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Received ;.U/..i:.^l<t/>^/..C.y^/.ii>..

Title, — :Lj.xs^\ ,^.6tfc:*^*..T«r:it.rr:s>..,

Binding,..^ ^^l^lff^.*^ Z^fifa(r:..^T

Owner, Jil^...^..Ji/.f:xi>t,S^S%<Xt..1^rt-

Residence, „

Cost,

1

,'-\ »«^ V

/To BUbHcribers in
( the county.

f CITY U9T

Lane Agri & Ilorlioiiltural

3^i'fJ -w-i-i^^'io CENTS.

To BubBoribern out of > dri OC5
the county. (' Cpl.^O.

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, JANUARY 15, 1877.

LINNiEUS EATHVON, PuMisher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

imir

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Hade a promiiient feature, with special reference to the
wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited Tjy Trof. S. S. EATHVON.

The Lancastrh Farmer having completed its eighth
year under various viciseitudes, now commences its ninth
volume' under, it is hoped, more favorable auspiceB than
attended its former volumcB. When the publishers of the
last two volumes assumed the responsibilities of its publi-
cation, it WU8 with a determinatiou to make such iinprove-
meuts HS would place the farmer's organ of tins gieat iipri-
cnltural county in the very front rank of agricultural jour-
nalism. That this has been accompliBlied wo think our
readers will bear cheerful teetimony. If reason bly sus-
tained, our aim is to make it stiD more interesting and iu-
Btructive under te new proprietorship. In this, however,
we need the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Uathvon, on
subjects connected with the science of farming, and partic-
ularly that specialty of which he is bo thoroughly a master —
entomological science— some knowledge of which has become
a necessity to the successful farmer, are alone worth much
more than the price of this publication.

The Farmer will be published on the 15th of every
month, printed on good paper with clear type, in con-
venient form for reiuling and binding, and mailed to sub-
Bcribers on the following

TERMS :

To Bubscribers residing within the county —
One Copy, one year, ---.-. $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - - , . . _ 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. -----_. 7.50

To subscribers outside of Lancaster county, including
postage pre-paid by the publishers :
One Copy, one year, - ----- $1.25

Five Copies, one year, - . . - . . 5.00

All subscriptions will commence with the January num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

All cuminunications intended for publication should be
addressed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
in his hands by the first of the month of publication.

All business letters, containing subscriptions and adver-
tisements, should be addressed to the pubUsher.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

LINNiEUS RATHVON,

32 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATES OF ADTERTISING — Ten Cents «
line for each Insertion. TweWe lines to the inoh.

To the Public, 1

To our Readers, .-.--- 1

After Thoughts, 1

Sparrows, .---•-- 2
Parsnips, ...-----2

Green Manuriug. A. B. K., - - - - 2

Essay on Tobacco Culture. Pbter 8. Rbist. - 3

The Care of Hogs. John B. Ebb. . . 3

The Tarn— Sweet Potato. Old Cultivator. - 4

AreForests aBenefittoFruit-Growing. L.S.R. - 4

Egypt, ..--.-.. 4

Twenty Millions in Beef, .... 5

Blackberries, --.....6

Choice Winter Flowers, ..... 7

French Land Owners, -.---- 8

A Model Farm, ....... 9

Clearing Land by Dynamite, .... 9

Farming vs. Profession, - . . . . 9

Pennsylvania State AgricuU.ural Society, - - 9

Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Association, - 10

Our Local Organizations, ----- 11

Proceedinge of the Lancaster County Agricultural
and Horticnltnral Society.

Tobacco Growers' Association, ... 13

The Linnasan Society, ------ lH

Recipe for Cleaning Wool, - - - . 12

Poetry— To My Friend Lena. MaryL.Groff. - 13

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Bread Making, ..13

A Word to Housewives, ..... 13

How to Pour Tea, - 13

Origin of Dessert, ...... 13

Valuable Recipes, -.-... 13

LIVE STOCK.

Hens in Winter, - - ..... 13

Raise Your own Cows, ----- 14

Ayrshire Cows, - .--... 14

The Leghorn Fowls, .... - 14

Facilitating Draught of Horses, - - - - 14

How to Buy a Horse, . - ... 14
Farm Horses, -------14

Balky Horses ------- 14

Management of Geese, - - - - .14

Rats and Mice, ------ 14

Salt for Chickens, - 15

Feed Horses Regularly, . - ... 15

Make Feed Raeks, ...... 15

To Keep Chickens Clean, - - - - 15

Safeguards Against Rats, - - - . . 15

AGRICULTURAL.

Lime as a Fertilizer, 15

A Broadway Farm, -....- 15

Sowing Clover on Grass, .... - 15

Good Yield of Corn, --.... 16

HORTICULTURAL.

8orae Hints on Grafting, ..... 15

Snecession of Fruits, --.... 15

Heat for House Plants, ..... 16

Thinning Fru t, 16

Tar on Fruit Trees, 16

Grafting Currants, ...... 16

Apples in England, ------ 16

Literary Notices, ...... 16

Advertisements. - - - - - ii, iii, iv

THE PUBLISHER TO THE PEOPLE.

Having assumed the publication of the Lan-
caster Farmer in obedience to the wishes of
many of its former friends and patrons, I
confidently look to the agricultural com-
munity in general, and to Lancaster county in
particular ,f or those supports, in subscriptions,
contributions, advertisements, and moral in-
fluence, which are the essential elements to
success in any enterprise. I have undertaken
the task before me at a period of great busi-
ness depression thi-oughout our wide extended
country, and my main object in doing so —
aside from the moral necessity of having a
local journal as a representative of the farm-
ing interest of our great county— is to fur-
nish just so much more labor to a mechanical
interest which is acknowledged as — " the art
preservative of all arts" — and which hasteen
sorely aft'ected by the present stringency of the
times.

The friends of progressive agriculture in
tlie county and elsewhere feel confident that
a local journal devoted to their calling, con,
and owg^t. to be sustained; and whatever ef-
fort of mine may be necessary in making it
creditable to the profession, to the people, and
to our rich agricultural domain, will be faith-
fully and unstintingly accorded. I am sure I
have the loill and I believe I have the ftbilily
to meet the expectations of its friends and
patrons, if I am sustained by those material
means through which alone eitlier will or
ability can be successfully mainfested. The
Farmer has already attained an advanced
position in the ranks of agricultiu-al journal-
ism, and I propose to improve it as a rapidly
as the sustaining means will possibly allow.
Therefore, if it fails to meet the requirements
of its patrons and the community, it will not
be for a lack of effort on the part of either its
editor or its publisher. All communication
and contributions should be addressed to the
editor. No. 101 North Queen Street, Lancas-
ter, Pa; and subscriptions and advertisements
may be sent, either to the same address, or to
the publisher, No. 22, South Queen street,
office of the Examiner and Express.

LiNN.«;us Rathvon.

We call the attention of our readers to
our scale of adtxrtisiwj in another column of
this issue of our journal ; and also to the ad-
ditional fact that our subscription list has
been greatly enlarged ; and con.sequently, our
efficiency as an advertising medium has cor-
respondingly increased. All having articles
for sale, and that they wish brought to the
notice of the public, will find that through
our columns, they will reach as staunch a
class of people as any in the country ; and
therefore it will be to their interest to make
use of them in making their wants known,
either in buying or in selling.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

Tr>EI«i>i«TI.V.4NIA H

1 Traius LEAVE the Dep

WE TWAUD.
Pacific Eipreas"

.AII,R0.40

ot in this city,

Leave

Lancaster.

2:40 a. m.

4:50 a. m.

9.35 a. m.

9:40 a. m.
11:20 a. m.
11:20 a.m.
11:29 a.m.

1:55 p. m.

2:00 p. m.

6:10 p. m.

7:20 p. m.

7:25 p. m.

9:25 p. m.
11:30 p. m.

Lancaster.
12:40 a. m.

4:10 a. m.

7:35 a. m.

9.28 a. m.

1:20 p. m.

2:00 p. m.

3:05 p.m.

5:50 p. m.

SCIIEDVI.K

18 follows :
Arrive
Harrisburg.

10-40 a m

York Accommodation. ...
Mail train via Mt. Joy

Col. 10:10 a, m

1:00 p. m.

1:20 p. m.

1:.30 p. m.

3:10 p. m.
Col. 2:35 p. m

8:10 p. m.

8:00 p. m.

8:40 p. m.
10:.50 p. m.
12:45 a. m.

Philadelphia.
3:10 a m

Sunday Mail

Fast Line'

Frederick Accommodation.

Columbia .Accommodation..
Earriebuig Express

Cincinnati Express*

EASTWARD.

Philadelphia ExpresBt

Harrieburg ExpresB

Columbia Accommodation..
Pacific Exijress*

7:00 a. m.
10:00 a. m.
12:30 p. m.

3:45 p.m.

5:00 p. m.

6:00 p. m.

9:00 p. m.

Johnstown Express

Harrisburg Accom

The York Accommodation, west, conuects at Lancaster
with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connectsat Lancas-
ter with Fast Line, west, at 1:55 p. m., and runs through to
Frederick without change of cars.

The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will
stop at Middletown, Elizabetbtown, Mount Joy and Landis-
ville.

•The only trains which run daily.

tRuna daily, except Monday.

Fruit and Ornamental Trees,

Vinea, Plants, Bulbs, Roses, Honey Locust »nd Osage
Orange, very fine

APPLE, PEACH, PEAR AND CHERRY TREES,

A splendid lot of
SIL,TEK AIKB i^VeAR BIAPIL,E9

for shade trees. Fine Eterqrben and 8hbi7BBERT.
Address B.. M. BltGLJS S: SO:y,

»-l-2m. Marietta, Pa.

SIGN OP THE

BOOKS, STATIOBTERT,

Gold Pens, Fancy Goods, School, College, Law, Theological,
Medical and Miscellaneous Books. Subecriptions for all

PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES AND PAPERS

at Publishers prices.

J. M. WEKTHAEFFER,

V-l-2m 57 North Queen Street.

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUBEE OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS

FOR

OENTl.EMESr.

FRENCH KID BOOTS

FOR

L,AI>IES.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES
9-l-ly

A SPECIALTY.

TO CONSUMPTIVES.

The adverti4er having been permanently cured of that
dread dinease, Consumption, by a Bimjile remedy, is anxious
to make known to his fellow suffereis the means of cure.
To all who desire it. he will send a copy of the prescription
used, (free of charge), with the directions for preparing and
using the same, which they will find a sure Cure for Con-
sumption, Asthma, Bronchitis, Aic.

Parties wishing the prescription will please address,

Rev. E. A. WILSON, 194 Peun St.. Williamsburg, N. Y.
9-l~fim]

e'^e^^g**^e\?n Broom -Corn.

A new variety, never gets red. Long, straight, and free
from curl. Ripens early, yields better, and will bring \^
more than any other kind. Bv mail, 50c per qt.; by express,
$1.50 per peck; $4 per bushel.' Address SAMUEL WILSON.
Mechanicsville, Bucks Co., Pa. [9-1-^t

NOKPARETL FARM MILLS

For criudiog CORN and COB CORN-MEAL. OATS.
ornnv kind of Grain, eoarte OT firu ; 10 SIZES, forHAi^D
or POWI^R. V :utlrnlfii Pam.ph''t Frf.

Ij. J. MliLER. 181 E. Front St.. Cindnnatl, O.

BRRORS OF YOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who suffered for years from Nervous
Debility, Premature Decay, and all tbe effects of youth-
ful indiscietiou will, far the sake of suffering humanity,
send free to all who need it, the receipt and direction for
making the simple jemedy by which he wiis cured. Sufl'er-
ers wishing to profit by the advertiser's experience can do
80 by addressing in perfect contidence,
9-l-6m] JOHN B. OODEN, 42 Cedar St., New York.

CTTTTrp T?T3T?PT ^^^ you mention this

uJulN i r XbJZjiJ ! P^/^-ER, a circular of ANEEE'S

KiNQ OATS. Address J. H. ANDRI, BiDglam's, Tioga CO.. N. Y.

9-1

SEND 25c. to G. P. ROWELL & CO., New York, for Pam-
phlet of 100 pages, containing lists of 3,000 newspapers,
and estimates showing cost of advertising.

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT.

Of Constant and Permanent Value.
THE BEST ENGLISH DICTIONARY.

"iSlTlONAFX.

WEBSTER'S Unabridged.

" Every farmer should give hie soi 8 two or three square
rods of ground, well prepared, with the avails ot which
they may buy it. Every in<>c9ianic should put a receiving
box In some conspicuous place iu the house, to catch the
stray pennies for the like purpose .

"Lay it upon your table by the side of the Bible -it is a
better expounder than many which cliiim to be expounders.
It is a great labor-saver — it has saved bs time enough iu
one year's use to pay for itself; and that must be good
property which will clear itself once a ye?LY."— Massachusetts
Life Boat.

Four Pages Colored Plates.

M ERRIA9IS, Publishers. Sold everywhere.

PATENTS

OBTAIKEB BEST AM CHEAPEST BY

LOUIS BAGGER & CO.

SOLICITORS OF PATENTS.

itW Address aU letters to P. O. Box 444.

7-3-12m

THOS. M. HARVEY,

WEST GROVE, CHESTER CO., PA.,

Rreedor and Shipper of

GnEEMSEYISaBDTTER STOCK,

Yorkshire and Berkshire Pigs.

Dark Brahma Chickens from the best imported
blood. Also Bronze Turkeys.

PUBLIC SALE BILLS
FOR REAL ESTATE OR PERSONAL PROKERTY,
Printed expeditiously and cheap at the ofBce of

THE LANCASTER FABMER.

Rates »f Advertisings in the Farmer. S

8 in.

1 mo....
3 mo....

3 mo

4 ino

6 mo

5 mo

1 year.

1 iu. 1 '2 iu.

3iu.

4 in.

5iu.

$1.00l$ 2.00

$ 3.00

% 4.00

$ 6.00

2 00

4.00

6.00

.3.00

12. Oo

2.60

4.50

6.76

10.00

13.50

3.00

6.00

9.00

12.00

18.00

4.50

9.00

13.60

IS. 00

27.00

6.00

12.00

18.00

24.00

36.0)

9,00

18.00

2T.C0

30.00

54.00

$ 8.00
16.00
18.00
24.00
36.00
48.00
72 00

II^~Siiiecial and^buBiness notices 15 cents per line.

* i
% =

|b

a

a

"automatic
Knitter

3

- ?

' »
5 I

A Family Knitting Machine.

Now attracting universal attention by its astoriBhing per-
formancea and its great practical value for every-day family
use. It knita every poBsible variety of plain or fancy work

■WITH ALMOST MAGICAL SPEED,

and gives perfect shape and finish to all garments. \\ will

knit a pair of socks in fifteen minutes 1 Every machiuA

WARKANTED perfect, and to do Just what ia represeTited^

A complete instruction book accompanies each machine.

No. 1 Family Machine. 1 cylinder, 72 needles, $30.

No. 3 '* -'2 " 72 & 100 •' 40.

A sample machine will be sent to any part of the United

States or Canada, (where we have no agent) express chargM

prepaid, on receipt of the price.

AoKNTS wanted in every State, County, City and Toim,
to whom very liberal discounts will be made. Address,
BICKFORD KNITTING MACHINE MFG. CO.,
7-11-tf] Sole Manufacturers, Brattleboro, T*.

DBAXBBS IN ALL KINDS OP

FAMILT and I.I91E-B17RNINO COAI.1

Orders received at

Office, No. 15 East King street, ?nd at the
8-l-12m] Yard, No. 618 NORTH PRINCE STREET.

GEORGE D. SPRECHER,

DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF

OFFICE :

No. 15 EAST KING STREET,

8-l-12m LANCASTER, PA.

ROOT'S

fl-arden JVfanual.

Is filled with topics of interest to every owner of a garden —
is POINTED, PRACTICAL and THOROUGH, and contains
one-half as much as $1.50 books on the subject. GARDEN-
EKS throughout the couutry commend its practical labor-
saviug methods as invaluable to them.

C^^^Sent for lU cents, which will be allowed on the first
order for seeds. Address,

J. B. ROOT, Seed Grower,

ROCKFORD, Illinois

Peabody House

COR, OF LOCUST AND NINTH 8TS.,

PHILADELPHIA. PA.

Convenient to all places of amusement and car lines in
the city. No changes to and from the Centennial grounds.

Col. Watson, proprietor of the Henry House, Cinciimati,
for the past twenty years, and present proprietor, has leased
the house for a term of years, aud has newly furnished and
fitted it throughout. He will keep a strictly first-class house,
and has accommodation for 300 guests. Terms, only $3
per day.

No bar has ever been kept in the Henby HotrsE, nor will
any be kept at the Peabody. 8-6-5

GOOD SEEDS, GROWN WITH CARE, FROM Se-
lected Stocks, always pay. Try mine. Catalogue free.
J. B. V. HAWKINS, Goshen, N. Y.

" THE FARMER IS THE FOUNDER OF CIVILIZATION."— WEBSTER.

A MONTHLY JOURNAL:

DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE, PRACTICAL ENTO-
MOLOGY, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND GENERAL

MISCELLANY.

EDITED BY PROF. S. S. RATHVON.

VOLUME IX.-1877,

i_aMt>f

LANCASTER, PA.:

LINN,<EUS RATHVON, PUBLISHER.

1877,

CONTENTS! OF VOLUME NINE.

AfleiTlioiifchte, 1

Are Forests a Beuetit to Fruit Grow-
in;; ? -t

A Moelel Farm, 9
A WorJ to Ilousewifes, 13
Ayrceliire Cows, 14, 58, 79
A Broadway Farm, 15

Apples iu Eiislaud, 10

A Special Ajipeal, 17

A Successful Farm Operation, ^9

A Momentous Question, 33

Ants ami Ant-eaters, o5

A Queer Calf, 48

April, 49

Answers to Correspondents, 53

Annual Address, 54

A Xew A^frieultural Plant, 63

A Kemiiider, <J3

American Vomological Society, 60

A Voice from the South, 65

Aijrieultural and Horticultural Socie-
ty, 73, <)l), WO, 187

A Farm that Kuined the Owner, 77

A Wonderful Book, 81

A Xew Insecticide, 82

A Lcssou AVorth Learning, 83

A Cholera Cure, 83

Aliout Froffs, 84

Archaeological Communication, 87

At the Head of His Class, 89

A Hood Fertilizer, 92

About Milk, 94

Against the World, 95

A Word of Caution, 95

A Bettor Civilization, 97

Abiix — Spruce Fir, 102

A Farm Roller, 108

Apples and the WayTto Keep Them,
109

American Fruit iu F.urope, 109, 141,
UK)

A Milk Diet, 110

A Good Mare, 110

All 81 vies of Chicken Coops, 112

A Muddled Tolwcco Leaf, 114

Apple-tree Insects, 116

Adulteration of the Necessaries of
Life, 119

A Bountiful Harvest, 127

A SiUKUlar Potato, 132

Artiticial Butter, 133

Around the Farm, 134, 153, 16S

A Propagating Secret, 140

A Lanih with a Cow Mother, 142

Age of Sheep, 142

A Beet Hard to Beat, 146

American Pomological Convention,
165

Autumnal Coloration of Leaves, 169

A Root Cellar or House, 175

A Cheap Smokehouse, 175

Advice to Drivers, 79

Au Admiralilc School Book, 177

Around the Farm, 180

Address, 181

Age of Nursery Trees, 190

A Cure for Diptherla, 191

Blackberries, 6

Bread^Iakidg, 13

Balky Horses, 14

Hy Uail to Frederick, Md., 21

Build Bird-houses, 21

Baked Corn and Eggs, 26

Boiled Dinners, tO

Blue Glass. 33

Bottle Grafting, 45

Bitter Cream, 47

Better Prices for Seed-Leaf, 60

Book-Keeping by Farmers, 70

Bee Keepers' Association, 75

Beef Extract, 78

Barn Wash, 78

Birds vs. Hopijers, 85

Blackberry Culture, 93, 109

Black Teeth in Hogs, 110

Bees-Wax, 111 "

Budding, 117

Black Bass and Bass-Bait, 131

Bafand Bot-Flies, 142

Bees Stinging Fruit, 145

Buy Your Trees at Home, 163

Blue Glass, 41

Breeding of Silk- Worms, 25

Buckeye Grain Drill, 133

Bark-Lice, 178

Budding, 190

Choice Winter Flowers, 7

Clearing Land by Dynamite, 9

Cultivation of Clilckory, 29, .36

Covering of Strawberries, 29

Coldslaw, 33

"Collier," 37

Corn Fodder, 45

Celery, 40

Care of Dairy Cows, 48, 79

Crowded Out, 50

Corn Cultivation, 57

Culture of Broom Corn, 77

Clean Out the Weeds, 77

Cherries, 77

Cleaning Silk, 78

Chickens Fit to Eat, 79

Cure for Chicken Cholera, 80

Cress, 82

Correction, 85

Compost for Corn, 93

Changing the Bearing Year, 93

Correspondence, 100

Crops iu North Carolina, 102

Cutting and Curing Tobacco, 105

Culture of Tobacco, 105

Carting Out Manure, 108

Cut the Weeds While Small, 108

Catching H.iwks, 113

Colorado Beetle in England, 116

Cultivating Wheat, 127

Culinary Contributions, 132

Compost, 140

Coal Ashes, 140

Cracking Pears, 140

Cleaning Feathers, 141

Cleanse the Manger, 142

Codling Moth, 143

Change of Color or Moult, 143

Caponizing, 144

Chicken Cholera, 144

Cattle Disease, 148

Convenience, 1.59

Charcoal and Lime, 100

Continental Strawberry, 149

Cinderella Strawberry, 166

Care of Slock, 176

Cooked Meat for Poultry, 176

Cleaning the Hen-house, 176

Clubbing, 177

Curing Meats, 187

Cracked Pears, 190

Caring for Stock, 191

Canada Cheese, 191

Domesticating the Buffalo, 48

Does the Water Strike Through? 70

Does Buckwheat Poison Sheep? 79

Durham Cows, 79

Don't Omit the Turnips, 93

Dried Potatoes, 94

Dried Eggs, 110

Dead-Shot onlPoultry Lice, 112

Does it Rain Toads? 115

Does the Shad Bite, or Take a Bait? 117

Ducks— Setting Eggs and Rearing

Young, 123
Description of a Roman Coin, 134
Dew and its Cause, 136
Do Swallows Emigrate? 140
Do Bees Cut the Skins of Fruit? 161
Domestic Recipes, 175
Devon Cattle, 176
Essay on Tobacco Culture, 3
Egypt, 4
Experiments on Nutrition of Domestic

Animals, SI
Early Spring Salads, 45
Exports of Tobacco from New York,

76
Essay on Wheat, 86
Effects of Climate on Soil, 93

Extcrmiu.ation of Parasites, 95

Explanation, 98

Echoes from the Public Press, 100

Extracted Honey, 111

Effects of Cold Storms on Poultry, 111,

143
Eggs and Ways of Using Them, 143
Errors in Poultry Keeping, 144
Efl'ect of Tea on the Skin, 159
"England's Imports, 174
Eggs fur Export, 176
Early Prolific Raspberry, 181
Economy in the Use of Fuel, 191
Extravagance, 191
French Land Owners, 8
Farming vs. Profession, 9
Facilitating Draught of Horses, 14
Farm Horses, 14
Feed Horses Regularly, 15
Fish, Flesh and Fowl, ilO
Farmers vs. Sportsmen, 32
Fruits of Kansas, 30
Farm Sacks 00 Years Old, 46
Facts Worth Remembering, 40
Fruit as a Medicine, 47
Food for Fowls, 47
Feeding Fowls, 47
Fattening Poultry, 47
Fine Test Potatoes, 50
Fertilization, Preventive and Cure, 50
Florida and its Oranges, 04
Farm Profits in America, 77
Fruit Prospects, 78
Fencing and Soiling, 38
Farmers Grindstone, 94
From Nebraska, 102
Floating Melon Gardens, 109
Flemish Beauty Pear, 135
Fall Plowing, 140
Full Feeding, 142
Farmers and the Country, 145
Fine Tobacco Leaves, 146
Forests, Their Destruction, &c., 152
Forests and Kain-fall, 170
Freshman vS Brothers, 110
From North Carolina, 179
Facts not Generally Known, 186
Forest Planting in France, 190
Green Manuring, 2
Good Yield of Corn, 15
Grafting Currants, 16, 30
General Readers, 17
Golden Rules for Bee-Keeping, 32, 43
Garget iu Cows, 95
Gapes in Chickens, 90
Good Cows, 110
Grammar in a Nutshell, 115
Gapes, 144

Gravenatein Apple, 151
Grafting and Its Effects, 15S
Good Farming, 174
Grapes and Bees, ISO
Gypsum, 183
Grape Yield in Ohio, 190
How to Pour Tea, 13
Hens in Winter, 13
How to Buy a Horse, 14
Heat for House-plants, 16
Hog Cholera, 25
How to Make a Hot-bed, SO
Handy Men, 30
Healthful Beds, 31
Horse-Growers, 31
Hell's Ten Acres, 33
Hay for Hens, 39
Harrowing Wheat in Spring, 45
How Much Lime to an Acre, 56
Hints to Farmers, 63
How Shall we Know How to Plant? 69
How Lancaster County Forced to the

Front , 76
Haying, 77
Horse Hay-fork, 83
How to Ease a Cough, 53
Hungarian Millet, 93
Hot Beds, 93
Household Recipes, 78, 94, 109, 127,

141, 159, 191

Hanging au A.vc, 94

Healthy Cattle, 94

Half-bred Buffaloes iu the Dairy, 95

How to Keeji Our Boys at Home, 100

How to Begin Bee-Keeping, 111

Have No Lights in the Barn, 128

Humbugs, Swindles, Frauds, 6ci;., 135

How to Have Healthy Pigs, 142

How to Fit Horse-Collars, 14i

How the Price of Cows has Risen, 142

Hard Times, 1.53

Home Manures, 158

Hungarian (irass, 158

Hints to Tobaccd-Growers, 158

How to Break Colts, 159

How to (irow Pi^rs, 1.59

How to Make a Well, 1G3

How to Make Paris Green, 165

Horticulture and Education, 107

Hubbardston Non-Such, 163

How to Keep Cabbage, 175

Hay Tea for Calves, 175

How Long Will the Forests Last ? 18:«

How Jacob Taylor Grows Plums, 190

Influence of Reading, 23

Ink for Horticultural Labels, 30

Insects as Food, 40

Incidental Suggestions, 71

Is Wheat Culture Declining.' 70

Intelligence of Cows, 110

Italian and Native Bees, 111

Industry of Ants, 143

Italian vs. Black Bees, 152

Improvement in Cultivating Wheat,

104
Improvement in Farming, 168
Is Hungarian Grass Safe Feed for

Horses? 190
Interesting Facts, 190
Jottings Suggested by a Circular, 41
Japanese Persimmon, 77
Keep Good Cows, 48
Kerosene Lamps, 110
Keep Horses' Feet Clean, 110
Knowing Horses, 192
Lime as a Fertilizer, 15
Literary and Personal, 16, 32, 48, 64,

80, 96, 112, 128, 14-t, 160, 170, 192
Leak — Allium pornm, 20
Lice on Currant Bushes, 22
Letter from Daniel Webster, '24
Lumps on Udders, 31
Lettuce — Ladnva Saliva, 35
Leading a Colt, 48
Large or Small Potatoes, 51
Lime and Bark-Lice, 6(5
Lancaster County Peaches, 68
Landscape Gardening, 73
Liquid Mamire, 77, 108, 189
Look at Your Orchards, 77
Large Strawberries, 78
Lemonade for Invalids, 78
Look to the Chicks iu May, 79
Lice on Poultry, SO
Late Potato Planting, 97
Large Farms vs. Small Farms, 102
Legal Rates of Interest, 104
Letter from Florida, 119
Letter from North Carolina, 119, 153
Lancaster Countv Agricultural and

Horticultural' Society, U, 27, 43,

137, 61, 73, 90, 106, 134, 155, 171
Lime Dust, 144
Liquid Excrement, 158
Lancaster County Tobacco, 167
Lancaster County Cotton, 174
Letter from Cockej-sviUe, Md., 177
Management of Geese, 14
JIake Feed Racks, 15
Managing Queens, 32
Minnesota Wheat and Flour, 44
Monthly Reminders, 65, 81, 147, 165
Manuring Lands, 66
Millions for Middlemen, 71
Measuring Corn in Bulk, 77
-Manure on Frozen Ground, 77
JlUd Diet for Cattle, 79
More about the Lociuts, 82

IV-:

INDEX.

More Pollen Needed, 93

Milk Diet, 110

Manure for Fruit Trees, 126

Management of Fruit Trees, 140

Mice and Young Trees, 190

Mr. Kurtz's Pumpkin, 178

More about Bees, 178

Newspaper Making, 19

New Yoak Tobacco Trade, 76

Nebraska Notes, 86, I'H

New Feed — Buckeye Grain Drill, 133

Non-Sitters, 143

Number of Hens to a Cock, 144

Notice Extraordinary, 161

Nafonal Bee Keepers' Association,

178
Our Local Organizations, 11, 27, 43,

61, 15.5
Origin of Dessert, 13
Otter of Roses, 23
Oyster-shell Bark-louse, 67
Origin of Prairies, 105
Oliver Dalrymple's Farm. 131
Our Local Organization and Ourself,

131
Original Seckel Pear Tree, 158
0:a Frames, 159
Our Delinquent Subscribers, 161
ObUuary, 164
Opposition to Potatoes, 189
Our Prospects, 180
Oleomargarine Butter, 183
Parsnips, 2

Penn'a State Agricultural Society, 9
Pennsylvania Fruit-Growers' Society,

10, 161, 177
Poetry— To My Friend Lena, 13
Planting and Care of Trees, 46
Perfected Butter Color, 46
T'itris Rapa, .53
Pennsylvania Wheat Crop, 76
Profit in Good Soil, 77
Potatoes, 78
Peas in Missouri, 78
Profits in Almonds, 78
Preserving Figs, 78
Pa'nting Buildings, 78
Pay Attention to Live Stock, 79
Protection of Useful Animals, 83
Prospects for Farmers, 89
Potatoes a Profitable Crop, 93
Poultry-Keeping by Boys, 95
Plymouth Rock Fowls, 95, 160
Patrons of Husbandry, 99
Purification of Hen-houses, 111
Potatoes Without Paris Green, 121
Proceedings of Society, 124, 171
Propagating Secret, 140
Potomac Fruit-Growers' Association,

154
Packing Poultry for Market, 160
Pruning Roses, 175
Preparing Poultry for Market, 176
Propagating Rabbits, 192
Queen Bees, 32
Queer Calf, 48
Queries and Answers, 85, 101, 117,

132, 149
Questiins and Answers, 92
Recipe for Cleaning Wool, 12

Rats and Mice, 14

Repairing Leaky Cellar Walls, 80

Rearing Lambs by Hand, 48

Reminder, 65

Raising Onion Sets, 77

Re-cooking Meat, 94

Raising Geese, 96

Reminder for July, 98, 115

Report of Agricultural Department,

108
Raspberries from Cuttings, 109
Refrigerators, &c., 110
Royal Cow, 110
Red Pepper and Poultry, 112
Recipe for Butter, 128
Recipe for Decorating Eggs, 147
Rest Before Eating, 159
Root Cellar or House, 175
Raise Your Own Cows, 14
Reminder for December, 178
Sparrows, 2
Salt for Chickens, 15
Safeguards Against Rats, 15
Sowing Clover on Grass, 15
Some Hints on Grafting, 15
Strange Substance in a Horse, 19
Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs, 31
Sentimentalisms, 33
Saving Manure, 45
Sap and Plant-Life, 56
Shipment of Apples, 64
Six Months for an Owl, 66
State Board of Agriculture, 66, 92
Shite-Poke, (Butorides Viresceus') 68
Seed Wheat, 69
South-west Missouri, 70, 150
Small Fruits in Gardens, 77
Safety From Rats and Mice, 79
Strawberry Culture, 85
Strawberries, 67
Stocking and Feeding, 96
Sweet Potatoes for Hogs, 94
Soft Eggs, 112

Supply Your Chickens with Milk, 112
Strikes and Riots, 113
State and District Fairs, 117
State Fair, 131
Singular Potato, 132
Sugar Corn vs. Hungai'ian Grass, 140
Shall Old Orchards be Plowed? 141
Soot as a Garden Fertilizer, 141
Setting Milk for Cream, 141
Simple Cure for Earache, 141
Shaker Pickles, 141
Stumbling Horses, 142
Smcych's Seedling Peach, 147
Splenetic Fever, 148
Salt as a Fertilizer, 158
Synopsis of Crops of 1877, 104
Special Premiums for 187S, 165
Sour Bread, 175
Special Premiums for 1878, 177
Splenetic Fever of Cattle, 182
Something About Dragon-flies, 186
Saving Sweet Potatoes, 1K9
Silver Hull Buckwheat, 190
Setting Trees, 190
To the Public, 1
To our Readers, 1
The Care of Hogs, 8

The Yam Sweet Potato, 4

Twenty Millions in Beef, 5

Tobacco Growers' Association, 12, 27,
62, 74, 90, 107, 173, 125, 138, 150,
188

The Liunsan Society, 12, 28, 63, 75,
91, 108, 120, 139, 1.58, 173, 189

The Leghorn Fowls, 14

To Keep Chickens Clean, 15

Thinning Fruit, 16

Tar on Fruit Trees, 16

To Subscribers, 17

The Ayrault Cattle, 17

The Fire-fly, 18

The Guava, 18, 51

Table Costumes, 18

The Dangerous Quail, 19

Tobacco,' 24, 46

The Fodder Value of Apples, 29

The English Hop Trade, 30

The Horse-Growers, 31

The Country, 33

The TobEcco Worm, .37

The Thurber Peach, 45

Tree Planting in Minnesota, 46

The Pekin Ducks as Layers, 47

The Colorado Bug Abroad, 50

The Park Association, 50

The Weather and Grouud-Hog, 50

The Lancaster Tobacco Crop, 60

Transplanting Large Trees, 64

To Advertisers, 65

The European War, 65

Tobacco Stems, 65

The Seuer Apples, 68

The Lancaster Farmer, 68

The Exchange List, 68

The Permanent Exhibition, 69

The Time to Spread Manure, 77

The Peach Crop, 78, 127

Twenty-Ounce Apple, 78

To Keep a Fowl House, 79

The Moving Season, 80

This Paragraph, 81

The Hopper, 81

The Seventeen- Year Locust, SI, 90

Tobacco Pests, 85

Toulouse Geese, 87

The Best Method to Destroy Cut-
worms, 87

The Garden of Pennsylvania, 89

Tobacco Culture, 92

The Egg Plant, 93

To Exterminate Parasites, 95

The First Food for Chickens, 96

Trees Killed liy Salt, 98

The Elm Tree Beetle. 98

The Horse, 103

Thoroughbred Southdowns, 104

Tobacco— A New Pest, 104

The Turnip Crop, 105

Tree Planting in Minnesota, 190

Take Care of the Horses, 192

To our Patrons, 177

The Celebrated Horse, Jenifer Ara-
bian, 177

The Omnivorous Caterpillar, 184

The Cherry, 185

Ten Rules for Farmers, 186

To Make Butter Hard, 110

The Royal Cow, 110

Turkeys, 112

The Ichneumon Fly, 114

The Locust, 115

The Turbine Wind Engine, 118

The Crops We Raise, "121

Tobacco Fertilizers, 122

The Tobacco Fly, 123

The Grape Leaf Folder, 123, 130

Transplanting Evergreens, 123

Treating Manure with Lime, 127

The Spare Bed, 128

The Tobacco Bug, 129

The Cucumber, 129

The Stings of Insects, 129

The Codling Moth, 130

The Grape Procris, 130

The Flemish Beauty Pear, 1.35

The Potato-bug Abroad, 142

The Cattle Disease, 148

The Gravenstein Apple, 151

The Bee-Keepers' Society, 1.57

The Cow for Small Farms, 1.59

To Preserve Eggs, 160

To Our Delinquent Subscribers, 161

The Application of Fertilizers, 166

The Tobacco Trade, 174

To Keep Cabbage, 175

Unpublished Letter of Henry Clay, 53

Utilizing Coal Dust, 63

United States Commissioner of Agri-

culture, 98
Valuable Recipes, 13, 31
"Varmints," 24
Very Curious Experiments, 41
Valuable Cows, 45
Vienna Bread and CoflTee, 47
Value of Roots for Stalks, 48
Valuable Formulas, 63
Value of Salt, 94
Varieties of Celery, 109
Vermin on Poultry, 111
Value of Early Apples, 127
Varieties of L.ate Turnips, 129
Ventilation of Closets, 141
Vii-ginia Tobacco, 190
Wholesale Death of Honey Bees, 32
Words of Cheer, .50
Written Receipts by Mail, 50
What Soil Consists Of, 63
What the Birds Accomplish, 65
Wheat and Chess, 77
Water Your Cattle, 79
Wonderful Book, 81
Working Crops Early, 92
Words of Caution, 95
What is a Practical Farmer? 99
AVar LTpon Insects, 113
What Causes Rust in Wheat, 120
Wheat Crop of 1877, 132
Working Land on Shares, 140
Watering Trees, 141
Wax for Cans, 141
Wheat and Its Culture, 151
Wheat-growing in America, 1.5S
Weight of Milk, 1.59
Worms in Flower-pots, 175
Water ng Horses, 191
What Shall We Teach Our Girls? 185

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

Imported Berkshire "Collier,"
Ayreshire Bull "Casper," 58
Toulouse Geese, 87
Southdown Sheep, 104

37

Apple Tree Borer, a. b. and c, 116
Buckeye Grain Drill, 1.33
Flemish Beauty Pe.ar, 135
Continental Strawberry, 149

Griivenstein ^Ppl'^i 151
Cinderella Strawberry, 166
Hubbardston Nonsuch Apple, 168
Turbine Wind Engine, 118

Game Fowls, 39
Early Prolific Raspberry,

181

^

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., JANUARY, 1877.

Vol. K. No. L

TO THE PUBLIC.
The fanneis of Laiic;islfi- county, to tlieir
own iiuiun-ishable credit, have .seemhifjly felt
that they could not afl'oril to let their- local
joui'ual die, without making a manly ellb.-t to
resuscitate and sustain it ; and hence it be-
comes our pleasing duty to announce to the
public that their noble resolve has beeu
crowned with a larger degree of success than
could have been expected in the present
peculiar and unsettled state of ihe times ; and
hence, also, we extend to them these our
friendly greetings.

How often does it hap]ien that we bave a
friend, a relative, perchance a wife or mother,
who is quietly, perseveringly, and it may be,
arduously laboring for our moral and phj'sieal
comfort, but whose lalwrs we seeniijigly
uurecjuite or unappreciate until we suddenly
become conscious that they are about to die.
Then they immediately are accorded a recog-
nition that liad never been vouchsafed before ;
then we begin to realize the vacuum in our
social life that their absence would create ;
then we make a frantic ellbrt to recall, restore
and sustain them, that we had never made
before, and which, had it been timely made
along their rugged pathway in life, their
health might not have become impaired, and
their usefulness might have continued on to
the evening of a yretn oVd wje.

Analogous to ihis had been the life and
pecuniary condition of the Lancaster Farmer.
It had exhausted its constitution, and for the
past year had been "running on the by-laws ;"
and therefore when it became manifest that it
was about to die, its fi'iends and patrons — the
friends of agricultural, social and domestic
progress — became solicitous about its appar-
ently approaching demise. They therefore, in
solemn conclave, vowed that it should not
pass away from the things that ore, if their
united ellorts could prevent it. There is a
wonderful potency in the human will, which,
if rightly conceived and intelligently and per-
severingly carried out, must .avail ; and when
tliese elements constitute its substratum, if it
does not avail, we may clearly actpiit our-
selves, and interpret the result as an indi-
cation that our elVorts in the matter ought to
submit to the dictates of astill "higher law."
Under- these circumstances, and with a deep
sense of our responsibilities, we again launch
our craft upon the sea of journalism. We do
not ask for much — we do not expect much —
but we should greatly underestimate the far-
■ mers of the great county of Lancaster, if we
concluded that they could not, or would not,
sustain a local agricultural journal among
them. Such a conclusion, we feel, would do
them great injustice at home, and misrepre-
sent them al)road.

