if coarse lumpy material, full of vegetable fibre is employed, it will require to be firmly pressed into the pot ; notwithstanding this, the water will percolate through the whole without interruption ; and in the absence of water, air fills up the crev- ices, as it should do — thus securing a rapid and healthy action. Some of the very coarsest of the soil should be placed immediately on the moss, in order to render the drainage more complete. These observations, with those which have preceded them, relating to the same subject, will be some guide to the amateur in a pleasing avocation — they will enable him to proceed on clear and definite ground. To the gardener in the higher walks of his pro- fession— he that neither slumbereth nor sleepeth on the road to knowledge — they may be in some measure uncalled for ; but to many, we trust, they will prove useful : and if plants, in future, arc badly potted, blame not." CATERPILLARS ON TREES. In our last number we referred to the immense numbers of caterpillars which had then made their appearance, and suggested their immediate de- struction. We fear that but few have read our suggestion, and fewer still have acted in accordance with it. To-day (May 26) we have traveled through some 40 miles of the country, and we could not safely say, that in all that distance, through one of the most beautiful and best cultivated portions of the country, where improvement is on the rapid march, — we saw an orchard where any pains had been taken to destroy the caterpillars. In many cases whole orchards were stripped of the foliage — the very trees in the door-yards hanging full — abso- lutely frightful. The idea of a plague continually occurs to us, in view <•[ such hosts of these mon- strous, unsightly insects. What can people mean, by losing a whole crop of fruit, destroying the health of their trees, and swarming the country with insects, when one days labor of a man, at the proper season, would save all ? But we fear we are talking to very little purpose, and the subject is by no means an agree- ablo one ; so we will drop it with the remark, that even if men's own interests would not prompt them from allowing such havoc on the fair face of na- ture, green and lovely as she now is . WEATHER— FRUIT CROP, INSECTS, &c. During the past month, we have had greater extremes of heat and cold than we ever remember in the month of May — though to be sure our mem- ory don't extend so far back as some people's. About the middle of the month — or we believe it v/as the 10th, 11th, and 12th, that were as hot as midsummer — vcgatation seemed to fall pros- Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 95 trate, unable to withstand such premature heat, heavy rain^ succeeded that ; and sinco, we have had cold, March weather, with an occasional hard frost ; so that people have been muffled up in cloaks and over coat.^ and shivering around the stoves, wondering, with long-, sorrowful visages, " When spring will open this year." Withal, however we think the prospects of the fruit crop are tolerable good. Peaches, apricots, and nectarine?, have suffered some injury, enough to cause a great many to drop off, but such an enor- mous quantity set this year, that we think enough will be lelt : for the last two weeks the cold weather has prevented much growth. The " curculio," or plum weevil, has been unusually active. He com- menced operations two weeks earlier than we ever saw him. The prospects of a fine fruit season woke him up, but he got almost frozen to death — insects of all kinds have been so far, unusually numerous and destructive. About the 12th of May, the ground actually appeared like a riddle, from the perforations made by beetles of all sorts and sizes emerging from their subterranean winter abodes. We also learn from the Ohio papers, that the fruit crop is ruined there and in the adjoining states. We believe that fruit-growers, who will be for- tunate enough to raise a good crop, may promise themselves good prices. LOCUS BORER EXPELLED. A corespondent of the Albany Cultivator, says that his Locus trees last spring, for the first time were atttcked by the borer, and in examination, he found 20 to 50 in a tree. He then cut the bark off, over the place they were at work and applied spirits of turpentine to the place, inserting it when neces- sary, into the holes with a feather. This he says, was effectual. As no more borers made their ap- pearance during the summer. — The tree did remark- ably well, and the incisions entirely closed up during the summer. The Locus tree, we mean the Yellow Locus {Rob- inia pseudacacia) is beautiful both in form, flowers and foliage, grows rapidly, and its timber as is well known, is of great value, particular to the husband- ma.i , Its culture for some years past has been great- ly discouraged by the severe and fatal attack of the borer. We trust to the wonderful spirit of discov- ery of your times to find an efftictual remedy, if the one suggested above should fail, Vegktablf;s. — The cold weather which we have recently experienced has been very unfavorable for vegetable gardening. All such as have been un- protected by glass are weak and sickly in appear- ance, and will most likely be a poor crop. Those who wish to have a good supply of vegetables, must not depend on the first sowing. You want your spring, summer, and fall crops of vegetables ; and there are varieties adapted to all these seasons, — You must also take advantage of the weather — sow on the approach of a shower, and in every case the ground must be rich and mellow. Where drought ensues after you have sown your seeds, you must give your seed beds a good drenching in the eve- ning, as often as necessary. Many seeds, too, at this season of the year, require soaking ; you may gain a week or two by it ; common observation will discriminate between that require much and little soaking. We soak, more or less, every seed we sow at this season. It arouses their vitality, and they push forward vigorously at oncfi* m ROCHESTER SEED STORE, FRONT-STl BY B. F, SMITH & CO. AWARE of the important relation which the seedsman holds to the whole farming community, and that on his honor and vera- city the crop and profit of a season in some measure depend, the greatest care has been used in selecting tlie seeds offered at this es- lalilishment for the ensuing year, and they can be relied upon as pure and genijine, carefully selected and raised from the very best varieties, and properly cured. Many kinds were raised in the im- mediate vicinity of this city, by C. F. Crosman, and under the in- spection of the proprietors ; others were raised by experienced seedsmen ; while those varieties of foreign growth which experi- ence has shown are the best, have been procured from the most re- sponsible sources abroad. The collection has been greatly enlarged this season, in order to accommodate all who wish to try whatever is new, rare and curious. riKLD SEEDS. Red Clover, large and medium. Timothy, White Dutch Clover, Oats, Barley, Seed Corn, Spring Rye, Italian and Siberian Spring Wheat, Early June Potatoes, Al r. rowfat and Field Pras. VEGETABLE GARDEN SEEDS. A choice and select variety of Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Beets, Cucumbers, Melons Radish, Squash, «fcc., &c., Sum- mer Savory, Thyme, aud Sweet Marjoram. FLOWER SEEDS. The collection of Annual and Perennial Flower Seeds contain! many new and choice varieties, raised for us by A. Stone, Esq., of this city ; making our assortment altogether superior to any ever be- fore DiTered in this citj'. AGRICULTURAL & HORTICULTURAL TOOLS. At our Warehouse, adjoining the Seed Room, may be found an extensive and complete assortment of Agricultural and Horticultu- ral Implements, embracing every tool used in the cultivation Oi the Farm and Garden. MASSACHUSETTS PLOWS. We also have on hand 150 of the celebrated Massachusetts Plows, made in a superior manner from second-growth eastern timber, which we shall sell at a reduced price. B. F. SMITH, April 1. JAMES P, FOGG. STOCK EXCHA.NGE- CATTLE, &c. THE SUBSCRIBER has on hand a choice col- lection of improved thoiough-bred cattle, emhra* cing, already, superior specimens of the Short-Horn Dur- ham and the Hereford, and a sample of the Holderties?, &c., and he intends adding to his stock so as to be able to supply farmers and breeders in Western New York, Ca- anda, or the Western States, who may wish to puichasa Bulls, Cows, Young Stock, Sheep. &c., of the best breeds and most improved varieties, at reasonable prices. His de- sign is, to establish a sort of Depot, or Stock Exchange, where orders can bo supplied for any of the improved breeds of Thoroiisb-bred, and for superior Grade ani- mals, and where those who have choice stock of this cha- racter for sale can find a market for them, on commission or otherwise. References. — Editor of the ''Genesee Farmer," L. B, Langwortliy, Esq., and T. Weddle, Esq., Rochester. H<>n. E. Corning, C. N. Bement, Esq., and Editors of the Cultivator, Albany; Hon. E. Mack, Ithaca: J. S. Wads- worth, Esq., Geneseo ; .fudge Lelnnd, Steuben county; Hon. D. Lee, BufTalo ; Hon. ,T. McCllum, and W. Par- sons, Esq., Lockport; M. B. Bateham, Esq., Editor of the Ohio Cultivator, Columbus. O. The subscriber may be found on his farm, near the S.W, corner of the city of Rochester, on Gcncsee-street, (about half a mile south of Bull's Head;) or orders may be left at the office of the Genesee Farmer. T, H, HYATT, Elmicood, Roche*ter, May, 1845» 96 GENESEE FARMER June, 1845 IMPROVED HORSE R4KE. The Improved Hay Rake, of v.hich the above is a cut, is the invention of, and is minufactur- ed by Lewis Swikt, of Clarkson, in this county. From the praises bestowed upon its operation by those who have tested its benefits, and from certifi- cates exhibited to us, we have no hesitation in rec- ommending it to the public, as an improvement over any heretofore introduced, and as one of the greatest labor-saving machines now in use among farmers. [C It received the first premium at the State Fair at Rochester, in 1843. They are for sale in Rochester at the Agricultural Depot, adjoining the Seed Store, Front Street, nearly opposite the Market. Meteorological Observations. made at rochester, seven miles frum lake ontario, by l. wetherell. Journal of the Weather for May, 1845. 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 C 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Tlieimometer i a m •3 Ib' 54" 50 76 60 66 5-2 70 48 64 54 76 60 70 46 54 48 70 55 63 37 46 42 68 50 42 33 49 36 58 43 62 59 86 61 87 66 85 65 84 46 38 35 43 34 60 58 67 54 76 47 58 39 62 44 43 42 64 40 52 Barometer. w 29.50 .40 .45 .70 .80 .80 .55 .60 .60 .49 .67 .05 .25 .76 .66 .87 .73 .05 .59 .39 .37 .67 .69 .45 .35 .47 .63 .60 .54 .61 29.30 .30 .50 .75 .85 .50 .50 .00 .49 .44 .70 .30 .40 .74 .88 .71 .71 .60 .45 .29 .60 .67 .55 .40 .41 .56 .63 .51) .52 .61 Wind. > = N W S E N W W N W i W W N W W N W W NSW S W s W W N E N W N N W W S N E N W Observations. Cloudy— showers. Fair — r.g. 75, Fair. — golden robin h. Cloudy — fair. Fair. Fair — cloudy — rain. Cloudy — rain — r.g. .27 Fair — apple tree in bl Fuir — cloudy — pear . . Cloudy — rain — r. g. .05 Fair — lilac in bloom. Fair. Fair — rain — rice bd.Ii. Fair — cloud} — r.g. .17. air — quince in bloom Fair Fair. Fair — h.chestnut in bl. loudy— r.g. .03. Cloudy — sli'ry, r.g .42. Cloudy — rain & snow Fair — frost. Fair — cloudy — frost. Cloudy — rain. Fair — cloudy. Fair — rain — r.g. .07. Fair — cool. Cloudy — rain — r.g. 41. Fair — vel. rose in bl. Fair. Max. (May 12) ther. 87 deg. ; do. (May 9) bar. 29.88 in. Min. (May 8) " .33 di-g.; do ( May 7) " 29.25 in. April— last half month much warmer than the first half. May— from the 1st to the 25th coolish, with frequent frosts ; the range of ther. 54 deg. Good weather for grass and English grain. To convince the farmers that the present season is not uncommon- ly cold, I give the mean temperature of April and the first half of May, from 1840 to the present lime: 'f he mean temperature of April, 1840, 47.80 deg. l^itto ditto, 1841, 39.87 .. Ditto ditto 1842,45.85 .. Ditto ditto, 1843,44,79 .. Ditto ditto, 1844,52,62 .. Ditto ditto 1845,46,42 .. The mean temp, of Ist h"f May 1840, 50,62 .. Ditto ditto, 1841,43,82 .. Ditto ditto, 1842, 49,,32 .. Ditto ditto, 1843,54.83 .. Ditto ditto 1844,57.24 .. Ditto ditto, 1845, 55.58 .. SKEDLING POTATOES.— We have a few bushels of Langwor- thy's Premium Seedling Potatoes for sale at the Rochester Seed Store, New Block, Front etrect. B. F. S.MITH &, CO. DUNN & TAYLOR'S PREMIUM SCYTHES, Manufactured bt TAYLOR, HITCHCOCK, & CO., JVORTH JfAYJ\'E, ME. THE satisfaction which these SCYTHES have hitherto given, as superior cutters, has induced the Manufacturers to offer them for sale in many places where they have not before been known ; believing that those who use them will continue to call for them, from year to year. N.B. All Scythes warranted good to cut, and free from injurious flaws : if any should prove bad, others will be given in exchange. (CT For sale at the Agricultural Depot, adjoining the Seed Store, Front-street, Rochester. B. F. SMITH & CO. IMPROVED CULTIVATORS F OR sale at the Agricultural Depot, adjoining the Seed Store, Front-sstreet. B. F. S.MITH & CO. w OR.M BRrSHES, for the purpose of destroying Worms and Caterpillars on Fruit Trees, for sale by B. F. SMITH & CO., New Brick Block, Front-street. ROCHESTER PRODUCE MARKET. 