Having then signalized the beginning of the
second century of oiu" political being, by a
worthy determination to sustain a local journal
amongst them, we trust this worthy intention
may be more than realized ; but to assure such
a result, we look for a liberal support in the
way of pecuniary i).atronage, Agricultural and
Horticultural contributions, essays, communi-
cations, and judicious selections. In short,
we wish to reflect the moral, physical, finan-
cial, domestic and agricultural condition of
our growing county. We do not claim to be
an oracle, nor a dictator in matters of rural
industry and economy ; hence, our situation
must necessarily be that of a Medium between
the farmers and the public. We therefore need
their thoughts and experiences to stamp our
journal with that <lpgree of interest to them,
which is so much desired by a progressive
people. Having this support, we will see that
their ideas are clothed in such language as will
make them intelligible and useful, as well as
a credit to their authors. Judging from the

past we feel assured that they possess the in-
tellectual and physical power to make their
representative journal a lirst-class publication.
It is true, that our country at this time, is de-
piessed, and that all ourdomestic, mechanical,
agricultural and connnercial interests are in
travail ; but then we must remember, that the
greatest blessings to the human family are
often secured only tiirougli travail. It wan
through travail a hundred years ago that our
.s((((!(.v as a free and independent people was
secured ; and it was through the direst travail
that nearly nineteen hundred years ago the
Christian religion was established on earth.
We have reason to believe that the present
unpropitions times are only a transition period
that sooner or later must. pass away, and that
a "good time is coming." The self-denial
that each farmer will becalled upou to exercise
will be small indeed, when it is compared with
the good which may be done in sustaining the
Lancaster Farmer, at so small an outlay. This
good will live after us, and its influence will
be felt among our children and our children's
children down along the stream of time, and
they will rise up and call us blessed. With
these sentiments as our support and guide,
and a desire to merit your favor, we emerge
forth, hoping tliat you all may experience a
prosperous and ^^ Happy New Year."

TO OUR READERS.

We are obliged to throw ourselves upon the
kind indulgence of our friends and patrons for
the late apperauce of our journal. Adverse
and almost uncontrollable circumstances pre-
vented its issue at the regular period, in the
beginning of the year ; and then, we thought
that the next be.st thing we could do, was to
issue a double number, covering the months
of January and February. But this was over-
ruled by our friends, and the more practical
suggestions of the publislier and his friends.
Inorder, therefore, to cover the whole ground,
and prevent a historical vacuujn in its .series,
we have concluded to issue the January
number separate, under its proper date, and
immediately follow it with tlie February
number. The March number will be issued
at its regular period, and from tlience for-
ward we expect to be regularly "on time."

We feel that long before the end of the year,
our patrons will have forgotten these un-
pleasant irregularities, and that in ten or a
lumdred years hereafter (but for this necessary
record) "no body will be the wiser of it." We
have received many verbal and written com-
mendations from our brethren of the agricul-
tural press, which it will give us pleasure to
notice in due time ; but for the present, we
cannot resist the impulse to express our
hearty thanks for the kind words we have
received from the editor of the American
Farmer, puVilished at Xo. 0 North street,
Baltimore, ]Md., one of the best and most ably
conducted agricultural jounials in the Union.

Baltimore, 1877.
Prof. S. S. Rathvon, Lancaster, Pa.

Dear .Sir : I take the liberty of sayinsr that I wae
sorry not to have the opportunity, wlien in Lancaster,
of exprcssinsr to you, in person, the rettrot 1 feci at
your withdraw! IViiin llie control of a journal so
etliciently workinsr in the licld of airricultural litera-
ture, as did the one under your editorial manage-
ment. That important cause can ill afford to lose
the services of nun so intellitcent, so active, and so
disintercsted^and while no douhl it is to you, in-
dividually, a relief, it is, to my mind, no less a dis-
aster to the true interest of agricultural journalism ;
in the ranks of which are too many who take up the
work only as an expedient, or to subserve personal
aims. Assurini; you of my great respect, I beg to
subscribe mvseJf, very truly your friend,

W. B. Sands.

In conclusion, we admonish our friends who
have subscription lists or advertisements, to
send them in without delay. — Ed.

AFTER THOUGHTS.

And now, here turns up before us a postal
card, bearing date June 1, 187.5, whicli we
do not remember having seen before, buried
as it has been among a multitude of letters
and promiscuous papers, containing the fol-
lowing :

"The young duck swims at once, the
young snajiping turtle bites when taken from
the egg, and a harmless serpent, without fang
or rattle, will vibrate its tail like a rattle
snake, producing a similar soinid among dry
leaves." — IIaldejian, in the Jcono'jruphic
Fiicychpcedia, New York, 185U-zoology, p. G.

"The Latin adjective 'exilis' means slender,
but 'exile' is akin to 'exilium,' banishment,
'exul,' one bayxished."

"The Pennsylvania canal from Chickies to
Bainbridge, and perhaps farther, has many
dead and dying lisli, such as chubs, minnows,
suckers, black bass; also cattish and eels,
which seem to be hardier than the others.
The caii.se is probably due to i)umping out
the Lykens Valley coal mines, after the long
strike, which allowed the waters to take up
an unusual amount of deleterious salts and
acids. I have been told that frogs are dying
with the fish I"

"The article in the Intelligencer, May 31,
1875, does not state distinctly whether the
ground-hog plugs his hole or not."

None of the above paragraphs are too tran-
sient to go on permanent record; because
they all relate to those facts which may be
consulted with profit at any time; notwith-
standing they have been inhuiued for nearly
two years. The first paragraph illustrates
that instinctive mimicry, which also dis-
tinguishes so luany of the the tiny subjects
of tlie insect realm, in which they exhibit all
the activity and intelligence of adults, the
very moment they evolve from their pupal
sleep. The little MirriKjaster comjregata,
which is parasitic on the bodies of the "Giape
Sphinxes," the moment its head protrudes
from the upper end of its little rice-sh.Tped
cocoon (which stands erect on the body of the
Sphinx) begins to maniptilate its antenna as
deftly as a "fiddler's elbow," and looks as
briglitly and as cunningly at you as if it an-
ticipated some sinister intent towards it; and,
as soon as the whole body is extricated it will
run or fly with all the agility it ever aeepiires.
And that is not all; if the slightest drop of
honey or treacle is placed upon a fresh leaf,
by the aid of those same little antennte it will
find it and appropriate it as dexterously as
if it had been specially educated to it. And
when its nuptials are accomplished, it knows
exactly where to go to oviposit.

Thesfcodd paragraph involves a philological
(piestion that is altogether unquestionable.

The third paragraph involves a historical
fact, that was patent at the time, and sug-
gests a rational conjecture as to the cause.
Such mortalities in the animal world are fre-
quent; and doubtless are the effects of differ-
ent causes. During the "heated term" of
1870 we heard of one or two such cases, as
occurring in lakes or other large bodies of
water, but we cannot now specifically recall
them.

In regard to i\\e fourth paragraph, we have
not easy access to the record alluded to; we
therefore, cannot recall what was said there,
in regard to the habit of the ground-hog, in
plugging the hole of his den during the win-
ter season; but, in a paper of prior date, we
made the statement (on the authority of Dr.
John Godraau) that the ground-hog did retire
to his winter sleep, and plug up the door of

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ January,

entrance to his lair. Tliis was questioned
by Mr. W. B., who states that he had explor-
ed the burrows of one of these animals, and
that he did not recognize anything in the
form of a plug, by which its burrow was
closed. This statement, to our mind, did not
involve a question of veracity between these
two men, both of whom were intelligent and
also reliable. The fact is, they were both
right. We subsequently learned that Mr. B.
meant the hole at the outer end of the burrow,
and doubtless Dr. Godman meant the hole at
the inner end, and there the matter since has
rested. Of course it would be folly to at-
tempt to set an arljitrarj^ limit to the knowl-
edge that is every day being developed on all
subjects relating to natural and physical sci-
ence, and therefore many cases must provis-
ionally remain open subjects.

SPARROWS.

A man — or a simpleton — named Henry
Euth, in Reading, Pa., professes to have dis-
covered that the highly useful little bird — the
English sparrow — whose almost incessant
vocal strains impart life in our gardens,
groves and forests, summer and winter alike,
destroys the buds of the trees and the embryo
fruit. He says that he has noticed the birds
pecking the blossoms on peach trees, and that
they have pecked the buds off other trees, so
that they did not bear any fruit. Last year
he had no currants, and he charges the spar-
rows with pecking out the eyes of the bushes.
He has no doubt they destroy the buds of
grape vines, and he is convinced that the
little sparrows do a great deal of harm and
very little good, and he thinks it was a great
mistake to import them. Having put up
boxes for them to house in, he has torn them
down, and now stones the sparrows whenever
they come upon his premises. Mr. Ruth is
entirely mistaken in his theory. He must
have seen them pecking about the buds for
the larvaj secreted there, and the bird may
have injured a few buds in its efforts, but
they do not thus subsist in winter, as he as-
serts, on buds, but upon the larvse and insects
secreted on the bark of trees, and feed on the
seeds of plants and such food as may be given
them, because they seek the haunts of civiliza-
tion, and are great lovers of good society. In
summer their principal fijod is insects, of
which one will devour avast number in a day.
One of these useful birds may be heard any
day along the hillside in Saltsburg, uttering
the most lively notes, the coldest morning
never being cold enough to check the utterance
of his ever-changing song. — Salisbury Press.

There appear to be much " fuss and feath-
ers" developed throughout the country in re-
lation to the "English sparrows," but we
opine that the people would have a more
practical and powerful illustration of their
benefits to the vegetable kingdom by their ab-
sence, than by their presence. More things in
this world are M?idfir-estimated than are over-
estimated, and one of the former are the
English sparrows. We distinctly remember
the time when the small "woodpecker,"
known under the name of "sap-sucker," was
universally and unquestionably voted a great
enemy to the apple tree, because everybody
professed to have seen them peck holes into
the trunk or branshes and suck out the sap,
and it must be confessed that there were ajj-
pearauces which seemed to corroborate this
opinion. But it transpired, in the course of
time, that these little birds were in pursuit of
insect grubs that were boring under the bark
of the trees, to their great injury. This, we
believe, will also become manifest in relation
to the sparrows. Whatever the adult birds
themselves — under a stress of circumstances —
may be compelled to eat, still sparrows, and
many other graniferousand frugivorous birds,
almost invariably feed their young on slugs,
grubs, worms, larvae, and the softer-bodied
insects, and during a season, too, when no
other food is accessible, and when tlie founda-
tions of the future colonies of destructive in-
sects are laid. In this field of use, the benefits

of insectivorous birds are inestimable, and, if
there never had been a bird of this character
at all, there would not have long remained
either fruit or vegetation. Insects are almost
infinitely more prolific than the estimate of
qiiails, as exhibited in another article in this

paper.

^

PARSNIP.

Pastlnfica Stltivfl*

According to Johnson, the botanic name
Pastinaca, is derived from the Latin word for
a dibble, pastinum, in allusion to the long,
tapering shape of the root. This is a very
hardy biennial, of which the original is prob-
ably the common wild parsnip of southern
Europe. In its natural state, it is of small
size, woody and poisonous. It has been
greatly improved by cultivation, and is at the
present time much esteemed for culinary pur-
poses, being found nutritious as well as whole-
some. It is particularly valuable on account
of its power of standing severe frost without
injury, and continuing good for use until the
latter part of spring. The varieties are not
niunerous, and the IloUowed-crowned is un-
doubtedly the best adapted to the wants of the
family gardener.

Culture. In regard to soil, the parsnip
has a preference for one that is dry and
mellow, rich and of considerable depth. A
good sandy loam seems to be most suitable ;
while only poor crops can be expected from a
gravel or tenacious clay. Depth and fertility
are particularly necessary, because thereon
depend the length and size of the roots. In the
latter part of autumn, or the very commenc-
ment of spring, the ground selected for the
bed should be spaded or trenched two spits
deep, and if it be not sufficiently rich, some
well decomposed manure ought to be dug in
with the lower spit. Sea-weed, decayed forest
leaves and bird's-dung have been highly re-
commended as fertilizers, as being less liable
to affect the quality of the roots, than common
stable dung. In spading, care is to be taken
to break up all the clods or large lumps of
dirt, and to remove the largest stones.

Sow in drills, twelve inches apart, in April
or May, according to the forwardness of the
season. One ounce of seed is sufficient for
rather more than a rod of ground. Drop the
seed thinly, and cover it nearly an inch deep.
In dry weather vegetation will be hastened
by rolling the surface of the bed, or by tread-
ing down the drills with the feet. When the
plants have taken a good start, they are to be
weeded and thinned out in the drills ; but, it
is not until they become firmly established,
tliat they should receive their final thinning.
To ensure the formation of large roots, they
ought to have plenty of room, and stand not
nearer together than six inches. It is a bad
plan to crowd vegetables like the carrot and
parsnip. Make frequent use of the hoe, as
well to keep the ground free from weeds, as
to prevent its becoming hard or baked.

Parsnips do not attain maturity until cold
weather is near at hand. They will be found
fit for use as soon as the leaves decay, in the
month of October, but their sweetness and
agreeable flavor are much improved by frost.
This fact is so well understood, that many
cultivators are accustomed to let the roots re-
main in bed through the winter ; or, at least,
to take up only a number sufficient for the
wants of the family while the ground is
closed, and to harvest the balance of the crop
in the spring. They ought to be dug very
carefully, without being cut or bruised by the
spade any more than is unavoidable ; and,
for preservation, must be packed in layers of
sand, in a shed or cool cellar.

For seed. Some of the best plants should
be left in the bed where grown ; or else set out
in a border, some time during the earlj' part
of spring. They ought to be in rows, about
two feet apart each way. In continued dry
weather, it will be found of advantage to
apply water every three or four days. Lay
the tlower-heads upon a cloth, and suffer them
to get fully dry, before you attempt to thresh
out the seed.

Use. The parsnip has many valuable
qualities, which commend it to Ijoth the
farmer and gardener. It is thought highly of
for feeding to domestic animals. Hogs and
bullocks are fattened upon it in a very short
space of time, and the flesh is considered of
superior flavor ; while in cows it produces an
extraordinary yield of milk, having a rich
color, and affording butter of an excellent
quality. Its cliaracter in the kitchen is well
established. Although disliked by some per-
sons on account of its peculiar sweetish taste,
it is certainly wholesome, and proves very ac-
ceptable at that season of the year when in
perfection, and when other vegetables are so
few in number. It excites appetite, and
physicians think it wholesome for convales-
cents. It is sometimes manufactiu'ed into
ardent spirits, wine and marmalade ; while in
Ireland, it is used with hops for brewing a
kind of beer much liked by the peasantry.
The seeds are occasionally employed in in-
termittent fevers.

To BOIL. Wash and split the roots, lay
them in a stew-pan with the flat sides down,
and just cover them with boiling water, into
which a little salt has been thrown. When
they are quite tender, pare and butter them,
and carry immediately to the table. Cold
boiled parsnips are good when cut into thin
slices, dipped into butter, and fried brown. —
ScheiicVs Oardener's Text-Book.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
GREEN MANURING.

This is a term that is now applied to the
plowing under of any green vegetable sub-
stance for the .pm-pose of adding fertility to
the soil.

The common red clover is considered tlie
best of all farm crops for this purpose, and it
is so undoubtedly from two very different
causes. In the first place it must be borne in
mind that clover is very rich in nitrogen,
which it is said to appropriate not only from
the soil, but also from the air to a very great
extent, while all other plants available for
this purpose derive very little, if any, from
that source. In the second place, clover has
very long tap-roots, which penetrate through
the soil directly into the sub-soil and drawing
on whatever fertilizing materials such sub-soil
may contain, carries them up into the stems
and leaves, and the upper part of the root
itself, the latter becoming very thick near the
surface and containing a large amount of
vegetable substance to the acre. I do not
believe, however, that the amount thus drawn
from tlie sub-soil is as gr^t as some would
make it appear, as the root is not very thick
at eight or ten inches below the surface, what-
ever its length may be. It must still be given
its proper credit in this case, for all, or mostly
all other crops used for green manures, have
only surface-roots, and draw very little of the
materials requisite for plant-growth from the
sub-soil.

Clover, however, is a very unhandy crop
for this purpose, as it must be sowed one
spring and cannot be plowed under before the
next spring, and, as in common rotation, this
would not work very well, some other, easily-
raised crop must be looked for, and among
the handiest are rye, oats, buckwheat and
corn.

Eye is for some purposes the handiest of all
crops for this purpose, as it- can be used
where no other kind could be, except wheat,
and in this the price of the seed is much great-
er, and no better result obtained. The rye
can be sowed on corn stubbles, where it is in-
tended to plant some crop that is put out late
like tobacco, or perhaps a second time in corn,
as is done in some places. For the two crops
mentioned, the rye need not be put out very
early if other work is pressing, as it has time
to grow in the spring until the middle of May
or the beginning of June, but when it is sow-
ed very late a larger quantity of seed is need-
ed to the acre. I have seen lye that was
sowed in the beginning of December do very
fair, but it would not do good every year
sowed so late as this. The late J. B. Root, a

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

seedsman of Uockfm-d, Illinois, said that one
of tlie best crops of set'il (Mulon, I liclicvi') he
ever raised was a field of rye ho rented and
turned down in the hi jjinnins of June, this
U'iui; all tlie manure the lield received.

If in the fall, work is too pressint;, .so that
rye cannot be got out, oats would probably do
very well for croi)s that are put out late, such
as tobacco, which is sometimes not planted
until the middle of June, or a cpiick growing
corn, like Kaily t^anada or One Hundred Day
Deut, which can also be delayed until the
Idlh or l."ilh of June.

In place of letting a piece of ground intend-
ed for wheat, lie tallow, buekwiieat is some-
times sowed and [ilowed under twice before
seeding time, and is found to be very good
for the purpose, as it keeps the ground mellow
and free from weeds, the buckwheat being of
very rapid growth and smolheriug all weeds.
There is objection made against it, that in a
dry .season it makes the soil so dry that unless
a rain comet on at seeding time, the wheat
will not germinate very readily.

I have never seen corn tried, or heard of
its being tried, but I think thatan oat-.slubble
])lowed up and seeded very thick, broad-cast,
to coru, would make a suilicient growth and
prove very good for wheat. There are but
few crops "for which corn could be used, but I
have no doubt that in such ca.ses it would do
nearly as well as anything else, with the ex-
eeiition of clover.

Any green vegetable substance j)lowed un-
der is good for this purpose, even if it be only-
weeds, but with these it is very important to
plow under by blos.soming time or before, as
if the seed is allowed to ripen, the harme done
will more than overbalance the good resulting
from the decaying vegetable matter.

Green manuring, with the exception of
clover, does not really a^d any fcrtlizing mate-
rial to the soil, as with the exception men-
tioned, they draw none or so very little from
the air as to be inappreciable, and all the ma-
terials that the soil receives from the plants,
had been taken by the plants from the soil, and
so the soil is neither richer nor poorer tliau be-
fore, but the green vegetable mat ter plow-ed
under decays m a short time and leaves the
fertilizing materials contained therein in the
very best condition for them to be taken up by
the crop which is now put in. It also makes
the soil loose and mellow, the very condition
for the roots of most plants, which have thus
all opportunity for penetrating to every part
and appropriating the materials which have
been made ready for them beforehand. — A.
B. K., Safe Harbor.

^

For The Lancaster Fakmer
THE CARE OF HOGS.
Hogs are animals that require more than
coru and slop to satisfy them. They have
cravings when they are penned up that can't
be .satisfied unless \Ye give them the material
to do it with. You will notice how they root
and work down throui^h dung and everything
else to get at the dirt, and they will have it if
it is in their power to get it. And again, we
sometiiues hear and see them scraping the
boards and pen to pieces. We should try to
give them something to satisfy this desire and
craving. But not like the man that took his
club, and every time the hogs scraped the pen
or boards he would pound the hogs for doing
so. I knew an old colored wonum who did
not be so cruel. Whenever her hogs tore at
the pen, she would throw in a rotten log to
satisfy them. Again, we often notice the
hogs chewing leaves, husks, fodder, and some
of their bedding, if they have any. This
shows us that they need something to mix
in with their corn and slsp for wadding, &c.
Now we claim that tlie domesticated hog de-
serves a more generous treatment than it
usually gets. The hogs should be treated with
some luxuries to mix with their food and quiet
those cravings and uneasiness which is caused
by their being shut awav from dirt and
various kinds of herbage 'that they would
otherwise get,if running at large, according to
nature, as of old. When the Prodigal was

sent into the fields to feed sw'inc, lie '• would
fain have filled his belly with the husks that
the swine did eat," &c. Now I will mention
some things that will lu-li) to satisfy them (but
not without the cory and slop, also). Give
them ev(>ry few days S(Uiie wood or coal
ashes, with bits of coal in it ; sods when you
can get them ; husks, fodder, tree leaves, or
any other kind of lierbag<', green or dry ; weeds
and rubbish, chij) dirt, rotten wood, straw or
hay; a few raw or sweet )iotaloes, squashes
or other veiretables. A little soajisiids some-
times, is good for them, but sometimes the
slop has enough soap in the dish water
to answer the imrpose. I don't mean that
my plan is the best, but I think it is none of
the worst. It has given entire satisfaction .so
far, and I have not had a hog butchered for a
number of years, with a diseased liver. When
they are small I use the fine white shorts, or
middlings, scalded for slop. When they get
a little older I use some corn-choii along with
it. Next, bran and chop, and some whole
corn, but not much at first, but increase the
quantity as they grow up, but not as much in
hot weather as in cold winter. I use two
slop barrels in summer for shoats, always put-
ting the clio() and bran to soak and sour a lit-
tle while before filling up, using the slop in
the other barrel first. For shoats, or large
hogs, 1 use a little salt in a barrel of slop, and
all the milk and dish slojis I can get. When
the weather is set iu very cold I change to
scalding the chop, &c., for a warm slo]).
Keep them well sheltered from the cold winds
and rain or snow, &c. Have their pen clean
and a dry nest. Look if they have lice; you
can soon tell if they have any; take a little
lard and a bit of tar mixed with it, rub some
back of their ears. Fix a rail slanting across
the out pen, for them to scratch at. Card
them .sometimes and see how they like it, and
if they are very scruffy along their backs,
■ swab them with buttermilk right well along
the back, and it will loosen and come off
without much trouble. If any look sickly
use some good cattle powder in their slop.
Now, I take it for granted that nearly every-
body knows something about feeding and fat-
tening hogs; yet for the benefit of those that
are anxious to learn, I have thrown out these
hints, and still hope others may give us more
information on the suliject. I would like to
know whether ground bone or ground hay
would be any benefit for feeding hogs, &c. —
John B. Erb, Lime Valley.

ESSAY ON TOBACCO CULTURE.*

It is an encouraging sight, aiKl it affords me
a peculiar pleasure, to see the husbandmen of
our great county assendiled together for the
purpose of elaborating and discussing jilans
for growing tobacco, which is becoming — if it
has not already become — one of the most pro-
fitable crops of Lancaster county. But in
order to "make it pay" in the entl, we must
manage to grow it without impoverishing the
soil — yea, even increasing the fertility of our
land.

We should remember that tobacco leaves
nothing in the soil for manure, and therefore,
under ordinary circumstiuices, it is not profit-
able to the land, and should be grown with
considerations having reference to this fact.
Those farmers who are not making and using
more than an ordinary amount of maiuue,
noraiiplying any nioretlian an ordinaiy quan-
tity of lime, should limit themselves "accord-
ingly, or they may eventually lose in other
crops what they gain iu tobacco. Without an
effective forearming in obedience to this fore-
warning, a time will surely couic when far-
mers will realize that iu their anxiety to ob-
tain the "golden egg," they have destroyed
the prolific "goose." Nor should any farmer
put out more tobacco than he can well attend
to, as one good acre is worth more than two
bad ones, and one good leaf is worth as much
as five bad ones.

Out of the 320,000,000 pounds gi'own on

• Read before the Tob-icco Growera' Afisocjation of Lan-
caster Couuty, November 20, 1S76, by Peter 8. Keist.

427,000 acres of land, and realizing S1(),IKI0,-
(K)0, which was the tobacco ))roduct of the
United States for one year, I'ennsylvania pro-
duced comparatively a small (piantity ; Vir-
ginia very largely taking the lead. "Locally
considered, Lancaster county takes tiie lead
of any other similar district in the United
.States iu its production of tobacco. The
Miami Valley, in t)hio, produced 12,000,000
pounds, worth more than S2, 000, 000. Coun-
ties in smaller tobacco-growing localities, as
In Connecticut, Virginia and A^irtli Carolina,
are increasing very rapidly. Brazil, South
America, exports over 100,000,000 pounds
annually.

A iiamphlet written by a gentleman in Vir-
ginia, on the culture and curing of tobacco,
describes a steaming process to fix the color
of the plant, which increases its value nearly
one hundred jier cent. An article on the
subject from .lapan .states that in that country
they raise 4,000 pounds on an acre, which
sells at four cents a pound, realizing $100.
They use twenty dollars' worth of manure to
the acre, subsoiling their land, and picking it
three times.

In the successful cultivation of tobacco, the
three leading essentials are,fr.flh/, good land ;
seronill;/, good tillage ; and thirdly, a good
season. The proper prei)aration of our tobacco
land retpiires good barnyard manure, or almost
any other good kind of fertilizer, and lime ;
barnyard manure being the cheapest, and is
one of the greatest advantages of our Lancas-
tes couuty farmers, who feed their grain into
their stock, and thus keep up the fertility of
their lands. Those who can burn their own
lime with coal at $2.50 per ton, have an ad-
ditional advantage.

Hauling the manure on the land in the fall,
and jilowing it under, and about one hundred
bushels of lime to the acre in the spring, also
ploughed under, is now advocated veiy
strongly, as a ueces.sary preparation of the
soil. About two weeks before planting time,
the ground should be cultivated and rolled, as
the saying is, "like a garden." It should
then be ridged and marked off — as each one
may think best— about 3i feet by 30 inches to
be ready by the first of June.

Plant at such times when the sun is not too
hot ; and should a "dry spell" take place, I
would recommend covers made ol small
boards. I would here mention that some of
my farmer neighbors have about 2,000, what
they call "little houses," made of thin boards,
with the use of which, they were very success-
ful. When the plants are jiroperly started,
keep the weeds down with hoe cultivation, or
any other implement. to make the ground loose
and mellow. Top your tobacci* from the tenth
to the twentieth leaf, according to the season
and growth, so that the top leaves may be the
largest. When ripe, cut it with a hatchet or
a cutter, as a knife will be very apt to make
your hand sore. The precise ripening period
1 will not attempt to instruct you in ; but I
judge, l)y the yellowish spots, and the yellow-
ish tinge of the whole leaf.

After the plants are wilted, we string them
up on inch by half-inch laths, and hang
them on a scaffold in the fields for about two
days, when we haul them home on a scaffold
w'agon that will hold about one hundred laths.
I prefer to sort it into three qualitiesorkinds,
and pile it up in a proper place, when in my
estimation the yrower''s work terminates, ex-
cept to sell it to the packer, and to deliver it
as soon as it is sold. It is perhaps, unnecessaiy
to say that, as a general thing, tobacco should
not lie handled in very dry weather, or at
least, not when the idant becomes dry, crispy,
or brittle ; as much of it may become lost or
damaged.

Much might be said yet in regard to seed-
beds ; the best kinds of fertilizers; preparing
the land ; jilanting and cultivating ; sncker-
ingand topping; cutting and curing; shipping,
selling, etc., which I will leave to the special
experience of the grower. I may suggest,
however, in conclusion, that Lancaster
county and Pennsylvania have advantages
not possessed by any other locality in the

4

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ januai'y,

Union, on account of their lime and barn-
yard manure facilities, and wliich are made
and abound to a greater extent here than
elsewhere.

Of course, every tobacco grower will have
his own individual experiences to guide him
as to the best plan to pursue in reference to
his own particular locality ; for, like growing
any other crop, different situations may sug-
gest some variations in culture and general
treatment. Thanking you for your attention,
I will bring my remarks to a close.

THE YAM-

For The Lancaster Farmer.
-SWEET POTATO.

They seem to be too large for some people.
We have been raising the white, or yellow
and red yams — both yellow when cooked — and
dry and sweet, if raised in sandy soil that
lays not too low, a great many from one to
five pounds in weight; we can manage them;
but some of our good housewives in the city
seem to be afraid of them. I have sent seve-
ral barrels of them to the city, and I must
always sort out all the large ones to keep at
home. They say it takes too long to cook
them. Well, perhaps it does, if they leave
them whole; but try our plan once. Pare
them raw, slice them thin, as you do the com-
mon potato when you fry them raw stew or
fi-y them about tlie same way, season to suit,
and if done about right you will say they
don't eat bad. Xow this is one of the quick-
est ways to cook big sweet potatoes; but, as
I am no cook, I will leave others to tell how
to do it, so dont be backward, but give us
your plan. Sweet potatoes should not be
planted in heavy clay or wet land; this is one
reason why many of the country sweet pota-
toes brought to market are not good, and
townspeople don't trust to buy them. I don't
blame them, for I have tried both, and find a
great difference in the quality. Sweet pota-
toes aud other potatoes are much better if
raised in middling dry, sandy soil. The
yams should not be planted as close as
the others. I set the plants from 1.5 to 18
inches apart in the row. When making the
rows I make them a little heavier than I want
them, so that the hoe can be used freely to
scrape the grass before the vines are too long;
I keep them clean aud let theiij run. Per-
haps there is a better way, and some one will
tell us how to do it. One thing more — never
take diseased potatoes for sprouting, it affects
the new tubers, and although they may look
well, it can be detected in the quality. — Old
Cultivator, Lime Valley.

^

For The Lancaster Fariiek.
ARE FORESTS A BENEFIT TO FRUIT-
GROWING?

This question presented itself to my mind,
■when Mr. Hiller and others, at the last meet-
ing of the " Pennsylvania Fruit Growers'
Society," spoke of how fruit could be
raised forty years ago, when fruit-trees were
healthy. Now, even cherries won't do as well
as they did formerly— the trees dying in low
localities.

Forty or fifty years ago our country was not
so denuded of its forests, aud our fruit-trees
were more or less protected by forests, or
shelter belts, as a screen for fruit-trees.

The climate lias not changed as much, if
any, as some suppose, but the cold and freez-
ing north-west winds are more severe in the
absence of wind breaks. There is a difference
of from five to ten degrees between the north
and the south side of a forest. It was that
protection, which made fruit growing more
successful then than now. Then, the pear,
and all kinds of stone fruit became more per-
fect in the towns than in the open country.
The "Reading-Pear" comes to perfection in
the City of Reading, but outside of it, it is a
failure. Pears and Plums do very well in
Lancaster City, all of which is due to the pro-
tection afforded by the buildings. Grapes do
much better when sheltered, especially the
Catawba, which will succeed almost every-
where, on a trellis close to the south side of a
house. Why not then speak a good word for

forest-culture ? Ten percentum of all arable
lands ought to remain in forests. The inordi-
nate and almost universal demand for more
clear land, has been the greatest injury to
farmers and orchardiste. Ten acres out of
every hundred now cleared, ought to be given
back to forests. The ninety acres left should
be improved, and can be made fertile enough
to grow as much as a hundred now yield, and
forty-five to grow as much as fifty, or twenty-
two as much as twenty-five, and so on down
to lesser quantities proportionately. Farmers,
by planting a slielter-belt, or a screen on the
northern borders of their farms would be-
vastly benefited. It would protect their crops
from" the piercing north-west winds, and the
freezing out of their young clover.

It would protect their trees from freezing
in their trunks and branches — from freezing
during their blo.ssoming periods. The apple
and pear tree borers would be apt to more
readily find a natural nidics in the forests, in
which to deposit their eggs, instead of* apple
wood. The curculios and the apple tree
borers might find some tender place or some
congenial growth in which to deposit their
eggs, instead of in the apple or the locust
trees.

It is for this reason that the -'borers" de-
stroy all the locust trees in the west— they
have nothing else to attack. I have thrifty
young locust trees, that are free from borers
and other insects. I have }roung second
growth timber lands, which I find occasional-
ly attacked by borers, and the branches bro-
ken off them as the natural effects, but they
do not do any very material damage, and I
beheve they save my locust trees and my
fruit trees. Forests'would also be beneficial,
in inducing birds to harbor in them and mul-
tiply, and then come forth on foraging excur-
sions among our fruit trees in pursuit of in-
sects. It would afford a convenient cover
for the birds, and decrease the insects, while
it would increase the number of birds. It
would improve the farm, and become a
pleasure park for the farmer's family during
the hot summer months. It would also con-
duce to the health of the people, and it would
facilitate rain falls. It would eventually re-
turn us two-fold on what we planted, and
would make our lands more valuable. It
would make our homes more attractive, and
would afford more home enjoyment, and more
home entertainment, and make country life
far more pleasant than town life. — L. S. R.
Oregon, 1877.

EGYPT.

Alexandria, .Ian. 1, 1877.

Egypt is a very old country, dating back
far beyond history. It possesses some natural
advantages, but owes all its prosperity to the
grand old Nile river, which has never failed
for at least nearly seven thousand years, or as
long as we have any record, to bring down a
flood of warm water every year from tlie south,
overflowing the land, making the heart of the
husbandman glad with bountiful crops, and all
the people rejoice, for they are entirely depend-
ent on the Nile river for the water so necessary
to sustain life. The Arabs say this water
comes from heaven.

They never have any rain in Egypt, of any
consequence, except along the sea-coast. At
Alexandria they may have six or eight rainy
days, while at Cairo, they will only have three
or four light showers during the year, and once
in eight or ten years having a heavy rain storm.

* The striped "apple tree borer," (Saperda bioittata)
originally bred in the hawthorn, aud there is every reason
to believe that an apple orchard surrounded by a Hawthorn
hedge would be greatly protected by such a hedge. Or, if
this was not desirable, then clusters of hawthorn planted
at suitable points in the orchard, or in proximity to it,
would no doubt have a beneficial efiect. The first specimen
of this borer we ever obtained (about thirty years ago) we
captured on a hawthorn hedge, and there is the place we
usually- looked for them. We also believe that wild cherry
trees and gum trees would attract curculios and birds to
feed upon them, and thus afford protection to our domestic
fruits. We have often seen the wild cherry fourfold more
infested by the curculio than we ever did the cultivated
kinds. Such trees would, at least, atl'ord these insects a
place of resort if we molested them by the application of
domestic remedies, and prevented them from returning and
resumiug the attack. — Ed.

They have many canals intersecting the coun-
try, and depend entirely on the Nile to supply
the water for irrigation, to protluce the crops.

I was up the country in Egypt during high
Nile. It was a great novelty to me to see a
great flood covering nearly the whole country,
where it seldom rains. Tlie Nile begins to rise
the last of .Tune, attains its height about the
middle of September, when it slowly falls dur-
ing three months. The difference between
high and low Nile is aljout twenty-eight feet.
It was a singular sight to see many large vil-
lages entirely surrounded with water ten or
twelve feet deep for three or four months.
When the water retires it leaves the land very
rich, and the hu.sbandnian is sure of a good
crop if he half works, for the sky is always
bright, and the sunshine warm all the year
round. In most sections of the delta of the
Nile the water covers the land about two feet,
for a short period during high Nile. After the
water retires, during the month of November,
they put in their wheat, which grows all winter,
and is ready to harvest in April or May. They
sometimes grow two or three crops on the
same land, during the season. If it were not
for the noble Nile river this whole coimtry
would be one vast drifting, sandy desert, desti-
tute of vegetation or inhabitants, for the only
land that can be cultivated is along the bottom
land of this river.

Cotton, corn, wheat, barley and sugar, with
dates, oranges and bananas, are the chief
products. Cotton is perhaps the most valuable
product ; has only been cultivated in this
country some fifty years, and yet there is a large
amount grown, and mostly shipped to Eng-
land. Some good cotton is raised, but the
large portion I should say is not equal to our
Arnerican cotton, but they can grow first-class
cotton here ; the stalk is used for fuel. They
do not know how to grow corn. They "rough"
it in by sowing, do not generally cultivate it
and work among it as we do ; consequently
they have very small ears, and they cultivate
only the smair,hard flinty variety. Their wheat
is splendid, with a fine plump kernel, always
producing a good crop, and strange to say, I
never have seen a good, bright, clean lot in
market. It is always mixed, more or less,
with dirt, owing to threshing the grain on the
ground, and cleaning it by throwing it up
against the wind, which leaves more or less
lumps of dirt among the grain. These people
have not money to buy a fanning mill, nor
have they sense enough to use one if it was
given to them. No threshing machines, no
mowers and reapers, nor any barns to put
tliem in if they had them. They have a thing
they call a plow, which is enough to scare the
cows. It is constructed as follows : A straight
piece of timber some eight inches square and
about three and a half feet long, with a kind
of a shovel on the end, about six or eight
inches broad ; the beam is a crooked-stick
framed iii, extending and fastened to the yoke
of the cattle or buffaloes, which are always
used in plowing. A straight stick with a pin
stuck through and standing perpendicular
almft the beam, finishes the plow. With this
thing they plow backward and forward on one
side of the land, rooting up the ground some,
about two or three inches deep. A few of our
enterprising western hogs would do a far bet-
ter job of rooting up the land. Well, no mat-
ter about the plowing, the Nile water will
bring them a crop anyhow. It would be of no
use to give these people good agricultural
machinery, for they have not sense enough to
use it.

After the Nile has fallen and the crops put
in, the land must be irrigated with water at
once. All through the delta of the Nile they
have canals and ditches convenient for water-
ing the crops, which is generally drawn up
with a bucket aud sweep into a small ditch
about one foot higher than the land. Then
water is let on, enough to soak the land well,
which must be repeated several times for each
crop during the season. This takes time and
labor, but makes a sure thing of a good crop,
for the sun shines warm every day the year
round, with no cold, soiu- weather to trouble

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

the husbandman. These Ejjjiitians do about
the .saiiu- kind of fainiinj; at the present day
that was (Uine by their forefathers four or five
tlioiisand yeans aj;o Manure is used for fuel
-not put an llie land.

The eaniel is the most valuable donie.stic
animal ; in faet, the cmly one whieh ean suc-
cessfully cress these vast deserts. They are
healthy, re<iuire no shoeing; their feet are
very elastic, spreading right out when they
come to the ground. They are faithful, ready
and willing io go anywliere at all times ; will
carry about seven Imndrcd pounds ; will easily
travel from twenty to thirty miles a day, and
more it neees.saj^' ; a homely, good animal,
always obedient to their Arab masters. A
little donkey generally leads the head camel
of a caravan. This honesl, intelligent little
animal will go straight ahead, and never turn
to tlie right or left. They are the principal
riding animal in the cities, and quite pleas;uit
to jog along on ; besides, they will carry a
good load.

Of the horned cattle, tlu^ bntl'alo, native
lireedjis the most valuable. Heavy built, with
scarcely any hair on his black hide, black
liorns, sloping back, they make very good,
hardy oxen. They like to go into the water
durimr the middle of the day and lay a long
time with only their nose and eyes out of the
water. When in the herd they do not asso-
ciate with other cattle. This breed is quite
healthy, while other cattle die with the mur-
rain. " This is not a good cattle-growing sec-
tion. The market beef is of poor quality.
Tliey have a few large, coarse wool, black
sheep, which make fair mutton. Poultry is
easily gi-own in this warm, dry climate, but I
think the}' have more^poultr}' than corn, for
they are generally quite poor. The Egyptians
are surrounded with live stock, counting in
fleas, mosquitoes, lice, bugs, and other insects
of this kind too niunerous to mention.

The agricultural class of the delta of the
Nile live in comiiact villages of mud hovels,
which are very tiirht, with .scarcely any light,
built on a bit of land raised a few feet above
high Xile. While living in a very rich
country of land, they are tlie poorest and most
ignorant class I have yet seen. The Arab
Egyptians are a tall, well built people, who
have never been hampered by the rules of
civilized society. These iVrab women in their
loose flowing dresses, which are tight only
around the neck, have nothing to prevent that
round, full development of figure .which is so
much admired in civilized life and so rarely
seen. It is wonderful to see these tall, straight
Arab women carry a heavy water jar full of
water on their heads, whitdi they carry a long
distance, barefooted, with that easy, graceful
motion which cannot be imitated by tlie high-
heeled beauties of our own country.

The finances of Egypt are worth the study
of our pcoi)le. The present Khedive of Egypt,
Ismail Pasha, succeeded to this title in 1863.
He was educated in P.aris with lofty ideas,
and his will is the supreme law of tile laud.
Egypt nominally owes allegiance to Turkey,
but is practicallv independent by paying the
heavy sum of $UOO,OU(J per year.

Upon assuming the title of Khedive he em-
barked in all the grand enterprises of the day,
by constructing raihvays and canals, running
steam vesseLs, the Grand Hotel at Cairo, sugar
plantations, etc. All this business done on
foreign capital, borrowed at a heavy rate of
hiterest, some of it at 10 and 12 percent; the
English contractors securing fat jobs ; the
flood tide of prosperity running high; every-
body making money ; never was such times
known in Egypt before. Foreigners embark-
ed largely in the business of the country when
business was so good ; rents advanced rapidly,
and livins: was high. But pay-day came at
last, and the Khedive could not pay his in-
terest, nor could lie get any more money, for
it was soon ascertained that he had swamped
the country iu a hopeless indebtedness. Then
came the cra.sh.with many failures, and Egypt
is now suffering sorely from misnianageraent.
It will never recover its former prosperity.
The population of this country is only 7,000,-

000, and the richness of the country has been
overrated. There is only a strip of land along
the Nile, not very wide — excepting the delta
of the Nile, which is from M to l.'id miles wide
— that is rich. All the rest of the country is
a howling desert.

I have been on the top of .several of the
highest cathedrals of Eurojic, ami in some low
places too, yet have never had such a splendid
view as wlien standing on the top of the great
jiyramid of Cheops, the highest in the world,
vvith fully ten miles of water in front ; many
large villages surrounded with deep water ;
the date palm seen all around, with some speci-
mens nearly KM) feet high. The grand old
Nile, with its i.slands, coidd be seen a long
distance iu the clear atmosphere ; some
twenty-five pyramids in full view, and here I
saw the great howling desert wilderness for
the first time, which was a great curiosity to
me ; the blowing sand was drifting all around
below us— a solitary, dismal looking place in-
deed.

These pyramids are old settlers, according
to the estimate of M. Mariette, who has de-
voted a lifetime to the- study of Egyptian
antiquities, in the emplo}' of the Khedive.
He has collected and arranged the museiun at
Cairo, the most valuable collection of Egyp-
tian antiquities in the world. The Engli.sh
residents and all other clas.ses consider him
the best authority. According to his calcula-
tion the great Cheops pyramid was built 4'i.3.5
years B. C. The first known king of Egypt
lived .5004 years B. C. In addition to other
evidence, recent discoveries appear to confirm
these figures. This pyramid covers twelve
acres of land, and is 460 feet high; construct-
ed solid, of heavy block stone, some of which
are thirty feet long, three feet thick, and six
feet wide, of a beautiful white limestone.
The inside chamber is constructed of heavy
blocks, each weighing several tons, of red
granite, and fitted together as closely as i)os-
sible. They were brought from the Upper
Nile, over .500 miles. There are about 100
])yramids scattered along the banks of the
Nile, inside of fifty miles. Two or three
others are nearly as large as this one, but
many are small. One hundred thousand men
Were occupied ten years in getting ready, and
;560,000 men spent twenty years in building
the great Cheops pyramid. The mind can
scarcely comprehend the magnitude of this
great heathen temple.

According to the hieroglyphics, in the days
of the pyramids, Egypt conquered all the sur-
rounding nations, and placed her frontier
wherever she pleased. Slie has since been
conquered seven or eight times, and at the
present day is hardly capable of self-govern-
ment. These people are not wanting in intel-
lect. The whole secret of the matter is, the
masses of the people are not educated. This
is a lesson that our American jieople should
leant over and over again — to educate the
working classes.

After living among these dark-skitmed
Turks and Arabst over four mouths, I long to
once more get among the white Christian na-
tions, and my course now will be in that di-
rection.

A happy New Years to the readers of The
F All M Eli. They may all thank God that
they live in our own blessed country. — D. C.
Michmond-

TWENTY MILLIONS IN BEEF.

The Ups and Downs of Cattle Raising on the
Plains.

A special correspondent of the New York
World writes from Denver, Col.:

A good share of the best beef in the western
markets comes from the plains of Colorado
and Wyoming. The supply is increasing
overy year, ;is the shipments from the cattle
yards at Cheyenne, Denver. Deer Trail, Las
Animas, and "other points show. The best
ranges are now largely occupied, and the val-
leys of the Platte, Republican and Upper Ar-
kansas fairly swarm with cattle. Some of the
best known Texas drovers have removed their

herds from the Bed Biver country to the
Platte. John Hittson's great ranch on the
Bijou, a tributary of the Platte, where his
herd of 40,000 are grazing, and the ranches of
.John W. Ilili; .1. P. Farmer and other "cattle
kings," now located in Colorado, are ex-
amples. The .State auditor's books show that
there are a half million head of cattle witiiin
our borders, and over 200,000 in Wyoming.
As large numbers escape assessment l")y being
transferred over the line, back and forth, at
the proper season, it woidd be a fair estimate
to say that tliere are around million of cattle
grazing in the two territories. They are
worth from SlO,000,000 to $12,000,000, and
when marketed at Kansas City or Omaha,
twice that sum. Last year's shipments from
( 'olorado were estimated at 00,000 head, worth
in market $2,700,000 ; and the shipments
from the Laramie plains in AVyoming over
25,000— showing in round numbers a jjroduct
of about $.'i, 500,000 in beef raised for market
on the western borders of the " Great Ameri-
can Desert."

The shipping season is generally from Au-
gust to November. Sometimes the drovers
hold back, as they did this sea.sou, for better
prices, resulting in a great rush for the mar-
ket the latter half of October and the first
two weeks in November, taxing the railroads
beyond their cai)aeity. There are now await-
ing shipment, between Denver and Kit Car-
son, on the Kansas Pacific, from Pueblo to
Las Animas, on the Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe, and from Cheyenne to .Julesburg,
on tiie LTnion Pacific, thirty or forty thousand
head of cattle, wliicli will be got into market
as rapidlv as cars can be provided. During
October there were 460 car loads taken east-
ward from points on the Uiuon Pacific rail-
road, most of them being loaded at Cheyenne
aud .Julesburg, and coming from the herds on
the Laramie plains and Platte valley. For
the four months ending with October, 1,.561
car loads had been shipi)ed from these points.
The shipments by the Kansas Pacific from
Denver, Box Elder, Biver Bend, Deer Trail,
Kit Carson and Las Animas during the past
two months have been very large. One hun-
dred and fifty-three ear loads were shipped
from Las Animas alone during October. The
total .shipments for the sea.son from the above
stations have probably been 20,000 head. The
Atchison, Toi)eka and Santa Fe line has stock
yards at Pueblo, West Las Animas, Granada
and one or two other points within Colorado.
Their slijpments have been considerable, but I
could not obtain the figures. Last season they
took 8,043 head from Las Animas and 8,074
from Granada. Large numbers bound for
the eastern markets were driven out of the
State, feeding leisurely along, and finally
loaded on the cars at Dodge City, Great
Bend or AVichita, from which stations there
were forwarded in four months .17,875 head.
It seems probable that there will have been
shipped out of Colorado and Wyoming during
this season over one hundred and twenty-five
thousand fat beeves for the markets of the
Missouri and Jilississippi valleys. Had better
prices prevailed, especially the past month,
the exports would have been much greater.
Shipping dressed beef to market is carried on
at two or three points, and is a business of
some magnitude. The slaughter houses at
West Las Animas put up and sent into east-
ern markets over twenty thousand head in
this way last winter. The prospects are that
very large shipments will be made during the
next tluree months. It will depend on the
markets. Beef is now low, and all who are
not obliged to tinn their beeves into money,
will hold on for better times. Good steers
bring 2.} cents per imund on the hoof, from
one-half to one per cent, less than last sea-
son. Ordinary Texans rule so low that
neither buyer nor drover cares to market
them. The drovers on the i)lains are giving
a good deal of attention to "breeding up."
Large numbers of thoroughbred bulls have
been introduced. The old Texas stock is fast
disappearing, and the young improved half-
breeds, which make choicest beef and are far

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[January,

more marketable, take their place. As a re-
sult, there is an increasing demand for the
plains cattle. The Texas herders see this,
and out of last season's " drives" from the
Red Elver country, numbering: about 350,000
head of cattle, about one-third, instead of
being marketed, were driven westward to
feed until another season, and then to be
shipped east as Colorado or Laramie plains
beef.

While five or six 3'ears ago cattle in this
section were herded in sufficient quantities
only for the limited local demand, such as
comes from the scattering settlements and
military posts, and the business did not at-
tract much attention, it is now grown to such
importance that it seems likely in a few years
to be more extensive and profitable than gold
or silver mining. The returns are large, and
it is noticeable that a greater share of the cap-
ital that has come this way during the last
year has been put into stock as the safest
and best investment. There are large num-
bers of moneyed men, out of health, who have
their cattle ranch on the plains or in the parks
and are getting the double returns of restored
health and multiplied ducats.

The tendency to go into the cattle business
in a large way seems to be growing. The
amount of capital represented in some of the
herds is sufficient to run a national bank.
Five hundred or a thousand cattle are looked
upon as of verv small account, although from
$10,000 to $-20^000 is represented. The aver-
age herds run from 1,000 to 3,000 head.
There are manv having from 8,000 to 10,000,
and several from 20,000 to 40,000. At only
SIO through and through here is from .$200,"-
000 to S400,000 in a single herd, to say noth-
ing of the corrals, the hundreds of ponies, the
hired "cow-boys," the grain and feed in store,
and the reserve fund necessary in handling
such a "bunch" of cattle. While most of the
herds are owned by individuals and firms, the
capital invested is larger than that actually
employed bv companies in working some of
the most extensive gold and silver mines of
the Rocky mountains.

It is estimated that there are 40,000 square
miles of grazing lands, fit for herding and
nothing else, west of the Kansas borders, be-
tween the Union Pacific and Atchison, To-
peka and Santa Fe railfoads. Owing to the
rapid increase of cattle, many of the best
ranges have been eaten off, so that new
ranches, bandy to water, are at all times
sought for. The sheep men have baen grad-
ually invading this field. Grazing as they
both do upon the public domain, the only
right one has over the other is priority of
settlement. The states and territories cannot
legislate upon the matter. Quarrels have at
times come up, and at one time, two years
ago, there was such a bitter feeling that con-
siderable numbers of sheep were killed by the
cattle men, followed by retaliation in kind.
The two interests seem to be antagonistic,
and, as if by common consent, the sheepmen,
at least those doing business on the largest
scale, are operating south of the Arkansas
and in the San Luis valley. Northern New
Mexico is a kind of paradise for them, though
there is occasionally trouble from the fact
that cattle men are also carrying on a large
business in some parts of tliat territory. It
may not be generally known that stock rais-
ing is an extensive and profitable business in
the slow territory of New Mexico. The
largest herds are to be found there. One
man owns forty-two townships, which he has
stocked with 60,000 head of cattle. New
Mexico cattle are of an inferior grade, as no
attention has been paid to breeding up. This
is also the case with sheep, wliich in some
districts seem to cover the country for miles.
A limited number of families, mostly pure
Castilians, have absorbed and own nearly all
the flocks, prominent among whom may be
named the Armijo family, who have 2.50.000
sheep. They drive to Denver every spring
from 10,000 to 20,000 for market.

To return, however, to our subject — a talk
about cattle. It seems as if the next few

years were to lai'gely change the beef supply
of the East. Instead of coming from Texas,
as novf, the best and most will come from the
old buffalo ranges in Western Kansas, Color-
ado and Wyoming.

There are now more cattle on the plains
than ever before. Large numbers from the
Texas "drives" instead of being marketed at
once are driven westerly over the ranges to
feed a few months before being sold. Generally
cattle winter well, without shelter or much if
any feed beyond what they get by grazing.
Last winter was open and mild, without any
hard storms or severe weather. But the
winter before that was unprecedentedly cold
and thousands of cattle perished. On the
average the stockmen take chances and come
out without much loss from exposure ; but it
is found best to be prepared for storms and
extreme weather, and it is now customary
among tho most experienced herders to have
shelter and feed for their flocks during the
winter.

The plains cattle men are not wholly de-
pendent upon the ups and downs of eastern
markets. Some of them have a regular de-
mand for their beeves from the markets of
Denver, Cheyenne and the large towns of
Colorado and Wyoming, and large numbers
are driven into the mountains to supply the
miners' camps. The sales to butchers in
Denver last season amounted to $15.(J00, and
to the mountain trade $165,000. During the
past summer there has been a brisk demand
from the San Juan country and from the new
towns in the Black Hills. There has been a
good deal of risk and much loss in trying to
drive cattle into the latter region, owing to
the frequent Indian raids and stampeding ;
but where a man could get through safely he
had no trouble in disposing of his beeves at a
high price. Fat cattle are worth 8. cents per
pound on the hoof at Deadwood. At the
older settled towns along the line of the rail-
ways in Colorado and Wyoming the price of
beef is moderate, but high enough to give a
good profit to the drover. At Denver the
price is from 2^ to 3 cents. It retails in the
butcher-shops at 10 cents for round steaks,
and 15 for sirloin. The market is easily af-
fected, in an upward direction, by an over-
shipment to the East, leaving a supply of
marketable beeves short, or by a stampede in
the winter. Very often a cold, windy snow
storm will be followed by an advance, as for
instance, last spring, when beeves advanced
to 5 cents per pound on the hoof, and for
some weeks retailed at the butcher-shops at
20 to 25 cents jier pound.

But at the low prices for beef cattle now
prevailing the plains drovers have no very
discouraging outlook. What deiiresses the
Texas drover and entails upon him heavy
losses has very little effect upon the Colorado
drover. The cost of raising beeves, and the
losses by stampede, thieving and Indians, are
not nearly so great as in the Red River
country. The Colorado drover can at any
time get his beef, fat and sleek, into the
Kansas City market, right off the range, in
flye days' time, and thus take advantage of a
rise. On the other hand the method of
marketing Texas cattle is to drive them
across the country, north, to the Kansas
Pacific and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
railroads, taking generally two months' time,
and then holding them at considerable ex-
pense for feed, at the shipping points until
prices are favorable. A hurried glance at
how the Texas drover has fared in this way
ma^' be taken. He is always more or less at
the mercy of the si)eculators, wlio every
spring go down early into the cattle districts
and spread the most doleful accoiuits of the
prosi)ects for the coming season's ti'ade. If
the times are dull and the drover hard up
they have all the better chance to frighten
and sipieeze him. The result is< large
contracts for beeves, to be delivered at
such a time to certain shipping points.
:: Whole herds have, during the past few sea-
sons, often been bought up at $3 per head, or
culled out at $5 per head. This is from 25 to

.30 cents per 100 pounds gross. From the year
I860, when what is known as the annual
Texas cattle "drives" began, until this year,
the business has been a series of ups and downs,
more particularly the latter. Take, for in-
stance, the experience of 1866, when the
Southwest was undergoing the pinch of hard
times. Everybody was anxious to sell. Money
was scarce. Some who could count their long
horns by the tens of thousands could hardly
raise cash enough for their ordinary wants. In
fact, a man's poverty was almost according to
the size of his herd. The " drive" of 1866 into
western Kansas numbered 260,000 head.
The drover went forward with visions of betr
ber times and big pay for his beef but was des-
tined to meet with unlocked for difficulties.
Bands of outlaws infested the "trail," and if
they could not by some nieans make away
with the drover and steal the whole herd,
would at night time stampede the cattle in
every direction, and seize the opportunity to
gather up and hniiy off what they could.
His lo.sses were fearful, and many of the ris-
ing cattle kings were " .snuffed out." In later
years the Texas drover has been put to great
annoyance and loss by the laws of Kansas
legislature establishing "dead lines, "and com-
pelling shipments each year to be made at
points much further west, lengthening the
drives and turning them into sections where
food is short and dear.

During the past eight years about 3,000,000
Texas beeves were put upon the mai'ket. In
1874 450,000 head were handled, the cost value
of which at the shipping points in Kansas was
only §5,000,000 ; and when finally sold to
butchers and packers, $2,000,000. This was a
poor year for the business. The grasshopper
plague depressed everything. There was no
feed, and so the drovers hurried to market,
the supply being so great and the quality so
poor that prices were down, down.

The cattle-men of the plains sutler none of
these drawbacks. Stock is easily raised, mul-
tiplies fiist, and is of better quality and gen-
eralty in better condition for market than the
Texans; the drovers and old hands at the
trade give a good deal of attention to impro-
ving the breeds and are carrying on their
business in a methodical, business-like way,
and have good markets at their command, all
of which seems to point to the "Great Ameri-
can Desert" as the Texas of tlie future.

BLACKBERRIES.

Price of Berries.

Blackberries have sold readily for several
years past at from 12} to 15 cents per quart.
They will be likely to sell well for many years
to come, as they can be used in so many ways,
and the demand will increase with the supply.
Some patches will be planted on unsuitable
soil, and will not pay cost ; others, in the
most favorable locations, will be suffered to
grow at random, becoming large and rank
and producing but little fruit.

How to Raise Bountiful Crops.

To insure good crops requires close atten-
tion ; the canes should be kept thin and well
headed back ; and on jioor land an occasional
dressing of manure, muck, or fertilizer of
some kind, adds to the quantity and quality of
the fruit.

There is no necessity for the market to be
overstocked with the fruit, as it pays well to
make it into wine. Three quarts of black-
berries and three pounds of sugar, with the
addition of a little water, will make a gallon
of excellent wine, highly recouunended for its
medicinal properties, and worth $2.00 per
gallon, while new ; and its value increases
with age. All the poorer berries, those that
are too ripe to ship to market, may be pro-
perly converted into wine at home ; and only
the finest and most perfect fruit sent to mar-
ket, which will always command a fair price.
What Kinds to Plant.

Having tested over thirty varieties of black-
berries, besides many seedlings of our own
growing, we would name as those which axe

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

best estalilished : Wilson's Early, Dorchester,
Kittatiuiiv aud New Unohelle.

The Siiythn-, more ro(3eiUly introduced, is
remarkably hardy, a stron;;, vigorous grower,
very productive," though rather small, com-
jiared with several of the preeediug varieties,
yet beiug hardy and productive may always be
relied on for a full crop of fruit.

The llnosac Thoruless, so highly recom-
mended on account of having no thorns, may
be rated with Dodge's Thornless, Newman's
Tliornless, and all others of that class, which
have no other merit, their fruit being too in-
signilicant to claim attention. The white, red,
and puriile blackberries, such as Crystal
White, Col. 'Wilder and Dr. Warder, all
novelties iu their way, but of no iiractical
value in point of profit to fruit growers, have
been discarded.

Clarkson's Early, of vrhich we received a
box of ripe fruit on the 'J7th of June, a few-
days before ^\'ilson's were ripe, may prove
to be a valuable variety. 15ush and upright
grower of medium size and very productive.
Berries fair si/.e, being three-quarters of an
inch in diameter, or over two inches in circum-
ference ; ripens uniformly, the whole crop
comingoff ina short time. Like the Amsden,
Alexander, and Beatrice Peaches, their great
value consists iu their carliness. Being first
in market gives an increased value to any
good fruit.

Wilson Jr., is a seedling from the Early
Wilson, raised in 1S72, which has fruited two
years. Being so well pleased with its great
productiveness, large, early and luscious fruit,
we had the plant taken up in the latter part of
November, ISiVti, the roots cut into pieces and
bedded oiii, and now have over 1,000 strong
plants growing, which are from one to three
inches in height, and from which, in thecour.se
of another year we hope to plant a field of
them. The fruit is quite equalKo its parent in
earliness, size, and other good qualities, and
being at leasi 25 years younger, or a quarter
of a century later since it started from the
seed, w'ill be likely, by having a more vigorous
constitution, to resi.st the attacks of insects,
winch probe the canes of the Wilson's Early,
causing enlargements and obstructing the flow
of sap, and to escape the fruitless double blos-
soms so abundant on the old and weakly Wil-
son bushes.

The California blackberry, with its long,
mulberry-shaped fruit, very early, sweet and
delicious, would be a great favorite if the
canes would endure our climate, but being
only half hardy they must be protected
through the winter, which will be a serious
drawback to its extensive cultivation in this
vicinity. It sends up no suckers, but propa-
gates by tips, same as Doolittle raspberry.

The Dehiware, a seedling from the New
Rochelle, is very large, and an excellent black-
berry; ripens with the Kittatinny; bush a very
strong, vigorous grower of the largest class,
and appears to be perfectly hardy.

The Sable Queen, Sinclair, Ilolcomb, Cum-
berland, and many others tluit we have fully
tested here, were not found to be equal to the
four varieties first named, and were dis-
carded.

Origin of the most Valuable Varieties.

It is worthy of notice that all the most
valuable varieties in cultivation have been
found growing wild, and were selected and
saved on accoimt of their superiority over
others, and from the thousands of seedlings
raised, none have yet proved superior to their
pareids. May it not be attributed to the fact
that sullicient care has not been taken to mix
the pollen of difierent varieties ?

Having growni seedlings for many years
without favorable results, we have now
adopted the plan of planting some of the be.st
varieties near each other, and drawing the
branches of diff<Tent kinds together and tying
them with tarred rope yarn, so as to insure
the admixture of the pollen of many flowers,
thereby combining qualities in their seedlings
which could in no other way be found in the
same fruit.

If as much care and attention were bestowed

in selecting and propagating new seedling
blackberries as have been with the strawberry
and grape, we might yet obtain varieties even
superior to those that are now cultivated.

Yield and Profit.
The yield and juice of blackberries vary,
like other fruit crops, with the surrounding
circumstances. We have known some i)lanta-
tions to yield aninially ^400 per acre, and up-
wards, for several years in succession, while
others did not pay more than lialf that
amount. Having kept a record of the yield
and sale of our blackberries for fourteen
years past, we find the average to be about as
follows, viz: Price fourteen cents per ipiart,
and yiehl 2,200 <iuarts per acre; which gives
the following results :

Commission .it 10 per cent g'lO.SO

Piekiiig 2,200 quarts at 11.^ cents 33.00

Use of boxes 10.00

Frunins;, cultivating, &c .34.20

Net profit per acre 200.00

Gross sales 3,200 qts. per acre, at He §308.00

Sometimes we hear of extravagant reports,
calculated from the product of a small lot up
to what ten or twenty acres under similar cir-
cumstances woidd yield. A safer rule is to
take the acres and see what they have jiro-
duced. By refererencc to tlie report of tiie
West Jersey Fruit Growers' Association, who
appointed committees to collect the returns
from all tlie fruit growers in the neighbor-
hood, it will be found that 770 acres of land,
in strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
produced the sum of nearly 8200,000, or about
$2.50 per acre.

The cultivation of blacliberries should al-
ways have strawberries and raspberries to
precede them, as the same pickers, crates and
baskets will serve for all, and there is less dif-
ficulty in keeping the pickers to finish up the
raspberries where there is a field of blackber-
ries ready to enter when the others are done.
— Wm. Parry.

CHOICE WINTER FLOWERS.

A Ramble through the Newport Greenhouses.

Tons of Blossoms — How they are Grown,

and the Prices Paid for Them.

Newport, R. I., Jan. 0, 1877.
We hear much of Newport in summer, but
of Newport in winter little; and yet the at-
tractions of one season are quite equaled by
those of the other. The flowes uo longer
bloom on the lawn or around the doorstep,
but they are still liere in the greatest abund-
ance. The conservatories are all full, many
of them to repletion. Those that are owned
by florists are well patronized, and the con-
servatories of non-residents are taxed to meet
the owners' wants in town. From tlie latter
boxes of flowers are sent to the city mansions
on regular days the winter through — superb
boxes of roses, carnations, lilies of the valley,
violets, heliotropes and other flowers, valued
alike for their fragrance and their color ; and
like boxes are daily sent by florists to their
customers — dealers in the larger cities. The
quantity of flowers raised is marvelous, and
the deniand is never .slack till the advent of
spring and the return of blossoms in the
garden.

The Newport Greenhouees.

In these conservatories will be found all
that is rare and beautiful in horticulture.
From the rafters hang orchids from tlie
jungles of Asia and the swamps of South
America ; and in the shady spots will be
found the most delicate ferns. Here is a
banana rejoicing in a wealth of broad leaves
and a pendant bunch of fruit that will be slow
to ripen ; tubs of azaleas not yet in bloom,
for they will be kept back till Easter ; a
scarlet passion flower hanging in festoons
overhead, heliotropes trained to run on a wall
like a vine, and orange and lemon trees, in
fruit or flower at one and the same time ; with
thousands and tens of thousands of other
plants that are equally beautiful and are sure
to attract attention. But there are uo

flowers more admired than the orchids when
they are in bloom.

(Jrchids are supposed to require a great de-
gree of heat — so great that it has been found
necessary by persons who would cultivate
them to any extent to build houses for tlie
express purpose, the heat required being too
great for otlier plants .save the iiiucapple and
banana. But a fmv years ago the idea was
broached in I'higland that the thing was over-
done, and that while orchids from the hot,
damp jungles of Asia might need excessive
heat, those from Brazil and the Andes, on the
contrary, did better with a cool treatment,
and bloomed mor(; freely in a temperature of
40 degrees. Experience has not confirmed
this, but it has been found that tliey will do
well in the atmosphere of an ordinary green-
house.

Some Statistics of Flower Selling.

But the florists who raise flowers only for
the market give little heed to the culture of
other than jiaying plants — ]ilants that yield
a direct return for the time and trouble ex-
pended on them ; and so large has the busi-
ness become that men engaged in it find it to
their interest to take u)) one or two varieties
to the exclusion of all others. One florist, for
example, makes a specialty of lilies of the
valley, raising them in the greatest quantities,
while others only raise enough to meet a local
demand. Another, who is also a great grape
grower, devotes himself iiarticularly to roses,
and has si)ared no expense to jjcifect his col-
lection, having made repeated visits to Europe
to secure all that is desirable in his depart-
ment. A third divides his time between
violets and roses. Some notion of the business
may be formed from the number of flowers
sent from here to market in Boston, Provi-
dence, New York and Philadelphia, but
chiefly New York, between the first of Novem-
ber and the first of May. In 1871 there were
.shipped about flfty-six hundred dozen rose
buds at an average wholesale price of one
dollar twelve and a half cents per dozen ; in
1872 about eighty-five hundred dozen at an
average of one dollar a dozen ; in 1873 about
twelve thousand dozen at an average of
eighty-seven and a half cents ; in 1874 about
seventeen thousand dozen at an average of
seventy-five cents; in 1875 about twenty thou-
.sand dozen at an average of sixty-two and a
half cents, and during the present season about
twenty-five thousand dozen at an average of
fifty cents per dozen. Thus, with a constant
decline in the price, there has been a rapid in-
crease in the quantity raised. Of violets
there are a hundred thousand raised and for-
warded, one florist supplying one-half that
number ; of carnations fifty thousand ; of
lilies of the valley more than one hundred
tiiousand ; and of mixed flowers from fifty
thousand to one hundred thousand. This is
exclusive of flowers raised for this market, and
exclusive also of theyield of private conserva-
tories, which are sent to the owners as often
as once a week, and frequently at shorter in-
tervals.

The Flowers that are Sold.

It is the bud of the tea rose that attracts
most attention. Formerly it was the jajionica
that stood the -highest, but the latter is now
only cultivated to form a variety, for it has no
market value. One house iu England has
been engaged in raising camellias for fifty
years, having for that purpose a house two
hundred feet long, eighteen feet wide and
fourteen feet high, stocked with Chandlerii,
Elajnns Formosa and other leading varieties,
some of them ten and twelve feet high and
producing two thou.sand buds hi the course of
a season.

The Rose Tree Jungles.

One who has not seen these beds of roses
can have no idea of their size and beauty.
There are long liouses — liousc after house —
filled with bushes. In some of these houses
the bushes are so massed together as to seem
almost like a jungle— tea roses, as high as one
can reach, and covered with the greatest pro-
fusion of buds all fresh and vigorous and free

8

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[January,

from blemishes and insects, the roots fed with
a rich compost, and the water witli wliich they
are showered warmed by steam to the proper
temperature. Tliere is not only art in culti-
vating the rose, but also skill and experience
in bringing the buds into market in a salable
condition. A full-blown or even a half-blown
rose has no market value. It is only the bud,
just ready to open, that finds many admirers.
We may well imagine, then, that the plant is
carefully watehed, and the bud cut the mo-
ment it is sufficiently developed. When cut,
it is put into a chest, where it can be kept
moist and at a low temperature till it is time
to pack the daily yield in moss and cotton and
forward it to its destination. Treated in this
way the buds will appear on the dealer's
counter in a distant city as fresh as when cut
from the parent stem.

Some of the Favorite Roses.
Additions are made every year to.the list of
popular roses, which soon give way to others.
Comparatively few run through a succession
of years. Here and there one comes into no-
tice with qualities that enables it to hold its
own against all competitors; the Noisette
roses, Marechal Niel and the Gloire de Dijon,
for example; the one yellow and the other
buff', which, though they have been known
for a number of years, are in such demand
that they readily sell at twenty five dollars
per hundred at wholesale. Some of the old
favorites that are still marketable at fifty or
sixty cents per dozen, are the Bon Silpne, a
pink bud; Pauline Labout, flesh color; Isabella
Sprunt, orange yellow; Madame Falcot, or-
ange, and Niphetos, pale lemon to white.
Some of the choicest new varieties are the
Prince Camille de Rvkan, a rich dark maroon;
Monsieur Paul Venin, a pale soft rose, of
great size and very full; Madame Lacharme,
the most popular white hybrid, and CajJtain
Christy, tlie best blush hybrid. These all sell
readily at twenty-five dollars a hundred. Of
tea roses, the favorites are the Duchens of Ed-
inburg, very pale flower, and quite new; Em-
press of Russia, pule pink; Perk, de Lyon, so
large and fine that it requires a good judge to
distinguish it from the Marechal JSiel, Corne-
lia Cook, a large white rose, and Jean Ducher,
a large and fine salmon, inclining to yellow.
These command twenty dollars per hundred.
The Rose in History and Tradition.
In certain districts in Italy the red rose is
looked upon as emblem of early death, and to
scatter its leaves on the ground is tliought to
be an evil omen. In the reign of Henry
VIIL, "to smell the Redde rose and to washe
the temples with the water of the Redde rose"
was accounted "an evell to the brayne;"
which superstition probably grew out of the
belief that the oil of the red rose was an as-
tringent and that of the white rose a laxative.
On the 10th of June the Jacobites wore a
white rose in their button holes to mark the
birthday of the Pretender — a custom that was
continued down to a very late date. The
rose was once used as a token of office, and
as such was worn by ambassadors, as ap-
pears from the state papers of Edward VI.
Violets.
There are many varieties of the violet
known to the fiorists, but the Neapolitan is
the favorite for winter culture. It is a
strong, healthy grower, very prolific, and of-
fers a full double flower, highly scented. Its
treatment is very simple, but withal it is ex-
acting, and if its requirements are not met
the returns will be small. It needs light,
some warmth (bottom heat is best) and a dry
air. Dampness is fatal to it. When coming
forward, preparatory to blooming, it should
be watered, but when in flower it does better
if the surface of the soil is kept dry. Air it
needs, and it is usual to give it an ample sup-
ply when the temperature will allow. At no
time after it begins to bloom should the light
be shut off. Wlien, in the spring, the rays of
the sun become so powerful as to fade out the
color, .some judgment must be used in screen-
ing it at midday. If violets are left immers-
ed in water for a time, they will throw off

their fragrance and impart it to the water;
and an ancient Gaelic receipt makes the vio-
let even more potent: "Anoint thy face with
goat's milk in which violets have been infus-
ed, and there is not a young prince upon earth
who will not be charmed with thy beauty."
Athens was called the "violet-crowned city,"
and Napoleon was known not only as "the
Little Corporal," but also as "Papa la Vio-
lette." Violet is the flower of the Napoleon
family, and is worn by its supporters. So
great was the demand for violets at Chisel-
hurst at the time of the death of the late Em-
peror that the ordinary penny bunch sold
readily for six pence and even a shilhng. Of
native violets there are eight or ten varieties
in this country, and while they are more or
less fragrant their odor is not to be compared
with that of tlie cultivated plant. One has
little difficulty in finding in the moist places
in the woods in early spring the spade leaf,
the hood leaf, the arrow leaf, the white and
other varieties with which we have been fa-
miliar from childhood.

Carnations and other Flowers.
Mrs. Quickly said of the dead Falstaff that
he did not like carnation ; possibly he felt that
it did not suit his complexion. There are
many varieties of carnations, but they may all
be classed under three heads — Flalce, Bizarre
and Picotee. The Plal-es are striped in two
colors on a white ground ; as, for example,
the Attila, which is scarlet and white. The
Bizzarre has irregular stripes on a plain
ground, and the Picotecs have a border with a
narrow margin of a darker color, or one pro-
fusely dotted with small spots. Its edge is
serrated, or cut. In colors we have the Bella
Zora, or salmon pink, striped and mottled
with crimson ; the Cassandra, a bright cerise ;
the Union, a crimson and white, and many
others. To have the carnation in perfection
the petals must be symmetrically arranged,
the colors bright and clear, the contrasts
strong and marked, and no blending of color
with another. The white, wherever it ap-
pears, must be of spotless purity, and there
must be no splitting of the full and well-de-
veloped pod. This last is difficult to manage.
Cultivators who raise but a few may tie the
pod to prevent the splitting when it is ready
to bloom ; but this cannot be done where car-
nations are raised in considerable quantities.
The lily of the valley blooms readily in
winter under proper treatment. The bulbs
are kept in a dark place till wanted, and
when brought out they must be gradually
accustomed to the light, for a sudden exposure
injures them, A week is required to bring
them from the darkness of a cellar to the
strong light of the forcing house. When they
are wanted they are subjected to a bottom
heat of sixty or seventy degrees. The art of
raising lilies for market in winter is so well
understood that a florist can take an order for
a given day with the certainty that he can fill
it, for he knows exactly how long it will take
for the bulbs to blossom. It is only the
flower that we get in forcing lilies of the
valley, for the leaf does not come forward
when the jilant is subjected to this treat-
ment.

But something green is wanted to bind up
with flowers, whether lilies, roses or carna-
tions. To this end the rose geranium is cul-
tivated, for its leaves attbrd a delicious per-
fume with the desired color. Smilax is also
highly esteemed, for it is very graceful and
has a bright, fresh color. At one time there
was a great demand for smila.x, not only for
ordinary use, but also to loop up dresses,
wreath the hair, and add to the charm and
grace of baskets of cut flowers. It will not
easily go out of fashion, for its place cannot
be filled, but it is not so much called for as it
once was. The culture requires care and at-
tention, for every shoot must have a string
on which to clhnb, otherwise the vines .would
soon become hopelessly tangled. Attention
is also paid to forcing lilies, callas and azaleas
— all white flowers — for wliich there is at
Easter a great demand. They are all beauti-
ful and fragrant, particularly the white Uly,

which will fill a house with its perfume. —
Champlin.

Christmas Blossoms.

In the interesting letter concerning the
flower trade between Newport and this city,
which we iirint to-day, the writer says that
"it is only the flower that we get in forcuig
lilies of the valley, for the leaf does not come
forward when the plant is subjected to this
treatment." This reminds us of the result of
a recent experiment in floriculture in thiscily.
About two weeks before Christmas one of our
German fellow citizens cut one or two branch-
es from a lilac bush growing in the neighbor-
hood of the High Bridge. These branches he
brought home with him and placed them in
his living room, in water, which was made
warm tlu'ee or four times a day. Under this
treatment the lilac branches put forth several
bunches of blossoms, and by Christmas day
these had assumed all the characteristics of
the familiar lilac fiower except tlie color — the
purple was lacking, the flowers being wholly
white. No leaves, however, strange to say,
had appeared — the forcing process in this
case, as in the case mentioned by our corres-
pondent, aft'ecting the flower sooner than the
leaf.

By the same method our friend also pro-
duced cherry blossoms, thus adding the
charm of nature to the artificial devices by
which our German fellow-citizens add so
much to their celebration of the day of
"Christ Kindel."— -Editor Post.

FRENCH LAND OWNERS.

In France, an area about half as large again
as the United Kingdom is owned by nearly
5,500,000 proprietors of agricultural land, of
whom 5,000,000 of peasant farmers own one-
third of the whole area, with what result is
every day becoming better known and more
fully recognized in this country. The indus-
try and thrift of these peasant owners are
marvelous, and spread their effect through
the whole society of France. The gross farm-
ing ]iroduce of France may not be so great as
in England, but this is equally observable
when comparing the large farms of France,
of which there are more than 130,000, with
the large farms of this country. As compar-
ed with the small farmers of France, hiring
the lands of others, the small owners unques-
tionably are vastly better in every i-espect,
and they hold their own even beside the large
farmers. There may be some defects in the
system of small owners; the process may be
carried too far in France; but at least it has
raised the status of the lower classes there,
has almost abolished pauperism in the rural
districts, and has endowed the people with
such universal habits of thrift as are almost
unknown in the people of the same class in
this country. It is not the fact, as commonly
stated, that the peasant proi)rietors of France
are loaded with debt ; the average mortgages
on these farms are known to be no more than
10 per cent, on their value ; while the best
evidence that they are able to accumulate
money, is to be found in the fact that the
peasants have been the main subscribers to
the great loans which have been raised in
France, and that at the present time the
French debt to the amount £1,000,000,000 of
our money, is held by 4,000,000 of persons,
while British consols to the amount of £700,-
000,000, are held by not more than 250,000
persons. It will be said, of course, that the
climate and soil of France differ from Eng-
land so much that no comparison can be
drawn between them. This may be admitted
as regards the central and southern parts of
France, where the cultivation of the vine and
olive is specially suited to peasant owners ;
but its northern and western provinces are in
no way different from the greater part of Eng-
land. The garden of France is unquestion-
ably Normandy, the climate and soil of which
differ in no essential quality from those of the
south of England, and which especially resemble
such counties as Kent and Somersetshire. In

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

9

Noimaiidy there is a greater variety in the
ownership of projicrty than in any other part
of France ; larpe estates with resident owners
an' nnnierous, but still more so are small
properties ; there are an innnense number of
peasant proprietors, but tliey do not monopo-
lize the land as in some par{s of France. "If
1 had to point out the happiest part of
France," says Monsieur de Lavergne, "I
sliould not hesitate to select Normandy."
Population there increases slowly in proiwr-
tion to wealth ; wliile its wealth has increased
four-fold since ITS'.t, its population has in-
creased by one-third only. In many rural
commmies there is not a single pauiier. The
writer adds : "Lu pliqiurt dif yonuands
n'ont }>us ?u Maltliun, miiis ils pratique in-
stinctivnnent scs cniisrih.^^ The case of Nor-
mandy is especially instructive, as it shows
what "is the result of a happy coml)ination of
every variety of large owners and small
owners, of land farmed by tenants, and of
peasants farming their own land. In the
more northern provinces of France property
is even more divided, and gives admirable re-
sults, though perhaps the net produce aft(!r
taking into account the number of cultiva-
tors is not so great. — Fiirtnujhtly Bcview.

A MODEL FARM.

In taking a sleigh ride a few days ago, we
passed through a portion of Manor township.
If there is anything that will make a I.ancaster
countian feel proud of his county, it is to dri\c
through such portions of it as Manor-twp. and
notice tlie unmistakable evidences of thrift and
prosperity that greets the eye on all sides.

Our drive took us into the neighliorhood of
Washington borough; from Lancaster to the
Sus(iuehaniia, over the Manor turnpike to
Millersville, and from thence to Washington
borough by the direct road. AVe cannot recall
a single farm or residence which did not bear
evidence of the thrifty habits of our Lancas-
ter county peopk',- no tundile-down buildings
or fences," that are the rule rather than the ex-
ception in some sections of the country.

The mild damp weather of Friday and Sat-
urday promised to i)ut the tobacco hanging in
sheds into condition to handle, and as a natu-
ral consequence, tobacco was the prevailing
theme of conver.sation, which is not a matter
of surprise when we reflect that we are in the
midst of a small area (less than half of Lancas-
ter county) that furnishesthe markets of the
world with about one-fourth of all the leaf
tobacco grown in the United States.

Prominent among the large and successful
tobacco growers in this district, we might
mention Mr. .lohn S. Mann, whose tine farm
lies about li miles from the river. Mr. Mann
produces annually froni fifteen to twenty
acres of the weed, and as an example of the
quality and quantity per acre, we might say
that from a lot sold by Mr. Mann to a New
York lirm, this season, through their agent,
Mr. Isaac Kaullman, of Miumtville, he real-
ized at the rate of if (iSO per acre, strict measure.

It must be remembered, however, that in
order to continue the successful culture of to-
bacco, the farmer must employ means to
counteract the exhaustive influence of tobacco
cropping on the soil. This can only be done
by the liberal use of stable manure, "and since
this article cannot be purchased here in large
quantities for love or money, the farmer must
resort to means for producing it on the farm.

A visit to Mr. Mann's stable convinced us
that he is a man (n) " that don't do things on
a small scale. " Thirteen milk cows furnish
the dairy products for the family, the surplus
going to tlie Columbia market. Twenty-five
head of fattening steers that will rival, in
point of size, the Centennial prize cattle by
the time Mr. M. puts them on the market,
grace his stable. Among his horses, which
are all of the best, we noticed a promising
looking Percheron stallion, three years old, and
weighing 1,1500 pounds, having been exhibited
by Mr. M, at the late State fair held in this
city. Proceeding to the pig-stables we find
them stocked with improved Berkshires, whose
clean, sleek appearance is suthcient evidence
that they receive all the care and attention the

most fastidious pig could desire. In short, all
that came under our observation in a brief visit
of a few hours gave evidence of lirst-cla.ss farm-
ing combined with good business nianagt- ment.

Returning to the hou.se from which wc
started on our tour of observations, and which
we have allowed, rather inadvertently, to oc-
cupy the last, but not least place in our re-
marks, we find it presided over by Mrs. M.,
ably assisted by her accomplished daughters,
whose reputation tor hospitality is so well
known as to require no comment.

There are other faims and farmers that
may be the subjects of further commmiica-
tituis ; the example of Mr. Mann as a model
farmer ami business man, is one deserving of
notice and worthy of emulation by young men
and others engaged in the same line of busi-
ness. If there are other tobacco farmers who
can show a better yield per acre than that re-
ferred to by us, we will be glad to hear from
them. — Intelligencer.

CLEARING LAND BY DYNAMITE.