90 a 96'Hav, ton, $7 50 8 001 Eggs, doz. ■ " ' Wood,cord, 2 00 2 50| Poultry, lb. Wheat, Corn, 37i a 40 Barley, 30 40 Salt, bhl., Oats, 25 28 Hams, lb.. Flour, (ret.) 4 25 Pork, bbl. Beans, 75 1 00 " cwt. Apples, 38 50 Beef, " Potatoes, 18 25|Lard, lb., Clover.seed, 4 00 4 50 Butter, Timothy, 1 1 25!cheese,cwt 1 13, Tallow, 5 6iHops, 10 10 OOi' Wool, 25 3 25 3 75 Sheep Skins, 50 3 00 3 50 GreenH'ds,!b. 3 5 0 Dry Hides, 6 9 121 Calfskins, gr'n.5 500 fi 501 May 30. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Lectures on Agriculture — Convention in Ohio — Sa e of E. P. Prentice's .stock — Premiums on Farms, &c 81 Wheat-Growers, do you hear that 1 — Sheep on the Prairic.t, &c. 82 State Census for 1845 — Colman's Report — Improvements in Ag- riculture 83 The Alpaca— Fall Plowing 84 Manures, their waste, &c 85 Wheatland 86 E.xperiments in the Culture of Indian Corn 87, 88 Educate Farmers ; avoid l.itigsiion — Lime and Bone Dust 89 Canal Stati.^tics- What should Parents do with their Boys? 90 Fountain of Vice — Remedy against the Curculio— Time of sow- ing Seed — The general subject of the Potato 91, 92 Ornamental Trees and Slirul),s — Stoneless Cherries 93 Plant-Potting- Caterpillars on Trees 94 Locust Borer e.vpellod — Vegetables, &c 95 Meteorological Table — .Advertisements, &c 96 VOL. VI. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. JULY, 1845. NO. 7. PUBLI8HKD MONTHLY. BY B. F. SMITH &. CO, PROPRiETCRS At the Seed Store, Front Street, nearly opposite the Market. DANIEL LEE, EDITOR. FIFTY CENTS A YEAR: i'ive copies for Two Dollars; Eight copies for Three Dollars. All pay.i.ents to be made in acUaMce. Money and subscriptions, by a rejriilation of the pottmuster general, may be remitifd by post masters free of expense. ^^3" Address B. F. Smith & Co. Notice to CoRRFSPO^DENTs. — Our kind friends have furnished us with much more "matter," as the compositors say, than our paper can hold. We are not, however, the less ji^rateful for these favors. If each subscriber to the Farmer vi'ill only send us one additional name, we will give him 24 pages of our present size, instead of 16; or 50 per cent more reading, without any additional expense, either for postage or paper. VV^cstern New York with its 50,000 enterprizing farmers ought to sustain an agricultural journal, second to none in America. Who will not lend a helping hand to extend its circulation and useful- ness ? We are happy to learn from " Agricultor," of Wyoming, that the cultivators of the soil in the towns of Pavilion and Covington are organizing an agiicultLiral society auxiliary to the county society. Every town in Western New York should Iiave an efficient Farmer's Cl;ib, which should assemble as often as once a month, at least, for the mutual in- struction of all its members. During two se.-sions of the Legislature, the friends of agricultural im- provement met regularly every week, either at the Capitol, or at the rooms of the St?ite Agricultural Society, for the purposes of discussing the most im- portant questions connected with the practice or the science of Rural Economy. These discussions elic- ited a great many valuable facts from all parts of New York and the union ; for many strangers visit the capitol of the empire state during the winter season , The editor, who has already spent some weeks among the farmers of Western New York, is happy to say that his lectures thus far have been very well attended. There is evidently a growing interest felt by our hard handed yeomanry to lessen the cost of producing grain, wool, butter, cheese, pork, and beef, in this section of the State. They begin to understand that a saving of ten cents in the expense of raising a bushel of wheat, is equal to adding ten cents to their profit on a bushel of this impostant staple. A little more thought and study, and a little less severe manual toil, will give them more money. We have received another communication from "Enquirer," in relation to Col. Randall's sheep, Sic, the publication of which we fear might lead to an unprofitable discussion, to the exclusion of matter more useful to our readers. (X/^ Our correspondent at Cornwall will confer a favor by sending his " article on or about sheep rais- ing in Vermont , and how they live among the Green Mountains." TuRMPS. — As the crop of hay will be very light, we suggest to farmers the propriety of raising a good crop of turnips ; or at least to make the at- vempt. The variety called the " Red Round" will do well on dry land, provided the soil is goo ^, and the season favorable. The " White Flat Norfolk" is a kind well adapted to moist land. For feeding to stock, the " Large Scotch Yellow" is very celebrat- ed among the turnip growers of England. The application of unleached ashes, bone dust, charcoal, and common salt, scattered in the drills, or broad cast, will be found very serviceable to turnips. Farmers ANu Emigra!vt.s Hand Book. — The above is the title of a handsome duodecimo volume of 400 pages, from the press of D. Appleton, 200 Rroadway, New York. It discusses with clearness, and an obvious knowledge of the matter in hand, the subjects of clearing forest lands, breaking and fenc- ing prairies, constructing farm-houses in new coun- tries, farming in general, farriery, cookery, and the prevention and cure of diseases. To all persons about to emigrate to the west, this book contains a fund of information of great practical importance, while it wnll be read with in- terest and profit by any one engaged in rural pur- suits. For sale in Rochester by S. Hamilton, 6 State Street, successor to D. Hoyt. Price i?1.00. Valuable Merino Sheep. — We see by the Ith- aca Journal, that Mr. J. Speed, living in that vicini- ty, has clipped "from a large number of his ewes over five pounds per head of well washed wool. As an evidence of its quality, it is stated that Mr. S. has been offered for his whole clip, full blood and grade, 40 cents per pound. His flock numbers 60 ; about half of which only are pure full blooded ani- mals. 05 GENESEE FARMER. July. 1845 THE EDITOR'S REPORT on AGRICULTURE IN THE ASSEMBLY. It is stated in my report that " no class in the community give so much severe muscular toil for $100, as do the common field laborers in the State of New York." A reviewer in the Ithaca Chronicle whom I take to be a limb of the law, thus comments on this and other statements of a similar import : " Strange that a man of Dr. Lee's science and ca- pacity should put lorlh, in a grave public document, statements so grossly erroneous, and so well calcu- lated to array one class in society in hostility to the other. How stands the case ? The lawyer com- mences, say at eighteen, and spends seven years of his life in acquiring a profession, before he can pro- fessionally earn a smgle dollar, and during this whole time he must eat, drink and wear. An able bodied young man can earn ten dollars per month the year round, besides board and washing, which would make it equal to fifteen dollars per month, or $180 per year. Seven yeaars of lost time would there- fore be equal to ^1200. Tuition fees, clothing, &c. would cost about $150 per year, which for seven years would be $1,050. After he is admitted he must have about $500 worth of books, which is a small allowance. Here then is spent in time and money, nearly $3000, before the lawyer is ready to do business. And after that, some ten years are spent in a precarious livelihood, in convincing com- munity that he has sufficient skill and capacity to be entrusted with their business. In this professional race, it is fair to say, that nine out of ten essential- ly fail of success." I concede the entire truth of the whole case, as made out by this member of the Bar. But I demand a plain and satisfactory reason u-hy il is that so many worthy and intelligent young men of eighteen are willing to forsake the axe, the scythe and the plow— throw away seven long years in the prime of life, and spend $3,000, with a certainty that after ten years of professional competition, they will stand ^^nine chances in ten to fail of success ?" There is an ever active, a living cause which ev- ery where produces this lamentable result. What is it ? It operated with equal force to induce some nine hundred young men to attend, at a large ex- pense, the four Medical Colleges in this State, at their last terms ; while the profession is so crowded that two or three doctors can easily do all their bu- siness by riding one horse, in almost any town in the State. The Regents of ttie University in their Report state that over eleven thousand students in our Academies alone, are now studying the classics- Greek and Latin. How little do all these liberal ap- propriations benefit the 500,000 field laborers, ol whom my Report speaks as giving so much hard work for 100 silver dollars ! When the writer of this was eighteen years of age, the most he could get for chopping 100 cords of hard wood, and board himself, was $30. At a subsequent period of his life he has received 830 for amputating a limb. Now, if one that has had expe- rience in the art of skilful chopping, and the art of surgery may know auy thing of either, I assert that it takes about as much time and labor to learn one art as the other. I question both the justice and the policy that compels the same person as farmer L. to work hard two months and chop 100 cords of wood for $30, while you pay him as doctor L. an equal sum for cutting off a leg about as easily as he could fell a basswood sapling. The practical efiect of this great disparity of compensation is, to make, at a ru- inous sacrifice of time and money, about thirty t'mes as many surgeons as there are are jobs requiring their professional services. If you promise my son as high a reward for one day's work as a good lawyer, as you will give him for ten day's work as a good fieli laborer, then you offer him a clear bounty of 1000 per cent to go into a lawyer's office in this city, rather than on to a farm, and sweat, and toil, and burn in the sun. If he can find employment only one day in ten, as an attorney, he will receive as much in the course of the year as he would by tilling the earth, and have nine-tenths of his time to improve his mind, and pre- pare himself for the highest public honors. If it be requisite for him to study the languages, or mathe- matics to qualify him for any professional pursuit, there are thousands of good schools, supported in part by a tax on the farmers, for that purpose. But if it be deemed advisable to give him a knowledge of agricultureal geology, chemistry and physiology, ac- cording to the recent i iiprovements in those sci- ence, he must go, where other young men in this State have gone, to Edinburgh, Paris, or Giesen. It is own '23 years since Judge Buel was chairman of the agricultural committee in the House, and first began to make his great but unsuccessful efforts, to establish at least one Agricultural School in this State. Shall another whole generation pass off the stage before the young men who are to follow the noble profession of Agriculture, shall have an op- portunity to study its science in a truly scientific manner, without being compelled to leave this great agricultural State and go 3,500 miles to the mon- archial governments of Europe ? In his Report of 1823, Judge Euel alludes to the facts that Union College had received $418,000, Ha- milton $116,000, and that Academies were paid mo- ney from the treasury in proportion to the nnmber of pupils studying the dead languages. He then truly predicted that this forcing system of making profes- sional gentlemen, would result, as my legal friend from Ithaca says it has, in creating ten times more lawyers than the public good requires. Instead of resisting to the hour of his death the patriotic efforts of the lamented Buel to elevate the young farmers of this State—" to improve both the soil and the mind;"— and instead of abusing the chairman of the committee on agaiculture for the last two years, for stating a few wholesome truths, all liberal minded men of all pursuits should lend their assistance to unite true science and solid learning with the Rural Labor of New York. When I stated in my Report that " common field laborers" as a class gave much more hard work for $100 than is paid by the mechanic, the merchant, the lawyer or the physician for a like sum, it never once occurred to me that any one could possibly tor- ture the remark into a censure, or implied reproach on those classes of the community. One reason why rural industry is comparatively so poorly paid, is thus explained in that Report : " The laws established by the Creator of the uni- verse, which govern all the changes in the form and properties of matter, whether in a crude mineral or in an organized condition, making the living tissues of plants and animals, are as uniform and unerring as iha laws that regulate the rising and setting of the sun. By studying the operation of these laws, the prac- tical agriculturist is often able to effect a result in a Vol 6. GENESEE FARMER. 