Experience at clearing lands, both in re-
moving stumps and large boulders with dyna-
mite in .Scotland has been a success. The
following account is given of a late trial in an
Edinburgh paper :

"A spadefiU of earth was removed from the
side of a stum]) and a hole driven into the
stump with a crowbar. Into this hole a cart-
ridge of dynamite was pressed by means of a
wooden ramrod, then a detonating percussion
cap, with a fuse attached, was scpieezed into a
small cartridge or primer of dynamite, and
inserted into the hole in the stump in contact
with the charge. The hole was tilled up with
loose earth, about a foot length of the fuse
being left bare. A match was next apjjlied
to the fuse, and suflicient time was taken for
the powder to reach the percussion cap to
allow the operatives to retire a safe distance.
When the explosion occurred the trunk was
literally blown out of the ground, some of the
fragments, weighing nearly twenty pounds,
being thrown to a distance of over a hundred
yards. The destruction of the stump was
complete. In breaking up big boulder stones^
the dynamite was simply placed on top of the
stone, covered with wet sand, and fired with
the fuse in the ordinary way. The result was
the reduction of the boulders to fragments the
size of a walnut. It was effectually proved
by the experiments that land can be speedily
cleared of formidable obstructions to good
cultivation by the use of dynamite, and the
committee of the society who watched the
operations expressed themselves as highly
satisfied with the results.

FARMING VS. PROFESSION.

The Maine Mirror gives the testimony of a
New Hampshire boy, now a resident of Wis-
consin, a fine scholar, a graduate of Dart-
mouth, and a law student in Merriniac coun-
ty, who just previous to his admi.ssion to the
bar, took a cold which rendered him very
deaf, and no medical skill wan able to restore
his hearing. The affliction compelled him to
give up his chosen profession and lie went
west very much broken down in spirits. For
ten years he has been farming, cultivating
about 'iOO acres of prairie land, and, as he ex-
pressed it, making a good living and salting
down something every year. And he declares
that if, knowing what he now knows, he was
to begin his active life over again, he would
do just as he was compelled to do .so unwill-
ingly ten years ago ; that is, he would throw
aside his profession and settle down upon a
farm. Said he, " There isn't nnich glory on
a farm, Imt you get a good, sure living. You
are your own master ; you can't starve or be
turned out of business ; and as far as the
work is concerned in these days of horse
power, a man needn't kill himself farming
any more than at any other business. It is
brains that win on a farm as well as every-
where else, and the smart man is going to
ride, while the stuivid one goes a-foot in the
corn-field as well as in the bar or pidpit. I
should like to have my hearing again, but I
wouldn't leave my farm if I had it."

PENNSYLVANIA STATE AGRICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY.

Tliis snoicly lioUi its regular mecthip at Hurrls-
btirK, on January 171 li. Dr. .1. A. M'Crea, of I'liila-
(U'lphia, was cliosen Presidcnl ;>ro tcm.^ on account,
of tlic (loath of Hon. ttcorijo .Scott, llic late preslJing
ofBccr. .\fter a report relative to the appointment of
a eoniinittec to nieniorialize the Lefrislutun; for the
passage of an act lor the protection of sheep from
(loKB, ami some oilier routine buKiuess, the committee
appointeil to ilraft resolutions relative to deceased
colleatrues, rejiortcd as follows :

"The Kxecutive Committee of the Pennsylvania
Slate Aftricultural Society, in Jxhall of the whole
society, is callcil upon to express profound regret at
the loss, liy death, of three of its members — one of
whom was its highest ollicer— all of them active,
prominent and intelligent memhcrs of this commit-
tee ; all called away from the pursuits of life since
our last meeting. It is, therefore, our duty, ujjon
this occasion, to express the sincere sorrow we feel
at this unusual bereavement.

" .Mr. (leorge Scott, of Columbia county, previous
to his election as president of the society In IsT."), had
filled with credit many important pogitlons. During
his administration of our affairs, no word of com-
plaint was heard. Often these are troublesome, and
happy the incumbent who escapes them. The duty
imposed upon our late colleaiL'ue was so prudently
performed and so efliciently discharged as to win the
praise of all with whom he came in contact. He gave
his time and means with liberality to further the
success of this society.

" Mr. Alexander Speer, of -Allegheuy county, was
chosen a vice i>residentin ls74. A gentleman largely
engaged in manufactures, modest in the expression
of Ills unusually correct views, ])opular and courteous
in intercourse with his colleagues, and attentive and
correct in the performance of his duties, the loss of a
gentleman of his high character is greatly to be de-
plored.

" Mr. Benjamin G. Peters, of Dauphin county, was
for a long period a member of the Kxecutive Com-
mittee Always prompt and energetic in the dis-
charge of every trust assigned to him, a decided yet
courteous counselor, he was called away in the midst
of an aciive and prosperous business career, by a
sudden and shocking accident. His death is most
regretted by those that knew him best— a tribute of
tlie highest character. This Executive Committee
therefore,

liinolve, That this expression of regret at our loss
be entered upon the minutes of the society, and that
copies of it, under the seal of the society, signed by
I he president and secretary, be transmitted to the
representatives of the families of Messrs. Scott, Speer
and Peters."

The resolution was unanimously adopted.

The committee appointed to offer premiums at the
Centennial Exhibition, reported that as the awards
had not yet been reported to them, no money had
yet been paid.

.Mr. Smcli. offered the following:

'' llcxolved, That a committee of three be appointed
whose dutv it shall l)c to examine what legislation
exists in o'ther States, not found in ours, upon the
subject of agriculture — such as fences, roads, etc.,
and other matters interesting to farmers, and make
report to this society."

Jlessrs. Snnill, Kennedy and Eglc were appointed
as such committee.

The following resolution was adopted :

" Resolved, That the tender made by The rrnetical
Farmer, a publication issued in Philadelphia in the
interest of agriculture, to publish the proceedings of
this society, and other matters of interest, in a con-
densed form, is thankfully accepted, and that the
secretary be requested to furnish the same."

At the evening session the act creating the State
Board of Agriculture was read before the Executive
Committee, and a committee was appointed to con-
sider the matter, and to devise ways by which this
society can best aid the new State Board in its efforts
to promote the cause of agriculture and the interests
of the farmers of the State, and Mr. Khey read a pa-
per relalive io the productive interests of the country.

On Thursday morning, after the discussion of
some miscellaneous matters, the anuual election of
officers was held, with the following result:

President — .Jno. \V. Hammond.

Vice Presidents— Jas. A. M'Crea, Geo. Blight, A.
L. Kennedy, \Vm. S. Bissell, A. D. Levering, D. U.
Bran.son, Wni. S. Holstein, Tobias Barlo, S. S.
Spencer, Daniel H. Neiman, Joseph P. Conner, Ira
Tripp, J. S. Keller, John A. Smull, James E. Car-
nialt, J. B. Potter, S. Baker, John S. .Miller, Daniel
O. (uhr, L. A. .Mackey, Geo. Khey, John Murdoch,
Jr., \Vm. Speer, John .M'Dowell, J. B. Lawson, J.
D. Kirkpatrick, Thos. J. Edge.

Additional .Members Executive Committee — A.
\Vilhelm, Abner Kutherford, John H. Ziegler,
William Taylor, K. S. Allen.

Ex-Presidents .Members of the Board — Frederick
Walts, D. Taggart, .Jacob S. Haldeman, Thomas P.
Knox, A. Boyd Hamilton, Amos E. Kapp, John C.
Morris, J. K. Eby.

Treasurer — John B. Ruthcrlord.

Corresponding Sec'y — Elbrldge M'Conkey.

iO

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ January,

Recording Secretary — D. W. Seller.

Chemist aud Geologist — S. S. HaWeman.

Assistant Chemist'and Geologist — Hugh Hamil-
ton.

Librarian— W. H. Egle.

The following was then adopted :

"Resolved, That a committee of seven (including
the President and two .Secretaries) be appointed by
the President, to whom shall be intrusted the general
charge of the society during the interval between
the stated meetings of the Executive Committee, in-
cluding the invitation of proposals for holding the
next annual fair of the society — the selection of loca-
tion, inclusive of the dates thereof, the issuing of
premium list and general arr.angemeut6 for said ex-
hibition. Also, that when this committee adjourns
it adjourn to meet on the third day of the next
annual exhibition, at such hour and place as may be
designated by the official head of the society."

A circular from the National Agricultural Con-
gress, which is to meet in Chicago in September
next, was read, aud Messrs. Smull, Kennedy and
Knox were appointed delegates to attend the meet-
ing.

Dr. Kennedy offered the following, which was
adopted :

"Resob'ed, That we regard the instruction in theo-
retical and practical agriculture allbrded by the
Pennsylvania State College, as the distinguishing
feature of the institution.

"Jiesohed, That we cull upon the authorities of the
college to perfect said institution t« its fullest extent,
and that a committee be appointed to correspond
with them on the subject, and report to the Exe-
cutive Committee."

Messrs. Kennedy, Rhey and Kirkpatrick were ap-
pointed as a committee on the subject.

After the passage of a resolution authorizing the
Executive Committee to employ a competent person
to canvass the State to secure exhibits at the annual
exhibition, and some other miscellaneous business,
the society adjourned.

PENNSYLVANIA FRUIT GROWERS'
ASSOCIATION.

The eighteenth annual meeting of the Pennsylva-
nia Fruit Growers' Association was held at Lancas-
ter on January 17th and 18th , in the Board of Trade
room. Tables reach ine the ent re length of the
room were well covered with fine apples, several of
which were comparatively unknown and attracted
great attention, particularly the "Ewalt," from H.
M. Engle, and the ".Major" from A. S. Sheller.
The meeting was called to order at two o'clock, p.
m., by the President, Mr. E. Satterthwait, of Jen-
kintown. H. M. Engle, of the general fruit com-
mittee, read a very iiileresting report, in which he
noted the fact that the first meeting of the socety
was held in Lancaster seventeen years ago, and
some extracts were given from the inaugural address
of the first President, in which the work to be done
was outlined.

Mr. Engle reported the apple crop of 1S76 as be-
ing one of the largest for many years, Kambo, York,
Imperial and Smith's Cider having been among the
best varieties; but that notwithstanding the large
crop, apples are now being shipped into the State in
large quantities. The pear crop was reported as
badly injured by blight; peaches were good in some
sections, and their cultivation should be encouraged,
especially in the valley of the Susquehanna river;
Mixon, Stump, Early and Late Crawford and
Smock, are among tlie'best varieties. Plum culture
was reported as on the increase, but the curculio
manages to have his "trade mark" in almost every
orchard. Grapes were abundant, with Concord as
the most popular variety, and Martha, Telegraph
and Ives constantly growing in favor; other small
fruits were generally abundant.

The greatest enemy to the fruit crop is the apple
tree borer, for the destruction of which the knife and
wire were recommended. But little has been done
to cheek the codling moth, which is a grave mistake.
After the reading of the report, the best method of
destroying the moth was pretty fully discussed, and
the general opinion seemed to be that almost the
only eflTectual method of killing the insect is to trap
it while in the pupa state, by placing bands around
the trunk of the tree, and killing the insects found
under them.

The subject of changing the name of society from
the "Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Society" to "The
General Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania," was
then taken up, and after an animated discussion was
decidedly negatived.

Mr. W. P.Brinton, of Christiana, then read a
very interesting and exhaustive essay on " Peach
Culture" In "the discussion which followed, Mr.
Briuton said that he would always plant his tree?
on high ground, and plant shallow. Mr. Brady said
he would dig a hole two and a-half feet square, and
one and a-half feet deep, so the roots would have an
abundance of mellow soil ; he would not plant the
tree deep, and would prune off all the branches.

Mr. Engle said a verv common reason for plant-
ing deep was to keep the tree from being blown
over, but that the roots would hold the tree more
firmly if planted in their natural position.

Mr. Gkover said that in fixing upon the depth at
which to plant, we should follow nature as seen in
the seedling, and plant the trees at about the same
depth at which they had grown.

Mr. Meehan objected to the cultivation of the
peach orchard. His own orchard is in grass, which
is mowed twice during the year, and receives an an-
nual top-dressing, and always bears well.

For the best varieties, Mr. Brinton recommended
Crawford's Early, Old Mixon, Stump and Crawford's
Late.

Mr. Killer had found Old Mixon and Crawford's
Late the most profitable ; Crawford's Early, Ward's
Late, Troth's Early, Hale's Early aud Susquehanna
had all done very poorly with him.

After some further discussion, the society adjourned
until evening, when the subject of pruning peach
trees was taken up and pretty thoroughly discussed,
the general opinion being that about one-third of the
previous year's growth should be taken off.

Mr. Meeh.in advocated close pruning on weak
trees, but less upon stronger growers.

Mr. Satterthwait pruned histrees to make them
grow fan-shaped, so that he could cultivate between
the rows, but shortened in the branches but little.

After some further talk during which the "yellows"
and the effects of frost were touched upon, the sub-
ject of " Blackberry Culture" was introduced, and
an essay ou the subject by Wm. Parry was read, and
will soon be published in the Farmer. The essay was
so complete and exhaustive that little remained to be
said on the subject, and Mr. Meehan proceed to give
a report on " Fruits at the Centennial." Although
Pennsylvania is one of the best fruit growing States in
the Union, she made almost no display at the Cen-
tennial, but Lancaster county made the finest display
from the State. The speaker then gave a very in-
teresting outline of the work which had been accom-
plished in improving our fruits during the past cen-
tury. One hundred years ago we had no strawberries
excepting a few inferior English varieties.

Among the first of the improved varieties was
Ilovey's Seedling, introduced about fifty years ago.
Longworth did much for the improvement of the
strawberry by the discovery of the pistillate and
staminate varieties, and caused almost a strawberry
mania — but the later discovery of the Wilson's
-\lbany, a hermaphrodite variety, caused a great re-
volution. Many excellent varieties have been in-
troduced recently, but the Wilson still holds its
place. Among currants the Ked Dutch, although it
has been propagated by cuttings for more than 3,000
years, is still the best. One hundred years ago we
had none but wild blackberries, and even thirty years
ago few were noted in the nurserymen's catalogues.
The present fine varieties have been developed entirely
within the last century, and much the same may be
said of the raspberry. Gooseberries and peaches
have been impioved but little, though some advance
has been made in peach culture by the introduction
of earlier and later varieties. Pears have been im-
proved more than any other fruit ; the varieties of
1776 having almost entirely disappeared. American
grapes are the product of the century, and varieties
now in cultivation equal any of the foreign ones. In
cherries but little improvement has been made, and
plum culture has been abandoned in many part of the
country on ticcount of the curculio. Apples have im-
proved but little in quality, but many new varieties
have been produced, which, by their adaptation to
particular localities, are of great value. Crab apples
are due to American cultivation, and chiefly to the
.attention given them in the Northwestern States,
where many valuable varieties have been produced.

On Thursday morning. President Calder, of the
State College, gave an interesting account of the
present condition and work of the college, and Mr.
Carter of the work done on the Experimental Farm
at West Grove.

Mr.Stauffer then read an essay on "Noxious
Weeds," which elicited considerable discussion.

The report of the Centennial Committee was then
presented. The committee held several meetings,
and applied to the Legislature and to the State Cen-
tennial Board for a small appropriation, to pay
freight on such fruits as should be sent, the com-
mittee offering to give their time, aud to defray their
own expenses while making the display, but no aid
was granted them and consequently no display was
made. The report concluded as follows : "We at-
tribute our failure to the usual indifference of our
State Legislature as a body, in regard to all agricul-
tural and horticultural Interests" — words which
should make every member of the Legislature blush
with shame.

A letter was read by Mr. Hoopes, asking the society
to state what legislative action should he taken to
encourage the planting of forest trees, but the mem-
bers differed so widely in their ideas on the subject
that the matter was dropped, with the understand-
ing that at the next meeting Mr. Meehan should
read a paper against legislative action, and Presi-
dent Calder one in favor of it. '

The "Apple Tree Borer" was then talked of at
some length, the general experience being that the
knife was the only remedy, though Mr. Bissell said
he had succeeded in protecting his trees by the use
of a thick wash made with soap suds, clay and lin-
seed oil, applied each spring.

At the opening of the afternoon session, Mr.
Sands, Secretary of the MaryLand Horticultu-al So-
ciety, on behalf of his society, invited the Pennsyl-
vania society to meet with them at the next meeting
of the American Pomological Society, to be held in
Baltimore, on September 12, 13 and 14. The invita-
tion was accepted, and a committee was appointed
to collect fruits for an exhibition at the time. The
following officers were elected for the ensuing year :

President — .Josiah Hoopes, of West Chester.

Vice Presidents — H. M. Engle, of Marietta; Geo.
H. Small, of Harrisburg ; John I. Carter, of West
Grove.

Recording Sec. — E. B. Engle, of Marietta.

Cor. Sec. — W. P. Brinton, of Christiana.

Treasurer — Geo. B. Thomas, of West Chester ; and
the place for the next annual meeting was fixed at
Williamsport.

"Cheap Fruit Houses" were then discussed and
several plans for their construction were proposed,
but all agreed in the necessity for having ice to keep
the temperature low. Mr. Lint aud others had suc-
ceeded in keeping fruit well in a common spring
house.

On the subject of "Trees for Windbreaks," the
society was pretty evenly divided, some members
valuing them highly, while others thought them a
disadvantage.

After some talk on the best methods of keeping
winter vegetables, the potato question was taken up,
most of those taking part in the discussion regarding
the Early Rose and Peerless as the best varieties.

At the evening session Prof. Rathvon read a very
interesting essay on "Insect Longevity" and Mr.
Miller one on "Fruit Culture," both of which we
shall give to our readers soon. The remainder of the
session was occupied by a miscellaneous discussion.
The meeting was one of the most interesting ever
held by thesociety, the attendance being large, aud
the essays and discussions unusually interesting.

Mr. Hiller, of the Committee on Fruit, submitted
the following report :

Apples : H. M. Engle & Son, 20 varieties ; Prof.
I. S. Geist, 1 ; Levi S. Reist, 22 ; all from Canada,
and 11 varieties of his own growing; Peter Lint, 1 ;
A. S. Sheller, 3 ; Hiller & Son, 0; John Brady, 3 ;
James Huber, 2 ; Dr. J. P. Eshlemau, 6 ; J. Frank
Landis, plate of fine home-raised lemons; Thomas
Harvey, 1 variety, for a name ; Geo. D. Stitzel,
pound pear ; Reuben Weaver, 4 varieties apples ; ,J.
N. Engle, 2 varieties for name. The Rome Beauty
is a very showy, desirable fruit. Ewalt is the finest
apple in apperance on exhibition, and is worthy of
planting. The York Imperial has no superior in
this section, in bearing and keeping cjualities. The
".Millport Sheep-Noses," from Mr. Reist, are a
beautiful apple of medium size, and are extra-
ordinary yearly bearers. The "Major" fully retains
its reputation as to quality of fruit and annual bear-
ing ; it is especially worthy of further trial.

Casper Hiller,
Alf. S. Sheller,
Henry M. Engle.

The report was unanimously adopted and the com-
mittee discharged.

Mr. Hoopes oflTered the following resolution
which was unanimously adopted.

Resolved, Th.at the thanks of the society are due
and are hereby tendered to the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society for their
kindness and hospit.ality, not only to the individual
members of our .association, but to the Society at
large, for furnishing us with a commodious and com-
fortable room to meet in, aud every convenience for
displaying our fruits. Also, to the press of Lancas-
ter city for so kindly noticing our meetings and the
very tliorough and courteous manuer in which they
have reported our discussions.

President Satterthwait ca,lled upon Professor
Rathvon to give a history of the codling moth saying
that there was no subject of deeper interest to pom-
ologists than the destruction of this moth. The
Professor, in response, spoke at length as to the ori-
gin and habits of the moth, saying that he believed
it difficult to catch them when fully matured. I
will briefly relate its history. Those that survive
the winter are in the pupa or quiescent state, spun in
a sort of cocoon under the loose scales of bark on the
trunks of trees, or any other cover that is accessible.
These evolve in early summer, as soon as the fruit
is as large as a common "marble," in the form of a
small moth. When the femalt becomes fertilized,
she seeks the young apple and deposits one or more
eggs in the lower end of the fruit. There they
hatch, and one, sometimes two, enters the apple
from that point and feeds therein until its larval
condition is-fully matured. At first it is a minute
white worm, but as it approaches its pupal period
it becomes of a pinkish color. It then cuts its way
out of the apple, whether it is hanging on the tree
or lying on the ground, and seeks a shelter under
which to pupate. Then is the time to set a trap for
it. whatsoever the form may be. A straw band
around the trunk of the tree affords a good shelter
for pupation. This is renewed about every ten days,
and the old one, containing the pupw, is burned.

For this straw-band some have substituted a band
made of any kind of old woolen, linen, or cotton

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

id

cloth, wrapped nroumi tlie tree in such a way as to
form a frood artificial shelter, and this is taken ofF
pi^riodieally and passed throni^h a elolhes' wrine:er,
which crushes the pupse. (.Not a saturated cloth
by any means, they like a dry jilacc.) There are
successive Inoods of these ''codlinKs," but not so
many as there appear to be. The lemales do not
deposit their e^i;s all at, the sanu' time, nor in the
same place; and, therefore, the same brood will be
found in ditl'erent staues of development. Surround-
ing circumstances will materially alter the normal
process of development, hence, we may tind the
worm in tlie apple sometimes in mid-winter, and we
may also find the moth emerijinir from the jiupa
long; before there is even a flower or leaf on an ajiple
tree. The temperature of the surrounding atmos-
phere, either out in the open air or in a warm cellar
or chamlier, will produce this ettect. These moths
often spin and pupate in bins, barrels and t)oxes
containing; apples, and I have seen them come forth
from such places, in the moth form, in the spring of
the year, or in early summer.

It is not certain that they may easily be caught In
a sugar trap of any kind. I have never caught any
by such means. They belong to a family allied to
the house moths, many of which never partake of
food of any kind in the moth state. Some years ago,
Mr.Shaell'er,thcn president of the Pcnn.sylvania Hor-
ticultural Society, of Philadelphia, sent me about one
tfiousand of miscellaneous insects which he had
caught in wide-mouthed bottles containing sweetened
water, which he had hung on his trees, and out of the
whole number there were none that I could distinctly
recognize as a "coddling." There were various species
of flies, hornets, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, beetles,
lace wings and nocturnal moths ; but, I remarked at
the time, that there were no curculios, and only a
very few that might possibly have been coddlings,
but these were so completely washed with the liquid
that they could not be recognized. But the genera
Ari:tiay Aygtttis^ Xuctita, Sjtilot^otita and Any^opteryy
were well represented. I have known them, how-
ever, to hover around and dash against a brilliant
light, fended by a glass globe or chimney. The
remedy above alluded to is about as good as any in
use, although there are other forms of it. Anterior
to this, however, is gathering the fruit as fast as it
falls, and scalding it or feeding it to swine.

The foregoing very brief and imperfect synopsis of
the Pennsylvania Fruil Cirowers' Society is taken
partly from the Practical Farmer, of Philadelphia,
and partly from the Examiner and Express, and the
InleUificncer, of Lancaster. Our journal was in a
state of "suspended animation" at the time, and
therelbre our intentions to publish the proceedings
in full could not possibly be carried into eflect. As
the proceedings will be published in book or pam-
phlet form, wcdo not deem it essential to publish any
morcof it inourpaper, except, perhaps, the essays, as
soon as we find space and opportunity to do 6o.-^Eu

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

The regular meeting of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held on
Monday afternoon, .Jan. 1st, in the Athenaeum rooms.
The following members were present :

President Calvin Cooper, Secretary Alex. Harris;
P. S. Keist, Henry M. Engle, D. s! Smeych, S. P.
Eaby, Jacob Bollinger, \Vm. McComscy, Ephraim
Hoover, John C. Linville, Casper Hiller.I. L. Lan-
dis, J. B. Erb, .Martin Kendig, Prof. S. S. Rathvon,
E. K. Hershey, .John (iingrich, Elias Hershey, Levi
Pownall, Peter C.Hiller, J. Frank Landis, Christian
Espcnshade, Henry Buckwalter, .John Huber.

No report was made by the committee on crops.

John C. LiNvii,LB,read an essayon "Tobacco and
its abuses." He gave a history of the introduction
of tobacco into England ; of the unavailing eflbrts of
the king and others to prevent the spread of the use
of the weed; of the almost universal adoption and use
of it among moderns ; of the filth attending smoking
and chewing; of theelTect it has in blunting the finer
senses, and causing a taste for coarser food and more
stimulating drinks. He regarded it as a great curse,
causing the user a greater expense thau that for
food. Although it is the most profitable crop that
can be grow n in Lancaster county he discouraged its
cultivation and hoped there was a sulHcienlly high
sense of morals among our farmers to eventually
bring about its extirpation from the soil. It was
generally admitted that it exhausted the soil, and a
continuance of its growth would no doubt render
farm land almost worthless. He urged smokers and
chewers to give up the habit they had contracted as
tobacco was neither food, drink nor clothing.

Mr. Pownall spoke of the excuse made by those
who use tobacco that when the habit is once acquired
it is almost impossible to discontinue it. He said he
had living with him an old colored woman, who had
used tobacco more than 40 years. She quit smoking
six years ago. He thought if she could reform so
sad a habit at her great age, that younger white men
could do the same.

Mr. J. S. EitB knew that when the habit of using
tobacco was once ac((uired, it was very hard to break
otf. One of his own tenants had vainly tried to dis-
continue the use of if, and found it impossible to do
so without greatly alfecting his health.

Mr. I. L. Landis, thought tobacco was like almost
everything else. It might be used advantageously or
it might be abused. It is the same way with food or
beverages — those who use them to excess suffer for
their indiscretion. He was interested in the growth
of tobacco because of its great commercial value to
the county. The revenue derived from its sale in
Ibis county exceeds that of any other crop. It tends
to keep the balance of trade in our favor. While
many other sections of the country were sulfering
fro[n stagnation of business, Lancaster county was
comparatively prosperous, and this prosperity was
largely owing to the value of the tobacco crop.

Sir. KiiNino thought the Iiabit of chewing a very
disgusting one ; though he did not think moderate
smoking to be of any great harm. He raised tobacco
because he made money by it ; as soon as people
ceased buying it he wo\dd ceasing raising it. He be-
lieved the raising of tobacco impoverished the soil,
and that our farmers, unless they were careful,
might ruin their farms, as has been done in the
.^outh, though our farmers were much more practi-
cal and scientific in their farming than the Southern
planter, and the danger was therefore not so great.

.Mr. Engle could not agree with .some of the
speakers. From a moral stand[)oint tobacco was an
evil and nothing but an evil, and from a moral stand-
point akme we should view all such matters. The
abuses of tobacco are patent to all, and he had never
yet been able to see any of its uses. It is a virulent
jjoison, and if a large dose will kill, a small one can
do no good. All will concede that the (irst chew or
smoke will m.ake a boy or man sick ; the appetite is
then in a normal condition, and that is the time at
which a person is most competent to judge of it. It
is only after the appetite has become perverted that
tobacco will be endured and finally craved. It bene-
fits nobody except the grower, manufacturer and
tralficker. But how many families have been brought
to want by the use of it, and how many others have
had their health impaired or mined ? As to the
argument that large revenues are derived from
tobacco, it may be replied that a still larger revenue
is derived from intoxicating liciuors, and yet there
are none that will advocate the manufacture and use
of these from a moral standpoint .

Mr. LiNVlLLE said there could be no doubt that
tobacco growing exhausted the soil. He further
argued that chewers and smokers interfered with
the rights of others, particularly in halls, cars and
other indoor places. He said a railroad conductor
once attempted to put him in a smoking car, telling
him it was a first-class car, when, in reality, it was
not a first-class pig pen.

Other members argued that tobacco exhausted
the soil, and the discussion was dropped.

Mr. Enc;le stated that the rainfall for the past
month was i 1-lG inches. The lowest point of the
mercury was zero, the coldest average day lO'i de-
grees above zero, and the average temperature for
the month oO degrees above zero.

The question of flesh vs. vegetable diet, postponed
from last meeting, was resumed.

.Mr Ekb believed in meat-eating. He recited the
story of Cain and Abel, and referred to AbeTs sacri-
fices of animals as being acceptable, and Cain's veg-
etable sacrifices unacceptable to the Lord.

Mr. Epn. Hoover said he was last month report-
ed as saying that he would banish pork from tlie
earth. What he meant to say was that he would
banish it from his own table. Ho would even quali-
fy this statement by saying a good word for well
made and well cooked sausage. He thought that
persons engaged in indoor work never needed nor
would be benefited by the use of pork as a part of
their food.

Mr. I. L. Landis presented a sample of hickory
nuts of a superior quality grown on a farm in .Mau-
heim township. He asked members to take some of
the nuts and perhaps they could cultivate them.
The tree on which they grew was very prolific and
seldom failed to bear.

Mr P. S. Heist presented seven different kinds of
grasshoppers, from Kansas; or rather grasshoijpers
in seven different states of development.

Mr. E. K. Heksubt presented a gavel for the use
of the president.

President Cooper read a short address, this meet-
ing being the last of the year for which he was elect-
ed. He recounted the .action of the society and the
general events of the Centennial year, so far as they
related to agriculture and horticulture.

The address was received with applause, and Mr.
Engle followed with some further reiHarks, recom-
mending among other things that a course of lec-
tures be added to the proceedings of tlie society.

A brief discussion took place as to the best day of
the week on which to hold the stated meetings of tlie
society and the best means of increasing the mem-
bership.

Mr. Euu said as the Lancaster county Farmer was
about to be discontinued, he thought the society
should take some measures to have their proceed-
ings published.

Mn. Heist proposed the appointment of a com-
mittee to wait upon Prof. Hathvon, editor, and Mr.
John .\ Hiestand, publisher of the Fauur, and ascer-
tain if some means cannot he devised to continue the
publication. He understood that the subscripton list
was about six hundred, and the publishers wanted
not less than a thousand to make it pay expenses.

Mk. Kendio endorsed what .Mr. Heist had said.

Mii. Exoi.E said he would obligate himself to re-
ceive fifteen new subscribers to the Farmer for 1877.
He would like to know how many others would labor
to secure subscribers.

Pnor. Hatiivon' said that financially considered
he would not have cared if tin; Farmer had gone
down seven years ago. He had never received one
cent for his editorial services, but his local pride and
love of labor had induced him to stick to the work.
The late publishers had not made any money out of
the Farmer, but had continued to jxiblish it in hope
that it would pay hereafter. The present owner of
the Farmer was willing to continue the publication
if one thousand hona ./irfc subscribers were secured.

Mn. EuY again urged the ap|Mjintmcnt of a com-
mittee to wait upon the publisher to see if the con-
tinuance of the publication could not be secured.

Mn. Enole had no objection to the committee, but
thought the only way to accomplish the end in view
was to pour in upon the publisher new subscribers.

Mk. Ek» suggested that this society guarantee
the publishers one thousand subscribers, and then go
to work and get them.

Mn. Lan'dis, Pkof. Kathvon, Mr. Erb, Mb.
Pownall, Mk. Heist and several others spoke in
favor of sustaining the paper.'

Mu. Hbist said that a person cannot judge of the
value of a paper by the number of subscribers it has.
The very worst paper in Pennsylvania, a papar whose
editor has no less thau twenty- five libel suits pending
against him, has a larger circulation in Lancaster
than any other paper in the stale.

[This unexpected hit at the Philadelphia Timet
caused quite a titter among the members who did not
seem to share Mr. Heist's opinion of the merits of
of that great daily.]

The motion of .Mr. Keist to appoint a committee to
wait upon the publishers of the Farmer and as-
certain if it cannot be continued, and if not, whether
some other publisher will not undertake its publi-
cation,was adopted, and the chair appointed Peter S.,
Heist, I. S. Landis and H. M. Engle, said committee.

The election of officers for the ensuing year being
in oriler, tlie society proceeded to make nominations.

Mk. Engle moved that Calvin Cooper bo re-
elected by acclamation.

Mr. Cooper hoped the motion would not be
pressed but that he would be excused, and some
other member chosen.

Mk. Cooper was not excused, and was re-elected
by acclamation.

A committee of five was appointed to select can-
didates for the other offices.

The committee reported the following :

Vice Presidents — Henry M. Engle, Levi S. Heist,
Israel L. Landis, Casper Hiller, Levi I'ownall.

Hecording Secretary— Johnson Miller.

Corresponding Secretary — Alexander Harris.

Treasurer — Levi Groft'.

Executive Committee — M. D. Kendig, Ephraim
Hoover, John C. Linville.

Librarian — Simon P. Eby.

Botanist — J Stautfer.

Entomologist — S. S. Hathvon.

The selections made by the committee were con-
firmed, and the gentlemen named unanimously
elected.

President Cooper announced that the Pennsyl-
vania fru t growers' society would meet in the board
of trade rooms, this city, on the 17th of this month.

Casper Hiller asked whether hickory nuts can
be propagated by grafts or buds. He knew they
would not grow true from the nut. He had never
had success in grafting. The chestnut tree, how-
ever, is very easily grafted.

Mr. ExGLE had never tried grafting or budding,
but he h.ad heard of its being successfully done. He
read an article, cut from a newspaper, on the value
of the chestnut tree and the manner of transplanting
them.

A bill of Jacob Heline, janitor, for J:i, ordered to
be paid ; also a bill from Alexander Harris for $12
for one year's services as recording secretary.

As .Mr. S. P. Eby refused to receive any compensa-
tion for a very considerable amount of writing done
for the society by him, he was, on motion of Mr.
Engle, elected an honorary member of the society.

Several specimens of apples presented by Henry
M. Engle and Jacob Bollinger were tested.

H. .St. Engle, Jacob SlaulTer and Israel Landis
having contributed books to the library of the so-
ciety of greater value than $10, were in accordance
with the rules, elected life members.

The following questions were proposed by Mr. M.
D. Kendig :

What per cent profit of theii; market value, do our
farms pay ?

Is any certain color of a cow indicative of superior
milking qualities ? Referred to II- M. Engle.

12

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[January,

The Tobacco Growers.

The monthly meeting of the Lancaster County To-
bacco Growers' Association was held iuthe Athenaeum
on Monday afternoon, January 15.

In the "absence of President Kendig, Mr. John
Brady, of Millersville, was called to the chair.

The following members were present : John Brady,
W. L. Hershey, I. L. I.andis, Peter S. Heist, J. F.
Landis, John M. Stehman, Harry Keist, Andrew

Lane. j, , ,

The following new members were elected : Jacob
S. Witmer, A. H. Teager, J. M. Johnston, A. L.
Andes, Owen Bricker.

A large number of visitors, most of them tobacco
growers, were present. Among them we noticed 15.
L. Hershey, J. Frank Landis, Andrew Landis,
Samuel Leupold, Christian Eshenshade, Henry Erb,
Michael Landis, Harry Hostetter, Philip Dotesman,
Jacob Hyland, George Hyland, Daniel Forry, Henry
Keneagy, Jacob Fuhrman, Jacob Snavely, Jacob
Freeman, and Andrew K. Peters, of Chester county.
The minutes of the last meeting having been read,
the secretary read the constitution and by-laws for
the information of those present.

The condition and prospects of the crop being
called for, Mr. I. L. Landis, East Hempfield, said
there had been no change in his neighborhood since
last month. Little or no tobacco had been prepared
for market, and he knew of no sales. The farmers
were anxiously waiting for a season of dampweather
that they could prepare the crop for market.

Mr. John Bkady, of Millersville, stated that a few
sales had been made in his neighborhood. He had
heard of one lot that had been sold at HO cents round,
another for '.;•-', and another for '.6 round, and another
at 20 for wrappers and 5 for tillers. All of these lots
were good tobacco and were well prepared, and there-
fore sold at good prices. Growers and packers were
alike waiting for good weather to prepare the leaf
for market, and he thought from the present appear-
ance of the weather that they would not have long to
wait.

Mr. A. Lane, of Manheim, said the severity of the
winter had kept back the work of preparing for mar-
ket. He had heard of no sales since last meeting.

Mr. W. L. HERSHET,of Landisville,knewof a few
lots that had been sold— one at -2%, and another at
23% round. The growers were waiting for damp
weather to strip and prepare their stock for market.
The tobacco in his neighborhood was of fine quality.
Mr. I. L. Landis suggested that as the essayist
(Mr. Groff) was not present, the subject of his essay,
" How should tobacco be stripped, and in how many
grades should it be assorted," might be informally
discussed at the present meeting.

The suggestion being agreed to, Mr. Brady said
that he thought it unnecessary to assort tobacco in
more than two grades, if the crop was good and of
uniform growth, but where the growth and quality
were irregular, it had better be sorted in three
grades, wrappers, seconds and fillers. In handling
the tobacco great care should be exercised to avoid
tearing or in any way damaging the leaf, and in
tying it up care should be taken to sort it in hands of
equal weight and length . More money can be got
out of it in this way. The dealer that purchased one
or two crops from a farmer and found liis tobacco to
be properly put up and of good quality, would never
afterwards have any trouble in selling it at good
prices. Dealers can seldom be deceived, and if de-
ceived once, they will have nothing further to do
with the deceiver. Mr. Brady said he knew a to-
bacco grower (and a preacher at that) who had
sorted his tobacco and put all the short and bad
hands out of sight in i-anks against the wall,
and when the buyer came showed him the good
tobacco, which was in the front rank, but the buyer
immediatelv reached back and pulled out the bad
tobacco by handfuls, to the groat discomfiture of the
seller. If there's a bad hand of tobacco in a bale,
that is the very one the buyer is apt to pull out, and
then, of course, he has no faith in the man that
baled it, and will not buy except at a figure so low
as to assure him against being cheated. In sorting
tobacco honesty is the best policy. In the neighbor-
hood of Washington there are growers who are so
careful in growing, curing and sorting their tobacco
that dealers have entire confidence in them, and buy
their tobacco at the highest prices— sometimes with-
out even seeing it.

Mr. Lee agreed with what had been said as to
the importance of using great care in stripping and
sorting the leaf. He had been growing tobacco
seven years and never separated it in more than two
sorts, wrappers and fillers.

Mr. I. L. LANDrs read an article on stripping and
packing tobacco, (recently published in tlie Intelli-
gencer,) and commended the rules there laid down
to the careful consideration of the members.

Mr Brady said a neighbor of his, Jacob Warfel, a
noted tobacco grower, always planted, cut off, strip-
ped and marketed his tobacco at the earliest possible
period, and always got good prices. He said he put
no less than 200 bushels of lime per acre on his to-
bacco lands, and wherever the lime was most plenti-
ful the tobacco was the largest. He plowed down
the lime with barnyard manure. Other farmers had
derived equal advantages from heavy liming.

John M. Stehman said he thought he had one of
the best tobacco farms in the county and he was
sure he had one of the best tobacco farmers (E. M.
Bricker.) Each succeeding crop was better than the
preceding. He thought he was doing pretty well
when he got 1.5 and 5 for his crop, but he could
now get 30, 15 and 5. He manured heavily; say
fifteen four-horse loads of barnyard manure to the
acre. His farmer was not only careful in planting,
but in cultivating, in cutting, in stripping and in
sorting. In cutting and hanging up the leaf, care
was taken that it should not be bruised; and in
stripping great deliberation was used, not more than
four hundred stalks being stripped in a day, and
every leaf being carefully examined and sorted, and
all defective and worm-eaten leaves being placed by
themselvesi

Mr. Stehman had no reason to doubt that Lan-
caster county tobacco would soon rank higher than
Connecticut. We have a richer and a deeper soil
and we have plenty of manure behind it, while the
worn out soil of Connecticut has to depend largely
on manufactured fertilizers.

Mr. Bkadv made mention of a farmer that kept
his men at work in the harvest field while he neg-
lected his tobacco, and the result was his tobacco
was almost worthless. Tobacco should never be
laid down after it is cut oflf; it should at once be
carefully put upon the scaffold. He had heard that
extreme cold weather injured-tobacco, and had been
told by a buyer that the present crop would suffer
on this account. He thought all tobacco houses
should be furnished with a deep and damp cellar,
with some water in it, if possible, so that by opening
the trap door the tobacco in the shed above would
become damp enough to strip at almost any time,
without waiting for damp weather.

Mr. Witmer agreed that great care should be
exercised in the growing and curing of tobacco. He
had suffered by entrusting to "the girls" the strip-
ping of a small lot, and they had made a bad mess of
it ; they did not properly assort it ; tied good and
bad leaves together and the result was it was not
marketable. A neighbor of his, who had tried to
raise a little tobacco, neglected it and it was almost
eaten up with worms. Mr. Witmer suggested that
a local company should be organized to sell the
tobacco raised in the county, and thus avoid the
great waste of time and money resulting from the
employment of eastern buyers.

Mr. a. H. Yeager, of East Lampeter, had grown
a little tobacco, but was well aware that he could
not compete with the western townships. Manor
and Hempfield could get 10 or 15 cents a pound
more than Lampeter, though the soil of Lampeter
was in no respect inferior. He believed it was be-
cause the western townships had learned better how
to grow and handle the crop. He was pleased with
this association, believing that it would accomplish
good work.

Mr. I. L. Landis recommended great care and
strict honesty in assorting and putting up tobacco.
He believed our soil was unsurpassed for its growth
and all that was now necessary was to attract buy-
ers by fair dealing. He had spoken at a former
meeting of the advantages which would result from
having a fine display of tobacco at the Centennial
Exhibition, and he had used his best endeavors to
secure such display. He had collected such speci-
mens and had at his own expense procured a show
case to display them in ; but the exhibit fell far
short of what Lancaster county should have shown.
And now the question arises, liow shall we bring our
tobacco to the attention of the world 1 We may talk
about it among ourselves, but there are no buyers
here to hear us Very full reports of our proceed-
ings are made in the newspapers, but even this is
not enough. Having missed the grand chance of
making a fine display at the Centennial, should we
not make application for sufficient space in the per-
manent exhibition soon to open at Philadelphia?
Kentucky, with her coarse tobacco, made a display
at the exhibition which cost $15,000 or $.0,000. By
concert of action Lancaster county can, at a very
small cost, make a fine display at the permanent ex-
hibition. The space will cost nothing ; there will be
no expense except the furnishing the tobacco and
the proper cases in which to display it. He pro-
posed the appointment of a committee to inquire into
the expediency of making the exhibit.

The chair appointed Messrs. I. L. Landis, John M.
Stehman and Peter S. Keist, as said committee.

Mu. W. L. Hershet presented a hand of very fine

tobacco leaf, which was much admired by members.

On motion members were requested to bring

samples of their tobacco to the next meeting of the

society.

On motion the question of stripping and assorting
tobacco was Continued for discussion at next meet-
ing.

The chair appointed Mr. Jacob M. Frantz to de-
liver an essay before the society at its next staled
meeting. '

Adjourned.

The Linnaean Society.

A state meeting of the Linnaean Society was held on
Saturday, the 37th of January, President, Rev. J. S.
Stahr, in the chair. Six members present. The
minutes of the prexious meeting were read and ap-
proved and dues collected. The few donations to
the museum were examined. In one bottle a
common mouse {Mus musculns) differing from
others simply in the absence , of all signs of
a tail ; also a beetle allied to the meal-worm
beetle, {IphlMnus Pensylvanicnss) , per Mrs. Gibbons.
A long and stout specimen of a sugar cane, {Sae-
charum Offlcinarmn L) from Mr. Wm.Blickenderfer,
grocer, North Queen street, taken from a hogshead
of New Orleans sugar. A fine bunch of the heads of ■•
the "Clawson White Wheat," and a bottle of the
cleaned seed, by the Lancaster County Horticultural
Society. A fine fossil ( Terrain-alula risca) from the
Miami Valley, per Kev. J. H. Dubbs.

The American Almanac for 1830, No. 7 of Field and
Forest, Patent Office Gazette, an account of the
"Buck-shot war" of 1830. Part II of the proceed-
ings of the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia
up to September, 1870 ; the 3d annual report of the
Zoological Society, of Cincinnati.

To the historical department five envelopes, con-
taining 56 scraps from papers ; also, (omitted in last
month's report,) two genuine bank-bills of_^ the
Southern Confederacy, one of §20, the other $100,
per Mr. Blickenderfer.

The following papers were read : On the sugar
cane and its botanical relations and history, per S. S.
Rathvon, No. 5.56 ; Mr. D. McN. Stauffer gave a de-
scription of the mode of cutting the cane, boiling,
crushing, and the evaporating process, as witnessed
by him in Louisiana. Mr. Rathvon read a paper on
tlie locust leaf mining beetle, with a natural locust
leaf glued to the paperto illustrate the effects of the
insecl— the Europlata S^i.turalis, No. 557. A com-
munication of some length, with illustrations (and
very interesting) , from Mr. A. F. Berlin, of Reading,
Pa., in which he refers to the finding of two kinds of
" stone pestles," among ancient tribes of Europe and
America, and mentions certain customs, that lead
him to think the one kind were only used for crush-
ing corn, the other in a species of religious ceremony,
wiiich was new to the members present. Rev. Prof.
Dubbs also read a letter from Mr. Berlin, in which
illustrations are given of the similarity of fishinur im-
plements used by the early Scandinavians and North
American Indians, as well as other things relating to
the stone age, in which he called the attention of the
Society to several interesting facts. An illustrated
Paper, showing the remarkable delineations of frame
work— of agricultural arrangement, surrounded with
immense plumes of fern like crystals and scrolls, the
skillful work of Jack Frost, on the large plate glass
window of Messrs. Rathvon & Fisher's clothing
store, northeast corner of North Queen and Orange
streets, as witnessed on the morning of January 4,
1S77. The straight (or slightly curved) long hori-
zontal lines, shaded perspectively, and beset at right
angles, like windows or door frames, between them,
was a new feature in frost-work, which is often
highly ornamental in fern-like leaves ; but this, for
its" peculiarity, was truly remarkable, and deemed
worthy to be put upon record by a description and
drawing, per J. Staufler.

Mrs. P. E. Gibbons gave a verbal statement of how
tho tailless mouse was caught, and how it suggested
Darwinian ideas, as it seems to never have had a
tail. This led to the mention of other malforma-
tions, which had nothing to do with Darwin's no-
tions. She also stated that she had arisen early m
the morning to notice the late conjunction of the
planets. The members present having indulged in
their morning naps, confessed to not having wituess-

A motion was made that Dr. Walter J. Hoffman,
of Reading, Pa., be elected a corresponding member
of the society. His zeal in natural science and high
standing in several societies, was well known, and
on motion he was unanimously elected, and notified
of the same. The recording secretary was remind-
ed to notify members of the arrearages of dues. No
further business offering, on motion adjourned to
Saturday, February 2i.

Renew your subscription for The Farmer for
1877, as we intend to make it one of the best agricul-
tural papers in the comUry.

Recipe to Cleanse Wool.— Hunt Bros., of the
"North Bloomfield custom woolen mill," New York,
once gave the following recipe for cleansing wool :

To two pailfuls of water, add a quart of soft-soap
and half a pint of common salt. Heat from 150 to
180 degrees— or a little warmer than the hand can
bear. Put in all the wool that will stir conveniently,
and let it remain fifteen minutes, moving it in the
kettle occasionally. Then take it out ; let it drain ;
return the drained liquor to the kettle, and add all
the water needed. Repeat the process, and occasion-
ally add a little soap and salt. After the wool is
sufficiently drained, simply rinse it out in cold water,
and you will have it white and soft. Never let wool
boil in the liquid, as that will fix the gum, render
the fibre stiff and gray, and unfit to make soft, flex-
ible yarn. Fine wool needs more time in the kettle
than coarse. Taggings may be cleansed in the same
manner, by clipping off all the hard matter that can-
not readily be compressed between the thumb and
linger,— .fiwrai New Yorker.

1877.1

TH£ LANCASTER FARMER.

13

Fur Trk I.ANi'AsrER Fabmeb.
TO MY FRIEND LENA.

"Deaipst friend," callest thou mc;
Would that I misht enrol free
Notes, that all unuttereil dwell
In my heart's deep inner cell,
I would warble unto thee
Strains of sweetest melody.

But the ehoieest gcu^s of thoufflit,
Stay within the mind unwroui,'ht,
For their lustre, holy lirifjht
Shrinketli from the crimson light,
As the gentle violets hide
Far away from pomp and pride.

"nearest friend," thou namest me,
Listen while I sinp to thee,
For thy words of friendly cheer.
Spokei'i kindly in mine ear.
Wake sweet music iu my heart.
Courage to the lay impart.

Ilence what e"er my lot may be,
Sailing o'er life's changeful sea,
'Twill my lonely hours engage.
Turning to sweet memory's page,
There to trace those words of thine,
Breathed in eloquence divine.
■Mary L. Groff, Orecnwood I'arl,-, Jan. 1, 1877.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Bread Making.

I do not generally have " luck" making yeast
bread in cold weather. If I set the sponge the night
before, it chills, and the bread is only tolerable, not
heavy nor sour, but dark, and soon dries out. For a
few times I have made salt rising bread, and find it
a delightful substitute — fine and white and light,
quite as good as hop yeast, only for the insipid, in-
nocent taste.

One of my neighbors says, "Salt rising' who told
youhctw toniake it ?" just as if I had not always
known how it was made. I wrote down my recipe
for her, and I append it here, hoping that some
woman may be benefited.

Put a pint of lukewarm water into a large earthen
bowl, then add half a teacupful of new milk, a good
pinch of salt, an even teaspoonful of soda and a
large spoonful of sugar. When dissolved stir iu su-
gar enough to make a thick batter, beat it well and
place the bowl iu a pot of warm water, cover it up
and let it stand in a warm place. Be watchful that
the water is kept at the same temperature. Stir it
occasionally for a couple of hours, then let it stand.
If this is done early in the morning, say five or six
o'clock, it will be up to the brim of the bowl about
noon — if not set until seven, or later, it may not rise
till two or three o'clock.

If water comes on top of the rising, stir in a little
flour. Let it ferment until it reaches the very top of
the bowl, then have your pan of flour warmed ready,
and wet it up with lukewarm milk and water. Do
not make the dough too stiff; if you do the bread will
incline to dry out soon.

Set the loaves in a warm place to rise. I mix and
mould out Into loaves immedialely. Do not hurry
too fa«t; let the pans rise full before putting the
loaves in the oven bake with a moderate fire and
you will be delighted with your nice loaves and their
delicate brown color.

This is a pleasurable change from yeast bread, es-
pecially if your yeast has not stood the cold weather
and was touched with the chill that has been so mer-
ciless and so cruel . 1 do not say that my way of
making salt rising is the only and best way— nearly
every woman has a plan of her own; any of them is
good if it will make good lively yeast and good bread .
My mother used to make e.vcellent bread, and I re-
member very distinctly that she made the yeast of
barely lukewarm water, flour, and a pinch of salt.
I think the soda and sugar hasten or assist fermenl.a-
tion; it looks reasonable that it should.

If one's patience is tired by a sack of poor flour, a
very good quality of breail may be obtained by the
use of salt rising when hop yeast would fail. Or,
try bran rising — made by stirring up clean bran
and warm water at night, the same as for cow feed;
set it in a warm place, and in the morning, or
soon after, it will putl' uji with very lightness; then
strain through a coarse cloth, and use the bran wa-
ter to wet up your Hour; proceed as with salt rising
bread, and you will be delighted with a very fine-
grained, sweet, nutritious bread. The elements of
Graham bread are all in it. It is well to experi-
ment in bread making and just see what gratifying
results will follow your efforts. You will find a
great many new new things.

A Word to Housewives.
My symjiathy for all who are compelled to bear
the burden of the management of ' servants" is very
great, indeed ; but how few housekeepers there are
who take the course so necessary to interest the
" hired girl" In doing the work of the kitchen thor-
oughly and well ! My experience has compelled me

to learn the important lesson of personal supervision;
especially in the preparation of the pastry, as most
girls, if left to this work unaided, are either incom-
[letent or become careless and negligent. There are
few who will do it well. Not only is the cake heavy
and the pies hard and indigestible, Imt extravagance
and waste is often the case in this department of the
culinary art, if left to the girl. I do all my pastry
cooking, anil enjoy it . Some time ago a friend of
mine called my attention to a new invention which
has aided me very much in my work, being tired of
the drudgery incident to the inconvenience of having
any materials stored away in storerooms and pan-
tries. .\fter having seen this, I saiil to myself
" F.nreka," and decided to have one. It is now a
pleasant task for rne to stand beside this ingenious
kitchen storehouse, which occupies no more room
than a kitchen table, and contains all the implements
and materials used in doing my work, without mov-
ing one step, and with little fatigue I accomplish my
task. Bridget sees me enjoy these daily duties, anil
is inspired by my jiresence to make extra exertions to
do her work ; and the result is, we get along
pleasantly, and I have everything as I desire it. —
Chicago Tribune.

How to Pour Tea.

There is more to he learned about pouring out tea,
and coffee than most ladies are willing to believe.
If those decoctions are made at the table, which is
by far the best way, they re<iuire experience, judg-
ment and exactness ; if they are brought on the
table ready made, it still requires judgnu-nt so to ap-
portion them that they shall prove sufllcient in
quantity for the family party, and that the elder
members shall have the stronger cups. Often per-
sons pour out tea who, not being at all aware that
the first cup is the weakest, and the tea grows
stronger as you proceed, bestow the poorest cup
upon the greatest stranger and give the strongest to
a very young member of the family who would have
been better without any. Where several cups of
equal strength are wanted you- should pour a little
into each, and then go back, inverting the order as
you fill them up, and then the strength will be ap-
portioned properly. This is so well understood in
England that an experienced pourer of tea waits till
all the cups of the company are returned to her be-
fore she fills any a second time, that all may share
alike. — Housekeeper.

Origin of Dessert.

The service of sweets and fruits at banquets origi-
nated in Milan in tho fifteenth century. It was un-
known in France under Louis XIV. No dessert at
all appears in Moliere's picturesque descriptions of
the banquets given by the Grand Monarque in 1604
and 16fiti, and so far as we know the first dessert ever
put upon a great table in France was at the marriage
festival of Louis XV., when his poor little Polish
bride, Marie Lecszinka, was brought from her simple
home at Weissombourg to share the first throne in
Europe. Under the first Napoleonic empire the
dessert, as we now know it, was developed and estab-
lished by three great artists whose names should not
be suffered to die, Desforges, Delorme and Dutfoy.
It was by the last-named of these that the pyramids
of iced-cream, then known as '^ froinaqen (jtacci<,*^
were first served ; but he was careful always to serve
with these and the other confectioneries, puddings
and sweets of all sorts, genuine cheeses, " for the
benefit," as he tells us candidly, " of those who
need a second thirst."

Valuable Recipes.

Worms on Ti-rnips. — Ashes scattered over old
soils will commonly operate against the inroads of
worms upon turnips planted in them.

Renderixg Lari).— We, at the suggestion of a
neighbor, took the "sugaring oft' pan" to try our
lard in, and found it more expeditious than kettles.

Bkide Cake. — Whites often eggs beaten till hard
2 cups of pulverized sugar ; 1 cup of Hour ; 1 tea
spoonful cream tartar ; put all except the eggs into
a sieve and sift them on the eggs.

Fruit Cake— Superior.— 1 lb. flour ; 1 lb. sugar ;
1 lb. butter ; I'i eggs ; 4 lbs. raisins ; 4 lbs. currants ;
1 lb. citron ; 2 wine glasses brandy ; 2 wine glasses
wine ; 1 nutmeg ; 1 tablespoon cloves ; I tablespoon
cinnamon ; 1 lables|X)on molasses ; will make ten or
twelve loaves of good size.

To Ekadicate Dandri;fk.— Wet tlie head with
lukewarm water, then rub on enough good castile
soap to make a stift" foam; rnb it in well with the
ends of the fingers, then wash out in two waters.
Do this at least twice a week until a cure is effected.
You should never touch the head with a fine comb,
and should bear on very lightly with a coarse one.

Sore Tiihoat. — Soak a small piece of bread, about
the size of a hazel-nut, and then take a pinch of
Cayenne pepper ; mix and roll up in the form of a
pill, which the patient must swallow, when in about
three hours he will be relieved from all pain. In a
severe case a second dose may be requisite, which has
never been known to fall.

Iron DrKiNii Moii.tino.— A good article to use
in the water given your mounting fowls to drink Is
the tincture of iron. It is very handy and cheap, and
sliould be accessible constantly cluring the critical
time when old fowls are elianiring their plumage. It
is strengthening, palatable, and works like a charm
in its way as a stomach tonic. A tablespoonful of
the tincture to a quart of water is sutHeient. To be
had at any drug store.

Veoetahi.e Sol r. — Take four potatoes, three tur-
nips, one carrot and three onions ; cut them into
small pieces and put them into a slew pan, with a
cjuarter of a pound each of butter and ham, and a
bunch of parsley ; let them remain ten minutes over
a brisk fire, a<ld a large teaspoonful of flour ; mix
well in, moisten with two 'jtiarts (jf broth and a pint
of boiling milk ; bnil u|i, season with salt and sugar,
run through a hair sieve, put into another stewpan,
boil again. .Skim and serve with fried bread in it.

Indian Hui'.An. — Kosella gave us a receipt "as
our graMdmcithrrs made it," but it isn't as rny
grandmother makes it, and I don't believe it is near
as good. Here is my grandmother's recipe : One
quart of corn meal and one teacui)ful of molasses or
sugar, .scalded together; cool with water until milk
warm, and then add one pint of rye meal or Hour,
and one cup of yeast; mix and let it rise three
hours, then stir it well and put in a small pan.
Bake tliree hours. If you use milk risings it will not
need to stand more than half an hour before baking.
If it gets too light it will fall.

Couoii Svuci'. — This is the season for coughs and
colils, and 1 feel as though anyone knowing a good
cough medicine should make it known. Cough
syrups are plentiful, but they soon wear out ; and you
don't always know what you are taking. We know
the following is good : White pine gum and lard
equal (|uaritities; disolve or melt ; strain if any bark ;
then a<ld three times as nuudi sale sugar ; simmer
twenty minutes, sliriug frequently ; take it off and
stir till cool. Take a pill of it after coughing spells.
White pine gum can be purchased at any drug store.
Now don't think your cough is so slight it will cure
it.self, or so bad this won't relieve it. But people of
weak stomachs can't all keep it down.

Freckles. — The following is cli[)ped from an ex-
change. We recommend caution in using any
mjiterial on the face or skin as more harm than good
may result : In many females of a sanguine tem-
perament, freckles, even if removed for a time, will
be sure to return, and, therefore, may be said to be
incurable. But in nine out of ten cases the following
will effect a cure r In the morning on rising, take a
teaspoonful of lac-Euli)hur in a few teaspoonfuls of
milk. Then, for external use, apply the following :
Corrosive sublimate, four grains; alcohol, one ounce.
Mix. Kemember, ladies, that the latter mixture
ought not to come in contact with the lips. After a
few days' using the skin will begin to very slowly
peel off, and the freckles disappear. Twice daily is
sullicient to apply it. .\ French dermatologist re-
commends the following for the same purpose : Take
muriatic acid, one-half ounce; alcohol, one ounce ;
rain water seven ounces. .Mix, and apply well with
a sponge three times daily. When in England, a
gipsy woman informed me tliat she used horseradish,
boiled in milk, for removing freckles. She cured a
number of young girls, but whether or not she told
me the real secret of the means employed 1 am un-
able to say, having never given the preparation a
trial.

LIVE STOCK.

Hens in Winter.

Every personwho keeps hens for profit is exceed-
ingly anxious that they should furnish eggs during
the winter, for the reason that they are then more
scarce, insullieient to supply the demand, and conse-
quently high priced.

There are several conditions necessary to attain
these desirable ends; the first is to obtain a desirable
variety or breed of fowls. This is a ditlieult matter,
for many of the breeders of fowls are profuse in their
recommendation of the i>erpctual or winter laying
qualities of the particular breed in which they are
interested, all of which is exceedingly confusing to
the innocent farmer who has no time or opportunity
to study the good qualities of any breed. If possible,
it is safe to get a hardy breed; the White Leghorns
are a good fowl and reasonably good layers, but are
a little inclined to be tender. A poultry breeder of
careful observation considers, for farmers' use, a
cross between the White and Brown Leghorn pre-
ferable to any other variety. There are those, how-
ever, who believe the Partridge Cochins arc the best
breed, for the reason that they are said to be good
winter lavers.

But aside from breeds, another essential to suc-
cess in winter keeping is, that the fowls have warm
quarters. This is absolutely necessary, for there is
no breed of hens that can be expected to furnish eggs
if allowed to shift for themselves, and secure such
quarters as an open shed or old barn affords. They
are exceedingly averse to severe cold weather and
also continuous moisture ; for this reason they should

14

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[January,

be provided with a warm and protected shelter for
winter where they may be contined except upon ex-
ceedingly pleasant and warm days. Their houses
should have a southern aspect so that, being supplied
with windows, it may receive the heat and light of
the sun. It miirht not be an unprofitable thing to
have a fire-place and chimney, that in extremely
cold and damp or frosty days a tire may be built for
the additional comfort of the fowls. At all events
the room should be reasonably warm, if possible,
above the freezing point, not only for the safety of
such eggs as might be laid, but also to admit of the
introduction of dry gravel and lime, plaster, ashes,
etc., in which the fowls can dust themselves or
obtain substance for shellingtheireggs. Thisshould
be away from the roost, where it would become
mixed with the droppings of the roost, and after be-
ing used a time may be used to sprinkle with the
manure to preserve all its good qualities as well as
to serve as a deodorizer. The saving of the manure
of fowls is no small item, and will go far toward
payment for the keeping.

Finally, very much of the laying qualities of hens
depends upon the keeping. In the first place, es-
pecially if hens are allowed to run at large in the
summer, it must be remembered that they are de-
prived of such share of animal food as they are able
to secure during summer; then to meet this demand,
they should be provided, occasionally, with scraps,
pieces of meat or something of that nature. Then
there should be a variety fo food, such as scalded
meal, perhaps wet up with milk, buckwheat,
oats, corn, chopped cabbage, apples, boiled potatoes,
and in fact anything that will give a relish ; and oc-
casionally, to warm up the system, in using the wet
up Indianjmeal, stir in a little ginger or ground pep-
per or mustard ; it is also a good thing to give, oc-
casionally, a little sulphur in order to insure the good
health of the fowls. Old scraps of grease will have a
very happy effect upon the confined animals, as their
music after eating will fully demonstrate. The prin-
cipal secret of success in keeping hens in winter is
contained in four letters combined in the word cure. —
WilUam M. Yeomaits.

Raise Your Own Cows.

A writer in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal says'
Many dairymen sell their calves, and buy cows when
wanted, but that is not a good practice, as I claim
that cows can be raised cheaper than they can be
bought — that is, really good cows, which have a large
flow of milk, and are a breed or grade valuable for
beef. Dairymen should breed from stock that is
extra valuable for milk. Such cows are obtained by
degrees. They may be grades of pure bloods ; but
■when obtained it is very unwise to sell the calves of
such cows to the butchers, because in a few years
one runs out of such good stock if he sells his calves,
and then he is compelled to take cows of an inferior
grade, as first-class cows are seldom offered for sale.
It does not follow that when good cows are obtained
their calves will always make equally good milkers ;
but like generally produces like, and farmers can
keep up the good qualities of their dairy stock better
by raising than by purchasing their cows. For milk,
and also for beef, a short-horn and Ayrshire grade, or
a short-horn grade crossed on Ayrshire cows make a
very valuable dairy stock. An old and feeble cow
should never be bred, if her calves are to be raised, as
disease is hereditary. In regard to the points of a
good cow, in order to perpetuate a healthy constitu-
tion in her offspring, I annex the following from the
journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England:
"The head small; muzzle fine and tapering ; nos-
trils large and open ; tho eyes full and lustrous ; the
ears small and not too thick ; the head well set on
the neck ; the distance between the ear and the angle
of the jaw short, but the width behind the ears con-
siderable (no dairy cow should have a short thick
neck); the chest wide and deep ; the girth, taken
immediately behind the shoulder, should correspond
with the length from behind the ears to the rise of
the tail ; the carcass of a barrel shape, for a thin,
flat-ribbed animal eats largely, thrives badlj , and is
usually liable to diarrhoea ; there should be but little
space between the prominence of the hip and the last
rib ; the quarter large ; the measurement from the
prominence of the haunch backward to the rise of
the tail and downward to the hock as great as possi-
ble ; the lower part of the haunch thick and broad ;
the hide thick and pliant ; smallness of bone is a sure
indication of early maturity and aptitude for fat-
tening."

^

Ayrshire Cows.

The report of the Ayrshire agricultural association
gives the following points as the standing of superi-
ority in Ayrshire dairy cows :

Head short, forehead wide, nose fine between the
mnzzle and eyes, muzzle moderately large, eyes full
and lively, horns wide set on, inclining upward and
curving slightly inward.

Neck long and straight from the head to the top
of the shoulders, free from loose skin on the under
side, fine at its junction with the head, and the mus-
cles symmetrically enlarging toward the shoulders.

Shoulders thin at the top, brisket light, the whole

forequartcrs thin in front and gradually increasing
in depth and width backward.

Back short and straight, spine well defined, espec-
ially at the shoulder, the short ribs arched, the body
deep at the fianks and the milk veins well developed.

Pelvis long, broad and straight, hock bones (illium)
wide apart and not much overlaid with fat, thighs
deep and broad, tail long and slender, and set on level
with the back.

Milk vessels capacious and extending well forward,
hinder part broad and firmly attached to the body,
the sole or under surface nearly level, the teats from
two to two and a-half inches in length, equal in thick-
ness, and hanging perpendicularly ; their distance
apart at the sides should be equal to about one-third
of the length of the vessel, and across to about one-
half of the breadth.

Legs short, the bones fine and the joints firm.

Skin soft and elastic, and covered with soft, close
woolly hair.

The colors preferred are brown, or brown and
white, the colors being di&tinctly defined.

Great value is attached to the above form and
points by the dairy farmer, and he quickly takes them
in when effecting a purchase, so that a mistake is
rarely made.

^

The Leghorn Fowls.

Undoubtedly this breed produces the most prolific
layers known ; and as the sale of eggs at the prices
they have been bringing is far more remunerative than
that of chickens, it follows that the Leghorn stock is
the most profitable to keep. The" White Leghorns,"
however, are to my mind the most desirable ; in
beauty of form and plumage they far excel all others.
The purity of their plumage, contrasting so strikingly
with the large and brilliant combs and wattles, and
thir proud and graceful creatures . There can be no
mistaking the points of a pure White Leghorn, while
the brown is open to doubt as to its purity, ibr the
latter resembles in many points common fowls so
closely as to require the judgment of an expert to
detect the difference. As egg-producers, the white
are even superior to the brown, numerous instances
being shown where accurate account has been kept
of hens exceeding the production of two hundred and
fifty eggs in one year.

As to the crowing of the young cockerels at the age
of six weeks, I am not prepared to vouch, for I think
that is putting it rather strong ; but I am satisfied
the white mature quite as early as the brown.

There is no investment, either for pleasure or pro-
fit, that yields a larger percentage than this ; and
the wonder is, that so many persons who possess all
the facilities for raising fowls, are content to buy the
stale and too often spoiled barrel eggs at the store,
when by a little outlay of time and means they could
at all times have an abundant supply of good, fresh
eggs ; and the pleasure derived from raising and at-
tending fowls would more than compensate for
the trouble. — White Leghorn, in Oermantomn Tele-
graph.

^

Facilitating Draught of Horses,

A number of careful experiments have been made
on this subject during the bast summer in Switzer-
land and Germany. It has long been known that a
"dead pull," that is, the drawing of an inelastic and
rigid body, was harder than were the body was elas-
tic. In the experiments just mentioned an iron
tube was filled with circular pieces of rubber, alter-
nating with discs of sheet iron. The circles of rubber
and those of iron were perforated in the centre, ad-
mitting the passage of an iron rod attached to a cap
at one end. These tubes were interposed at the at-
tachment of the shafts or else were placed between
the collar and the tugs, with the effect that the
horse, instead ofieing obliged to "throw himself
into the collar," starts the vehicle by a gradual ef-
fort.

The force required to start and also that required
to pull a vehicle were carefully measured by a dy-
namometor, both with and without the elastic tubes.
It was found that, for steady traction, the gain with
the tubes amounted to seventeen per cent; whilst
for stai'ting, the necessary effort was diminished by
over twenty per cent. Similar experiments, in
which cooled spriners were used, gave analogous re-
sults. In view of the great advantage obtained by
this simple means, it should come into general use.
One object of this publication is to diffuse the infor-
mation and prevent this useful principle from being
hampered by a patent — J'hiladelphia Ledger.

How to Buy a Horse.

It is recommended that in purchasing a horse it
should be borne in mind that there is a direct relation
between the horse's forehead and his disposition and
qualities. The face must be very broad between the
eves, but it should taper a little as it approaches the
ears. If the breadth is carried all the upwards, the
top of the head will be too wide, the ears ill set, and
the horse probably sulky. As in the human being,
so in th9 horse, a great "deal of the expression of the
countenance depends on the eye. It is a most mar-
velous index to the working of the mind within. A
glance at it will often reveal the benevolent ,feei-

ing, the surly disposition, or the vicious propensity
that is about fo manifest itself. The reason of all
this must be most obvious, when we remember that
it is in direct communication with the brain — the
material instrument through which the mind ope-
rates. The eye of the horse should be kindly, strong,
bold and fiery, yet gentle-looking. It should not
show much white, as that often indicates a vicious
disposition. A horse that is looking back so far as to
expose the white of his eye, is generally on the alert
for mischief, and is not to be trusted with his heels.
The eye gives a strong indication both of the temper
and temperament of the animal ; and it is easy to
judge from it whether activity or sluggishness pre-
vails most.

^

Farm Horses.

Perhaps there is no animal on the farm more in-
dispensable than the horse of all work — to plough,
to mow, to rake, to go to the mill, or meeting on
Sunday, orthedoingof other things quite too numer-
ous to mention — when Dobbin must be harnessed,
notwithstanding we have the declaration of Holy
Writ, that "A horse is a vain thing for safety."
How to breed horses that combine good work qual-
ities with good road qualities, is a question that
deeply concerns farmers, and one that should be
more thoroughly and skilfully discussed in our
agricultural journals. While columns are filled
with the art of breeding trotters and runners, little
is said of the art of breeding such horses as we have
described above, or in other words, the horse of all
work, the kind of horses that all farmers want,
must and will have, if there be skill enough de-
veloped in the art of breeding to produce them ; and
if not, to demand it forthwith, for them it will be
forthcoming ; for that demand creates supply, is law
in the world of commerce. Shall we hear from our
numerous readers and contributors on this very im-
portant subject — something that is practical and
shall tend to diffuse light where darkness now so
universally prevails ?

Balky Horses.
There is a great deal said just now about the balk-
ing of horses, the causes of it and the remedies. As
long as we can remember, this singular fit of obstin-
acy of the horse has been discussed, and all sorts of
plans for overcoming it given. But what will answer
for one horse may not for another. The cause of it
is doubtless neglect and ill-treatment of the colt or
when and after it is broken to harness. Sometimes
stopping a few moments will be sufficient to start the
animal again freely of his own accord. Kind words,
pattihg, a handful of grass, an apple, or a little pep-
per put upon the tongue will induce him to go ahead
as if nothing had been the matter. Whipping at all
times, and especially in this case, is the worst resort.
We have ourselves induced balky horses to start by
some of the means above recorded. Sometimes the
mere turning of the head and letting the animal look
in a different direction, then rubbing the nose with
ths hand, has answered ; so has tying a string around
his foreleg, below the knee, and drawing it very
tight. Various resorts of this kind should be tried,
but never force. — Germantown Telegraph.

Management of Geese.

Three or four geese to one gander are all that are
advisable, and a less number, even, is perferable.
They commence laying in -\pril, though sometimes
not until May, and require for a nest a box about
three feet square, with a few inches of soil on the
bottom. Soft meadow hay forms a good lining for
it. Each goose requires a nest, otherwise the eggs
must be gathered daily.

After the goose has laid her litter (from ten to
fifteen) , she will arrange her nest in sitting order and
line it with feathers. If the eggs have been taken
from her, they should now be returned and she al-
lowed to cover them. As the process of incubation
is of considerable length — from twenty-eight tothirty
days — she must be encouraged to leave the nest often
for food and exercise. A supply of clean water and
vegetable food, raw and cooked, should be given, to
keep her in a healthy state. An occasional visit to a
pond of water can do no harm, provided it is not
prolonged till the eggs become chiWei.— Poultry
Journal.

Rats and Mice.

The invasion of rats and mice is really getting to
be a serious infliction. Walls are undermined, drains
are converted into channels or thoroughfares to gain
admittance into cellars, and so into the house ;
granaries heretofore considered rat-proof are sud-
denly invaded and their contents confiscated with-
out leave or license. There seems to be little use in
waging war upon them, as their numbe rs only in-
dicate an increase after each assault. Should there
be a heavy fall of snow with prospect of staying
long, it would be well for fruit-growers living where
these pests abound to protect the bodies of young
trees by stamping the snow about them. This will
prevent the mice from gaining access to the trees,
and break up their run-ways under the snow.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i5

Salt for Chickens.
A writer in llie Cultivator and Cuiintry Qentleman.
strongly recommendB salt us a remedy for chickens
suirerinir ft'oni ffaps. He asks wliat ilo we use salt
for in almost everytliing we eiit ? It not only fur-
nishes no nutriment, pleasure, or anything else, liul
Is absolutely a poison ; and that the reason we take
it is to prevent undue germination of worms within
us. The old-time Hollanders used lo punish their
criminals by giving them unsalted food, and they were
thus soon literally devoured by the worms which
engendered in their own stomachs. Now, what
causes gapes in chickens ? ^\'orms. What is given
to animals to prevent Ibis? Salt. Hut all the
books, etc., say salt will kill ehiekens. So it would
ifyou took too much, as they often do through the
habit of bolting their food without mastication anil
tasting. In brief, and in fact when the weather is
damp and eool, always put about as much salt in
chick's feed as you would in your own liread, and I
will answer for the life of every one.

Feed Horses Regularly.
Almost of more importance than the form in
which food is given to horses ar(^ the frequency and
regularity of their meals. The horse's digestive or-
gans arc not constructed for long fasts. Long inter-
vals witliout food produce hunger, and hunger he-
gets voracity; food is boiled, and indigestion and
colic follow 1 This is doubly true and dangerous
with horses doing hard work. They come to their
long deferred meal not only hungry but exhausted;
not only is the food bolted, but the stomach is in
such a state as to be incapable of thoroughly active
digestion, and is overpowered by half the amount
of food it would otherwise digest.

Make Feed Racks.

A stormy day improved by making a few racks to
hold hay and fodder I'or cattle, sheep and horses, will
return "large profits before suiunier comes, in saving
the feed from being trampled under foot and in the
mud, and thus wasted and destroyed. Plenty of
feedins; racks about the barnyard is an evidence of a
careful, painstaking farmer — and only such can make
anything now-a-days. It is not those who make the
most that thrive best, but it is those who save the
most of what they do make. The secret of success
Is in saving all that can economically and wisely be
saved.

To Keep Chickens Clean.

Powdered or broken charcoal is invaluable in the
poultry house in keeping it wholesome for fowls,
and making a most valuable manure. The fowls
will consume a part of it, and are not so liable to
disease as where the premises are limited and con-
fined. Wash your roosts occasionally with kerosene.
This prevents the accumulation of lice in the poultry
houses, and fumes of this pungent oil permeate the
feathers of your fowls at night and drive the vermin
from their bodies. Or sprinkle a little carbolic pow-
der on the roosts.

Safeguards Against Rats.

Rats are accomplished rope-walkers, and are able
to make their way even along very small cords.
Conseijuently so long as they eau mount upon the line
nothing edible susjiended therefrom is safe from their
attacks. A correspondent of the Jloston. Jourual of
Cfiemistnj use wires, upon which circular pieces of
tin are strung, and hangs his meat, grain etc., be-
tween the tin pieces. "The rats cannot pass the tin
circles, because as they attemjit to climb over them
after walking out ou the wire, the pieces revolve.

AGRICULTURAL.

Lime as a Fertilizer.
Lime is a necessity in agrieulttu-e, and if the soil is
destitute of it, it must be supplied, or the ground be-
comes hard atul lumpy, and ceases to produce. Some
writers claim that lime, of itself, gives no fertility,
but this is a mistake, for I have seen good results
from its use where it has been applied on old roads
and worn-out fields where there was almost no
vegetable matter in the soil. A neighbor had a piece
of land which was a high chestnut ridge, and so
poor that it would not produce mullein stalks or rag-
weed. He first applied fifty bushels of lime per acre,
and sowed in wheat and seeded with clover. The
wheat crop was not very good, but the clover did
well, and when it was full grown, it was plowed
down and the land sown in w heat. That was six
years ago, and the field has produced good crops
ever since. Last winter, about the first of February,
I commenced to haul slaked lime on to an old
meadow sod , for corn. On the first acre I put one
hundred and twenty-five bushels ; then I thought
that too thick, and on the rest of the field I put
eighty bushels per acre. I planted the field in corn
in May, and where the lime was the thickest the
corn came up of a better color, and kept ahead all
through the summer, and when I came to husk it, I

could tell the very row where the hundred and
twenty-fiye busbies were spread ; the fodder was
heavier, and the grain deeper on the col) than where
only eighty busbies were applied. I have seen wheat
fields where only one-half of the field was limed,
and the other half manureil with barn-yard manure,
without lime, and lould tell to the very drill row on
that part of the field that was limed ; the straw was
stiffer and the grain larger than on the part where
no lime was applied. I could give many instances
in favor of lime as a manure, and when the farmers
of this country u.si' as much lime as tli<'y do barn-
yard manure, there will be less complaining about
poor crops. I hope that some of your many readers
will give their views and e.Kperienee with lime. — J.
y. 7>., SUj)])eyy Rock, l*a.

^^

"A Broadway Farm."

Stewart, Astor and Vanderliilt are goue, and now
the richest representative of the old families of New-
York is Peter Goelet, an eccentric old l)achelor who
lives on the corner of Broadway and Nineteenth
street, in the most expensive section of the street,
r.oclet's wealth is estimated at from twenty to thir-
ty millions, the most of it having been made by his
great-grandfather and grandfatlier in the hardware
trade. It is the old story. \ French emigrant com-
menced the hardware trade before the revolution,
and by hard work m,a<le monc'y. Every dollar made
was invested in farming land's a mile or more from
the store down town, and for three generations this
has been the rule. What were farming land then
is covered with six story buildings now, and what
the first Goelet bought for twenty dollars an acre is
worth to-day hundreds of thousands. There are
two left of them, Peter, the bachelor, being the best
known. He occupies several lots on the corner of
Nineteenth street and Broadway for a residence;
the property being worth, probably, two
hundred thousand dollars, and he keeps
it that he may have room for a
cow, a dozen guinea hens, a stork or two and a fine
lot of chickens. " Uncle Peter," as he is called, has
a passion for this kind of farming, and he keeps this
splendid property idle that he may indulge his whim.
He dosen't put a dollar into pictures or books ; he
has't a single piece of sculpture , he never takes
part in any public enterjirise ; but the money that
other men put into such things he squanders on his
cow and chickens. Counting interest, it costs him
twenty thousand dollars per year to keep that cow,
which makes the milk come, I should supjiose, at
about a dollar a drop. It is a queer sight — a cow
feeding quietly in the busiest part of New York. But
this is (ioelet's whim, and perhaps it is as sensible as
many other men's whims. lie is over seventy, and
has not a child to leave his vast estate to. His ne-
phews and niece are all very ricli,but as they have not
" Uncle Peter's" quiet tastes, they will not object to
adding his millions to their own.

^

Sowing Clover on Grass.
The agricultural editor of the Reading Timea and
Dcspatcli says : Farmers may succeed in making
clover grow on grass land, if the sod is not thickly
covered with grass, open in places between the tufts,
so as to adroit of harrowing in the seed. Sow the
seed quite thick as early in the spring as the ground
will admit, and be dry. Then run a fine tooth har-
row over the land till the seed is covored, or the most
of it mixed with the loosened earth; then roll the
land, and in due time a crop of clover will appear ;
but it will be in danger of being smothered by the
grass, perhajis ; and if it lie, when the grass has
grown high enough to be cut by a mower, it should
be cut and fed green to stock : and if plaster be sown
on the land, as soon as the clover appears, it will get
such a growth in a few weeks that the grass cannot
check it. Fields that are not wellcovered with grass,
may be improved in this manner, or other grass seed
may be sown instead of clover, and several kinds of
grass seed would be better than one kind. Perhaps
it would be better to pasture such lands till the new
seeding gets a good growth, ratherthan cut the grass
when it is but a few inches high. There is no good
reason why farmers should not experiment in this
way sometimes. Then let them seed down a ijlowed
field to grass next spring, without the usual grain
crop. I have known a good crop of hay to be cut
the first season on fields thus seeded ; and be sure
that you seed with several kinds of grasses, which
produce a firmer sward, and one that will stand the
frosts of winter better than one kind will.

Good Yield of Corn.

Wm. Lambie, Ypsilanti, Mich., reports a yield of
900 bushels of ears of corn on ten acres, at a cost per
bushel of 7 cents in the car. The interesting feature
is the cost per bushel, rather than the yielil per acre.
As the land was a reclaimed marsh, and was quad-
rupled in value in the process of producing corn at
7 cents per bushel, it may be considered a sample of
first-class farming.

Subscribe for The Farmer, the cheapest Agricul-
tural Paper published. See terms on first page.

HURTICULTURE.

Some Hints on Grafting.

Sometimes disease will fasten itself on to a tree
and jjcrvade its whole system; and when grafts are
taken from such a tree the trouble goes with It. In
this way a diseased condition is often distributed
quite unconscioiisly by the propagator. Sometimes
this peculiar condition <loes not produce actual dis-
ease, but there is a sort of lack of vigor wliich leads
to inferior results. For instance, we often find
people with .Seekel pear trees that have hut moderale
sized or small fruit; and other people who are aide
to boast ol their large Seekel pears. If grafts are
taken from these they generally continue to produce
large or snmll pears as the case may be. Yet we
know that all these came from one original Seekel
pear tree and that in some way the degeneracy or
improvement came about witliout any seminal agen-
cy whatever. The whole ditlerence has been made
general by propagation. Now, some people say
when a person has a large or fine Seekel pear, the
land or the culture just suited it: and if the grafts
are taken to other trees undi'r other circumstances
the excellence fails and the fruit reverts to Its origin
nal inferior condition. But it is not always so. In-
deed, it is but seldom that the large and perfect
form fails to carry its excellence with it, when the
graft goes to a distant stock.