99 day, which he could not accomplish in a week, while working against the course of nature. " On what does the productiveness of the farmer's labor mainly depend ? Surely not on his mere mus cular strength, for in that case the mechanical pow- er of a cart-horse will exceed five-fold in value the labor o.' an agr'culturist. It is the sound judgment, experience and acquired knowledge of the directing Mind, that impart productive value to the labor of human hands. And it is mainly because the intel- lect employed in rural pursuits is less developed than the mind devoted to other and more professional oc- cupations, that agricultural labor is so poorly re- warded. The truth is that passive intellectual fac- ulties are utterly valueless. They produce nothing. Hence, as the mind of a human being lacks science or knowledge, the market value of his mere physical force ' epreciates in price. Without going into an elaborate argument, your committee appeal to the ten thousand improvements of the age in which we live, as furnishing conclusive evidence that there is no power on earth so productive of great and beneficent results as the power of highly cultivated intellect." Surely, it is not the fault of other classes that the intellect devoted to agricultural pursuits is not so familiar with the laws of Nature, which transform earth, air and rvatcr into good bread, meat and cloth- ing as the writer of the above remarks could wish. Nor is it the fault of the 500,000 field laborers them- selves. Their position in society has been extreme- ly isolated ; their opportunities for studying the nat- ural sciences have been small indeed. I wish they were better. I have labored to make them so. " But Knowledge to their eyes her ample page, Rich ill the spoils of Time did ne'er unroll ; Cliill Penury repress'd tlieir noble rage, And froze the genial current of the soul." Born, and raised with people that give twenty-six hard day's work for ^10 and board, I confess that all my sympathies are with the laboring classes. When a nation, in her hour of imminent peril, needs a great warrior or statesman, she must go to the ploiv to find aCiNCiNNATus, or a WAsmwoTOK. Why then shall we wait till abundant wealth, stolen from the open pocket of honest industry, shall have cursed the worshippers of Mammon with all the evils of luxury, idleness and debauchery; and shall have fill- ed our poor houses with paupers, our prisons with criminals, and made " Anti-rentism" with the Indian mask off, the ruling power of the State, before we will remember the despised " field laborers" who are held by many to be just fit to give ten hours toil for one ? We all know that, as a general rule, those that produce most of the good things of this world, do not enjoy as much more of these comforts and lux- uries as their productive powers call into existence. Why is this ? Clearly, to my mind, it is owing to a lack of knowledge hotv to keep, as well as hoiv to cre- ate property. If all interest on money were abol- ished, and all rents on lands, houses and other prop- erty were discontinued forever, and all the products of human industry now in the world were equally divided, it would not help the difficulty at all. So long as laboring men would give three or five day's work for one, while the natural wants of all were alike, and give 100 cents for 80 cents, and 80 cents for 60, the property of the world would rapidly con- centrate into a few hands. The remedy for this enormous evil is not in arraying one class against another— the poor against the rich— -but in a com- mon and generous effort so to enlighten the popular mind in matters of labor, money, trade, interest and rent, that every human being shall have an opportu- nity to work to a good advantage, and if he chose so to do, to keep for his own comfort the whole pro- ceeds of his honest industry. It is vain for me to clfiim the poor privilege of robbing a day-laborer, his wife or his children of ten cents, which they have fairly produced, by any contrivance of interest or profit, and not conceiis the whole moral principle which forbids them the equal right to rob the rob- ber when a fit opportunity shall occur for them in turn to take the advantage of a fellow being. We cannot long prosper as a State or a Republic, in evil doing. A just God will vindicate the rights of hu- manity. You cannot go on, and concentrate the wealth of the Empire State into a few hands, and not by some indirection rob a large majority of its people. For the few can not possibly produce this wealth over and above their annual consumption. They can not possibly purchase it for they have no fair equivalent to give in exchange. In a community where every man is a sovereign, and the majority will rule just as it pleases, where is the safest depository of the great mass of the surplus earnings of three millions of in- dustrious people ? Is it in the coffers of one-tenth of those that produce it, with 60 per cent, of the whole population living from hand to mouth, with all the terrors of the poor-house driving them into nishonesty and crime ? No. The public peace and safety require that the property of the State shall be pretty equally divided among the great mass of la- boring men, to impart to the whole lump a conser- vative, law-loving feeling. Without this respect for law and order, the wealth of the rich is no better than chaff. Like all other vices and crimes, that of avarice overreaches itself. Instead of attacking the humble author of the Report in question with bitter- ness and denunciation, those that wish to live on the sweat of other men's faces, and not by the sweat of their own, should have been willing to establish a Model Farm and an Agricultural School at the pub- lic expense, so as to place the science of producing and of keeping property within the reach of the humblest day labofer in the State. If the result had been what the friends cf science and rural industry united, antici- pate from such union, similar schools could be estab- lished in all parts of the country wherever needed. At the time mv Report was written, I was called on to vote tens of thousands from the State treasury to pay citizen soldiers raised in the ci/i/ of New York and in Albany, some two or three dollars a day be- sides their expenses, to each soldier, for suppressing civil discord and rebellion in one or two of the oldest and most respectable farming counties in the State. The teaiing down of the land-office with entire im- punity, in Mayvillo, by the farmers of Chautauque county, a few years since, was also fresh in my memory. I knew that no honest field laborer at present prices, can pos'-^ibly support himself and fam- ily well, on the products of his own personal labor without capital, and lay up more than $70 a year. At this rate it would consume the entire surplus earnings of 100 field laborers to pay $7,000 — the an- nual interest on i|l 00,000. And when I called to mind thp well known fact that the population of this State doubles only once in 25 years; while $100,- 000 at 7 per cent, annual interest double in 10 years and all at the expense of the little savings of labor, ing people, I thought I saw the reason ivhy both an. (00 GENESEE FARMER. July, 1845 tirenters and paupers inrrease in our rural dii-tricts much faster than population. If the cultivators of the earth in England and Wale?, by our system of giving a good deal and getting a little back, were able. ?s Mr. Colinan says, to count over a million and a half of public paupers, I feared that like caus- es would produce like eltccts in this Empiie State. Its direct taxes last year were $4,243,100! Should a representative of a whole community while called upon to vote ^00,000 to erect a netv state prison, wilfully close his eyes to evils of this magnitude, which no art can conceal, and no effron- tery deny? It was to check a system of levelling downuard, which robs the many to enrich the few, and thus prevent pauperism, high taxes and crime, thai induced me to say a few words on the impor- tance of teaching the useful science of keeping pro- perty to the half million of field laborers in New York. It cannot be denied that this science comes home to the bread and meat, the coat and trowters, the bed and shelter of every laboring person in the State. Instead of yielding my position to the storm of criticism with which my Report has been assailed, I feel bound by a sense of duty to insist on the impor- tance of the principle to the well-being of the com- munity, that the great body of Ameiican soverei^sins, who produce the wealth of the Republic, mutt un- derstand how to keep for their own comfort and hap- piness, not hah", nor two-thirds, but the entire pro- ceeds of their productive industry. Secure to every healthy human bemg thro igh life a sum equal to the entire products of one intellect and one pair of hands, and those the very ones which God has wisely given him to provide for all his bodily and mental wants ; and that perception of right and of duty which his Creator has also placed in his bosom, will make him satisfied. Guarantee this measure of even and exact justice to all alike, and you may dispense with half your jails and prisons, half your taxes, and half your civil and criminal prosecutions. But if you establish an artificial systam of exchange that takes from the proceeds of A's labor 10 per cent., and a like sum from the earnings of B and C, in order to give D 30 per cent, more than his labor calls into existence, the eense of right which God has given to A, B and C, to protect their abiding wants of hunger, nakedness and of sleep, is outraged. It matters not to a hun- gry stomach— to outr ged humanity— by what tor- tuous indirection you rob a person of that Avhich rightfully belongs to him. Human nature, hunger and nakedness, by the decree of Heaven, will not, and cannot be satisfied. Man's physical wants, his powers of reason, and his moral perceptions, all rise at once to vindicate the inalienable rights of Labor and Humnnity. How long will it take an intelligent, Chrittian people to learn and believe that the golden rvle which com- mands them " to do unto others as they wish others to do unto them,'' is no idle fiction ? This dvty is impressed by our Maker on every fibre of the human constitution. It is a part of that breath of the Divin'ty which gave to the first of our rare a living soul. God has so organized the loathesome reptile, th.at he can live comtortably in a cage 400 days on a single meal. On man, with all his exalted hopes and sense of just accountability, he has imposed the abidmg necessity of having 1,200 meals in 400 days! The serpent needs no clothing, no artificial shelter. God has given it no hands to work and provide these things, and no powers of reason to direct its con- structive energies aright, if it had hand?. There is now no mystery in the operations of na- ture which render it necessary for man to have one thousand meals in the same length of time that the nearly cold blooded reptile needs but one. I allude to tiiis physiological fact as one among hundreds that might be named, all going to prove that infi- nite Benevolence has made the peculiar and extreme weakness, and destitution of the human body, the peculiar, and untold strength and riches, of the hu- man soul. If, then, our nrcessities are a part of our nature, and the mothers of our invention, why shall not the inventions of all civilized nations in Agricul- tural Science be carried home to the understanding of evejy young man in the State, who is to cultivate the eaith for a living ? Where is the crime in tell- ing " the 600,000 field laborers in New York," of a few of the " inventions,'" by the every day operations of which, honest, productive industry is robbed with impunity, to feed dishonest idleness ? He knows but little of human nature who sup- poses that a majority of the fiee citizens of this State will bo content to work hard, and farehaid, live miserably and die, either in, or out of a poor- house, to enrich others. Why is it that men, professing to be statesmen and republicans, are so unwilling to look at holh sides of this great question cf the rights of labor, and of the manifold wants of humanity ? Is there anything so mysterious in producing property ; or in learning to keep and enjoy a sum equal to the products of one mind and one pair of hands, which places these sciences above the comprehension of common day laborers ? If so many thousands can, and do learn to get a great deal more than either their mental or phy-ical labor produces in any form, are we sure that those that now get a great deal less than they produce, can not learn to keep at least their own ? Do not so wrong the natural powers of the immortal mind. Be guilty of no such absurdity as attempting to maintain i\\^\. property — a thing made by intellect, directing aright the mechanical power of human hands — has anA'thing about it above the comprehension of the author of its being. In nineteen cases out of twenty, our loss of what we have, occurs from an attempt to get more than our own — to give to some one 99 cent?, or a loss sum, and get a dollar back. Instead of working and studying to produce all that we need, and to keep and enjoy a sum equal to to all that w-e produce, and wisely being content therewith, we gamble w'ith our neighbors, and justly meet the gamblers fate. Charcoal.-— In one or two instances where char- coal has been applied to winter wheat in the State Of Ohio, at the rate of 50 bushels to the acre, it has evidently prevented the injury of the very severe drought which has nearly ruined adjoining wheat fields. Mr. R. H. Haywood, of Buffalo, is the own- er of a large farm near Sandusky in Ohio, and has tried the use of pulverized charcoal with marked suc- cess. The crop is not yet harvested, but the bene- fit of the coal dust is very signal. The American Agriculturist Almanac. — Mr. A. B. Allen, editor of the American Agriculturist, has issued from the press of Messrs. Saxon and Miles, 250 Broadway, N. Y\, an almanac for 1846, which contains a large amount of agricultural infor- mation in addition to the calendar for the year. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER. 101 PHOSPHATE OF LIME. Prof. Haywood, in a lecture before the ''Norton Farmer's Ci;ib," En<>-lan,l, cstimite.s the weight of the ijhosiihate of iiirie anJ niac:nesia consume.] by a man in the course of a year, in his food, at 60 lbs. Unles-; he add to the substance of his bones, an 1 in- ciease his fiesh, and whole weight, ol course all this earthy matter mu^t escape from h;s system. As the grain which he will consume in the next twelve i7ionths, must contain just as much bone earth, as did the grain that has fed him during the past year, his waste of these in.li.-pensable ingredients, obvi- ously deprives the soil of its capability to sustain animal life, to the full amount of his consumption. The sum total of pho.'^phorus available to plants in an acre of land, is usually quite small. Its annual waste in the liquid excretions of the 2,800,000 peo- ple now living in this statr-, exceed five millions of dollars. Guano is the only substance found in any conside:able quantities, which contains phosphorus, as well as other constituents of our c'aily bread, meat, and milk, now daily thrown away. The loss of manure coming frtim our domestic animals, and the waste of decaying vegetables, are as five to one, when compared with that from the waste of all the materials that both feed and clothe our whole popu- lation. We ought certainly to do as much as to save all the bones of our domestic animals taken from the soil, and put them back again in some form. In many countries, cows are kept up the year round, expressly to save all the salts contained in their food. Instead of dropping them down on two square feet, killing the grass, and robbing two square rods of the very things that form the grass eaten by the cow, they distribute those saline ingredients derived from the food of the animah, equally over the same surface from which the grass was taken. In this way the soil is enriched, instead of being made poor- er and poorer. Three good cows are kept o" a plot of Ian;!, which, under our wasteful system of hus- ban.lry, would keep but one. Every blade of grass consumed by any domestic animal, contains some of the most valuable substances of the earth on which it grew. That substance must be restored, not within one or two rods, or a half a mile of the place whe»^ce it was taken, but in contact with the very root of the plant. In some soils of extraordinary fertility, many succeeding crops may be removed, without either leaching out their salts, (as potash is washed out of a tub of ashes,) or carrying them off in the stomachs of aninr^ls, or in wagons and carts. But these cases are the exception to a general rule, and not the rule itself. So long as a bushel of wheat shall be worth eighty cent*, the raw materi- als that nature requires to elaborate that amount of grain, must be worth at least thirty cents; and soon will be worth forty. A ton of pure guano will al- ways be worth in New York, as much as one thou- sand pounds of good wheat flour, to make into wheat. NUMBER OP ANIMALS IN AUSTRIA. From the late census returns, as issued by the minister of commerce, in Austria, it appears to contain: Horses, 2,300,000 Cattle, ] 0,400,000 Sheep, 2.500,000 Pounds of wool per annum, 5,500,000 Swine, 5,800,000 Goats, 1,245,000 PRACTICAL HINTS ON HAY-MAKING, The season for making hiy has now arrived. Ac- cording to ih;' con us returns of i 8 10, the crop of that vear exceed ^i th>-ce millions of tons in this Stitg. It was foolishly estimai.ei at ten doUirs a ton — making its a^-gregate value more than thirty mill- ions of dollars. Putting it at an average of Jive dollars a ton, our crop of hay is then worth more than any other harvested in New York. Good fa-mers differ in opinion as the time in point of maturity at which grass should be cut. Some commence their haying so soon as the plants are i'airly it blossom, whether herds-grass, timothy, or clover ; while others wait until the seed is nearly ripe. Something is due to the consideration how much work in haying one has got to perform, how much "help"' to execute the task, and how pressing the harvesting of wheat, barley, oats, and other crops may affect the farmer's arrangements for securing his hay. If one can choose his time, we think that all gramineous plants should be cut while the seed is in the milk, or just at the time when the seed begins to form. At that period the nutritious elements — those that form the starch and gluten of all seeds — are largely diffused through the stems and leaves of grasses. Much sound judgment needs to be exercised in cutting grass at the right time, in avoiding rains and dews, and in curing hay just enough ; or, neither too much, nor too little. If it were practicable, hay would be much better if cured in the shade, and free alike from the decomposing power of the heat and !i(rht of the direct rays of the sun. These dissipate much of the aromatic oil, and peculiar coloring mat- ter in new made, and badly ma'le hay. It is a well knovyn fact, that butter and cheese made from milk drawn from cows fed on ordinary hay, is palp and insipid when compared with the richly colored and admirably flavored butter and cheese made from milk which is itself made from green, and richly scented grass. Indeed, the fact is v/ell known, that some soils abounding in alkalies, \nd free from an excess of moisture, yield plants of a more fragrant and oily character than others, which make better milk than is derived from plants that grow on sour, wet soils. Rest assured, kind reader, that the alkalies pot ash and soda, and the alkaline earths lime and mag- nesia, have much to do, not only in correcting min- eral acids in the soil, but they perform in the labora- tory of plants an important function in chaniring vegetable acids into starch, sugar, and oils.-— These valuable substances are iergely developed in maize. And here let me digress to say, that as the crop of grass is very light this season, it is not too late to sow a few acres to corn, for fodder, and get a fair yield. I should sow two bushels to the acre. The seed should bo soaked in brine 12 hours before sowing. Several farmers have assured me that they cut last year from six to ten tons of corn stalks per acre, equal to the same weight of good timothy hay. It is batter not to cut grass when there is a heavy dew early in the morning, if it can well be avoided. It requires a longer exposure after it is mown to the sun, than is desirable. Get your grass into winrow and cock as soon as it will answer ; and then, by shaking it up light for the air to pass through the heap, finish the curing with as little sun as practica- ble. In curing all medicinal plants, they are dried in the shade. I OS GENESEE FARMER. July, 1845 In stacking, or mowing away in a barn, calculate for yourself how much salt your sheep, cattle, and horses will need while eating a ton of your hay : and then spread, as you unload, that quantity evenly over the stack or mow. The writer of this has cured a good deal of hay, and has often put on too much salt to avoid injury to a pretty* green mow, which was not exactly hay nor grass. While you put on salt enough, remember that cattle don't need to be scoured in cold weather with salted hay. REDUCTION OF TOLLS ON PLASTER. We have received a note from Mr. J. A. Thorn- eon, of Cayuga, asking our views as to the prob- able increase of agricultural products to be sent through the Erie canal, and consequently the in- crease of revenue that might be realized by a large reduction of tolls on plaster. We think the view taken of this subject by Mr. T. to be entirely correct. As a writer for the press in the city of Buffalo, and a member of the legislature, we have done what we could to call the attention of the public to the importance of reducing the tolls on the produce grown in Western New York. We regard the Erie canal precisely as we should a good public highway leading from Buffalo to Albany. It is gross mjustice, to compel the people using this highway, to pay an extra toll to raise money to be expended in constructing and keeping in repair pub- lic roads, in locations where the tax-payers have not a particle of interest. If the people of the Chenan- go valley, for instance, deserve two and a half mil- lions, to build them a t urnpike or a canal, the money should be raised by a general tax on all the property in the state, and not by a local tax in one section, for a local henrfit in another section. We disclaim any mere sectional feeling on this subject, and are far from desiring to discuss, in this agrricultural journal, the canal policy of the state. We trust, however, that the tolls on plaster will be reduced. Lord Torrington has just issued from the Lon- don press a small work " on the Agriculture of Kent,'' in which he says that for ten years he has never fail- ed to grow a good crop of Swede turnips " by inva- riably putting charcoal in the drills with the seed." He pulverizes the soil very fine before planting, and scatters after the seed are in the ground, and before they are up, a top dressing of common salt, at the rate of 200 lbs. per acre. Wood ashes, bone dust, and guano are all used in Kent for both turnip and wheat crops. Ashee, coal saturated with urine, and salt are the cheapest and most valuable fertelizers to be had in this country. ONLY FIFTY CENTS A YEAR ! Proprietors of the Genesee Farmer — You have done much to acquaint all who should take your paper, that the old price has been reduced from one dollar to fifty cents ; but I find that many who formerly took it when at fifty cents and discon- tinued it when abvanced to one dollar, have never found out that it is back to the old price. Let eve- ry one then who does know the fact, tell his neighbor that he can now get in your agricultural paper for fifty cents, what at the lowest calculation is worth twenty dollars a year, were we deprived of the paper. ^ff^ Sound it abroad I O.nly FirxY cents a year. W. For the Genesee Farmer. CULTURE OF PEAS. Mr. Editor — I wish to make a few inquiries thro' the Farmer concerning field peas. They are not much raised here, though I think they can be to ad- vantage. I wish to knov/ what kind of soil they want, and the time of sowing — whether they areas good for fatting pork as corn — how many bushels are an average crop from an acre, and whether they are a profitable crop — and their weight per bushel. Your obedient servant, CONRAD MILLER. Jackson, Luzerne Co., Pa., May 23, 1845. In reply to our correspondent as to the advantages of the pea crop, we answer: that in very many cases, we consider it a very valuable item in hus- bandry, especially in wheat farming, when it is not desirable to go extensively into the wheat crop. — Indian corn is a costly and laborious crop to produce; and when land will with a tolerable certainty pro- duce wheat, there is no other excuse for raising much corn, except to use up the time occurring be- tween spring sowing, haying, and harvesting, and the fall months not otherwise employed. It is a hard feeder on land, and wheat does not follow well after it, except it was highly manured at planting, or fallowed by well rotted manures, or composts after the corn is ofF; while the pea is a light feedei, and a most capital preparation for wheat. Fall plowed swards, or even spring plowed clover leys, put into peas early in the spring, will be gathered and off the land before fall wheat sowing, and leaves the soil loose and free from weeds, and apparently richer than if it had laid idle all summer in the summer fallow. One of the great advantages of the pea prop over their value in fattening hogs, is, they come in early, before corn or potatoes, and are only a trifle behind corn in the nutriment contained i tlie Genpsi'f Fanner. CATERPILLARS, LITIGATION k LAWYERS Mr. Editor — I can heartily sympathize with your correspondent in his indignation "t the sight of or- chards ravaged by the caterpillar. Every farmer who pern)its it is an enemy to his own interest, as well as the interest of his neighborhood ; for the insect increases by his negligence, and another year will be still more abundant. As he remarks, one day's ■work at the proper season would prevent all the mischief. I have been very successful in getting rid of these nasty pests; and the method I adopt is simple and sure. As soon r.s the nests are large enough to be easily distinguished, say almost the size of a lady's fist, I send a man with a small ladder into the or- chard, with directions to go into every tree, and to destroy every web. He puts a heavy leather mitten on his right hand, , and taking the worm, web, or nest in his h^nd on the limb, squeezes it into a mess, thus destroying its contents at one fell swoop. If there are any he cannot reach, he saws off the limb and crushes them on the ground. The operator should take a cold day, or only work at them when the weather is cool, for then they will all be in their nests. It only cost fifty cents to fill an orchard of five acres this spring, and the work was thoroughly done. If it had cost ten times that sum, I should have thought the money well laid out. By close attention for a few seasons, they will be almost en- tirely eradicated. J. F. S. has good notions about litigation. If all the farmers thought like him, and acted upon his suggestions, lawyers and courts would be among the things that were. There are no litigated siuts that could not have been settled without any trouble, if both parties had been willing to do right; or if they had fallen into the hands of honest lawyers. J. F. S. will excuse me for suggesting to him and all other farmers and mechanics, a very short and easy way to avoid litigation. Let all agree at town meeting to submit their difficulties to a board of re- formers. Let the board consist of three persons and choose them for the year. The law makes ample provisions for arbitration. Select the best men in town, and as there will be no party feeling to grati- fy, the selection will be sure to be a good one. — Public opinion will soon compel all who are in a contentious mood, to resort to this tribunal. Boards of trade in all large towns have their committee of reference, and they have bsen found very useful in preventing litigation. Farmers, of all others, should keep out of the law; and they should not complain of lawyers preying upon the hard earnings of in- dustrious labors, until they cease to employ them to ruin either themselves or their neighbors — nor should they complain of the increase of that profess- ion, as long as thev continue to give them all the offices of honor or "profit. When fanners arc true to themselves and their noble calling, lawyers will become scarce. P. Keep down the Weeds. — Yes, don't permit a Bnigle weed to grow. Remember that all spurious vegetation is injurious alike to the growing crop and the soil. It costs more to mature one rank pig weed, than it does to rijjon three times its weight of corn or any other grain. Let the hoe be busily em- ployed. Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth, late Commissioner of the Patent Office, has taken up his residence at La- fayette, Indiana. For tliR (jell<»^pe Farmer. A GARDEN.— CLAY versus SAND. Mr. Editor. — How often do we hear a man say, "give me tandy soil for a garden : clay is too hard to work, and if you mix sand with it, it only turns the product into a still more adhesive mortar." — This assertion is true, so far as the ."^and and clay are concerned ; but if you add coarse organic matter to the sand, and avail yourself of the frosts of winter to perfect the mixing, you will soon have a garden, worth two where sand predominates ; Indian corn never suffers from drought on a soil thus prepared. It is with surprise I hear men of experien'-e in gar- dening, denounce nature's choicest calcareous clays, as fit only for a subsoil, to keep the salts of a manured sandy surface from sinking. But abetter experience proves that an alluminous soil, kept loose by fall plowing, long manure, kc, is much better than even a sandy surface with a clay subsoil; and it is as easily tilled, if its mechanical structure is attended to in season. Go over an acre of growing Indian corn, planted in a greasy, calcareous cla}', ameliorated by fall or winter plowing, long manure chip dung, and old sward ; the soil between the rows will put you ill mind of the soil in the woods: your feet sink into the mellow compost, whose very fatness would be oppressive to the senses, were it not expending it- self beautifully in the growing crop. Then go over an acre of corn planted on a sandy soil, which has been even well manured: already the external evi- dence of animal manure in the soil is extinct before the crop is half grown; 'tis true that the sand beats the clay the first two weeks of the corn's growth, but now the odds is two to one in favor of the clay. Allumina has a great affinity for, and power to re- tain the atmospheric gasses, which it gi^'es off only as required for food to the growing plants. Sand, on the other hand, needs all the quickening alkilies, mineral and vegetable, to render it soluble. Its constant cry is, give, give. S. W. Good Influence of Birds. — Birds that come around our houses should be protected. Their in- fluence is good on us and our children. Their hymns go up when we are silent ; they never forget the song of praise and thanksgiving. It is well for us to listen to them, and be humanized by the kind- ly lessons they teach us. Let us not grudge them the little they take from us, but spare them for the sake of those we love best. The child who has watched for the coming of the birds, and has heard the notes of the robin near his chamber window, will feel their influence in after life as a holy remembered thing. No tone of music shall ever fall on his ear like that thrilling song in the dim twilight of early morning. It may strike on his memory when he will need it most, and the scenes and innocence of childhood will come to him again to bear him up.— Encourage this love for these things of nature, ye who would bring up your children in purity and peace. No after-teachings can give such holy feel- ing, and the impressions they make shall never be forgotten . The spring has come, and the robin is back again. He has looked at his weather-beaten nest on the apple tree, and finding thut a few repairs will make it good, is now pouring out his song to his old friends ; and, alth nigh he took rather more than his fair share of our cheries, he feel.s that we are glad to see him, and were satisfied to take our pay in sing- ing. Vol. 6. GENESEE FARMER, 105 For the fleuesec Farmer. DEVON CATTLE. Mr Editor — Havirrj repeatedly been requesteri to give mv opinion of the Devon Cattle, and from what stock those orio-inatod which I introiluoed into tne country,, I take the privilrjre of doing- so, thro' the niodiiim of your useful journal. But I feel a great reluctance in performing the task, knowing that there is a genrral distrust among the agricultu- ral community, of all statements that are made thro' the agricultural journals, relative to any improve- ment in animals or seeds ; and particularly, if the person making them have any to dis])ose of; it is then believed to be selfish putling-, in hopes to profit by if. Whether the experience of the past has been the cause of this general want of confidence in each other or not, it is mnch to be regretted, for it de- stroys the foundation of all agricultural improve- ments, and very much prevents the usefulness of the iournals. We are liable to what is called prejudice. We have ourfavoritism=5 and our aversions, and frequent- ly without being able to give the reasons, even t: ourselves; and when any one expresses an opinion, it may be expected that it will receive a coloring from his feelings; and no one has a right to condemn because he does not receive the same impressions. But when any one states facts predicated on experi- ence, it is expected that they can be realized by all who are equally accurate and persevering. But facts may be correctly stated, and at the same time be guilty of great deception. For instance, a far- mer has six cows of a particular breed; one of them being a great milker, two of them only middling, and the other three very poor ones. If, in answer to an inquiry relative to the milking properties of his cows, heshoulil give a statement of the quanti- ty that the great milker gave, and make no mention of the others, he would convey the idea, that, as a breed, they were extraordinary milkers, when they were the very reverse. He does not tell a falsehood, yet he is guilty of gross deception. Or providing, that by extraordinary feeding and care, he increases his animals to a large size at an early age, but not stating the fact that they had received extraordinary feeding and care, the viewer takes it for granted that it was the general characteristics of the breed, is deceived, by the other's not giving the necessary exnlanation. The Devons are a very distinct breed of neat cat- tle, possessing several characteristics peculiar to themselves, of which they are very tenacious. — They are uniformily red, varying to a bright mahojr- any; no white on them if pure, excepting the bush of the tail, and frequently a shade of white around the outer edire of the ears, which is more common witli the heifers than the steers. Their white bitshv tails are very remarkable, and are a sure test of the blood. When calves, the end of the tails which form the brush are always darker in color than the rest of their bodies. By the time that they are 8 or 12 months old, they commence changing their color, and at 3 years old they are purely white — which never fails in a pure Devon, and generally runs with the blood to a very gr,eat extent. They are small in the bone, fine and 'clean in the limb, straight on the back, full in the chest, prominent and bright looking eyes, keen in their looks, and are very active ; and, as I^ord Somerville says, "possess more of the appearance of what is termed blood in horses, than any other breed of neat cattle." Their horns arc long and fine, and yellow at the root when young, fikin yellow, soft, and silky to the hand, and hair Sequent ly curled. Their uniform a])pearance renders t!iem very easy to niatcn for la- bor, for which none can excel th-'m. Tiny are ex- cellent tjavelers, docile and tractable. Their beef i-j of the very best quality, being what llesherg term " well mixed," and proves remarkably well when dressed, and yi(lds as much in proportion to the food they consume as any other bree 1. There was originally two varieties of the Devons, possessing diiTerent properties of excellence. The south Devons were heavy in the fore q'larters. Ion"- and elevated horns, active, vigorous, and lofty in their carriage, but rather light behind, and their "tails sometimes heavy. The north Devons were long and fine horned, but the bulls rather inclined downwards, head and carriage not so lofty, tho' slimmer tails and much heavier in the hind quarters. The two breeds have been crossed, and have produced animals uni- ting the valuable properties of both. Those which are now raised by m^, Mr. Bock, of Sheldon, and others, who procured them from my stock, are a cross of the two breeds. The first which I got were the south Devons, from Ising, of Long Island ; the second were the north Devons, from Patterson, of Baltimore, who received them as a present, from the celebrated Coke, of Norfolk, England. I crossed these two breeds, which made, as I think, a great improvement. A few years ago, Mr. Vernon, of Genesee Co. imported a pure, thorough bred, Devon bull. He was rather light in color, and had rather a tender and delicate appearance; but he proved an excellent stock-getter. He is now own-^d by Mr. Dibble, of Batavia, and is a valuable acquisition to the farmers m that section. Mr. Beck bred from some of his best cows to him, which has prod-eced m.o^t snlen- did animals. WILLL4M GARBUTT. Wheat LDND, Jnne 8, 1845. HARD-WORKL\G FARMERS, READ THIS. Dr. D'.ncan, in his speech on the Army Aopro;>ri- ation Bill, exposes the profligate policy of the o-ov- ernment in relation to war expenses. The major general receives $7,144 88 per annum in salary or perquisites ; equal to the income of twenty-four farms, capitol and labor included. A brigadier gen- eral receives >$4,600, equal to the proceeds of fifteen farms, each worth $5,000, and labor included. An adjutant general receives $3,884, a sum equal to the proceeds of thirteen farms, worth each $5,000, and labor included. An inspector general receives $4,- 133, equal to the proceeds of fourteen farms, worth each $5,000. and labor included. A quarter master general receives $3,767, ( q-al to the proceeds of twelve farms, each worth $5,000, labor included. — A commissary general receives $3,5(58, equal to the proceeds of twelve farms, each worth $5,000, labor included. A surgeon general receives .$3,628, equal to the proceeds of twelve farms, worth eacli $5,000 and labor included. A colonel receives $3,916, e- qual to the proceeds of thirteen farms: a major $2,- 307, equal to the proceeds of eight farms; a cnntjiin $2,184, equal to the proceeds of seven farms, \,\-r i each, in all cases, $5,000, labor included. Now, honest farmers, do you wonder that this country is perpetually in dann," and "as the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion." AGRICULTURE— SIXTY-NINE PATENTS GRANTED. The large number of patents granted for applica- tions pertaining to this clas.~, mayj)e taken as fair ground for the deduction that the subject is still one of great growing interest, and is, at present, engrossing a very large share of the inventive talent of our country. In the short space of one year, it could hardly be expected that any important revolu- tion, any signal discovery, or many really useful inventions should be made in a pursuit claiming, above all others, the right of primogeniture. Ad- vances, nevertheless, are constantly being made in this branch of industry. Every year it is acquiring fresh laurels, and a higher reputation for itself. The '• sweat of the brow" is not nov/ the mainspring of its operations, the grand key to its success : nor the open field the sole theatre of experiment. Tho closet, the laboratory of the chemist, are its nurses. The most exalted intellects are becoming farmers, as it were, in tho retiracy of their studies. Science, both chemical and physical, has become the pallad- ium of agriculture. Since the publication of Liebig's valuable work on the chemistry of agriculture, we must date a new era in this science. It has, at least, received a fresh impulse from his labors ; and its publication in this country, in newspaper form, for the low price of 25 cents, (when the ordinary bookstore price has been 3^1,50,) will aid greatly in disseminating knowledge, so essential to farming interests. The use of guano as a manure has long been knovvU in remote parts of the world, and this substance has been employed for many years to fer- tilize the barren soils on the coast of Peru ; but it docs not seem to have elicited attention, other than •is a matter of curiosity, from the most enlightened agricultural portions of the world, until after the appearance of Liebig's work. The announcement that it was only necessary to add a small quantity of guano to a soil which consists of nothing but sand and clay, to procure the richest crop of maize, was sufficient to awalccn an interest in the farmer, and excite the cupidity of the merchant. No writer has du'elt so much on the importancci of nitrogen as a manure, as Liebig : and it is this feature in part, which constitutes the grand novelty and value of his work. In the above quoted assertion, where guano is added to clay and sand, we suppose not a trace of organic matter in the soil ; and yet, by the addition of a manure, consisting chiefly of urate, phosphate, carbonate, and oxalate of ammonia salts, all containing nitrogen, we have the richest crops of maize. The husbanding of substances containing nitrogen, and attention to the proper methods for its fixation, will soon become objects of paramount im- portance with the farmer. Plows, — Several important improvements have been made in this instrument during the past year ; hut they are chiefly for modes of fastening and so fitting the points and shares, that in case of wear or injury, they can be easily replaced by the farmer himself. It is a question, perhaps, yet to be decided, whether cast iron plows are more economical to the farmer than the plows with cast iron mould boards Vor. 6. GENRSEE FARMER. 107 and wrought shares and points. In the latter, the moul.i boanJ is liable to be broken, and ii" so, can hardly be replaced : but, as the share and point are the part.^ most liable to injury, if the-e are wrouoht in iron, and fastened in a simple and firm manner, the farmer who is in the neighborhood of an ordinary blacksmith, or may have one upon his es- tablishment, can easily repair the damage, which, in the case of the cast iron plow, he could not do with- out sending to the man\ifacturer or th^ foundry for a new casting-. This objection to the cast iron plow, is now, in a great measure, obviated by many deal- ers, who are m the practice of putting up with each plow, for a slight extra expense, two or more ex- tra points and shares. Few plows have been patent- ed during the past year. Several applications have been made for patents for the substitution of steel for casl or wrought iron in plows, and rejected upon the well-established ground that the mere substitu- tion of one well known material for another is not the subject of a patent. Several cultivators and combined plows for light soils, have been patented ; but nothing of definite value can be predicated upon this class of inventions. An ingenious instrument for digging potatoes has been the subject of a patent, and though it may fail to do all it professes, is cer- tainly an approximation to an invention very much needed. This operation is one of vast labor ; and a cheap labor-saving machine, which in case of very large crops, shou'd leave one-tenth, or even a larger proportion of the crop in the ground, would be a welcome invention. A promising improvement has been made in the grain cradle, by making the teeth of hollow metal, filling them up with wood sufficiently far to insure strength. The teeth glide very easil}^ through the grain, and are not liable to the objection of warping and sticking where the grain is wet, as is the case with wooden teeth. A simple and effectual instrument for gathering fruit from trees, has been patented, by wh'ch the ladder may generally be dispensed with, and the trees and fruit saved from injury. Some important improvements have been made in emut machines, and in machines for hulling seeds. The wheat fan, or winnowing machine, has been of late much improved by the use of the spiral fan in place of the old flutter-wheel fan : and, although the introduction of the spiral fan is not recent, yet it has during the past year been introduced under such modifications as to render the instrument very serviceable. In connection with this instrument also, an interesting and useful feature has been se- cured by patent, consisting of a mode of so operating the screens or selves as to give just that motion which is imparted to them when they are used m the hand. Beehives, — A growing interest is evident in this branch of agriculture, and a large number of applica- tions have been received. Seven of them have been patented, and a greater number rejected. Most of the alleged improvements have claimed to be reme- dies against the bee-rnoth, the pest of the apiarian. As bee culture increases, the bee-moth seems to become more numerous and troublesome, and should therefore be vigorously met by vigilance and ingenu- it3\ In this latitude, it requires every attention to save the bees from this their great enemy ; and so formidable has it become from numbersj that tht same devices which may, perhaps, be found to give protection farther norti, will not apply here. Nothing yet seems to be of any value, except pla- cing the hive upon the ground — the hives being made very tight, and the entrance of the bees being as low as possible. From tlie CiiUivator. WHEAT CULTURE, Atone of the weekly agricultural meetings held during the past winter, the subject of discussioa was the culture of wheat. Mr. McVean, member of the Assembly from Monroe county, m.ade some very interesting and valuable remarks, which, at our request, he has furnished us for publication. In offering a few remarks, said Mr, McVean, on the cultivation of wheat, I deem it most proper,— deferring the minor details of special cultivation, manures, diseases, and different varieties, — to intro- duce the subject by an exposition of the general principles and circumstances of soil, natural adapta- tion and climate, which will ever control the produc- tion of this most important crop. An examination of the geological map of the state, will at once and most readily indicate to the intelligent observer, what portions of the state are most naturally adapted to wheat. First in value, and occupying a large surface, is the Onondaga salt group. The rocks of this group are sometimes denominated the gypseous limestone, or shales ; connected with which, are the plaster quarries, the water limes, and the salines of the state. This group, as a whole, embraces the most natural and enduring wheat soil of the state. It includes, and extends from Grand Island eastward, narrowing to a point in the county of Scoharie. Its soil is composed of diluvial swells, chiefly resulting from and based upon the limestone— a subsoil, suscepti- ble of fertility at any depth, and which, with the substratum of lime-rock, is adapted to absorb the superabundant moisture. Hard water, a prevalent growth of oaktiniber, also upon much of its south- ern line a comparative absence of vegetable accu- mulation, and often of timber, consequent upon the annual burning of its natural product, the opening grass, characterize this group. With a surface at once beautiful and accessible, few portions of the state presented a more unpromising appca nt nee of soil, to the first settler. Its unsurpassed and perma- nent value has been demonstrated by time and ex- perience, and it is due to the mineral character of its soil, and the fertility and adaptation of the sub- soil. Although I have dwelt on this group more at large, because of its natural peculiarties, I am far frcmi claiming for it exclusive natural adaptation to wheat; and only mean to say that it is more gener- ally and permanently so adapted than any other, as a whole — that as a whole it is more certain and endur- ing: and better resists every unfavorable vicissitude of season, climate, or defective cultivation ; and that under continued cultivation, there has been lit- tle if any falling off, in its annual product of wheat except when managed with great imprudence. I am aware that there are large portions of supe- rior wheat soil embraced in the collatteral geologi- cal groups, very much of which is but little, if at all, inferior to the above in natural adaptation t.> wheat. Of these, extending north to lake Ontario, are the Niagara, Clinton and Medina grotips : rn ^ to- wards the scuth, the Helderberg, Hamilton, and of the Chemung group, more or lees of the northern 108 GENESEE FARMER. July, 1845 portion, according tj t!ie extent of the nortlie:-n line drift; fur "t is an import mt iact that the dilaviil current from the no.th, has conveye 1 ami intermix- ed benoficiallj, the r.ck o" each of these groups with all the <)thers : convoying the fertilizino- lime far south of the actual ex.steiice of the rocK, in pla;o. These various groups contain collectively a vcr\ large poition, perhaps one-fourth, and the most val- able soil of the state. When the important question arises, where have occurred, and to what causes are due, the evident and conced^^l diminution of the wheat crop of the state? It will be found that it has occurre 1 chiefly, in the la~-t mentioned groups; and generally in the ratio of their distance from the first; owing, in some instances, to the deficiency of lime, deficient miner- al quaiit 63, and excess of vegetable matter and hu- mus in the soil; very frequently to the too level and wet surfice; but more specially and injuriously, to the tenac;ty and imperfection of the subsoil; resist- ing the escape of the superabundant moi.sture, where- by l;irge surfaces are ol'ten snpe- saturated with wa- ter; inducing winter kill, debility, and various dis- eases of the pU'nt, especially un ler the action of su 1- den and extreme frcst, or heat and drouth. Collec- tively, these results become m'jre manifest and inju- rious as th? soil has been retained under long con- tinued cultivation, so that only in the most favora- ble seasons can a full crop be realized in much of these soils: and in these have occurred the principal falling ofi" in the wheat product of the State. As there are l^.rge portions of soil thus circum- stanced, in the wheat region of the State, and espe- cially in the last named groups, it foUou's, if the premises ai'e correct, that in no way can the area of wheat growing be so advantageously extended, and in no way can capital an, 1 means be so profitably ap- plied, as in improving and adapting these lands, by open and thcrouirb draining, where the mineral qual- ities of the soil are in other respects proper. It is an indisputable fact, that very large surfaces under C'iUivation, scarcely yield a remunerating return, from the causes here indicated . In fuither dlustration, and in order to a more com- prehensive view of the whole subject as connected with the above general principles, I desire to remark briefly upon the influence of climate upon the pro duction of wheat, as I am not aware that the impor- tance of the subject is generally appreciated. Perhaps there is not on enrth a better wheat soil. than is to be found in New York ; so far as the nat- ural capability of the soil is concerned ; and yet it is only when the most favorable circumstances of sea- son and temperature combine with a proper condit- ion of the soil, that we obtain prolucts approaching those of Great Britain, from Ian Is under no better cultivation, and in''erior in nat'iral adaptation to ours. The cause of this is to be found in the excessive character of our climate. Our growing crop has to surmount the extreme severitv of our winter, and ihe more injurious and frequent spring frosts, acting up- on a wet surface, producing what is calle 1 winter kill. The succeeding heat and drouth, acting v.dth sudden change on the same wet surface, unon a pLmt flourishing only in a dry soil, and naturallv incapab'e of resisting these adverse conditions. And finally, encountering the excessive heats of summer, (often in connection with moisture,) stimubting the rdant to premature and diseased rioeness. Or. if th'=' foliatre is verv dense, enfeebling and lodgring it so that th" grain is deficient in proportion to the straw. It is a frequent ticcurreive, rt^nt the crop is heavier than can be corned t^i profiinble iiinuir ty, under the inllueiice ot cir (dimuli! ; nud piacticnl fiitin^r!- h;ivH loriij i^itice lenrncd diMt croiisof n nicdiuiu v clgiit nre aeni'rally thi- must prnfunWIe. These iiifl;i>Ticet of chm'ite apply not only to tit e Smie, bvit With iniTi'nr lets nijiiriniis forc^, to nil the U Stnies, rind Ml one fxiie'iie or tiie "th. r of lient or cold: nnd ii is probiible. thtit in the south wieiern Stnies ot ibe Union, the cuhivjiiion ol the wheat is liiriiied, more by the influ- eiiCf of cl'iiiae. tbnn by imperreetioiia of fojl. In necotdiiiice with the atiove principles, nnd for the rea- son nssiiined. it will be always practicable i' equal, or e- veil iiifi-rior toiiditione of the soil, to rai.=e heavier crops, where the cboiate i,* more tcinijeratc and uniform; for the rc'isoii, in addition to those stated, that ibe crop occiip ea the soil a much ioiiiier time in arrivinsin and dry, and rit-dit ut tle^ mixture ami qiiidiiy of its mineral matter, including fertility nir.l nbsorbeni qualities of the 8ubs(>il . . that a soil containing vegetable fibre or bunuis in excess produces much straw and bttle gram, and that consequent- ly alluviiil soils are not well adapted to wheat except when naturally ove la-d by n proper mixture of the neighboring iiplan 1 m'lierals. .that there is miicfi unpiotitable ap|)lii'a- tion of labor and capital, because of noncoiif.irmity to the natural laws ol soil and climate. . that the cultivation of wheat maybe profitibly continued or extended on large portions of our land, bv adnpiing tiie S' il to the climate, and thus to the cultivation ot wheat, on lands that are too level or wet. provided the mineral qualities of the soil are pioper in other respects. 