Now this fact shows how very careful we should be
in selecting grafts, to take them only from the best
known specimens of the kind we can get. It may
also be a question whether it will not pay sotnetimcs
to graft over again with the suine kind, when it is
approved, but a tuttertree exists. For instance, with
the Seekel pear. .Supposing one has atree that gives
but a small fruit, and a neighbor has one which Is
large and fine, gi-afts from that will give the large
kind ; and it may be worth while to sacrifice a year
or two of poor fruit in order in time to get much
belter ones.

Independently of all this, there are often fruit
trees on one's place that arc so |>oor as to be better
to have the whole character of the tree changed, and
this is the blessing which the art of grafting confers.

It may be as well to say at this season that graft-
ing is generally more successful when the grafts are
taken off early. As the season progresses the sap
accumulates in vessels, as every one knows who has
pruned a grape vine. If cut late in the spring the
vine bleeds ; but it does not if cut now. Pear trees do
not exactly ''bleed" if cut late, Imt there is much
more sap in the branches in spring than there is now.
We cut early to avoid this, and bury the scions in the
earth or anywhere where they will be absolutely at
rest without being absolutely frozen. — GermaiUoivn
Telegraph.

^

Succession of Fruits.

The so-called small fruits, occupy quite a large
place in the general list of fruits for every month.
Those wlio have never enjoyed the luxury of a dish
of fully ripe strawberries of such varieties as the
Charles Downing, Boydens' No. .'W, or even the
Wilson— which may be, and should be, on every
man's table in .May and June, with the usual ac-
companiments of cream and sugar — are to be
pitied, especially if it is not by their own negligence
that they lose one of the most delightful exercises of
a well furnished table. In natural succession the
strawberries are followed by the various sorts of
raspberries, red, black and yellow, all very
"pleasant to the eye and good to the taste," and
these in turn are followed by the blackberries ; and
although these fruits ripen through the summer
months, and are best relished when fresh from the
vines or hushes, we can have them almost as good
during the late and all the winter mouths, even
uniil they are supplanted by crops of the succeed-
ing year." The old system" of preserving fruits in
sui/ar, pound for pound, as the old rule had it, has
been entirely superseded by a process of canning,
which preserves much more of the real flavor and
quality, costs less, and is, therefore, superior to the
fiiriner Uiode.

In addition, and for variety, we have during the
summer months the delicious cherry. Who, that
has tieen favored as jour humble servant has, on
more than one occasion, to visit when the fruit was
at its iirinie, orchards like those of the late Dr. Hull,
of well-merited horticultural fame, and to have the
choice without limit of nearly or quite twenty
varieties of sweet cherries, can ever forget such an
event? And who can deny the exquisite flavor aud
gratefulness to the palate, of a dish of Karly Rich-
mond pitted cherries, as we have them for side
dishes at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years'
dinners or supjwrs ? Indeed, I like them and have
them home-grown much oftener than on such festive
occasions .

As the months roll on we have the apricot, the
nectaTine, the peach and the plum in varieties for
the mouths of August and September, and with these
and for the balance ol the year, the pear and the king
of fruits, the apple, and the last named in almost in-
finite variety and of various flavors, sweet, acid, sub-
acid, and mild sub-acid, etc., to suit the differeut

i6

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ January, 1877.

tastes of men, women and children. If varieties of
apples are well chosen, we may have them from
July to the succeedina; July, for it i.s a very common
thing to see on our fruit stands the Golden Russet
of the preeedinfj year with the Early Harvest or
Carolina Red June of the present season. — C. W.

MUBTFELDT, BEFORE THE K.\NS.\S HORTICUL-
TURAL SOCIETT.

Heat for House Plants.

Most of our plants are injured by too much heat.
For a general collection of house plants, it is not best
to allow the thermometer to be above seventy, and if
they could be kept in a room where the thermometer
would usually range much above sixty-five it would
be much better. In the night time fifty is enough.
Give a little fresh air every fine day, and all the sun-
light attainable. An effort should be made to give
moisture to the atmosphere, for our own good, as
well as the health of the plants. This can be done
in various ways by evaporating water : but when
plants are In a separate apartment, likealittle green-
house, it can be done more conveniently and effectu-
ally, although this separate apartment be only a bay
window, with glass doors, separating it from the liv-
ing room. In this, water can be used freely, by
sprinkling, etc., and a moist atmosphere preserved.
The temperature, with this arrangement, can be kept
lower than would be comfortable in the living room,
and the plants are saved from dust and many evils
which we manage to endure and live, but which
generally prove too much for the plants. — Vick's
Guide.

Thinning Fruit.

Additional facts come before us every day, showing
the importance of thinning fruit on the trees early in
the season. E. Mood,ofLockport, New York, stated
Bome years ago that while the large, handsome
peaches on his thinned trees brought a dollar and
a half per basket, the same sort on crowded branches
sold for only half a dollar. More recently, Mr. Dyck-
man, of White Haven, New York, has cited instances
where his thinned crop readily brought two dollars
and a-half per basket, and unthinned only one dollar
and a quarter. There is less difference when the
trees are young and bear large specimens, but as
they become older and more productive, the differ-
ence becomes very distinct. But the increased price
is not the only advantage. An overloaded tree is
soon exhausted. A large orchardist in Ohio lost
3,000 trees by the cold of winter, after a very heavy
crop ; while trees which had not borne were unin-
jured. It is much easier to thin out poor specimens
early, than to hand-pick all, and then assort them.

Tar on Fruit Trees.

According to the experience of Mr. Henry Rey-
nolds, of Montgomery county, N. Y., tar is a perfect
remedy for scarred and sun-cracked ajiple trees.
He says that by coating with new tar the trunk of a
favorite fruit bearer that was cracked and so de-
cayed that the bark was dead and would peel o9', he
has restored it fully. He applies it to all the
branches that show signs of decay. Since practic-
ing this cheap remedy, he has not been troubled
with insects. By applying tar to the trunk, and
clearing away the surface at the roots so as to let it
run down on them, peach trees badly damaged by
borers are fully restored. Replace the dirt, and you
will have no more trouble with the tree for two years
or more. If the tar is applied to young trees, the
borers will not trouble them at all. He states that
the coating should be applied in the winter, or early
in the spring.

Grafting Currants.

The Rural New Yorker says : Lovers of the cur-
rant and gooseberry have reason to feel jolly over the
success which seems to attend grafting them upon
the Missouri currant (Ribus aurcum), which is not
liable to the attacks of the borer. Besides, they are
exempt from mildew. And thus by a single happy
hit the two great drawbacks to currant .and goose-
berry cultivation have been overcome. The beauty
of these little trees when loaded with their pretty
berries, as displayed at the Centennial, is of itself
enough to secure their general cultivation. It would
be well for those who iutend experimenting with
grafting currants to bear in mind that there is a
great difference in the varieties of the Missouri cur-
rant, some making better stocks than others.

Apples in England.
The London Garden says that Convent Garden
market is piled high with barrels of American ap-
ples, which are more abundant now than ever
known before. The English apple crop was
small the past season and apples being
very abundant here, they have poured into the Lon-
don market. There are large supplies also from
France and from Holland, the former be ng sold at a
dollar per bushel, and the latter lower. American
apples, if good, sell much higher.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Oakland Stud of Peroheron-Normam Horses.
M. W. Dunham, importer and breeder, Wayne, Dn
Page county, Illinois, thirty-five miles west of
Chicago, on the Freeport division C. & N. W. R. R.
This is simply a royal octavo pamphlet of thirty-two
pages, being an illustrated catalogue of the horse-
stock of Mr. Dunham, the enterprising and widely
known importer and breeder of the famous Percheron
Normans, which are becoming so popular in this
country. The pamphlet, which is beautifully gotten
up, opens with a splendid illustration of "Success,"
the first Percheron-Norman stallion imported to
Illinois from France, by Mr. Dunham, which is fol-
lowed by "Mignonette," "Jean Bart," "Cardinal,"
" Tempest," " Primate," " Duke of Perche,"
"Apollo," "Napoleon III.," "Viola and "Adelaide,"
all of whom, with descriptive notices, will appear in
our journal during the course of the coming year.
This stud consi.sts of seventy-eight individuals, in-
cluding stallions and mares, of foreign and American
breeds. We must confess that we are not a con-
noisseur in horse flesh, but to our eye there is some-
thing beautifully grand in the apperance of N'a-
lioleon III. After the first outlay, it perhaps costs
as little to keep a good horse as a bad one, save the
ditlerence between efflcient grooming, and absolute
neglect. Eighty-six of these horses have been sold
since August, 1S74, at prices, the lowest of which
was Si50.00 and the hiahest ?.5,.5OO.O0, but seventy
were from S1,000 to 4,.500. This is a fair exhibit of
their value, and illustrates their appreciation by the
stock owners of our country, from Maine to Wis-
consin and Iowa. If our farmers desire good work-
ing and pleasure stock, we commend them to the
stud of Mr. Dunham.

Tub NEW Guide to Rose Culture. The cata-
logue of the Dingee and Conard Company of Rose
Growers, West Grove, Chester county. Pa., is a
royal octavo pamphlet of 47 pages, and many illus-
trations, on fine cerulean tinted paper, and excellent
type, and Is now before us. The catalogues of the
various floi'ists, seedsmen and nurserymen of our
country, constitute the cheapest, most practical
and accessible treatises on flower garden, lawn, field,
forest and vegetable garden botany, of anything that
is published on that subject, and the one before us,
on its specialty, is not inferior to the best of them.
The study of these, aided by a Botanical Text Book,
is sufficient to impart as much popular knowledge
of the subject as is of interest to the masses. Here
we have lists of 37.5 roses, alphabetically arranged,
including ever-blooming, hybrid, perpetual, moss
and climbing; 40 of which are entirely new; with
short descriptions and modes of culture.

The Naturalist's Directory, containing the
names of naturalists, chemists, physicists and mete-
orologists, arranged alphabetically, with an index
arranged according to departments. By .Samuel E.
Cassino, and published by the Naturalists' Agency,
at Salem, Mass. This is an exceedingly well exe-
cuted pamphlet of 75 pages, interspersed with about
the same number of blank pages, for the purpose of
making additions and corrections. It is a demi 8vo.
in form, and printed on fine calendered paper, with
tinted covers. It is, perhaps, as perfect as such a
work could possibly be made, under all the circum-
stances, in a first edition, and in order to make future
issues more complete, the author and compiler re-
spectfully solicits notices of omi.?sions that occur in
the present issue. Also notices of scientific societies
wherever they may exist in North America, to add to
a new edition which will be published in December,
1877.

"Report of the Geographical and Geological Ex-
plorations and Surveys west of the one hundredth
meridian, in charge of First Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler,
corps of engineers, U. S. A. Under the direction of
Gen. Humphreys, Chief of EngineersU. S. A. Pub-
lished by the War Department, in six volumes.

Our acknowledgments are due to our distinguished
fellow-citizen and Congressional Representative,
Hon. A. Herr Smith, lor a copy of the fifth volume
of this admirable work, the contents, material, and
execution of which reflects as much credit upon the
government, its officer and employees, as any work
ever published by Congress. This volume is a solid
quarto of 1,0-0 pages; it is devoted exclusively to
zoology, and includes mammalogy, ornithology, her-
petology, ichthyology, entomology, conchology, &c.,
properly and beautifully illustrated.

An Essay on Pear Blight, read before the Poto-
tnac Fruit Growers' Association, W^ashington, D. C,
by John Brainard, together with an introductory
note by J. P. Kirtland, M. D. This is a royal octavo
pamphlet of IB pages, on a most interesting subject,
and one that has exercised the minds of fruitgrowers
for a century, at least. This little work is well
gotten up, and is illustrated by six wood-cuts, in-
cluding fourteen figures, representing healthy parts
of the pear tree and also those infected by " blight."
It bears date September .5th, ls7(i, and therefore con-
tains the latest views upon a most intricate subject.
If it does not contain all the truth, it at least makes
a nearer approximation to it than anything we have
yet seen on blight.

Potato Pests. Being an illustrated account of
the Colorado potato-beetle, and the other insect foes
of the potato in North America, with suggestions for
their repression and methods for their destruction.
By Charles V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D. State Entomolo-
gist of Missouri.

Published by the Orange Judd Co., 245 Broadway.
New York.

Price .50 cts. in paper, 7.5 cts. in boards. This is a
handsomely printed little 12 mo. of IDS pages, con-
taining also a map of North America, illustrating the
original home, the territory occupied, the territory
invaded, and the most direct line of march of this
notorious pest; with 40 figures, illustatlng this and
others insects injurious to the potato, as well as those
carnivorous and parasitic species which iufest and
prey upon the Colorado Beetle. It should be in the
hands of every farmer and gardener in the country.
And now here we have before us, No. 1, volume
1 — January 1877, of the Xebraska Farmer, Me-
Bridc <fc Clarkson editors and propi'ietors, published
monthly at Lincoln, Nebraska, at $3.00 in advance
per annum. This is a remarkably well gotten up
quarto of 24 pages, not iucluding four extra pages
of advertisements, and additional covers. It is
printed on fine calendered paper, faintly tinted, and
everything looks fresh and new. Its literary quali-
ties are unexceptionable, and located as it is in the
vicinity of the State Agricultural College, it
must IP necessarily be the reflector of the best
agricultural thoughts of the.State. We cor-
dially welcome it to the ranks of agricultural
journalism, and heartily wish for it a long and
successful career. This first number impresses
us very favorably, and we have already appropriated
a valuable paper from its columns. Communica-
tions of all kinds to be addressed to The Xebraska
Farmer, Lock Box 41, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Potter's American Monthly, an illustrated
magazine of history, literature, science and art;
1877. John E. Potter & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., S-i.OO
a year; 25 cents a number. This is a demi-quarto of
SO pages, and is an exceedingly interesting work in
all that relates to American history especially. Its
material and typographical execution are unexcep-
tionable. The February number is before us, but it is
slightly mutilated, having lost the 147th and 14''th
pages (department of "notes and queries." We
understand one of the pages contained a paragraph
inquiring about the "Old Barracks" of Lancaster,
and we presume it was appropriated for the purpose
of answering it. We are writing not 100 yards from
the ground on which the Old Barracks stood. Oc-
casionally an old bvttoH of the British soldier's uni-
form is found on or near the spot — one in 1873.

Descriptive seed catalogue, for 1877, William
Rennie, Toronto, Can. A beautifully illustrated
octavo pamphlet of SO pages in tinted calendered
paper, ahd finely embellished covers. Containing a
description of the managment of hot-beds and cold-
beds, together with introductory and explanatory re-
marks for the information of his patrons, price lists,
ete., and an index. This little work contains a vast
amount of botanical agricultural, horticultural, and
general information relating to fruits, fiowers, field
crops and garden vegetables, condensed in a small
space, together with fine illustrations of fields, lawn
and garden implements of all kinds, with the name
and the prices of each attached. Since we have
been to the Centennial we have great faith in Canada,
and Mr. Rennie seems to be a fair representative.

R. H. Allen & Co's descriptive catalogue, con-
taining complete lists of vegetable, fiower and field
seeds, roots, plants, and garden requisites, 189 and
191 Water Street New York. This is a demi-octavo
pamphlet of 64 pages on fine calendered paper and
tinted cover. The few illustrations it contains are
implemental and finely executed, and moreover of the
latest, most improved and useful kinds. Nothing
can more forcibly exhibit the progress that is being
made in the agricultural world, than the full and
splendid catalogues that the nurserymen and seeds-
men send out annually to their customers; and more
can be learned of them about practical botany (ex-
cept scientific classification) than can be from most
works on that special subject unillustated.

We call the attention of those of our readers who
contemplate purchasing seeds or plants, to the ad-
vertisement of Peter Henderson & Co., of New York.
The greenhouse establishment of this firm covers
two acres of greenhouses, and employs upward of
fifty hands. Millions of plants are shipped, by ex-
press and mail, every year, to every State and Ter-
ritory in the Union. Their Seed warehouse is the
most extensive in the city of New York, and every
order received is certain to be filled promptly, with
the very best quality of seeds or plants, and as they
are producers as well as dealers, everything for
the garden will t5e sold at low rates.

We respectfully call the attention of our readers
to the advertisements in this number of the Farmer,
.and would admonish them that our journal is now
the best and most widely extended advertising med-
ium published in Lancaster county, and comes into
the hands of the most moral and financially substan-
tial citizens of our commonwealth, as well as of the
country at large.

THE LANCASTER FARMERS

HI.

My annuat Cntuht{ftie *»/' Veg'-tahffi and Vlotcr

M'-^it for lS7it, rich in eueriiviiiRa, will In- ready in Janu-

nrv, ;iud 8Put FKEK to all who Hpply. C'ustounTs of lii8t

-■ ;isoQ nred not write for it. I offer mio of the larpeHtcol-

1 ' ti-'iiaof VfRcttiblf eec(! evi-rweTit on( by uiiy seed houHC

■ V'liericrt, u larjjo j^ortion of which wore growu on my six

i furiiiH. /tinted directions /or ntHicafion on rach pack-

All sped tvarrnn(,^d to W both frenh and true to nam*-;

ir, that Hhould it i-rove otherwise. / xrill refill the order

v. ThooriKinal iiitmduefr of tht» Uubburd Squash,

hiiey'B Me'On, Miirbleheart CiibbaEPH, Mexican C'orn, and

ri ■ of otlier vej-fetnbh'fl, I Invite the iiatrrjuii^je of at/ who

n- <uixiou-s fo have thetr need directly /rom (he grower, freshf

' ' \ and i\f the verxj heMs Kfrain.

New Vegetables a specialty.

JAMKS .1. n OKKflORY.
U'-10-4n)] Mnrbleliead. MaPS.

on trial for three months. The Home
(JuKST is deelared the best family paper
now published. Each number coutdius nn
illustrated Fashion Department, a depart-
ment on Writing aud PeninauBUip. edited
by Prof. Gu«kfll. aUo a column of Chat
with Ueaderfl, Puzzle Department, Letters
il.li.ii. UomuBtic Keeeiptr", History. Poetry, Hiogra-
\, :;nd a hoMt of reiidlnff to interest and instruct. The
le, iucludiiiK a copy of the most beiutiful chromo of
i!:iy. on trial three months for only yO cents.
\ idress the i ublishcrs,

J. LATHAM & CO.,
419 Wishington Street, Boetou. Mass.

E. R O.

r EURErtA It V i)!^, lis /orli/ ili-firer.-i lu'(jfirr fire fc.st than
•11** taxo reijttires', c-'.f\ be liurneil lu auy LAM t* where the
.chiniiiey Imnier i8 used, is warranted nut to exptode, iiucler
forfeiture of $1110.

t2r"F.Xl"'I.I'SIVE COUNTY RIGTITS fnr sale by
P. J. FITZUEHALD, Solo I'nipiletor and Itauufacturer,

103 ami 1115 >J Fi)Ur:h at., I'hilad'a.

AIbo, WHOI.ESAI.K DKALEU IN UEAD LIGHT, COAL
OILj.iid IllUiXINU r'LUID.

N. B. A laiKC afisnrlinout Intent Mvleso! CHANDELIERS,
BKACKKTS. imoNZE LAMl'S. BilUNKHS, &c.. .to., cou-
gtantly on h:MKl. lii-;i-Om

WEST jliRSm NURSERIES!

GIBSON & BENNET. .

100,0011 Fel'on's Early Prolific aud Reliance Rasiiljerry,
■200,0<)0 C'indrella alid Ouulitiemal Strawberry I'l.AXT.S
■direct from the oviglual stock. Millions of other Plants,
Trees, &u., &c.

rBr~New descriptive Circulars now ready.

10-9-3m

PATENTS

Obtained for luventitors, in the United States. Canada and
Europe, at reduced rates. With our principal office located
at WaeUinKton, directly opposite the United Slates Patent
Office, we arc able to attend to all Patent Busincfia
with greatev proniptuesB aud des'/atch and less cost than
otlier patent .ittorufys, who are at a distance fiom WasU-
iugtou, and who have, therefore, to employ ** associate at -
torneys," We make preliminary examinatioua and furnish
.-opiiiious "Slo pateu*ability, free of charge, and all who
are interested in new inventions aud Patents are in%'ited to
send lor a copy of our **Unido lor Obiaiuing Patents,"
which is sent iree to auy address, and contains complete iu-
structions how to obtam Pateuts, and other vahiabie matter.
We refer to the German-American National Bank, Wash-
ington, D. C; the Itoyal S ved:sh, Norwegian and Danish
Legations, at Wii«hmg'..ou ; Hon. Joseph Casey, lute Chief
Justice U. S. C JUrt of Claims ; to the Offieials of the U. S
Patent Office, aud to Senators and Members of Cougress
from every State.

Addiess: roriS RifJORR A Co., Solicitors of
Patents and Attorneys at Law, Le Droit Buildiu^^, Wash-
ington. D. C.

<|Jpr X - (IJOn P"^^ '^^y *^' home. Samples worth So free,
WU UU u)^U Address Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine.

LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD.-The

Prairie Whistle and Animal Imitator can be uwed l)y a child.
It iM made to imitate the song of every bird, the ncigU of a
horse, the bray of an as", the grunt of a. hog; biids, beasts
and snakes are enchanted and entrapped by it. Is used by
Billy Birch, Charley White, and all the Minstrels and Warb-
lers. Ver.triloqulsm c-n be learned iji three days by its aid.
Sent upon receipt of 10 cts., :j for ys cts., 7 for .Ml cts. 15 for
$1. Address, J. W. COTTRELL & CO., 218 Fulton Street,
New York. 10-5-lm

TRINITY HALL.

BEVERI.Y,

.\KM JKKSEY.

Established 1867 English and French Home-School for
Young Ladies. Valied advantages of the highest otTler.
Number of impils limited. Fall term begins Sept. 19.
For circular address Miss R. 0. HUNT, Principal.

10-S-l!m]

uo«»oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

006000000000000000000900000000000

go A $5.00 PREMIUM GIFT !
g| SOLID SZLVBH PLATESD

oS -^ ■■ ^^

OO
OO

ss

OO

8^ Consisting of an Elegant Set of Solitl Silver riated SpooilN, retail price S4.00,

%r and an Elc;',ant Holifl Kilvcr FUied Kutter-Kuiro, rci.iil price 6^&.00, making a
^^ most valuable and useful l*reinitliii C«ift to every subscriber.
^^2% Arrangements have been made with the old established and reliable I>OU$;1aN Hilver ^^

^M^0 P]atin«; Company to supply every subscriber of this paper with this valuable Silver ^P'
n A Tableware as a Premium Gift. Tills JBlC£;ant Set of OO

lO SOLID SILVER PLATED SPOONS AND BDTTER-OIFE JO

P^y Is of the latest "Rose** pattern, making the most useful and beautiful Gift ever offereJ to ^P^^

©subscribers. To secure ttiis valualilc Premium, you have merely to cut out the following J%^%
. _ uremium order, and send it to the WoUKlas Silver Platiiic <'OiiinafiV. C'liioago. jf jf
til., for redemption, together with amount necessary to pay actual cost of packing, post.tyc or ^^f^

0~ expressare, etc. Under our contract this SilverAVar© is to co.^t you nothing ^a
except the actual cose of packing, postage or cxpressagc, cic-i which you are required to send ^m\m
\^% with the premium order, and the Silverware is th:n - ^^^%

FOR £VERT SUBSCRIBER OF THIS PAPER I

8

WiPREMM ORDER!

i-/'(.LT OUT ■>.!

DOUGLAS

IS O'l'if U. iS IT IS WOUTI! $5.00..

SILVER PLATING- CO.,

II I ^1 S8 Randolph Street, Chicago, 111.

Enclosed find $i.oo to pay actual cost of packing, postage, or expressage, etc., upon a
I full set of your Solid Silver Plated Spoonsand Liittcr-Knife* and 1 agree, upon receipt of
" e same, to show them to my friends and argitajnt.Tnces in my neighborhood.

•i

Ik^^ Cut out the above premium orde." to show that you are a subscriber of ihis p.ipcr, and

w9 enclose it, with $i.oo, to DOUGLAS SILVER PLATING CO., 88 Randolph St., Chioafto. And ' =^
^^A you vvill receive a handsome set of solid Silver Plated Spoons and Butler-Knife by return ouul. ^9^9

oooooo@oooooooooooooooooooooooooo I

000000@©0000000000000800000000000

lent for HI cents.

-1 /^ pictures of actresses and pingers

Ivy Nation.^l MoNTHiv, Wa^hiuijfou. D. (',

PATENTS

procured.
K.)\ve h <•■"

A<lviee irt-c. AddrcHS,
Box 174 Wushiiit'ton, D. r..

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

A NEW BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A IIAND-HOOK OF

HARDWARE fruit culture,

BUILDII^G HAEDWAEE,

GL,AS.«i,

PAINTS, OILS, FUMPS,

TERRA com. IRON aiiiLEAB PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Agrents for tlie

*' Ohio " Reaper and Mo^o^er,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank*s Scales,
Dupont's Po^wder,
Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c.

We have the largest stock of Reneral Hardware In the
Ktate, and our prices are as low aud terms as liberal as can
be found elatwbere, 9-1-tf.

BCINO A OriDE TO THE PROPER

Culilvation and Mann'jemenl of Fndt Trees, and
of Grapes and Small FruitSj

with condeusetl depcriptions of many of the l>e8t and moat
po]tular varjetien, with upwards of one hundred eugravinga.
IJy Thomas Gri- oo. Price $1 00.

"a bLiok wt)ich should be owned by every pereon who owna
a rod of available laud, and it will serve to secure success
whe'-e now there in nothing but failuv. It overs the
ground fully, without teehnicaliiioH, aud is a work ou

Fruit Culture for the Miilion.

It t^lls of the roH*, how to plant, how to trim, how to
traimi lant, loc.iiion, soil, selection, diseaws, insects, borers,
hiightt*. cultivation, how to prune, mauuhng, layering,
budding, graft uig, etc., including ftiU description aud man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It la
a most complete

Guide to Small-Fruit Culture.

with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of Orapes, Sirawbt^rries, lilackbcrries, llaspberries,
Gooseberries, Cuirants. etc.

Thoworkshows the value of Fntit, and how lo use it.
Seut by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmer and How
to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,(1>. Address

I., It iTIIV<»V.
22 Soiitli <)iie<*ii Ml . I.)iii<-:isti*r, I'n.

Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book.

OVER HALF A MILL'ON SOLD. The most complete
book of ilH kind ever laiiilinhtd. (iives correct meas-
niemeut of all kinds of lumber, I'gM and plank by Doyle's
Eule, cuhical contents of square and round tJinbrr. slave
and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capacity of
cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book
throughout United Hiates and Canada.

Ask your bookseller for it, or I will send oue for 35 cents,
post-paid.

<;. M-. FISHER,

10-2-3m] P. O. Box 238, Kochcsler, N. T.

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[December, 1878

1878

SPRING AND SLWMEB.

878

RATHVON & FISHER'S

CHEAP CLOTHING STORE,

Cormr Sorth (|iieon and Orange Sts.,

LANCASTER., PA.

Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20
Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20
Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10

Fine Vests, - - - - -3 to 6

CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY,

and salisfuctiuu guaranteed.

READY MADE CLOT^jING

And Furnishing Goods

of all kindfl, very cheap. Cottonades as low as $2.50 a suit.
Cloths, Cassimeref, W'oi pficgs, Suitings, Coatiuge aud
VeBtings in a full liue, and made prompily to order.

KATHVON & FISHER,

3.878 PRACTICAL TATLORS. XS'78

ESTABLISHED 1832.

a. SEXEK & SONS,

Mauufacturers and dealers iu all kinds of rough and
fiuished

Ttiebest Sawed SHI^GT.KKiu fbe country. Also Sash,
Doors, Bliude, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, wbieh are far superior to any
other. Also best i'OAI. coustautly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts.,

LANCASTKR, PA.

ART OF PROPAGATION.

A consise practical work on the rapid increase and mul-
tiplication of stock — amply illuslrated.

Price pre-paiti by mail. 50 cents.

PUBLISHED BY

Winona, Columbiana Co., Ohio.
SEND FOR IT, AND FOR FREE CATALOGUE.
By a Bpecial arrangement with the piiblisherB, we offer
tiie above work at 40 cts. per copy. It has teceived the fa-
vorable notice of over 1000 leading pax eis of the country,
be sent to this office.
9-10 L. liATHVON.

AND

Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle;

Bred and For Sale by the undersigned.

OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS,

and at prices to suit the times. Herd cnen to i-ispection by
strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be ple;i8ed
to show my herd to visitors, aud any informntion iu regard
to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired.

10-2-ly]

A. M. RANK,

Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster co., Pa,

J. STAUFFER,

LANCASTER, f ENN'A.
235 EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CJ^NA-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, aud COPYRIGHTS,
promptly attended to. His experience, success ad faithful
atention to the interests of those who eng^.ge his services
are fully acknowledged aud appreciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable As
sistant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing
or descrijjtiou. [9-1-tf

prtT T^ Any worker can make $12 a day at home. Costly

1 0-2-1 y*

( Outfit free. Address True & Co., Augusta, Me.

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DEALKB IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY! TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Repairing strictly attended to.

$66''Ta1r^s/THr.Irx?-&crPo\trd,°Ml^^^^^^^ ! North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster. Pa.

lU-2-ly» I 9-4-ly

MINERALS, SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL BOOKS,
SHELLS, FOSSILS, BIRDS' EGGS,

And all objects of NATURAL HISTORY are bought, sold and exchanged

By A. E. FOOTE, M .D.,

1223 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.

Specimens sent to any part of the world bj mail Specimen copy of an illustrated monthly bulletiu of IG pages sent
free. Subscription 50 cents a year; for club rates see each monthly Issue.

I received the highest award given to any one at ihe Centennial Exposition for 1876, and the only award aud medal
given to any American for " Collection of Minerals."

My Mineralogical Catalogue of 50 pages is distributed free to all customers, to others on receipt of 10 cents. It i»
profusely illustrated, aud the printer and engraver charged me about $900.00 before a copy was struck off. By means of
the table of species and accomi auyiug tables most species may be verified. The price list is an excellent checklist,
containing the uames of all the species and the more common varietiee, arranged alphabetically aud 7ireceded by th&
species number. The speHes number iudicates the place of any mineral in the table of species; after it will be found
the" specie^ name, composition, streak or lustre, cleavape or fracture, hardness, specific gravity, fusibility and crystal-
lization. I have very many species not on the price list, and some that I had in 1876 are no longer in stock.

COLLECTIONS OF MINERALS

Tor Students, Amateurs, Profossers, Pbysiclans, and other Professional Hen.

The collectioiis of 100 illustrate all the principal speciea and all the grand subdivisions in Dana and other works on
Mineralogy; every Crystalline System; all the principal Ores and Minerala iu which have been found every known
Element. The colUections are labeled with printed label that can only be removed by soaking. The labelp of the $5.00
and higher pi-iced collections give Dana's sjecies number, the uame, locality, and in most cases, the composition of the
Mineral. All collections accompanied by my lUustrated Catalogue and table of species. The sizes given are average ;
some small -r, many larger.

Number of Specimens.

Cryet als and fragments

Student's size, larger

Amateur's size. 2i^ in. x IJ^

High Schooler Academy size, 2^x3)^ in., Shelf Specimens.
College size, 3>(;'x6 in.. Shelf .Specimens

25
iu box

$ 50
1 60

50
in box

$1 00
3 00

100
in box

$1 60
6 00

100

200

$1 00 12 00

6 00 10 00

10 00 26 no

25 00 50 00

50 00 1 150 00

300

$3 00

25 00

50 00

100 00

300 00

I have now over thirty-tive tons, and over $40,000 worth of Minerals, mostly crystaUized, in stock. It is well recog-
nized that my prices are lower and my specimens moie accurately labeled thau those of any other dealer in the country.
This is mainly due to the immeuse stock I carry (the largest iu minerals of any in the country) and my system of printed
labels attached tDthe s/ecimeue. I can refer to the following Gentlemeu aud Colleges, all of whom, with th nisands of
others, have bought specimens of me; most of them have given me especial permission to use their names as reference.

Prof. S. F. Baird. Prof. F. V. Harden; Dr. Joseph Leidy, Prof. F. A. Genth, Prof. J. D. and E. S. Dana, Prof. G. J.
Brush, Prof.J.P. Cooke, Prof N. H. Wiiicbell, Prof. S. F. Peckham, Prof. T. Eggleston, Prof. J. S. Newberry, Prot. C. F.
Chandler, Prof. K. H. Richards, Mrs. Prof. Ellen S. Kiehards, Prof. Maria 8. Eaton, Prof. T. Sterry Hunt, Prof Henry
How, \Vm. S. Vaux, C. S. Bemeuf, N. Spang, T. A. Greeu, Prof. J. W. Mallett, Prof. E. A. Smith, Prof. .J. Lawrence
Smith, Prof. G. A. Koenig, Dr. T, M. Chatard, Ph. D„ Prof. H. B. Cornwall, Prof. P. T. Austen, Laurence Malheiro, Lis-
bon, Portugal ; Prof. Orton, Prof. Ira Reniseu, General A. Gadoliu, Imp. School of Miijes St. Petersburg, Russia ;
Prof. A. E. Nordenschiold. Koyul Museum. Stockholm, Sweden ; Dr. Nic »lo Moreira, Imjierial Museum, Rio de .Janeiro,
Brazil ; British Museum, Royal Museum, Berlin ; Dr. P. E. Defferari, Italy ; Harvard Unibersily, University of Minne-
sota, Yale College, Wisconsin University, Columbia College, Michigan University, Wellesley College, Illiuois Industrial
Uuiversity, Massachuattts Institute of Technology, Col. School of Mines, University of Virgiuia, University of Missouri,
Eutger's College, University of Notre Dame, Princeton College, University of Nashville. Johns Hopkins University,
Uuiversity jf Georgia, Waco University, Texas ; University of Oho, and many others iu Missisaippi, Alabama, Oregon,
Washingtou Territory, California, Iowa, Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Kentucky, Chili, England,
Brazil, Germany, Australia, &c., &c.

Catalogue of 2,600 species of Shells, made for me by Geo. W. Tryon, Jr., who has labeled nearly all my shells, 3 ots.,
printed on heavy paper with genns label list 10 cts. I have purchased one or two of the most celebrated ooHections
ki own, aud have now over 2,000 lbs.. 3,1100 species, and 30,000 specimens of Shells and Corals iu stock. Catalogue of
Birds, Eggs, Eyes, Skins, &c., &c.. 3 cents. Catalogue of Books, Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, Agricnl-
ture. Horticulture, &c.. 10 pp., 3 cts. Medicines, &c., 10 pp., 3 cts. Geolog.v, Mineralogy, Mining aud Metallurgy, Stiite
Surveys, Travels, &c., 16 pji., 3 cts. Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, &c., 16 pp,, 3 cts. A large stock of
Fossils and Rocks, Plants, Ferns and .Ugee on hand. While I hive made Mineralogy a specialty, as is evtnred by the
hundreds of thousands of specimens of Amazon Stoue, Rulile, Brookite. Perofskite, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Green
Wavellite, Gothlte, Variscite, &c , &c., that I have sent all oveFthc world at from one-half to one-tenth the price they
were ever sold at before.I furnish collections of Shells. Rocks, &c., at nearly as low rates. The Society for the Encourage-
ment ol Studies at Home has for a long time recommended their corsespoudents to get their collections of Rocks and
Minerals of me. As the correct naiuiug of the specimeus will be the important point to most persons, I feel justified iu
mentioning that I have be n a collector of Minerals for fifteen years ; that I was a student under Prof. Wolcott Gibbe, at
Cambridge, aud Prof. A. Hoffman, at Berlin, I was also Instructor at Michigan University, aud Professor iu the Iowa
S. A- College iu Chemistry and Mineralogy for six yeaas.

Send for the ''Naturalist's Leisure Hour," giving full particulars. Specimen copy free. You will confer a double
favor by handing this to some physician, or other person interested in science.

A. E. FOOTE, M. D ,

1228 BELMONT AVE., PHILADELPHIA, PA.,

Professor of Chemistry and MIneralogry,

Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; Life Member of the
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and of the American Museum
10-10-3m] of Natural History, Central Park, Hew York.

$1 a Year

(To anbBcriberB in
\ the county.

SIITGLS COFZSS 10 CENTS.

To subscribern out of )
the county. j"

$1.26.

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, FEBRUARY 15, 1877.

UNNSUS EATHVON, Publisher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Hade a prominent feature, with Bpecial reference to the
wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited by Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

The Lanoabtbb Fakmfb havius completed its eighth
year under various viciBsitudes, now commences its ninth
volume under, it is hoj^ed, more favorable auspices than
attended its former volumes. When the publishers of the
last two voImncB assumed the responsibilities of its publi-
calion, it wiis with a deteiminatiou to make such improve-
ments as* would place the fuimer's organ of th s great agri-
cultural county in the very front rank of agricuUural jour-
nabam That this has been accomplished we think our
readers will bear cheerful teslimony. If reason bly sus-
tained, our aim is to mako it still more iu'eresting and in-
Btniclive under te new pioprietorshij*. In this, however,
we need the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor. Prof, Rathvon, on
Bubjecle connected with the science of faiming, and partic-
ularly that specialty of which he in so thoroughly a master-
entomological science— some know ledge of wlUcU has become
a necessity to thesuccessful farmer, are alone worth much
more than the price of this \ ublication.

Thk Farmer will be published on the l-iith of every
month, i>rinted on good paper with clear tyjie, in con-
venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to sub-
■cribers on the following

TERMS:

To subscribers residing withiu the county-
One Copy, one year, -.--__ $1.00
Six Copies, one year, - - - - . . c.qo
Ten Copies, one year. ------_ jcq

To subscribers outside of Lancaster ooonty, including
postage pre-paid by the publiaUers:

One Copy, one year, - . - - . , $1.25

Five Copies, one year, - - . . . . 5.00

AU subscriptions will commence with the Janoftry num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

All cwramunic^itious intended for publication should be
addressed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
in his hands by the first of the month of publication.

All business letters, containing subscriptions and adver-
tisements, should be addressed to the publisher.

LINN^US RATHVON,

32 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATE.S OF ADVERTISINO—Ten Cents n
line Tor each Insertion. Twelve liuea to the inoh

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

General Readers, ------ 17

A Special Appeal, ----- 17

To Subscribers, 17

To Our Canvassing Friends, - - - - 17

The Ayrault Cattle, ------ 17

The Fire Fly, ------- 18

The Guava, -------- IS

Table Customs, ------ 18

Newspaper Makiug, ---... 19

Strani^e Substances in a Horse's Stomach, - 19

The Dangerous and Terrible Quail, - - - 19

Fish, Flesh and Fowl, ----- 20

Leek. Allium rorum, - - - - - 20

Gleanings, A. B. A'., ----- 21

By Rail to Frederick, Md. H. M. Englb - 21

Build Bird Houses. J. B. Erb. - - - 21

Lice on Currant Bushes. Old CuLtlvATOB. - 22

Otter of Roses, 22

Farmers vs. Sportsmen. F.R.Diffenderffr - 22

Influence of Reading, ----- 23

Tobacco, - - - 24

Letter from Daniel Webster to the Farmer in

Charge of his Marshfield Plantation, - 24

The Breeding of Silk Worms, . - - - 25

Hog Cholera, ------- 25

The Arabian Horse, ------ 26

Baked Corn and Eggs, ----- 26

Our Local Organizations, ----- 27

ProceediDgs of the Lancaster County Agricultural
and Horticultviral Society.

Tobacco Growers' Association, . - - 87

The Linnoean Society, -28

AGRICULTURAL.

A Successful Farm Operation, - - - 29
Deerport Farm — The Virst EBsay — About the
PeUH — CharacteriBticH of the Busiuess — The
Market Suiiplied— Other Details— The Dairy.

The Fodder Value of Apples, - - - - 29

HORTICULTURAL.

Cultivation of Chiccory, - ... 09

Covering of Strawberries, - - . . . 19

Fruits oi^ Kansas, ------ SO

How to Malic a Hot Bed, SO

Ink for Horticultural Labels, - - - - • SO

The English Hop Trade, SO

Grafting Currants, --.... 30

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Boiled Dinners, ----.. 30

Repairing Leaky Cellar Walls, ... .30
Handy Men, .-.-...30

Hpiiliiiful Beds, 31

Valuable Recipes, .---.. 31

LIVE STOCK.
Experiments on the Nutrition of Domestic Ani-
mals ------ -31

The Hcrse Growers, ------ 31

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs, ... 31

Lumps on Udders, 31

BEE CULTURE.

Queen Bees, - - 32

Managing Queens, ------ 3;i

Golden Rules for Bee-Keeping, - - - 32

Wholesale Death of Honey Bees, - - - Si

Literary Notices, ------ 32

S. H. ZAHM.&CO.,

SECOND-HAND BOOK STORE.

33 South Queen-st.,
LANCASTER, PENNA.

Buyers of all kinds of Boukt^, new or Be«ond hand. Also,

for sale a large stock of Books very low.

OIVE U8 A CALL.

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DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES,

I'Ifap unil no'iil GItT GOODS

GROCERIES, GL^SS AND QUEENSWARE,

Cakes aud Couficlioiis, TriBamiiiRS. fcc, at

KLEIHS' FA MILY STORE,

on the Northwest Corner of North Queen and Janic»-ets .
LANCA8TFK, PA.
9-2-It] All fresh uid new, good and cheap.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

Rntes

»f Advertising In the Farmer.

1 iu. 1

3iu.

4 in.

Sin.

8 in.

$1.00 t 2.00

t 3.00
6.00
6.75
9.00
13.50
18.00
■27 (0

$4.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
18.00
24.00
30.00

$ 6.00
12.00
13.. nO
18,00
27.00
36 01
54.00

$ 8.00

2 00
2.50
3.00

j.-.n

6.00
9.00

4.1)0
4.60
6.00
9.00
1! 00
18.00

16.00

13.00

•24.00

36.00

S mo

I yenr

48.00
72 00

J3?~S^ecial

and^bUBinesB notices 15 cents per Hue.

PENNSYLVANIA RA

Traina leave the Depot

WE TWARD,

Pacific Ex^iress"

"Way PaBBeijgert

Niagara Express

Toik Accommodation. ...

Mail train via Mt. Joy

No. 2 via Columbia

Sunday Mail

Fast Line"

Frederick Aecommodatiou.

Harrieburg Accom

Columbia Accon-modation..

Harrisburg Expiess

Pittsburg ExpresB

Cincinnati Express*

EASTWARD,

Atlantic txpress"

Philadelphia Expresst

Harrisburg Express

Columbia Accommodation.

Pacific Exp) ess*

Sundiiy Mail

Johnstown Express

Harrisburg Accom.

NCIIKUIJJLE.

as follows :

Arrive

Harrisburg.

4:05 a. m.

7:50 a. m.

10:40 a. m.

Col. 10:10 a. m.

1:00 p. m.

1:20 p. m.

1:30 p. m.

3:10 p. m.

Col. 2:35 p. m.

8:10 p. m.

8:00 p. m.

6:40 p. m.

10:50 p. m.

12:45 a. m.

Philadelphia.
3:10 a. m.
7:00 a. m.
10:M0 a. m,
12:30 p. ra.
3:45 p.m.
5:00 p. m.
6:00 p. m.
9:00 p, m.

The Yoik Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster
with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a.m., and will run
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connectsat Lancas-
ter with Fast Line, west, at 1:55 p. m., and runs through to
Frederick without change of cais.

The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flogged, will
fltop at Miildletowii, Ebzabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis-
ville.

•The only trains which run daily.
tRuns daily, except Monday.

Fruit and Ornamental Trees,

Vines, Plants, Bulbs, Roses, Honey Locust and Osage
Orange, very line

APPLE, PEACH, PEAR AND CHERRY TREES,

A 81 leudid lot of
STI.VER AJfD .'»lieAR IWAPtES

for ehuAe trees. Fine Evzrgbeen and Shrubbery.
Address H. 31. El\OhEi: SON,

9-t-2m, Marietta, Pa.

SIGN OF THE

ii.ieoA»

iu this city,

Leave
Lancaster.

2:40 a. m.

4:50 a. m.

9.35 a. m.

9:40 a. m.
11:20 a. m.
11:20 a. m.
11:89 a.m.

1:55 p. m.

2:00 p. m.

6:10 p. m.

7:20 p. m.

7:25 p. ra.

9:25 p. m,
11:30 p.m.

Lancaster.
12:40 a. m.

4:10 a. m.

7:35 a. m.

9.28 a. m.

1:20 p. m.

2:00 p. 111.

3:05 p. m.

5:50 p. na.

BSIS B^^ B-OOK

»

BOOKS. STATIOXEKT,

Oold Pens, Fancy Gonds. School, College, Lnw, Theological,
Medicul and Miscellaneous Books. SubscriptiouB for all

PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES AND PAPERS

at Publishers prices.

J. M. WESTIIAEFFEH,

9-l-2m 57 North Queen Street.

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUIIER OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS FRENCH KID BOOTS

FOR FOU

GENn.EMEX. I,ADIES.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD' sYuOEti A SrECIALTY.

9-l-ly

TO CONSUMPTIVES.

The advertiser having been permanently cured of that
dread diBtase, Consumption, by a simple remedy, is anxious
to miike known to his ffllow sufferers the me ms of cure.
To all who dpsire it. he ^vill send !i copy of the pie.scription
■nscd, ifree of ch-irg.>). with the direclions for preparing and
\i8ing the same, wliich they will find a sure Cdke for Con-
sumption, Asthma, BRf>NGHiTis, &c.

Partjea wishing tJie prescription will please address.

Rev. B. A. WILSON. 194 Penu St.. Williamsburg, N. T.
9-1 -'^m]

i^IiS^i^^ Broom -Corn.

A new vaiiely, never gels i(d. I ' ■ p, Btrnight, and free
from ruil. Hi] ins early, jields 1 tter, -m.A will Ining X
inoie than any other kind. By mr 1, 6Du ler qt.; by express,
$1.60 jer leck; $4 perbushel. Adcraia SAMUEL WILSON.
Mechauicsville, Bucks Co., Pa. [9-l-3t

ERRORS or YOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who sufifeied for years from Nervous
Debility. Premiiture Deciiy, and all the effects of youth-
ful indiscretion will, for (he sake of sufferinR humanity,
«endfreeto all who ueed it, the receipt and direction for
making the simi le lemedy by which he was cured. Suffer-
ers wishing to profit by the adve tiser's experience can do
BO by addressing iu perfect conf\deuce,
«-l-6m] JOHN B. OGDKN, 42 Cedar St., New York,

CANVASSERS WANTED

TO TAKE SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

Farmers' Sons and other Young Men
during their leisure hours

CAN MAKE GOOD WAGES.

We want a thorough canvass of every district, and will
pay good canvassers liberally. Address

LINN^US RATHVON, Publisher.

LANCASTER, PA.

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., FEBRUARY, 1877.

Vol. IX. No. 2.

GENERAL READERS.

It does not follow as a matter of course that
the general reader, or those i)ersoiis not in any-
way ensaKeil in agricultural jnirsuits, will lind
nothing to interest or benefit them in the col-
umns of au agricultural paper. Indeed, it
may be truly said that the entire community
has a direct "iuterest in the success of agricul-
ture. It is the basis of all the other interests
of any district, .State or nation ; and where
agriculture cannot be successfully pursued—
save in a very exceptioual case— no other iu-
terest will prosi>er. Therefore, all have a
moral or material interest in it, whether they
are mechanics, merchants, commercialists,
professionalists, or retired gentlemen. Daniel
Webster lias truly said, " Tlie farmer is the
founder <if civilization ,•" for if no tarming were
done in the world, it would truly be an incom-
parably poor and impoverished place for any
humaii being to sojourn in, under the present
constitution of human society, and would
carry us back to that primitive age when men
lived in huis and caves. Coeval with the
very creation of man, he was commanded to
" dress the garden of Eden and keep it," and
when he fell from his original integrity, the
injunction to " eat his bread by the sweat of
his brow" was wisely imposed upon him, all
of which involved the occuiiatiou of agricul-
tural labor.

Had our forefathers, when they first settled
in this country, confined themselves to the
building of cities, towns and villages, and con-
ducting all their affairs therein, and had not
gone forth and scattered over the laud, felling
forests and tilling the soil, and had continued
thus to the present time, our country would
have made a meagre show at the "Great Cen-
tennial Exposition," if it would have been
able to survive the wreck of time at all.

True, a few fishing towns on a barren coast,
or a Venice " built in the sea" may occasion-
ally tlourish for a time, but even these could
not long exist if it were not for the agricul-
tural productions which they receive from else-
where in exchange for their own local produc-
tions. All the material which supports com-
merce, manufactures, mechanics, and what-
ever other interest that is necessary for the
development and progress of the human fam-
ily, comes out of the soil, and is directly or
indirectly related to agriculture ; and- surely
an occupation wliich is so intimately connected
with the welfare of human soc'iety, must be of
sufficient interest to human beings to elicit
some recognition of its liter.ature that is more
than merely passive — a literature that is prac-
tical, useful, beautifying, ennobling and hap-
pifying.

There are fruit, floral, vegetable, domestic
and economical questions discussed in agri-
cultural papers, which reach into every house-
hold, whether in town or country, and wheth-
er the occupant cultivates a farm, a garden,
or only a single flower-pot in the window;
and it may well be regarded as an indolent,
a selfish, or a shiftless family, where these
things are entirely ignored. There is no
"hub," or general centre where all the know-
ledge on any subject is monopolized. Knowl-
edge is ditVusive, and although in its ditl'usion
much may get abroad that is trivial, or even
worthless, yet, it all may contain more or less
grains thai are useful to some one; and, if
people will bestow a reasonable degree of
culture u])on their minds, they will soon be
able to sift the subjects brought before them
in reading — be al)le to gather and ai>propriate
the wheat and blow the chatf away. The
earth produces nothing that does not contain
more or less dross - nothing, a portion of
which is not rejected as useless. This seems
to be a condition of the things incidental to
fallen humanity, and therefore it is not sur-

l)rising that many useless things should get
into print. But, oven under these circum-
stances, it often transpires that what is not
useful or interesting to one, may be not only
usefid, but of great importance to another.

Many important enterprises, sublime ideas,
great events, and useful inventions have been
suggested and subsequently elaborated,
through some small hint received in reading
a newspaper, a magazine, or a book— .some
practical thought that was in harmony with
the experincc of the reader, but which he
felt too diffident to make known, and might
have abandoned, but for such sui)port. It is
even so in domestic economy; in the different
professional callings; in matters relating to
popular science; in agricultural affairs, and in
mechanics, manufactures and in commerce.

Many long years ago we heard of a yovnig
man learning the first rudiments of a profes-
sion— which he subsequently applied himself
to and followed during his whole life — in an
occupation which, as a whole, had no relation
to it whatever. It is thus that the readers of
an agricultural journal may find something
in its columns that may be useful to them, no
matter what their secular occupation may be.
On the platform of domestic economy, at
least, the whole civilized portion of the hu-
man family is in sympathy, and fii;ds a com-
mon ground. This is so because of the ho-
mogeneity of their physical wants, and their
mutual dependence upon each other. Think
of this and subscribe for the Farmer.

A SPECIAL APPEAL.

From the very peculiar situation in which
we have been placed for the last month or
two, we are compelled to make an apology to
our readers for not only our late appearance,
but also for the absence of our usual
quantumo of original matter and contri-
butions from our friends. Being now
fairly on our feet again, we shall en-
deavor hereafter to be "up to time" with our
readers. And here we woidd respectfully ask
our contributors to lend us their generous aid
in making the Farmer the reflex of the senti-
ment of the practical men of the county — in-
cluding agriculturists, horticulturists, flori-
culturists, gardeners, tobacco growers, bee
keepers, millers, mechanics, machinists, cheese
manufacturers, dairymen, miners, lime-
burners and industrial pursuits in general.
We entertain a becoming pride of our name,
our locality, our resources, our wealth, and
our productions, and we desire to have them
properly represented abroad; and if we can
succeed in doiuir so, we feel that they will not
be to our discredit. That has heretofore been
our aim, and we will endeavor, with the aid
of our friends, to continue it so. Then, gen-
tle patrons, please "bear a hand," and help
us on. And we would respectfully desire to
impress the fact ujion the farmers of Lancas-
ter county, and our readers in particular,
that in order to sustain their local journal as
it ought to be sustained, as their rejiresenta-
tive in the agricultutal interests of the county
and the country, they ought to continue their
efforts to increase our suKscription list.
There is no reason why Lancaster county
should not be a leading county in agricultural
literature, as well as she is in her public and
private .schools; her iron, zinc and nickel
mines; her tobacco culture; her dairy produc-
tions; her fanning mills and other imple-
ments of husbandry; her flour mills, and in
her general domestic produce. She is an em-
pire in herself, and she ought to aspire to the
literary dignity of an empire. She need not
necessarily withhold her patronage from other
worthy journals; but, under any circumstan-
ces, she sliould extend a liberal patronage to
her own home jouiiial. We disclaim egotism,

or we could satisfactorily illustrate that the
whole county, as an agricultural district, has
been enhanced in general esteem abroad by
the existence of the Farmer.

TO SUBSCRIBERS.

As the publisher of the Farmer has com-
menced the enterprise without any surplus of
pecuniary means, and as material and lalior
are tilings that demand ra.s/i, he respectfully
admoni.shes his ]iatrons that their subscrip-
tions will be thankfully received; therefore,
they will confer a sjiecial favor by calling
upon the editor, corner of North (^ueen and
Orange streets or at the Examiner and Ex-
press odice. No. 22 Soutli Ciueen street. Money
liy mail should only be sent hy a post-office
order, but where this medium is not accessi-
ble, they can avail themselves of the visits of
their resiionsible friends.

Those outside of a jirinting office have a
very imi)erfect conception of the difficulties of
"making both ends meet'-' in conducting a
journal on a limited subscription list. Where
the issues are comited by tens, twenties, and
thirties of thousands, there is "plain sailing."

TO OUR CANVASSING FRIENDS

We feel a sperial thankfulness to our fiiends
Messrs. Henry M. Engle, Israel E. Eaudis,
Peter S. Reist, Levi S. Reist, Calvin
Cooper, Martin, D. Kendig, A. B. Kise
and D. Resh, for the zeal and the
persevering industry they have exhibited
in procuring subscriptions for the Farmer.
The efforts of twenty— in Lancaster county —
of such men, would put our journal on s\ich a
footing as would be a pleasure in conducting
and improvini: it, and place its pecuniary con-
dition beyond the reach of financial di.saster.
We hope those good friends and others who
take an interest in the moral and material
progress of our county, will continue their la-
bors, as opportunity may ofier. Everyone
can do a little; if it is only the obtaining of a
single subscriber, and these "little things"
will ultimately become the aggregate of an
efticient sustaining power.

THE AYRAULT CATTLE.
Some of our readers may be able to recall
these fine animals, which were on exhibition
fora short jieriod at the Sorrel Horse hotel,
West King street, Lancaster, in the early
part of the jnesent year, and which were rep-
resented as "the two heaviest and Ijest cattle
ever exhibited in America." The " Queen"
was a heifer seven years old, and weighing
.■!,700 pounds, and the "Champion," an ox
four years old, and weighing 3,300 pounds.
These cattle were owned and raised and fat-
tened by Mr. Geo. Ayrault, well known as a
cattle grower and breeder, of New York
State, and had been on the return from the
Centennial Exhibition, where the proprietor
had offered $500 to any one who could excel
them, or either of them. To our view the ox
was a fine and symmetrically formed animal,
but the heifer seemed imwieldy, as all she
things are when they attain gigantic propor-
tions. If excessive larire size is an es.sential
qualification in the estimate of catte, these
certainly possessed tliat merit; and with all
our fine stock, we dont think anybody in Lan-
caster county, j!(st nnw, can take uptliat$.500;
and perhaps they don't care about doing so.
Large as they are, there is probably more
profit, as a general rule, in cattle of lighter
weight.

Tf every subscriber of The Farmer would
just try and make an effort to add a new one
to our" list, it would soon put us on a sound
footing.

i8

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ February,

THE FIRE FLY.

Newport, Perry co., Pa., Jan. 31, 1877.
Dear Sir : We have found a " Firefly" in our fern-
ery, which is covered by a glass shade, and it
UlumiDates very nicely in the evenings. Please tell
me if it was likely to have been lying dormant when
the ferns were removed in the fall, or if it has been
hatched from eggs laid on the plants last summer. I
think it quite a curiosity, and would like to increase
the stock next summer, if it is possible. M. B. E.

You may liave taken into your fernery last
fall either a dormant (cM-i'a, impa, or an imago
of this insect, but hardly its eggs. The time
would have been too short for the develop-
ment of the beetle, even if you had taken in
the eggs^ which are not likely to be extant in
the fall. It is well known that these insects
normally appear during the month of June,
which is their nuptial season, and before the
end of July they have all disappeared. After
the females are fertilized, they lay their eggs
on the ground, fastened to some object, as
moss, roots, grass, and protected from the sun.
Both the laixw and the mature insects are
carniverous, feeding on other soft- bodied in-
sects, and especially on small* snails ; and
here would come in the difficulty in attempting
to raise them. By the time fall comes, the
larvm are well advanced, if not mature, or
changed to impa ; so that you may have taken
your subject into your fernery in one of those
forms. The development of insects depends
more upon the surrounding temperatm^e than
upon the season of the year.

Many species which we only find in the
spring and summer, will evolve in mid-winter
when the normal conditions are favorable.

In passing up North Queen street on the
3d of February, we found a group of men
standing opposite the Keystone Hotel, look-
ing at a swarm of bees, which three or four
years ago located itself under the eaves of
the roof. They were out and on the wing in
thousands, and as lively as they are in sum-
mer; but as the weather has changed to ex-
treme cold, you might look in vain for them
to-day {17th. ) In their vital energies they are
governed by lieat, and not by days, or mouths
or seasons.

A distinguished foreign entomologist dis-
covered that some species of "Plant-lice"
[Ajohids) would produce fourteen generations
in a season, and then deposit the necessary
eggs to carry them over to the next season ;
and hence the books told us that this was the
limit of their viviparous producing power.
But another foreign entomologist removed a
colonv to a green-house, before they had pro-
duced their oviparous brood, and found that
they continued to produce viviparously as
long as the normal temperature was supplied,
even up to the twenty-sixth or thirtieth gen-
eration. Of course, not having seen your in-
sect, we cannot tell exactly what species you
refer to, (for we liave more than one lumin-
ous species) but we presume it is the "com-
mon firefly," Photinui scintillans, Say, of which
our meadows, wardens, lawns,fields and woods,
become so luminously gemmed during early
summer; and the larvcB of which must neces-
sarily destroy millions of minute noxious ani-
mals.

THE GUAVA.

" This tropical fruit is now becoming quite
extensively disseminated over the Gulf States,
with the prospect of proving quite remunera-
tive to its owners. The genus Psidium of
Linnaeus contains several species very dif-
ferent in their characters and flavors. The
fruit varies in size from a plum to an orange,
and ripens continuously for nine mouths in
the year. Considering, among other good
qualities, the rapid growth of the tree, its early
fruiting and large crops, I presume there will
be little difficulty in .supplying the demand. A
correspondent in Florida states that the best
four varieties for cultivation are P. pyriferum,
L. ; P. aromaticum, Aubl. ; P. pomiferum, L. ;
and P. lineatifolium, Pers. Surely the time

* On one occaeion Mr. Geo. Hensel, of this city, found
about two hundred of the common firefliee banqueting on a
large suail, in his garden, and we found about fifty so oc-
cupied, on our owu premises.

is rapidly approaching when our northern
markets 'will be supplied with all manner of
tropical productions from our own shores." —
JV. T. IVihxme.

Bring them along ; but until they arrive, let
us have a little more talk about them, to see
whether we shall like them or not when they
do come.

" This genus of tropical fruits belongs to
the natural family Jf?/rfacce and the Isosandria
Monngynia of Lin."

"There are seven or eight species of the
guava known to botanists— some natives of
Asia and others of tropical America." (Rind
367.)

" The White Guava — '■'■ Psidium pyriferum—
is the best, and also the most abundant in the
West Indies. When wild, the white guava is
a shrub, rather than a tree, as it seldom ex-
ceeds eight or nine feet in height ; but when
introduced into gardens, it attains the size of
an ordinary apple tree, with a trunk about six
feet high and six inches in diameter. The wood
isveryhard and tough; the leaves are from two
to three inches long, and grow in pairs oppo-
site each other ; the flower is white, and has a
very agreeable flavor ; the fruit is rather larger
than a hen's egg, of a sulphurous yellow, very
smooth, and has a peculiar smell ; it is cov-
ered with a rind of some thickness, witliin
which are seeds, contained in a pulp without
a shell. The pulp is flesh-colored, sweet, aro-
matic, and very grateful to the palate. It is
used as a desert fruit, and also preserved with
sugar ; and guava jelly is esteemed one of the
finest conserves that come from the West
Indies. By proper culture it may be brought
to be a large and handsome tree ; but when
wild, it remains shrubby, and overruns the
land.

"The Red Gna,va,— Psidium pomiferum— is
a much larger tree than the white ; tlie trunk
often attaining the height of twenty feet. On
])oor soils, however, it is apt to be rugged and
shrubby. The leaves are of a light green ;
the flovsrers, white ; and the fruit shaped like
a pomegranate, and having an agreeable odor
when ripe. As a fruit, however, many of
the authorities represent it as very inferior to
the white guava ; but it is probable that they
have found it in the wild state, for it appeared
to be much improved by culture."

"The mountain guava, found in the woods
of Jamaica, is not luuch esteemed as a fruit
tree, but it grows to a large size ; the wood
is of a beautiful dark color, finely curled,
easily worked, susceptible of a high polish,
and therefore much valued as a timber tree."
In a paper read to the Horticultural Society
(England) Mr. Cattley, of Barnet, gives an
account of a previously undescribed species of
guava. The fruit is nearly spherical, of a fine
deep claret color, grovv'ing at the insertion of
the leaves, and contains from twenty to thirty
seeds, inclosed in a pulp, which is sweet, and
slightly acid. Independently of the value
and beauty of the fruit, this is a highly orna-
mental plant, may be propagated freely by
cuttings, and bears at the age af eighteen
months. It is understood to have come from
South America, and has an external texture
resembling the fig: its internal consistence and
flavor bear a considerable resemblance to those
of the strawberiy. With proper treatment, it
is one of the most free growing of all tropical
fruits."

"This guava which has received the name
of 'Cattley 's "guava,' {Psidium cattleyanum)
promises to become a very valuable addition
to stone-fruit both for its appearance,
and its flavor, merits attention. There
is a specimen in one of the hothoiuses
belonging to the Horticultural society,
which is a thriving and elegant tree. It is
about ten feet high, and trained something
in the shape of a fan, till the outside branches
have a width of sixteen feet. The bark is
a soft ash color, with a very slight trace of
brown, and smooth, but not glossy. ' Tlie
leaves are beautiful, the blossoms abundant.
That the fruit would, properly managed, come
to the same maturity in the average of sit-
uations of this country, as in those places of

which it is a native, there caimot be the least
doubt: and it has this advantage over most
other fruit trees, whether indigenous or ex-
otic, that it produces two crops in a 3fear."

From all we have read upon the subject,
the fruit of the guava is destined to become
as plentiful in this country as oranges, hence
we admonish our readers in advance.

TABLE CUSTOMS.

I want to add just a few words upon this
subject, which I think worthy of more con-
sideration than is generally accorded to it.
How well I enjoy being with a family where
the dining table is made a place of pleasant
social enjoyment. In looking back to my
"childhood home," there is no time remem-
bered with more pleasure, than the bright
happy faces and social good times around oiu:
family board. A pleasant meal, enjoyed by a
cheerful company — how much life and health
there is iu it ! But an untidy meal, eaten in
silence, how much dyspepsia and bad temper
in it ! It is not so much what is put upon the
table, as the way in which it is prepared and
arranged.

This, m}- dear sister, depends upon us. Do
not try to get a great variety. A few dishes,
nicely prepared, so as to cultivate a fine taste,
aud not thrown together and seasoned until the
condiments are all you can discriminate. The
farmers eat too much fried food. It is con-
ducive to dyspepsia, which has a great train
of evils. So let me beg of you to use the
kettle and oven more, and the griddle less.
There is no finer art than cooking, and not
one that is so terribly murdered. But I am
getting too far from the case in point.

Give, if possible, the table a festive look — a
few flowers, if you have them cultivate the
finer feelings — a dish of nice ripe fruit, clean
linen, bright glass and silver, with a few
dishes nicely prepared, are within the reach
of all. So many think it makes little differ-
ence how things come up, if the family only
are present ; but when "company" comes,
work themselves tired trying to have things
nice, and do not enjoy the society of their
company from being out so much. This is
not as it should be, If we want only some-
thing good to eat, let us go to work and get
it at home. If we want a good social
visit with a friend, let us have her spend the
time with us, instead of in the kitchen and
dining-room. "But," says one si.ster, "it is
too much work and trouble to have things in
trim all the time, I wouldn't get anything else
done." Not .so. There is nothing that saves
time so much as order and regularity. Learn
to economize time, by keeping ahead of yoiu-
work. This can be done by proper manage-
ment, aud saves confusion, hurry, and many
steps. You will have time for thought, then,
which is necessary in order to do anything as
it should be done. We want to live ; but the
mere animal necessity is lifted up and glori-
fied when the charms of pleasant conversa-
tion and mutual courtesy surround the custom.
There is a spiritual life that is to be fed and
sustained ; and it is starved where there is no
grace, not only before, but during a meal.

One great trouble with the farmer is, he is
in too much of a hurry. If there is any place
where he should leave cares, and the press-
ure of business behind, it is when he enters
the dining room. When there, he should
take his time, and feci at rest. "But," says
one, "we cannot." Let me whisper, it is
habit, make your arrangement, both in work
and mind, to spend at least one-half hour at
your meals , in bright, genial, sparkling talk;
while you refresh the "physical man,"
vou can do it better by also refreshing the
"spiritual man." Let the children join in
the conversation. There is no sense in com-
pelling an intelligent child to sit like a deaf
mute at a table, though, on the other hand,
they should not monopolize the conversation,
and be allowed to ask strings of questions.
Teach them, bv example as well as precept,
to make their appearance at table, neat and
tidy. Smooth hair, clean hands and nails,
the general appearance inviting; and each try

1877.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

19

to be as agreeable as jiossiblo to each otlier.
Fathers and motliers, this will do more than
you dreain, in inakinr; your children "rciw up
real gentlemen and ladies. Sisters, let us
hear from yon on these home subjects more.
They arc ot vital iniportanee to us. We can
learn niueh, if we only will, from each other,
thron^h this "Home Circle Department."
We can make it worth a great deal to us, if
we will only use it. Let lis all write for it,
and give free e.^pressiou to our views. — M. L.
Mart/.

We lieartily endorse every line of the above
able paper— on a most inipm-tant moral and
domestic subject- -which we find in a recent
number of Co/ma/i's i^(m/ Worhl; and, al-
though we have entertained similar senti-
ments for many years, yet, we confess we have
never yet been "fortunate enough to realize
them in ultimates; for the reason that they
occui)y a hiijher and more cultivated plane
than that which ol)taiiis among the masses of
our people, even where they are "well to do
in the world."' The God-appointed meal—
whether at morning, noon or evening, or at
any other orderly and convenient period — is not
made the occasion that it ought to lie, either
morally, socially, or physically, and probably
never will be, until a race of refined and prac-
tically educated women assume the absolute
control of the domestic ariangements of the
household. Never until the meal is more or
less characterized by a spiritual realization of
that presence, which nearly nineteen centur-
iesago enunciated the divine injunction — "Eat
this in reinenibrance of Me." Not merely
eaten thus on special or set occasions, but,
"As oflen as ye eat it." The maternal head
of a house who is only solicitous about setting
an orilerly and tastefully arranged table for
occasional or transient visitors, and not hab-
itually lor her own family, notwith.standing
all her slavish labor and her morbid anxiety,
may be doing less to tit her fen- that beatitic
realm where "order is the first law," than
she thinks she is. And even if she is doing
lier very best, so far as she knows how, and
she is cursed with a profane or perverse fam-
ily who severally drop down into iheir seats at
irregular periods — from sheer habits of self-
indulgence — and then irreverently "bolt"
their food and hasten away again, without a
recognition of the wants of anybody outside
of themselves, if she possesses those refined
sc nsibilities which are so essentially the dis-
1 iiiguishing characteristics of a true woman,
sill' must regret that she diil not cultivate and
inculcate these iiriueiples when her children
were young.

It is true, that many women — perhaps most
of them — are constantly burdened with do-
mestic labors, and so constantly "behind
time" with their work; that they have little
opportunity to practice tidiness, and there-
fore they ""rough it" through in the most
"shilly shally" kind of way, and pay little at-
tention to doniestic order, and especially ta-
ble order. But, this state of things is more
the result of misconception, shiftlessness and
illiteracy, than of fwt. They fail to make a
proper discrimination between essentials and
non-essentials. The meal is often deferred,
half an hour perhaps; without any compunc-
tion whatever, merely because it is fancied
that there is something else that ought to
claim their first attention. Nothing would
disgust a family of lioarders more — esjiecially
if tliey were eini)loyed by tht^ day, and had a
specific period allowed for the consumption of
their meals— than such a wanton delay. Are
our obligations to our families less imperative
than they are to those wlio are total stran-
gers 'i—Ed.

NEWSPAPER-MAKING.

It isn't boy's play, reader, to make a news-
paper. Everyl)()dy can't do it, although most
people think they "can. Jlore excellent quali-
ties of head and heart are recpiired in an edi-
tor than in any other calling or profession in
the world. lie talks to more people than the
pulpit does, and talks to peojile of all grades
of life and of all shades of belief. If con-

scientious— and no man who is not has any
business in the editorial chair— be feels the
responsibility of his jiosition as if it were a
inonntain on his soul. He knows that the
welfare, moral growth and peace of the com-
munity deiiend largely upon his daily or weekly
utterances. Many times does he draw his pen
through lines which express his sentiments,
but which he fears may be misunderstood, and
do harm to some of those whom he desires to
make better, and not wor.se. 11 is not an easy
position — it is scarcely a desirable one ; and
yet, if he happens to express a sentiment which
iloes not suit the reader, the latter is uncharit-
able enough to lose no time in censuring him.
The editiu- does not always think as the reader
does ; he can't. If he did, and never expressed
a sentiment except such as the reader cher-
ished, what would be the object of taking his
paper y It is certainly foolish to pay for a
journal which simply contains a rehash of what
we have long before thought of ourselves.
But, reader, when you are induced to find
fault with the editor" because he says something
that doesn't suit you, remember that you can't
get a paper under the sun, if it amounts to
anything, that will not sometimes say things
that you cannot agree with. — Weslern Rural.
The above, from the Rural, is so well and
.so appropriately said, that we can find but
little to add ; and yet it does not recount one-
half of the responsibilities which rest upon the
head and heart of an editor. Even if hi^ did
not write a line of original matter, there are
onerous laliors attached to his function, of
which the outside world has very little know-
ledge or appreciation. The labor of looking
ove'r two or three scores of exchanges and
culling therefrom what may be best adapted
to the localities of the greatest numlier of his
readers, involves more time and research, by
far, than is occupied in writing original papers ;
and when he thinks he has catered to the high-
est and most substantial interests of his pat-
rons, some trivial objection will be made by
the superficial or morbidly critical reader.
Somebody has said, " the man who attempts
to please" everybody is a fool"— and perhaps
there is no sphere in which the folly of such an
attempt would become more manifest than in
that of an editor, however desirable such an
end might be. — Ed.

STRANGE SUBSTANCES IN A HORSE'S
STOMACH.

Sonn^what over a year ago Mr. Henry Ben-
ncthuni, stove dealer, of Reading, was com-
pelled to kill a horse, which had been under
medical treatment for some time, suffering
with an unknown disease. A post-mortem
examination was made, and there was found
in the stomach and intestines of the animal a
number of stones of different shapes, of a cal-
careous nature, and exceedingly hard, which
had been worn smooth and become highly
polished by constant attrition. How the
stones came there was a subject of much con-
jecture. By manv it was sujiposed that they
had been mixed "with the hay or feed and
swallowed by the animal accidentally. The
composition of the stones, however, exploded
that theory and the matter remained as mucli
of a mystery as ever

More recently about a peck of stones, of the
size of turnips, bearing a close resemblance to
that vegetable, were found in the intestines of
a horse by Mr. Daniel Levan, city scavenger,
of Reading. These were supposed by some to
have been petrified turnips, although a subse-
(luent examination of them showed, that they
must have formed inside of the stomach in
small lumi)s which gradually increased, hard-
ened, and finally found their way into the in-
testines causing death. To show that these
phenomena are not the only ones of the kind
that have been discovered in this country, we
reproduce the following taken from the Troy
(iV". Y.) Press:

.John Brown, superintendent of the Troy
and Lansingburg horse railroad, has in his
possession two specimens of natural phenome-
na which our scientists would do well to ex-

amine, and, if possible, render some lucid ex-
planation of.

One is a large round stone liaving the apjiear-
anee of a highly polished piece of marble mot-
tled in a))p(tarance and b(,'autiful in color. It
is as hard as Hint, and exceedingly dillicult to
scratch or mar in any wav, and weighs one
and one-half pounds, 'fhis was taken
from the intestines of a horse that died some
time ago, and is probably formed from secre-
tions of dirt and dust that had gathered in
the stomach of the animal and which by tlie
process of time had become formed and hard-
I'lied into this beautiful seinhlance of i)olished
marble. It had jias.sed from the stomach, and
in itsfiassage through the intestinal channels
had lodged an<l caused the animal's death.
Another, more singular still in its shape and
formation, was taken from the intestines of a
horse that (lied at Cohoeslast week. This cu-
riosity is as large as a man's clenched fist, and
has the appearance of a calcerous substance.
In size, shape, and general appearance it re-
sembles a i)etritied sponge. This also caused
the aninial's death in the .same manner as the
preceding. The only theory advanced thus
far in the explanation of this stone is, that at
some time the horse had swallowed a piece of
sponge, and it had laid in His stomach and in
time had petrified.

We are sometimes surprised, when we read
such notices as the above— not at the phenom-
ena, however, but at the great wonder mani-
fested at them, just "for all the world" as if
such things had never occurred before. As
early as 18:!8 we had the half of one of these
concretions in our coUectiim of curiosities,
which had been taken out of the .stomach or
intestines of a horse. A horse had died in
Donegal township, out of which three or four
were taken, about the size of goose eggs, and
tw-o of them came into the posse.ssion of an
intimate friend, who sawed one of them trans-
versely through and presented us with one-
half of it. These were almost spherical in
form, and the outer surface was quite smooth.
The face of the transverse section exhibited a
series of concentric layers, something like
would be the appearance of an onion, cut
horizontally through. In the centre was a
hollow cavity which contained several crushed
oat grains. ' These seemed to be a nucleus
arouiid which the substance that composed
them seemed to be deposited in concentric
layers, the result, probably, of a number of
years. They were almost as hard as a marble
when they became perfectly dry; and they ef-
fervesced" very freely, as 'if they were com-
posed of a large proportion of the carbonate of
lime; and I think this was the baseof thesub-
stance. In color, they were something like
clay, faintly tinged w"ith blue. AVe gave it
away many years Ago.— Editor.

THE DANGEROUS AND TERRIBLE

QUAIL.*
Each pair of quails produce an average of
ten chicks per year— many, in favorable sea-
sons, hatch out "sixteen in a brood, and then
hatch a second brood. If we estimate only
the small number of 500,000 quails in Indiana
to start with (though there are probably ten
times that number), and take ten per year as
the produce of each pair, the figures will
sinifily be stupendous, and we present them to
the Indiana Legislature for consideration :

First year, total S,00n,000

•Second year, total 1S,0<IO,000

Third year, total '^^'2?2'^

Fourth year, total ?***' „?'???

Fifth ye'ar, total 3R,8*«,000,000

We would have to station an army along the
Ohio river to prevent an invasion of Kentucky
after these birds had eaten everything visible
in Indiana. There wouldn"t be a bug left in
that state, and the birds would require grain to
five upon. Estimating a gill of irrain per day
for each bird, it would require 1.->,00U,(IU0 bush-
els per day to feed them. We enter our protest
in advance, and shall demand, if Indiana does
not pass the law, that the state shall raise the

•From a Speech by Senator Harris in the Senate of lo-
diana.

20

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[February,

grain to feed the birds, and shiill put up a bird
net 300 feet high along the Ohio, to keep their
inhabitants from invading Kentucky.

The bill was defeated.

Some people in Indiana seem to have -'quail
on the brain ;" at any rate, the state seems to
have "too much quail." When the children
of Israel were in need of flesh, as they traveled
through the wilderness, the Almighty sent
them quails as a needed blessing. AVhat a
pity that Indiana could not be invaded by an
army of flesh-hungry Israelites, to consume
her surplus quails, and thus save the time and
wind of her legislators. Fifty-flve thousand
laboring men, in New York alone, are now
out of employment, and no doubt would
be glad to receive daily consignments of
Indiana quails. AVhy cannot these quails
be utilized ? Why not organize a quail-
line as they some years ago did an "oyster
line ? or, why not send them packed in ice to
Europe, or to such parts of the United States
as have no quails ? Texas is sending mil-
lions of pounds of fresh beef to Europe, and
we are of the opinion that it would be as easy
to send cargoes of quails. If quails are as
abundant, and as prolific as the above state-
ment indicates, we should think it as good a
crop as any that could be raised in any State.
Here in the State of Pennsylvania, we are
constantly regretting that our laws are not
stringent enough to [irotect our quails, whilst
in Indiana they appear to have too much of
that "sort of thing." Send on your surplus
quails. We have not had a quail on ourtable
for more than twenty years. — £d.

FISH, FLESH AND FOWL.

The following from a Baltimore paper, may
help to illuminate the minds of the people of
Indiana as to what disposition to make of
their "terrible quails," in order to diminish
their numbers profitahly :

" The exportation of fresh meats, fish, game
and oysters has during the last ten years be-
come an important element in the trade of the
coast cities. The experience gained in this
time in preparing these perishable commodi-
ties for transportation has been very valuable,
and has converted what was once a doubtful
venture into an assured success. The market
abroad is rapidly becoming a very desirable
one, especially in England and France. Some
small trade is done with Germany, but the in-
habitants of the fatherland do not take eagerly
to this class of American delicacies. In the
exportation of fish, all the principal cities of
the coast jiarticipate in varying amounts,
Baltimore is the largest market for fine-grained,
delicately-flavored fish, though she does not
send du-ectly abroad so manj' as New York.
Salmon, shad, bay mackerel and salmon trout
flourish in the waters of her bay and its rivers,
which seem admirably adapted to produce the
finesf varieties of these flsh. The fish are pre-
pared for transportation by being frozen.
Barrels or other suitable vessels are filled with
the fish, and are then placed in a refrigerator
until thoroughly frozen. When shipped, they
are placed in similar refrigerators on board.
The freezing does not appear fo injure the
flavor of the flsh, though some have claimed
that it does. One of the largest dealers in
Baltimore has a very neat refrigerator barrel,
in which he puts up all the fish he sends any
distance. The barrel is lined with zinc, and
between the lining and the wood there is a
narrow air space, as well as a layer of hair
packing. This arrangement very effectually
prevents great changes to temperature in the
inside of the barrel when closed up. Inside
of the metal-lined barrel is a galvanized iron
can in which the fish are placed. Around
this can a freezing mixture of ice and salt is
placed, which is renewed as fast as the ice
melts. The water runs off by a pipe at the
bottom of the barrel. Fish packed in this
manner can be shipped with the greatest
ease to any clime, and kept any length of time.
"In the shipping of oysters in the shell
great care is exercised in packing. A layer
of the oysters is placed in the barrel with their

mouths up. They are then packed with sea
grass which is very jjorous and holds large
quantities of sea water, which provides par-
tial nourishment for them. Over this layer
of oysters corn meal is sprinkled. On the
corn meal another layer of the oysters, packed
in tlie same manner is placed, and so on until
the barrel is filled. By this arrangement the
oyster can feed nearly as well as if he were on
his bed on the river or bay bottom. The
grass will hold its nourishment from a
month to six weeks, a sufficient time to
make the longest voyages. Tlie extent of
this trade is difficult to estimate, as it is
wholly retail. No house abroad has yet
entered into the trade, receiving regular
consignments from Baltimore, but negoti-
ations are now pending to effect such a result.
Caterers in London and Paris, and American
residents abroad are large consumers, and
they order directly from Baltimore, or indi-
rectly through New York. An attempt
to plant American oysters in foreign waters
jiroved a complete failure. Some Ave years
ago, through the influence of the Turkish
consul residing in Baltimore, a number of
gentlemen were induced to try the experiment.
A vessel was loaded with them, packed in the
same manner as they are on the pungies
which bring them to the market — that is not
packed at all — aud of course nearly all died
on the way. Satisfied with what they lield to
be a proof of the impossibility of transporting
them, these parties did not repeat the experi-
ment. In the face of the fact that oysters are
being sent across every day, which arrive in
the best condition, it would be ridiculous to
deny the feasibility of the project. Whether
the oysters will thrive in those waters is an-
other question, only to be determined by ex-
periment.

Terrapin are shipped from Baltimore both
alive and canned. When sent alive they are
simply packed in boxes or barrels, without
food, ice, or any other accompaniments. Be-
tween the months of September and March
they do not eat anything, and this is tlie time
during which they are shipped. Those put
up in cans are boiled and then hermetically
sealed, the same as other canned meats. Those
sent abroad go exclusively to England and
France, where they are highly prized. Soft
crabs, fried and put up in oil cans, are quite
largely sent to foreign markets. In game
the principal export is canvas-back ducks. A
common way of i)acking them is to tie them
by the feet around the edge of a circular bas-
ket. This keeps the birds separated, and
leaves a space in the centre for ice, if neces-
sary. The basket of ducks is generally placed
in a refrigerator and frozen before they are
shipped. This method of packing them has
proved remarkably successful. One dealer
affirms that he has not lost'a single basket in
five years."