1 wo'ild liiniiy offer the su22est'on to practical men, that ns good wheat soils are well adapted to the production of nutritious pasturage, it will be found most profitable at the relative prices of products and labor, to renovate lite soil to a areater extent than is now practiced, by rendering pasturase accessary to the cultivation of wheat, in prefer- ence to'cdsily or artificial manures, beyond a judicious e- conomy and applicatioii of those iha' accumulate on the farm; and that lands not natural to wheat will be most pro- fitably appl'cd to otlie? crops. Nkw PoFAToKS, rnVed by M'. St t-^on, of Hanfnrd's Landinsr. were in market on the v;7ih .hine : good, con- sidering tlie se-iscii. Wf.kos. — Let not one crow. j*ll snurinus vesetation is injivrinus alike to lh> growing crop a'ld thesoil. It costs more to mature one rank pig weed, than it doea to ripen three times i'8 weight of corn or any other grain. Vol. n. GENESE E FARMER. 109 'if: /-• '(rs°,,_,c^ " ■, '-A'- ?E5-,, /iOil TI CULTURAL DEPAR TMEM'T BY P. BARRV. STRAWBERRIES. Thouoh strawberries cannot be considered among the indispensililes ol' life, they are, in our opinion, one ot'thie greatest luxuries tiiattlie bountiful earth pro- duces. They a.e a ckatp luxury too, and that is a great point, now-a-days. Every family, pospessed of ever so t-mall a piece of ground, mny sit down daily, during bix or eight wseks, to a dish of deliciou;- Btrawbenies. A bed of 1 -J feet sq' are will, if prop- el ly taken care of yield a moderate family supply. The market of Rochester is but poorly supplied. We have no regular market-growers, as there are. and fchould be in the neighborhood of citi'js with Euoh a large, and withal, so refined a population as that of Rochester. About the time that good qual- ity fruit should have been abundant in the ma;ket. ■we saw miseiable, small, insipid things sold for fifty cents per quart. Our " Ice cream saloons" and re- freshment houses will give you enough to remind you iif strawberries for a shilling, sufficient to taste of for two shillings. To be sure they give you a sprinkling of cream and sugar, and a spoon to eat them with ! Now, this shoiild not be so. Straw- berries should be as f.h nty here as in any other place. We have as good foil for raising thnn as the sun ever shone on. We know by experience that oui climate is suitable, for we grow here in the garden?- of the city of Rochester and vicinity and throughout the Avhole country Vv^herever pains have been taken, as good strawberries, as large and as fine flavored as wo have ever seen elsewhere. Then why should we not have an abundant supply of them 'l Only think of the people of Cincinnati : What (juantities they consume. Their market is not supplied by the pinf or qufift, but by t'le Ion ! Grov.'ers there, some ol them, cultivate 50 to 100 acres; the price varies from six pence to a shilling per quart, and this is ample remuneration. We think there is a good chance for a profitable speculation in this business, in the vi- cinity of Rochester. The proper time for making strawberry jslanta- tions is in August. Procure good, strong, well root- ed plants, of the very best kinds: plant them in a suitable, rich, well prepared soil, and you will have a crop of fruit th'i following season. Last year we planted Ilovey's Seedlings tlie latter part of August. This season we have gathered a crop of beautiful fruit, some ofthem measuring 4 to 5 inches in circumference. These do better when planted with some prolific variety, such as Kep's Seedling. Ours were planted apart from any other, and the crop is smaller, not over one-third of what it otherwise would have been. This is owing to Bomc defect in the fertelizing organs of the flower. We will give some directions in our next numer, to .lid those who design making plantations. CHERRIES. Every year increases the number of good cherries, and consequently decreases the number of poor on 's in our market. So faw this season, the supply has been tolerable ; bnt we have not seen one much more than half ripe. The " Bigarremi de Mai,'" were sold by iMr. Zera Burr, of Peiint'.n, on the 10th of June, at six dullars per bushel. Las year, he toll us, he gathered them ten days sooner. This is a valuable carlv variety. Kenrick says it was imported by Ccl. Wilder, of Boston, from France, from the Messrs. Baumann, of Bolwiller, being 'the very earliest variety known to them. Davi'n port's Earl}/ Black, is another valuable eaily variety. The iridt is large, of a dark glossy, purple color at maturity. The fiesh firm anil fine flavored, and of a pleasant sub-acid. We have it bearing in our own grounds, and can rccomnund it as cne of the best and most productive early cherries. It ripens, in ordinary seasons, from the lOth to the I5ih of June. JWi-jjolcon Bifcarrtau. — This is decidedly one of the largest and finest cherries known to us. It is heart-shaped, pale yellow color in the shade, bright mottled red on the sunny si !e, flesh white, firm, jai- cy, sweet and agreeable flavor. It may be used a areat length of time; is not liable to crack or decay I'ke many of the softer sorts. The tree is a vigor- ous and beautiful grower, and bears early an 1 most abundantly. VVe have counted two dozen large, beautiful, perfect fruit on a portion of a limb four inches long. TOBACCO A REMEDY FOR THE PEACH WORM. A lady corre=:pondent of the "Ohio Cnlrivator" says, " 1 once knew a tobacconist whose peach trees lived to a good old age, free from worm or dis;^ase. Ail he did was to tie a good bundle of tobacco stems at the crotch of each tree. The rain did the rest, and made a solution strong enough to prevent the worm fnm doing mischief." '1 here are so many nostrums recommended of lato for vegetable as well an hiiman diseases, that we feel it necessary to exercise a good deal of caution be- fore recommending any. Biit as this comes from a la ij^ and a most enterpiizing one too, judging from her writings, and as it incurs little or no risk or ex- pense, we think it might be avcII for those who are troubled with the peach worm to give it a trial. We Tnigut as well M#ntion here, for the satisfac- tion of Mr. Bateham's friends who may not see his paper, that he is alrea iy immersed in the good gra- ces of the ladies of Ohio, His paper abounds with the'r writings on the various to' ics connected with agriculture, horticulture and domestic economy. We may safely say that Mr, B, ras already enlist- ed more female talent in his assistance than the old- est paner in the country can boast o^. Really, there are some noble, manly ladies in Ohio. One "R- sella," however, seems to take the deep- est personrl interest in Mi. B. He save her senti- ments reach his pocket if not his heart. She says, " Now, gills ! I propose th t we all set about this work at once, and make a special cfFort, and at the end of the year let us S' e which of us will procure the largest number of subscribers, as a New Year's present for the (editor) bachelor," This she thinks will " gladden his cold heart, and enable him to en- gage the promised Assistant, to take charge of the La;!ies' Department." Can there be a doubt of Mr, B teham's most tri- umphant success, where there are such ladies mani- festing publicly such a spirit as this ? We should 110 GENESEE FARMER. July, 1845 say most emphatically, No ! If \vo could allow our- selves lor a moment to envy any murtal man his lot. we would envy our friend Batehaui. But we dare not; and can only say, that we r;'joicc heartily at th'" success he has hitherto enjoyed and the bnlliancy of his future prospects. FLOWERING SHRUBS, PL VNTS, he. The following notices were prepared for the June number, but were unavaidably crowded out. W> would have added some more not ces of fine flowering- ehrabs and olants, and of some splendid roses of re- cent introduction ; but space will not permit. Thr rose, in the floral worltl, has been the grand object of admiration during the month of June. We have been enrautured with its beauty : but June is now gone, and with it the glory of its roses. Snoivbalh and Lilacs, are common, well known, but nevertheless beautiful shrubs: and have by their lavish profusion of flowers rendered the shrubbery quite gaidy for some time past. Of the latter there are several species of the easiest culture, growing rapidly in any soil. Scarlet ones, quite a rarity were "sol J to our citizens last spring, (1844,) by a Frenchman, to which wo have alluded in another place; but we have heard nothing of them. We "jg-wess" he was joking. Vibur:vum Lajita.va — This is a beautiful, erect growing shrub, and attains a pretty large size. It has jusl shed its blossoms, which were very orna- mental through the early part of May. The flow- ers are white, and (iroduced in large umbrels on the ends of the branches. The folitge is fine, dark green on the surface, and white underneath. Spir.5^a CiiENATA, or Hitwthoni leaved Spiraa. — This is a beautiful, white flowering shrub, of small size. The flowers, in large clusters cover the bran- ches the whole length. The foliage is pretty, and the flowers remain longer than those of any other shrubs. It is now, and has been for two weeks or more past, a beautiful object. It should be in every shrubbery. The spiraea genus comprises many -and- some species, both shrubby and herbaceous. A large number will show their blossoms in a week or 60, and we will refer to them hereafter, PffioNiF.s. — This splendid genus, both herbaceous anl woodv, or Avhat are called Tree Pfeunies, are in full splendor. Their gaudy, diversified flowers, and their easiness of culture, (for they will flourish in any common garden soil,) ren ler them general fa- vorites. We have over twenty-five splendid species and varieties, both single and double. Tliese are all that our space will allow us to mention at present. 'live hedges. N'i feature in a landscape, in our opinion, is more pleasing to the eye than live hedges or fences. — They at once convey the idea of beauty, utility, and duration — three points that should never be forgot- ten in const noting fences of any kind. As yet, our American landscape^ cannot boast of such ornaments, to any extent worth mentioning, not even in the highest cultivated and oldest settled portions of the country. The idea that the English hawthorn mily, was s litable, has prevented many from attempting to make t orn hedges. This, however, ps e.xperi- encr? n:is shown, is highly erronerous. The Amer- ican varieties will answer every purpose, and we think the time is come when American farmers, at least a large portion of them, throughout the older states, have taste enough and means enough to introduce live hedges around, and in the vicinity of their dwellings, and mos* conspicuous parts of their premises. The following extract from the " Gardeners' Chronicle" gives simple directions, which will ena- ble every man or boy to raise thorn hedges in the cheapest manner. Seeds may be easily obtained within a few rods of every man's dwelling. Those who wish to avoid the trouble of ra'sing the plants from seed, can procure them at a low price in the nurseries. The writer of the following paper, it appears, traveled in this covmtry in 1843, and pre- sented this, with other remarks, to the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. Raising Thuun Hkdgk' from Seed. — The fruit should We giuhered abmu the end of Uctobsr, can? bi'iii,';^ taken to keep the seeds of th" luxuiieiit giovvin^ sorts sepa- at« from those of ihe dwrivftir ki id*. A pit shoulrl be iireparoil about 1.^ feet deep, into which th.v fruit i* to [)c put with a mixture of curth or iiind. It should be (i;rn'd several times during the season, and if dry. a little water may be adiled ; one or two inches of fioil Seine; a sufficient covering to insure the decompo-itioii if the pulp. During the folloivini October, a piece of .(ood groiuid should be prepared, and the seed sown as it is raken from the ]>it, pretty thick in drills about one foot distant from e.ich otlier, or in beds three feet wide. In fhe sucepeding spring the plants will begin to app-ar; at ivliich time, and lliriiughout the season, ihey must be kept ^•iear of weeds. If properly attended to. the seedlings will attain a height of from six inches to twelve inches, the first year. The following spring the strongest plants may be •ither transplanted inlodiills, or placed where they are in- tended to remain as a permanent feni^e. The smaller ones should be left in the seed-drills or beds for another year, when they may be treated in the same manner. In form- ing a live fence, the ground ought to be prepared as soon as the enow disappears, by making a trench about two feet broad, an 1 a sp;ide in depth. Along the centre of this trench the voung plants shoulil be put about s x or ei^'ht inches apart, and afterwards well watered and (irmly tr>d« den in. Cire should bo taken lo protect the young plants frim cattle, and to keep them clear of weeds. The second year after planting, the thorns should be headed down to within six or ton inches of the ground, and each year after- wards switched up on both sides to a cenire ridse. so as to produce the shape generally termed sow-backed ; hedges trained in this form, being less liable to be destroyed by snow resting upon them, than when cut flat at the top." — • If llii' method here recommenrled be properly attended to, -Mr. M'Nab has not the least hesitation in saying thtit an xcehent hedge of native thorn may bo acquired five or i-i.t vears after planting At several plices ho 8aw the inrlige- tious thorns employed as a fence : at letist, they had been [)lanted with that intention, and had attained a considerable height, but from want of proper attention to pruning and weeditig, they v.'cic so slender, that easv access might be {>btaini'd betvveeti each stem. From such instances of mis- management, an erroneous opinion cpoms generallv to pre- vail that hed:;es will not succeed in America. '' But." ho very properly remarked, " if newly-planted hedges in Brit- ain were equally neglected, there can be no doubt that they would 8O0I1 degenemte, and become no better than thoso which 1 observed in the United fctates and Canadn." Grke:v Peas. — The first in market this season, that we heard of, were sold on the 7th of June, at S3 00 per bushel, raised by Mr. Budd, of Greece. On the 15th the supply was pretty good, at 4s. to 6s. per bushel. The supply of other vegetables has, so far, been very inferior, owing to the severe, untimely frosts . n the last of May, as well as the extraordinary va- riableness of the weather up to the present time. Vol.. G. GENESEE FARMER. Ill The VVkather, Crops, Fruit, ISlc. — One ex- treme has succeeded ;in;;ther with wonderful rpgu- larity, up to thg present time. When we have had a hot day, the night, as a general thing, has been chilly cold. The consequence is, fruits mature kIowIv, and are greatly deficient in flavor and sweetness. On the 30th of May w^e had a severe, killing frost ' — most kinds of garden vegetables, grape vines, Sec. were cut down. Still, v.e escaped comparative: ly safe, in our vicinity, and for several miles back from lake Ontario. We happened to be in Batavia on the morning after the frost, and there the entire crop was destroved: and so it was, we have been inform- ed, through a considerable portion of the state west and southwest of our county. Taking the whob country, on an average, the fruit crop wid be very light, and prices undoubtedly high. This should induce people to exercise great care over what they have. ADVERTISEMENTS. AroLOGY. — Our two or three paragraphs in the last number of the Fd.rmer, were elegantly inter- spersed with blunders. Lcciist, for instance, was put " Locus," " your" instead of our; and in one or two places, for instance, at the close of the remarks on " Caterpillars," the meaning of a whole clause ^ is perverted or completely obscured. Unpretending as we are in the way of writing, we nevertheless feel anxious to have our orthogra- ph}^ correct, and our meaning clear. We have sel- dom an opportunity of reading the proof of our arti- cles, leaving that with the publishers; they, we pre- sume, were too much engaged to bestow proper attention in the case alluded to. P. B. A Plowing Match was held at Gcnesco on the 28th ult. The prpmiuiris wein awarded in tli(» Court Room, after which Hon. Daniel Lee, of Buflalo, (lelighted the crowded audience with an eloqnont and appropriate ad- dress upon subjects connected with the progress of knowl- edge in scientific Agriculture. If any person wishes to know who and what Daniel Lee is, they should read his report on Agri- culture made to the last Legislature. Every line and word of that report is as valuable as good sense and truth could make it. A happy day would it be for the laboring classes, if the truths which it con- tains were understood as they ought to be. — Syra- cuse iStaudard. Gkn. Rawson Harmox, of Wheatland, in this county, passed through the city this morning, on a visit to the wheat-growing regions of Eastern Penn- sylvania, Maryland and Virginia. It is his design to be present at the harvest in those sections, to ob- serve the species of the grain, and to collect such information as may beneficially aid the culture of that great staple of the Genesee Country. Gen. Harmon has devoted very great attention to the sub- ject, and his name is well knov/n throughout the country in connexion with it,. lie has madS trial on his excelli-'nt and well cultivated farm, of a great number of varieties of wheat and has brouoht the cultivation of them to great perfection. — Rochester Dally AmericfJii, June 17. TURIVIP SEKD. WHITF, FLAT NORFOLK, for mpist lands; RKD ROUND, or HF,0 TOP, for drv land; LARGK SCOTCH YFLLOVV. for feeding Stock; WHriF GLOBE: atul olh. r vari^•ties. For salo at tlie Rocliet.ter S«ed Store, Front-strfet. l>y B. F. SMITH & CO. rpHE SUBSCRIBER h^s on JL lection of improvrd thoroii£;V Good price for Apples. — Mr. A. B. Rapalje, of Farmington, Ontario co., sold Golden Russets, in this city, on the 20th June, for f;3.50 per barrel. STOCK EXCHANGE-CATTLE, &c. hand a choice col" provrd tlioroii£;h-lirefl cattle, eni!)ra f the Siort-Horn Dur ham and the H( ret'ord, and a sample of the Holderness- &.C., and he intends adding to his stock so as to ht' able to supply farmers and breeders in Western New York, Ca anda, or the Western States, who may wish to piiridiase Bulls, Cows. Young Stock. Sheep. tVic, of the best breeds and most improved varieties, at reasonable prices. His de- sisn is, to establish a sort of Depot, or Stock Excrhange, where order-i can be supplied for any of the improved breeds of Thoroiigh-hred, and for superior Giade ani- mals, and where those who have choice stock of this cha- racter for sale cat; find a market for ihem,^ on comini.-sion or otherwise. Rkficrknces. — Editor of the "Genesee Farmer," L. B. Langwoitliv, Esq., and T Werldie, Esq., Rochester. Hon. E. Corning, C. N. B nie'it. Esq , and Editors of the Cultivator, Albany; Hon. E. Mack, Ithaca: J. S. Wads- W(Uth, Esq., Geneseo ; .Judge LeUind, Steuben rom ty; Hon. D. Lee, Buffalo; Hon. J. McColium, and W. Par- sons. Esq., Lnckpoit; M. B. Bateham, Esq., Editorof the Ohio Cullisator, Columbus. O. The subscriber may he found on his farin, near the S-W. corner of the city of Rochester, on Gonesee-street, (about; half a mile so\ifh of Bull's Head;) or orders may be left at the othce of the Genesee Farmer. T. H. HYATT. Elmwood, Rochester, May, 1845. P.S. Two thorouah-bred BULLS, of the Hereford and Improved Durham Siioit-horn breeds.) are kept at the aijove place, fur the accummodatiun of those wishing to improve their stock. B\GS ! RAGS ! BAGS I— I have a lai?o, stock of GRAIN BAGS on hand, sncli as Farmsrs and Slillprs will want ; and shall lie ^\;\A to cxhiliit them for sale at less prices than they have ever bpeii sold in Western Ni'W York. To he fiiinid at the ■.veil-known Hardware Store of E. VV.\tt«, corner of Exrhaniie and Bu!l'»lo-strects. March 1, 1845. ^ JAMES H. IVATTS. AGKICL'LTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL BOOSiS. Just rcreivrd and for saleat the Rochester Sctd Store, Front-street. THF, American Poulterer's ("onipanion ; by C. N. Beinent, The ."ilew American Orchardisl, with au Appendix ; by Wiu. Kenrick. The New American Gardener; by Thomas G. FessenJeu. Blarklock's Treatise on Sheep, t'obhett s American Gardener, riaiia's Muck Mannal. The Complete Florist. Fv( rv Lady her own Flower Gardener. Dr. Smith's F'^ssay on the Cultivation of Bees, DUNN & TAYLOR'S PRESIIUM .«CYTHKS, Manufacturkb i3r TAYLOR. HITCHCOCK, & CO. JVORTH WAYJVE, ME. THE satisfaction wliieh these SCYTHES have liilherlo piven, as superior cniler.'-, lias induced the Manufacturers to offer ihenj for sale in many places where they have not before liern known; lielieviiif: that those who use them will continue to call for tliem, from year to year. N.R. All Scythes warranted food to cut. and free from injuriou* flaws : if any should prove bad, others will lie s'w n in exchanffo. JIT For sale at the Agricultural Depot, ailioi'iiiic the Seed Sine, Front-street, Rochester. B. F. SMITH & CO. P\RK"S NIAGARA BEE-HIVE, for sale at the AcrricnUural D'riot, adjoiniui' the Rochester Seed Store, Ne.v Brick Block, Front-street- B. F. SMITH & CO. G L'ANO.-^For sals at the Rochester Seed Store. B. F» SMITH & CO. 112 GENESEE FARMER. July, 1845 Meteorological Obscrvalioiis. MADE AT UaCIlKSTEK, SEVKN MILKS KR M I.AICE ONTAllIO, BY L. WKTHERELL. .IfURNAL OF THK WEATHER FOR.TuKE, 1845. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 S 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 r.H'riiioiiieH-T. s >. 3 3 3 3fi Ot 47 70 48 82 65 63 4'.) 47 33 51 37 70 40 79 58 fc4 1)5 80 61 8H 64 65 50 68 48 74 70 88 TO 82 62 83 61 72 63 ',1 61 82 55 70 45 71 56 75 45 64 47 75 51 78 54 77 64 76 52 74 61 80 62 82 Barouif ter. w 2'J.Gl .30 .46 .30 .48 .80 .82 .75 .01 .60 .61 .45 .70 .05 .50 .53 .52 .43 .33 .30 .4; .75 .55 .61 .74 .61 .61 AC^ .5i .34 .30 29.40 .38 .29 .70 .80 VI inil, Observations. 61 59 w 60 s w w 51 w a w .50 s w .V W V.' .50 .40 .49 .49 .43 .25 .38 .60 .40 .4!) .69 .61 .61 .53 .49 .34 .38 .40 N w w r.iir — cloudy. w Icioiiilv — fiar — rain. .. Iriou.iy— fair. s w Cloudy — .sh'ry, r.sr .81. N w w|<"loud\ — rain &. snow Kair — severe frost, w N V,' Fair — frost, (•'air. Fair — cloudj'. Fitir — cloudy — slio'rs. Fair — doudj — r.g .30. Cloudy — peas in mUt. Cloudy— rain — r-g .01 Pair. s w Fair — cloudy — rain. In N E .. •• r.g. 1.20 w Nw Fair — rain — r.g. .07. N w N Fair — cloudy, N w Pail- — cloudy — rain- s E Pair — cloudy — i s w N Fair — cloudy — rain. N w Fair. N W w wj w > ("louJy — fair — rain. i-^air Fair. Fair — ^cloudy — sho'r Mnx. (June 8) iher. 88 ile<. ; do (Mi.y 31) bar. 29 82 n. Min. (May 30) " 33 dc-g.; do (June 12) " 20.25 in. REMARKS. Range of the r. for the month, 55 dnp.; do. of the barometer, .57 in. Ageropate of til.- rain-gauec. for the iiionti), 3.08 inches. Prevailing wind for the month, N.VV. The mean temperature of May, .53.78 d<"g. Ma3,1844 58.65 deg. Vegetation is alMiut ten ilays later than last season. Cherries ripe last year, Juiii^ 1.-I : this yi ar. June llth. The e.\trcni"s of heat and cold have been very gr 'at this season. From Ihe lOtli to the 14lli of iMay. ther. ranged, at one o'clock P.M., f om 82 to 87 deg. ; on the 3()tli, it was do An to 33 deg., and a killing frost. A littl- frost near the city on the 17lh of June. F \nMlNG TOOLS— For sale by B. P. S.MITH &. CO., Seed Store, Fioiil-ttreet — GRA.SS SCVTIIRS & SN.VrilS, GRMN CRADLF.S, HAY FORKS, HORSE RAKES, QUI.NKBAUG SCYTHE STONES, (tlm best) ONE AND TWO HORSE CULTIVATORS, R.^KES, HOES, SHOVELS, &c., &c. Julv 1. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Notice to Correspondents—Turnips— Farmers' and Emigrants' Boo'^ — llerino sheep 97 The Editor's Report on Agriculture, in the Assenilily of New York 98,99, 100 Pliosphate of Linv — Number of Aniniah ii) Austria — Practical Hints on If iv-iiiaking 101 r.e(i;i(;tioii of Tolls on Plaster— Price of the J'armer— Culture ..;' ;' nr — Profits of Farming 102 T! ' I..'.'; Fro.sts, by I>. Thomas — The Curculio — Singular ap- pearance of Lake Ontario, by N. Good.-ell 103 Calerjiillars, Litigation and Lawyers — .4 Garden — Clav vs. Sand Gnnd Innueiiceof Birds 104 Devon Cattle, by Win. Garbiitt — Hard-working Farmers! read tl.is 105 >' iiarities that sweeten Life — Agriculture; 69 Patents granted .. 106 Wheat Culture " T ... 107, 188 Strawberries — Cherrie- — Tobacco, a Remedy for the Peach Worm 109 Floiveiing i^hriih.s, Plant.', &r.— Live Hid. es— (/'reen Pens. . . 110 The Weather. Cioos, Fruit, &c — .\iiolopy — Plowing-Match at Genesee — Gen. Harmon's Visit — Advertiseraonts Ill Meteorological Table- Markets, &c 112 MARKETS, CROPS, &c. Wheat i« selling in this market at 94 to 95 cents. Western is worth in Bnflalo from 85 to 86 cents. In Ohio all crops have suffer- ed exceedingly from protracted dry -veathcr. The surplus of wheat, corn, flour, and pork to be sent to market from that great agricl- tural State will be much less this fall and the coming spring, than usual. In Michigan, Northern Indiana, Illinois, and in Wisconsin, the crop of w heat will be larger than usual, by reason, not of a pro- lific yield, but from the circumstance that more acres have been sown to wheat than in the preceding years. In Western New York the crop of wheat is about a fair average. Wool is worth, in Rochester, from 25 to 34 cents per lb. The quantity to arrive in Buffalo from the West, this season, will great- ly e.tceed that of last year, when it was less than 3,000,000 pounds- They hove commenced the manufacture of woollen goods in West- ern Michigan and Illinois, in Hicturiei which will coukuine more or less of the clip just taken off. BOSTON WOOL MARKET— JoNE 20, 1845. Duly — The value whereof at place of exportation shall not e.tceed 7 cents per lb,j 5 per cent, ad val. All whereof the value exceeds 7c. per lb., 40 per cent, ad val. and 3 cents jjer lb. There lias been but a limited business done in this article during the past week as the manufacturers buy sparingly. Prime or Saxony Fleeces, w ashed, 40 to 43c. per lb — American full blood do., 37 to 38— Do. k Jo., 35 to .36— Do. K do., 32 to 33— i and common do., 30 to 31 — Smyrna sheep, washed, 20 to 22 — Do., un- washed, 10 to 1.5 — Bengasi dn. 6 to 12 — Saxony, clean, 00— Buenog Ayres. unpicked, 7 to 10 — ^Do. do., picked. 10 to 14 — Sup. Northern jiuUed Lamb, 36 to 38— No. 1 do. do. do., 34 to 35 — No 2 do. do. do., 23 to25— No.3 do. do. do., 14 to 17. Export of produce from the port of New Y'ork.from the 1st to the 23d of June— 23,784 bbls. flour; 5,441 do. beef; 4,607 do. pork; 5,690 bush, corn ; 2,456 kegs of lard. ROCHESTER PRODUCE MARKET. Wheat, Corn, Barley, Oats, Flour, (ret.) Beans, .\pj)les. Potatoes, 90 a 95 Hay, ton, .$7 50 8 OOl Eggs, doz. 37.io 40|Wood,cord,2 00 2 50' Poultry, lb. 30 4(1 Salt, bill., 25 28 Hams, lb., 4 25 Pork, bbl. 75 1 Ool " cwt. 38 50 1 Beef, " 18 25|L3r