LEEK.
Allium Porntm.

The leek is a member of the onion family,
and has been cultivated from time immemo-
rial. It has always been regarded with par-
ticular favor by the Egyptians, who eat it raw
with their bread, or as sauce for meats. It is
frequently associated with the name of St.
David, the patron saint of Wales, for the rea-
son that Welshman are accustomed to sport
leeks in their hats upon his festival, the first
of March. This is a very ancient custom, and
we find frequent mention of it in the old
writers. Some persons have thought that it
commemorates the introduction of the plant
into that country by St. David ; but more
probably, as Sliakspeare says, in liis Henry
the Fifth, it is "worn as a memorable trophy
of pre-deceased valor. " According to "ancient
tradition," in a celebrated victory of the
Welsh over the Saxons, in the sixth century,
the former imder the prelate's directions, were
distinguished by leeks^which they gathered
near the battle ground. As he was supposed
to have power to work miracles, it is not
strange that their glorious success should have
been attributed to this cause. Whatever may

be the origin of the custom, it would be quite
as remrakable to find a Welshman without
his leek on the first of March, as it would to
discover a genuine Hibernian without a sham-
rock in his button-hole on St. Patrick's day.
For certain purposes the leek is preferred to
the onion. The varieties most worthy of cul-
tivation, and perhaps of equal excellence, are
the London and the Scotch.

Culture. — Sow the seed in March or
April, as soon as the ground becomes open,
and the weather settled. One ounce of seed
will yield between two and three thousand
plants. Select for the bed a warm sheltered
border, and sow in drills, three quarters of an
inch deep, and eight inches apart. When the
plants have become established, they ought to
be thinned out to distances of about two
inches in the drill. Frequent and thorough
hoeing is of the first importance, while an oc-
casional application of water during a dry
time, proves of great benefit. As soon as the
seedlings acquire a height of eight or nine
inches, they are fit for transplanting.

The leek is best suited with a mellow loam,
which has been deeply dug, and made rich by
the application of old dung or compost. The
sub-soil should be dry, and the exposure
rather open. Make shallow trenches across
the bed, one foot distant from each other, for
the reception of the plants, which are to be
drawn from the seed bed, either during
showery weather, or after the soil has been
rendered yielding by the application of water.
Some should be allowed to remain at the dis-
tances of six inches asunder in the drill.
Shorten the extremities of the tops and roots
of those which are taken up, and insert them
in the trenches, by means of the dibble, eight
inches apart. They ought to be inserted just
so deep, that the centre leaves and buds shall
not be covered with earth.

In dry weather, give water freely ; and, at
all times, during the season of their growth,
make good use of the hoe. The soil must be
kept mellow, and, every now and then, a little
should be drawn up around the stems. Some
gardeners cut oft' the tops of the leaves, at in-
tervals perhaps of tliree weeks or a month, in
order to increase the size of the roots. A
portion of the crop can be raised as wanted
for use, by the beginning or middle of autumn.
The plants will stand the winter well ; but,
on the approach of hard frost, it is customary
to store in sand a quantity sufficient for the
wants of the family until the ground opens.

For seed. — Remove some of the best
plants, in spring, to a warm sheltered border.
The flower-stems should be supported by
stakes, or tied to the fence, to prevent their be-
ing broken down by the wind. Cut the heads
when they turn brown, with a portion of the
stems attaclied, by which they are to be tied
together in bundles of three or four, for con-
venience in hanging them up to dry. When
the seed becomes perfectly hardened, it can
be beaten out at any convenient time.

Use. — From its mild, agreeable taste, as
well as on account of its liardiness. the leek is
by many preferred to the onion. The whole
plant is used in various ways, such as being
boiled plain to be eaten with meat, in soups,
stews, etc. — Schenck''s Gardenerl'i Text-Book.

It is nearly forty-five years since we first
saw the le(k in the Philadelphia markets, or
knew it to be used in soups, or in dressing for
"Fish, Flesh aud Fowl ;" and yet, in propor-
tion to other vegetables used for the same or
a similar purpose, it cannot be considered
common, in the markets, nor in the culinary
preparations, of Lancaster county. Stewed
leeks are certainly as healthful, and to many
as toothsome us stewed asparayus, and never
subject to that objection to the latter which
grows out of its stringy or woody and bitter
toughness; and which sometimes so deceitful-
ly distinguishes the very finest specimens of it,
to the great disappointment of the un-
sojiliisticated purchaser, or the patrons of the
hostelry.

^

Can't you induce your neighbor to subscribe
for The Farmer? Try it f

i

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

21

For Thk Lancawter FAUMEn.
GLEANINGS.

$56.50
5G.00
61.50

Prices of Fertilizers.

No. 1 Peruvian Guano 10 per cunt, am-
monia standarJ per ton

No. 1 Peruvian Guano 10 per cent, (guar-
antee, per ton

No. 1 Peruvian Guano, 10 per cent, rec-

titied, per ton

Mapee' Nitrogenizcd Supcrphoepliate,

perton 40.00@50.00

Mapes' Bone Superphosphate, perton .. 40.00@45.00
Fisli Guano (crude in barrels) per ton.. 18.00

Bone Flour per ton 40.00@45.00

Ka>v Bones, Ground (pure), perton .'J3.00@40.U0

German Potash Salts (.;5@;)5per cent.)

perton 25.00@30.no

Gypsum, Nova Scotia, ground, per ton.. 8.00(5j!).O0
Nitrate of I'otash (li.'j per cent.) jier lb. Q^O'ic

Sulphate of Potash (^0 per cent.) per lb. o'j(sii4c

Chloride of Potass (Muriate of Potash,

80 percent.) per lb ^%®^c

Nitrate of Soda per lb 4J^(gl5c

Sulphate of Ammonia (25 per cent.)

per lb 5@5}^c

— American Agricidturi.il.

Rye turned under is the cheapest manure.
It comes in ju<t timely so as to leave the
ground nut an hour idle.

Use your lime on old, rich ground ahiiost
sodden with its repeated manuring. It sweet-
ens and enlivens it, releases all unassimilated
fertility — cuts it as alcohol does oil.

If clouds are noticed coming up against the
wind, in drought or other times, it is a pretty
certain indication of rain, and my observation
is that by such storms are our long droughts
usually first broken. — liooVs Gardtn IlamaiL

Our position that cultivating and stirring
the soil as being the best kind of mulching, is in
answer to those who enquire about mulching
entire surface. We have always advocated
mulch close to and under plants and bushes,
and cultivate between. Some persons suppose
that heavy mulching over the entire surface
will keep down the weeds, and make abun-
dance of fruit. No doubt but what a suffi-
cient depth of such would, but it is better to
use the mulch usually put on close to and un-
der the plants and bushes, and cultivate be-
tween the rows. Strawberries, if not thus heavi-
ly mulched between the rows, may be run
through between the rows, with a light drag-
tooth harrow, just to stir up the suttace until
fruit begins to turn. You made a mistake in
spading ground between the rows, for by so
doing you cut off innumerable small roots.—
Fruit Recorder.

[The above in reply to a correspondent
whose crop failed after spading in place of a
mulch. When cultivating the soil to act as a
mulch, it should not be stirred deeper than
about an inch, and less will do. When the
soil is thus stirred up in summer time, the
earth so loosened up will dry out and act as a
mulch. Should it be stirred to the depth of
three inches there will be three inches of dry
soil and be vety close to the roots of many
plants.]

Do Plants Poison the Air we Breathe.

There is a notion prevalent that the presence
of growing plants in the sleeping or living
room is detrimental to a lualtby atmosphere
by their giving out poisonous carl)onic acid gas
in the night time. The investigation of
chemists demonstrate that growing plants do
exhale an almost imperceptible ciuantity of
carbonic acid gas, w^hich, in very small pro-
portions, is necessary in the air we breathe.
They also show that the quanity exhaled at
night is but one-sixteenth part of what the
same plants absorb from the atmosphere during
the day, and convert into nearly its own
weight of oxygen, thus rendering a poisonous
gas, that derives its origin from various
sources, into one of the principal elements of
pure air.

If carbonic acid gas is emitted from plants
in dangerous quantities, it certainly would
exist largely in the night atmosphere of a
close greenhouse, heated to a tropical tempera-
ture and crowded from tioor to rafter with
rank vegetation. Yet, in my experience, I
have never known the slightest ill effects to
be realized from night work iu greenhouses,

neither in cases that have frequently occurred
of workmen making the warm greenhouses
their sleeping quarters of a night, aiul evrn
for an entire winter, which, to my satisfac-
tion, affords practi(;al proof that the notion is
a fallacy ; and the fact that perhaps no
liealthier class of men can be found than
greenhouse operators, who work constantly in
an atmosphere where plants are growing,
would prove, instead, that living plants exert
a beneficial influence upon the air we breathe.
— Home Florisl.~By A. B. K.

For Thk Lanoabteu Farm Kn.
BY RAIL TO FREDERICK CITY, MD.

Scenes by the Way— The Tillers of the Soil.
Immigration Southward and Westward.

To get away from home lor a brief period,
far enough not to see your own chimney
smoke does one good once in a while. At
least it changes the monotony which fixes it-
self ujion us by contiimous routine. To take
a seat in a railroad coach at (Jolurabia, and
be in Frederick City in three hours and fifteen
minutes, with as little jolting as if you rode
on the main stem of the Pennsylvania rail-
road, is a satisfaction hardly thouglit of ten
years ago. Whether equal accommod;itions
would be afforded, if the Hanover Junction
and Susquehanna, or any other railroad com-
pany had control of said line, is not in the
province of this article to discuss. Suffice it
to say, the Pennsylvania railroad company
is not in the habit of doing things by halves.
Traveling at the rate of twenty to twenty-
five miles an hour does not attbrd opportunity
for close observation; yet sufficient to say that
the crop of winter wheat has emerged from
under its covering of snow in good coadition.
except on low and wet lands where there has
been considerable heaving up by tie recent
freezing and thawing, which, should it continue
until spring fairly opens would put a less
promising appearance upon the prospects of
the coming crop, which may be considered
fair, by way of the line of said railroad. The
soil and geological formations through said
section is somewhat varied, but the greater
part is red shale, embracing southern York
county, the entire width of Adams, thence
through Maryland to within about fifteen
miles of Frederick city; the latter being sur-
rounded by a beautiful and naturally as fer-
tile a section of limestone laud as can be
found in the Keystone State. Throughout
the red shale region many of the farmers are
no doubt land poor, i. f., they cultivate more
land than they can do with profit.

Horace Greeley's advice will emphatically
apply to the farmers of said region, i. e., to
apply their labor and expenses to half the area
they now skim OTe^vand fertilize their soil to
twice its presen^^Pfitli. It has often been a
query with the w'riter, why in that, as also iu
other sections of only partially fertile soil, we
see so many large and complete barns, in
many cases superior to those of much more
fertile regions. Another matter is observable,
and which is of too general application,! e.,
the large number of barns devoid of spouting.
The prevalent custom of building bank barns
is no doubt admitted to be equal, if not su-
perior, to any otiier plan, but with the man-
ure bed in front, declining from the barn, and
in addition to the rain and snow falling on
the manure, all the rain falling upon tlie half
of the roof in addition is drained through the
manure pile, a drain that no larmer can af-
ford imless his land is too rich. We may
safely calculate tliat 2.5 per cent of the rich-
est fertilizing ingredients of the manure pile
is in many cases annually carried into the
nearest stream.

The various methods of farming in the diff-
erent sections of country are not always ob-
servable at sight. Several visits to Frederick
City ami its surroundings, and also throuwli
Shenandoah Valley, conversations on farm
and other topics, with a number of intelligent
citizens, has satisfied the writer that there is
much room for progress in agriculture and
horticulture in that section.

It is doubtful whether there is an equal
area to thu Monocacy valley in Lancaster
county that would bear the exhaustive sys-
tem of farming so long, and continue to yield
such crops.

The custom almost without exception is. to
sell all they can pos.sibly spare from the farm,
i. e., "rain, hay, straw, and even manure.
The Tatter is not a general custom, but a
Penn.sylvanian who moved there after the war,
purchased lot) loads of manure from a neigh-
bor farmer, an old resitUnil, which the new
comer liberally applied to save his own land,
part of which he double cropped. The re-
sult was the second crop paid for all the ma-
nurt. besides leaving the land in very fertile
condition. He could however buy no more
manure from that neighbor. In order to
continue cropping, large quantities of com-
mercial fertilizers are annually applied, gen-
erally from .flUO to %oW worth, according to
size of farm. By this method fair crops are
grown, but the general difficulty is, that each
successive crop requires heavier doses, to give
satisfaction. AVliere the continuation of
such a course of tillage will lead to. some in-
dividuals who have been using patent medi-
cines for a succession of years, might per-
haps solve the problem in advance. If there
is a single and cheap remedy for the ills to
which such lauds have fallen heir to, that
remedy is clover.

A Pennsylvanian who moved southward
since the war, conceded to the writer that he
had to some extent adopted the practice of
his neighbors, but seceded a few years ago by
plowing down a heavy crop of clover, which
seemed peculiarly suicidal at the time, but in
pointing out the field, said, "the soil seems to
have changed, no failure of crops since the
clover was plowed down, besides, she soil has
lost its former tenacity and is now much more
friable; can plow it when the other fields will
clog." That similar effects would result in
all soils by plowing in clover, is hardly proba-
ble, but we may safely say, four-fifths of the
lands in anv section of our country, that have
been run down by the above exhaustive meth-
od, would be benefited by the same cheap rem-
edy, at least where clover will grow at all.

The question is still, which way, with many
who wish to move on cheaper lauds. These
can be had either west or south. If the laws
and customs of caste could be wiped out of
existence, the south would have advantages
not to be found elsewhere in the Union. But
since the settlement of the colonies, but es-
pecially since the enactment of Mason and
Dixon's line, the affiliation between the north-
ern and southern people of the country has at
no time been of that fraternal nature, like
that of east and west.

Some time after the war the tide of immi-
gration seemed to preponderate southward,
but h.as changed into its former westward
current as formerly, and until the south will
exhibit a progressive spirit similar to that of
the west, the latter will retain the lead in the
race for population. However, until a spirit
will be inaugurated toward less land and bet-
ter tillage, instead of more acres and closer
skimming, the process of impoverishing our
best lands will continue. Sometime, how-
ever, a change will be inevitable. — U. M. E.,
Marietta, Pa., Feb. 24, 1877.

^

For The Lancaster Fabmxb.
BUILD BIRD HOUSES.

This is one of the little odd jobs that should
be attended to about evervbody's dwellings.
We all like to see plenty of nice fruit and
vegetables, &c., now 1 am confident that if
we would give them (the birds) more care and
protection, they would help us in a very great
measure to protect it from the ravages of in-
sects, and also be a considerable pleasure to
us in other ways. I wont .say what shape
you shall make the boxes. Any Imix about
from .5 to 8 inches will do for "small birds.
They need not be very neat, but shold be well
made, and put up so that they don't tumble
down, and so that the cats don't disturb the
birds. The hole for the entrance should not

22

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[Februarj',

be too near the bottom, and not too large
either; there should be a stick below the hole
for the birds to light on and look in. The
roof should extend out over the hole so as to
keep out the rain, &c. Don't be afraid that
you will have too many birds about the prem-
ises; they are the greatest :little bug and in-
sect catchers to be found, and it will pay to
encourage them to stay about the premises.
Better do without dogs and cats than without
birds. There are plenty of dogs and cats
kept that cost more in a year to feed them
than it would cost to have a few bird houses
and the Lancaster Farmer besides. Money
expended for either of these objects is not
lost; the birds will reward you for the trou-
ble and expense, so will the Farmer tell you
how to live better, and make more money.
It keeps you well posted in every improve-
ment pertaining to horticulture, agriculture,
the garden and farm, aud of general import-
ance to your prosperity or welfare. But I
have wandered off from my subject, and I
will refer to it again by saying : Be kind to
the birds.— Jo/ui B. Frh, Lime Valley.

For The LancAsteb Fakmkr.
LICE ON CURRANT BUSHES.

What shall I do with them ? I want to set
out a new lot, and I find most of the bushes
infested with the bark lice. I did not exam-
ine the roots, but I notice the lice or scales
along the stems and down close to the ground;
some stems have only a few, while others are
nearly covered with them. Could a liquor or lye
be made to dip the sprouts in before planting,
so as to kill the lice and yet not injure the
sprouts ? I mean to dig out a lot of the old
bushes, and part them aud only save the best
young sprouts that have a little root, for
planting. I cut the tops off about a foot
from the root, and if plants are scarce I use
the young canes without roots to make plants.
In setting out cuttings of any kind, I always
pack the "soil very tight for a few inches at
the bottom; setting them about six inches
deep; leaving one or two eyes above ground.
Last season my currant bushes looked miser-
able; the tops were nearly all half dead or
very "scrnnty," and not much fruit on them.
This was not caused by the lice, (they might
have been frozen in the wood;) other seasons
my bushes looked well and were full of fruit,
and even the lousy bushes were full, but not so
large. But I generally thin or cut out in the
spnng all the scrubby old wood, and all that
are vrormy or very lousy, and give them a
top dressing of manure scrapings, or compost
of hen dung. I intend, if I live to plant
fruit, to be more careful about planting bush-
es and trees or vines, so as to have them free
from vermin or mildew. I have seen a
great many pear and apple trees ruined with
lice. Last spring I cut the tops off several
young apple trees that were full of lice, and
grafted clean grafts on again, and rubbed
lard from the grafts down, to keep the lice
from getting on the new wood. Xow the tops
are as clean as they need be, and if I had
used the same care in years gone by, I
might have saved a good many trees to bear
good fruit.— 0;d Cultivator, Lime Valley.

[Just as you treated your trees, so treat
your currant bushes, aud they will also be-
come "as clean as thev need be." Nothing
is better for these "Bark-hce" or "Scale-in-
sects" than lard-oil— applied in a liquid state,
and when the temperature is not low enough
to congeal it. It will not injure the plants,
and by the time it is washed off, the Ucewill
go with it. — Ed.

OTTAR OF ROSES.

Where the Most Delicate of all Perfumed Es-
sences is Obtained— When the Rose
Leaves are Gathered— The Yield.

Among the many exhibits at the Centennial,
which, no doubt, attracted a large share of at-
tention and proved especially interesting to the
ladies, was the perfumery. Of course that
princeliest of perfumes, "Ottar of Roses," was

much sought after. Everybody who could
afford it purchased a vial as a souvenir of the
great exhibition. This perfume was sold in
oblong vials containing about four drops of
the essence at SI. 2.5 per vial. The vial isnev-
er opened, but intended to be laid away in a
bureau drawer, where it will perfume the
whole room in a short time.

Home Versus Foreign.
The most delicious of all perfumed essences
is obtained by the simple distillation of rose
leaves. In our chmate, roses are not sufficient-
ly highly scented to produce the properly odor-
iferous essence or oil; and all the druggists
can produce from rose leaves is rose water,
which in fact is water slightly impregnated
with the essence or oil, which is, to a small
degree, soluble in it. The most favorable
country for the production of the most high-
ly scented roses is the middle portion of Eu-
ropean Turkey, at the base of the southern
slope of the Balkan Mountains, where the
roses are protected against all winds except
those from the south, and the flowers thus at-
tain a luxuriance in perfume and in growth,
as well as in size, of which those who have
not visited these regions can hardly form any
idea.

The Centre of the Trade.
The town of Kezenlik, situated in the pro-
vince of that name, is the centre of the field
of cultivation and distillation of the rose
leaves. The leaves are gathered all over the
province, which is 40 miles long, and is water-
ed by the river Thungha and the many moun-
tain streams which discharge into the same,
furnishing the water necessary for the distilla-
tion. To give an idea of the extent which
this industry has attained, we need only say
that there are in that province 128 different
villages of which the inhabitants are all em-
ployed in the culture of the beautiful flowers.
These all live in peace together, Turks and
Christians, and they prosper, having become
wise by experience, finding that it is better to
work than to waste tkne in religious and po-
litical quarrels.

Plantations of Roses.
Almost all the country is occupied in rose
plantation and only a comparatively small
portions is devoted to raising rye and barley,
for the subsistence of the inhabitants and their
cattle. The rose grows best on those parts of
the slopes where the sun shines most, and
which is the least northern in exposure. A
litrht soil is best, and the planting is done
during the spring and summer, in parallel
ditches three inches deep and five feet apart.
In these ditches shoots from old rose trees
are laid ; they must, however, not be cut from
the tree, but torn off, so that each shoot has
some portion of the root or bark of the root
adherent. They are then covered with earth
mixed with a little manure.

How They are Cultivated.
If the laud is horizontal, and a mountain
stream can be diverted so as to inundate it,
this is done to hasten the growth ; at the end
of six months shoots are seen coming up all
along the furrows, and at the end of a year
these shoots are three or four feet high, form-
ing regular hedges ; at the end of the second
year, "roses appear, but not in suflicient
abundance for them to be gathered. The
gathering is commenced in the third year,
after wh'rch they produce largely, the hedges
being, at the end of five years, six feet high.
The bushes produce flowers until fifteen years
old when the field is worn out, and must be
plowed up. They do not prune the rose
bushes at all, as we do ; but they cut off every
year in the late fall or winter the dead
branches.

The Great Harvest Time.
The great harvest commences about May
1.5th, and lasts until June 2d or 10th; the
gathering is done daily in the morning before
sunrise, and the distillation is done before 12
noon, so as to have the benefit of all the fresh-
ness of the flowers, which is at once driven off
by the heat of the day. In hot seasons the

roses open more rapidly, and the crop may
last but for ten days; but in wet, cooler sea-
sons, the progress is slower and the crop may
last for twenty-five days; but then the daily
harvest is smaller in proportion, so that the
final result is about the same. However, cool,
slow weather is preferred, as it eases the daily

labor.

About the Distillation.

The stills used are of the roughest kind,
and small ; they hold from 200 to 240
pints of water, and are carried to the rose
bushes to be filled. To twenty pounds rose
leaves, 200 pints of water are added, and the
whole is distilled at a gentle heat until twen-
ty pints of water are distilled off. This quan-
tity contains nearly all the perfume of the
leaves, which are then thiwvn away with tlie
remaining water, and the still is again filled
with 20 pounds leaves and 1(50 pints of water.
This operation is repeated until all the leaves
have been used. The water thus distilled off
is a strong rose water; and the result of eight
or ten distillations is put into a still and sub-
mitted to a second distillation, when a strong-
rose water is obtained; so strong, indeed, that
it is unable to contain the essence in solution,
and the latter floats on the top of the water.
Experieuce has shown that, for every ounce
of ottar of roses, 3,000 pounds of rose leaves

are required.

The Annual Production.

The total yearly production of eight districts
into which the IGO villages of the province of
Kezeulik are divided, is on an average of 3,500
pounds of ottar of roses, of which the district
in which the Capital is situated produces
half. Some years ago, however, the bushes
were exceptionally prolific. Thus, in 1806
6,000 pounds were produced, but in 1872 only
1 700 pounds could be obtained. We ought
to add that every rose farmer has his own
stills for producing ottar of roses immediately
after picking the flowers; and thousands of
industrious workers are thus occupied, earn-
incr in a single short period of twenty days
the products of a year's labor in preparing the
soil, planting, and taking care of the grow-
ing plants.

Ready for the Market.

When the distillation is over the farmers
come from all parts of the province to the
Capital to sell their products, those who have
larse quantities selling directly in the great
commercial centers, such as Constantinople
and Adrianople. At present, however, an
enterprising firm in Kezenlik, considering the
delay to which the trade with the last named
cities is subject, and the chances of adultera-
tion, have established a depot in Paris, France,
from which this delicate and expensive per-
fume is now distributed over Europe and all

the world.

^

For The Lancaster Farmer.
FARMERS VS. SPORTSMEN.
The lack of harmony between fiirmers and
sportsmen is so well known to every one, and
the points of difference that have sprung up
between them so wide, that it would seem
almost like a piece of impertinence either to
state them or offer any plan of conciliation.
There was a time when this was not so, nor is
that period such a very distant one, but latterly
this antagonism— for such it may be correctly
termed— has grown with much rapidity, and
has now reached a stage of open and undis-
guised hostility.

Although not personally a sportsman, I had
frequent opportunity of witnessing the dis-
atrreements between these two classes of the
community during the past season ; they were
neither pleasant nor agreeable to either party,
and will continue to become more so with each
succeeding season, unless an attempt is made
to arrive at some mutual understanding.

It will hardly be denied that nearly every
farmer upon whose plantation game is to be
found has been more or less annoyed by the
intrusion of so-called sportsmen. Fences have
been throwm down, rails broken, gates left
open cattle scared, and, what is worse, some-
times shot, through carelessness. This is no

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

23

light catiilo^ue of evils registered against the
gunners, ami when, in adiUtion, the gan)e-bag
of tlie pot-lumtur, as is too often tlie case, is
fillc'ci witli a miscellaneous assortment of barn-
yard poultry, the cup of the farmer's wrath is
justly filled to overtlowing. And when he
uiidertakes to stem the tide of accumulating
evils, he has not oidy the sympathy and co-
operation of his fellows, but of all other rea-
sonable men, whether they be farmers or not.
As a legitimate conseiinence of these annoy-
ances, he comes to look with suspicion upon
every man who approaches his premises with
a gun upon his shoulder. He no longer wails
to draw distinctions between these obnoxious
visitors, but regards them one and all as
nuisances — as a pest and an enemy whom he
desires to see as rarely as possible, and to get
rid of whom becomes for the time being the
chief object of his wishes.

The result of all this is the imiumerable
series of hand-boards and warnings which
ornament every prominent tree on his prem-
ises, and oftentimes e-xceed the number of
quail that lind shelter on his acres. And when
even these notices to trespassers are ineffec-
tual, a disgraceful bout of words, and oftimes
a personal collision is the result, lean hardly
be wrong in saying these things are not desired
by either party. The farmer bears with him,
as a conse([uence, a rulHed temper, while the
gunner has oft to mourn the loss of a favorite
dog, and goes away full of wrath and breath-
ing vengeance.

Perhaps in a majority of cases the farmer is
not so much impelled to take the course he
does from his desire to protect the game which
finds shelter in his fields : that I believe is fre-
quently a secondary consideration, (juail,
rabbits, woodcock, squirrels, and other game,
are not such important things in his eyes as
they are in those of the hunter. A desire to
protect his premises from this undesired intru-
sion, and his property from unnecessary de-
struction, are generally the objects he has
most at heart. If he has pleasure in hearing
Bob White's pleasing pipe, and is aware that
the songster is insectiverous, as well as gran-
iverous, and in this way capable of rendering
very important services during the spring and
summer, he may feel like affording him pro-
tection for the good he is able to do. I hardly
think, however, this utilitarian view of the
case very often influences the farmer ; oftener
he regards the upland minstrel in the light of
a dainty morsel for his table, and therefore
worthy of his protection. If, liowever, this
opinion does not guide him, and he is swayed
solely by the desire to see this handsome game
bird increase without any hindrance what-
ever, he might in the course of time, if his
views could be carried out, see them Ijecome a
pest requiring abatement, just as the hare
sometimes becomes in Nevada and the adjoin-
ing territories. There is a possible danger
that under certain contingencies we might have
too much Bob White, instead of too little, as
seems likely at present, in consequence of con-
flicting interests.

So much for the farmer. The sportsman
also claims a hearing. When confronted with
the long list of grievances the farmer brings
forward, he says in reply, they are general and
sweeping, instead of being limited to a class
insignificant in numbers. The sport.sman wor-
thy of the name deserves no such reproach ;
he alarms no household and maims no cattle
with his random shooting ; he does not wan-
tonly destroy the husbandman's property ;
neither does "he commit theft upon any stray-
ing poultry. Should he through accident in-
jure anything belonging to the granger, he
does not endeavor to cover np the fault, but
honorably pays tlie damage that has been un-
willingly inflicted. That the pot-hunter is
sometimes guilty of the excesses previously
mentioned, he admits, but he himself, as much
as anyone, is the enemy of this class of offend-
ers, wlio shoot game in season and out of it,
and whom he is as anxious to suppress as the
farmer can possibly be.

He claims to be more interested in the pre-
servation and increase of game than the far-

mer. He has been instrumental in procuring
the passage of game laws and theorgiiniz;ition
of siiorting clubs, which have for their object
the protection of game during the period of
nidilieation and reproduction, against the as-
.saults of hunter outlaws, who would as soon
shoot ilrs. Bob Wliite while engaged in the
pleasing cares of the nursery, as on a frosty
morning in December. He does not call the
farmer ignorant, churlish and exacting, who
sees fit to deny him the right to kill game on
his premises ; he oftener asks permission to do
so than attempts it without license ; and when
refused, does not pau.se to bandy words with
the proprietor. Under these circumstances,
he thinks the farmer's refusal not warranted
by the stale of the case, but seeks efsewhere to
find that pleasure which has here been denied
him.

He joins issue, also, with the farmer upon
the question wliich the latter very generally
claims as of right — the ownership and exclu-
sive proprietary rights in all game that may be
found on the latter's domain. On this point 1
believe the farmers, as a rule, are mistaken.
How can they substantiate their claim to the
covey of quail tliat may to-day be feeding
ai'ound their grain stacks 'i* Did he breed or
raise them V Can he identify them if they are
with any others ? Do they bear any peculiar
marks that may serve to establish ownership'i'
(Jan he take and dispose of them at will, like
any other property'i' And when they, in
search of fresh feeding-ground, fly over his
fence into his neighbor's field, are they still
his 'i* If he went to bring them back, would
he not be as much of a trespasser as the veriest
l)ot-hunter that bags his spring chickensV Be-
yond all doubt he would. As well might the
riparian owner claim the fish in the navigalile
water course that flows by his broad acres.
Game in this State that is not pieserved in
enclosed parks, or is not in some other way
directly, constantly and continuously under
control, is in law devoid of ownership. An
enclosed and preserved trout pond implies
ownership and proprietary rights, but to whom
belongs the flock of wild ducks that, in their
semi-annual voyage, either from hunger or
weariness alight and pass an hour or two on
its quiet surface? All game, whether of fur
or feather, is governed in the matter of habitat
entirely and exclusively by the question of
food supply. So long as that is plentiful, they
perhaps remain when unmolested, but when a
time of scarcity comes, migration comes with
it, and what then becomes of your exclusive
ownership? Your property takes wings like
the riches in the parable, and flees, you know
not where ! I have not inquired into the law
on this point, but it is very evident to me it
does not pretend to confer ownership iu pro-
perty that is not identifiable and which no
number of statutes can secure to him. Such a
law would carry signs of absurdity all over it,
and while our State legislators have never im-
pressed the community deeply by the brilliancy
of their lecislative capacities, I am neverthe-
less persuaded nothing so illogical or fallacious
has ever emanated from that collective body
of wisdom.

So stands the case, then, between these two
classes of the community. Instead of healing,
the breach widens yearly. The point that re-
mains to be considered is, whether there are
no means whereby these diflferences can be
satisfactorily adjusted. I believe such a thing
possible in most cases. Farmers are, as a
rule, very honorable men — none more so.
When met in the proper spirit, they are not
the unreasonabh^ lieings hunters suppose ; and
when approached in the proper manner, mis-
understandings soon give way. Hunters
must understand, in the first place, that the
right of every man to control and enjoy his
own is absolute and indisputable, and when-
ever any one attempts without permission or
purchase to enjoy this right ahmg with the
rightful owner, he becomes a trespas.ser. What
shadow of right has the sportsman on the far-
mer's acres 'i AVhere does he get such a right?
A man's land is a.s much his property as his
house, and the law calls that his castle. If he

may defend that he certainly can the former.
Both farmers and sportsmen are agreed upon
one point, and that is the ot'cessity and strict
enforcement of the game law ; they canjneet
upon this common ground of agreement, and
unless they co-operate heartily in enforcing
such laws, no amount of legistation'willjpre-
servo tlie game in any district : unrestricted
shooting soon clears a country of ita|feral
occupants.

Of late, sportmcn's clubs have sprung up in
every State. They cannot become too numer-
our, and if they are as choice and careful iu
their membership as many other associations
are, they will be composed of gentlemen.
There is no reason why they should not be
such in reality as well as in name. I believe
it would not be a diflicull matter for such an
as.socialion, known to be compo.sed of honor-
able men, to come to an agreement with simi-
lar associations of farmers living near each
other, securing the right to hunt during the
proper .season, under certain restrictions, and
for a fixed renumeration. The farmers would
not be loth to increase their revenue from this
source, if it could be done without damage to
their property. Suppose a sportsmen's club
was to secure by purchase the right to hunt
game over a tract of 2,000 or ;j,(JOO acres ;
would it not then be to the interest of the far-
mers, no less than that of the hunters, to afford
the game on the land thus rented or lea.sed all
the protection possible? If the game was not
preserved, but wantonly destroyed, the sports-
men would decline to rent again, and the reve-
nue of the farmers be consequently curtailed ;
but if it became more abundant from year to
year, as it no doubt would with proper care,
the proprietors would be justified in asking in-
creaseti compensation, and might in time de-
rive a handsome reveime from a source hitherto
unprofitable and the cause of innumerable vex-
ations. While I hold the farmer can no more
lay exclusive claim to the game on his farm than
he can to the moon or stars that shine down
upon it. Justice demands that he be compen-
sated for all the care and supervision he may
bestow upon it.

To many it may seem to be carrying the
thing too far to pay for what they have always
had for the taking. Granted ;" but the time
will surely come when, without .some such ar-
rangement, the sportsman will be compelled
to forego his pleasure and pastime in the set-
tled districts, and betake himself elsewhere in
search of sport, and that, too, at a far greater
expenditure of money .and time than the plan
I have proposed would cost. It seems to me
the only fair, reasonable and jwssible solution
of this vexed question. The conflicting in-
terests of both sides would be merged into a
mutual one ; game would be better preserved,
and the game laws better observed, because
both parties would unite their efforts to that
end. At all events, the plan is worthy of trial ;
it can certainly not make matters worse than
they are, and may perhaps furnish a solution
to the existing difficulties. — J^. R. D., Lancas-
ter, Feb. 22, 1877^

INFLUENCE OF READING.

In our last i.ssue we mentioned the necessi-
ty of having a certain amount of good reading
form a part of the occupation and pleasure of
well-spent winter evenings. But it is not
merely for the "fim of the thing" that we de-
sire all people to make a point of reading
sometliing each day; on the contrary, the
main reason for so doing is found in the direct
and powerful influence which reading will
have ui)on your per.sonal character and life.

We suppose and will venture the assertion,
that all minds are moulded and guided more
by what they read than by what they hear.
There are only two principal methods of influ-
encing our own or other minds; one is by
means of oral speech, and the other by writ-
ten language. And no less a person than
President Porter, of Yale College, has said,
that in this view, ''a good book is of more val-
ue than a good man." We think this opin-
ion can be justified by good and sufficient rea-
sons. One or two occur to us now.

24

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ February,

First, when a man speaks to another upon
any topic wliich has not received a great deal
of previous thought at his hands, his talk or
speech will he very likely to have in it a con-
siderahle quantity of crude, undigested, hast-
ily-prepared substance. With some grains of
good wheat there will, and must be, necessa-
rily, more or less chaff. And sometimes the
proportion of the chaft' to the wheat is very
large. The man, perchance, is on his feet be-
fore an audience. He is compelled to think
rapidly and speak correctly. What time has
he then to weigh matters or canvass probabil-
ities, or look upon different sides of any sub-
ject? None whatever. He must speak the
thoughts that come first to him, whether val-
uable or worthless.

But when a man sits down to write, on the
other hand, he has time and opportimity for
the most careful reflection and consideration.
He must think before he can write to any ad-
vantage or profit to himself or others. Be-
sides, in writing, the mind seems to be raised
to its highest power of productiveness. It
condenses and intensifies itself. Consequent-
ly, whatever is good in writing is doubly
good, whatever is bad is doubly bad. And,
furthermore, what is written can be changed,
if necessary, befor.^ being sent out, but spoken
words can never be recalled.

A second reason for this judgment lies in
the fact that when a man sits down to listen
to a speaker, the speaker's personality and
his own come into collision with each
other. The hearer is either moved to sym-
pathy and admiration for the speaker person-
ally, or else aroused to secret or open antag-
onism. In both cases, the presence of theman
himself detracts from the force of his words, con-
sidered per se.

Quite frequently, the influence of the man
is much greater than that of his words ; in
which case we are sure to remember the per-
son, and equally sure to forget what he said.
But, on the contrary, when a person sits dowu
to read, the attitude of his mind is more pas-
sive than active, more receptive than ener-
getic. He feels the need of information or
guidance. He longs for principles and ideas
on which to build. And so he throws open
the doors and windows of his nature to what-
ever book or paper is before him, aud says
practically, "Come in and occupy." Hence
the contents of a book or paper fall into the
soul, as seeds into the soil ; and after the pro-
per time they germinate, spring up, bear fruit
and cover the ground, and the result is that
indestructible thing we call character,
which consists in part of mental thrift and
healthy growth. So much for the mere in-
fluence of reading.

^

TOBACCO.

A Legend Concerning its Introduction in

Europe— What the \A^eed Has Been

Known to Do.

An Irishman who had a termagant wife,
quieted an outbreak of ill-humor by presenting
the lady with a short pipe, of which the cost
was one half-penny ; and as he did so he re-
marked, with Quaker-like simplicity, that
peace was a good thing at any price. There is
much peace in tobacco. A legend even relates
that it was introduced into Europe by a man
whose profe.?sional business was peace-seeking.
It was, or was not— for doctors difl'er— a cer-
tain M. de Nicot, French Embassador at the
Court of Portugal, who brought tobacco under
the notice of Catharine de Medicis, in the year
1560, or thereabouts ; whereas, it was proba-
bly known in London 1585. In France tobacco
was therefore called nicotiane, or " the Queen's
weed ;" in England it got its more enduring
title, because, says tradition, Francis Drake
carried away the first samples from Tobago.
It was the wild man who taught his civihzed
brother the calm delights of smoke.

The Best Tobacco
in the world for cigars is, perhaps, that found
in Cuba, and the best tobacco in Cuba is grown
at Yuelta de Abajo. The best snufi' comes

from Macouba, a village at Martinique, where
the Empress Josephine was born. The best
Turkish tobacco is that raised in Macedonia.
Tombeki, which is exclusively smoked in
narghilehs. comes from Persia. When good,
it looks like new shoe leather used for soles.
Tombeki should be washed at least three times
before smoking. It is diflicult to understand
the source of pleasure derived from tobacco.
If it came from the sense of smell, we might
engage servants to smoke for us and preserve
the vvhiteness of our teeth, as well as the inof-
fensiveness of our hair and clothes. If it de-
pended on taste, we should get more joy out
of a quid than out of a cigar. It cannot be-
long to the touch, because chocolate pastiles
and some needle-cases feel like cigars in hand.
The sight seems to have part in our delec-
tation, because tobacco is almost deprived of
its perfume by darkness ; yet if its savor de-
pended wholly on light, suggests a sage who
has lost all mental coherence of smoky thoughts,
tobacco would give more pleasure in the sun-
shine than in the shadow, and no true smoker
has ever piped assent to such a statement.

Von Helmont, traveling in desert places,
avers that tobacco protected huu for long
periods

Against Hunger or Fatigue,

and he declares that he could make immense
journeys on foot with no other sustenance.
Dr. Stephenson, an American physician, ob-
served that tobacco may be almost counted on
as a specific in certain forms of inflammatory
erysipelas. He covers the iuflamed surface
with wet tobacco leaves, and keeps them there
till nausea supervenes. A member of the
College of Medicine at Stockholm avers that
the dried leaves of the potato plant would
answer the same purpose, and that far better
smoking ingredients may be made from them
than from the coarser kinds of tobacco in
common use. Much of the tobacco sold at
Hamburg and Bremen is mixed with potato
leaves. The tobacco which comes from Mary-
laud is the only sort which can be smoked in
short pipes without danger to the mucous
membrane of the mouth. It mingles imper-
ceptibly with the potato leaf,and the adultera-
tion can hardly be detected. A learned man
declares that we are grievously in error who

talk of

"Meerschaum" Pipes,

we should say "Kummer" pipes, and com-
memorate perpetually our obligations to the
discoverer of a compound which has nothing
to do with the sea nor with its foam. Anselm,
who has written a profound work on pipes, in-
structs mankind that they should be of the
simplest forms, so as to be easily cleaned, and
that there never should be any wood, metal,
caoutchouc, or horn connected with them.
Kummer pipes may be discreetly cleansed by
pouring streams of boiling coffee through
them. It is a wise course to bake clay pipes
in a hot oven— after the dinner has been taken
out of it. Pipes have their names, hke swords
—names born of love or glory ; and one is
known to history as "Ahastasia;" one as
"Paradise." The first belonging to a poet,
the other to Omar Pasha, who had a name to
conjure with among the Turks. Tobacco is
believed to have destroyed the art of conver-
sation ; but perhaps it has only improved it.
Smoking

does not render talk impossible, or even diffi-
cult; but it condenses it and makes it senten-
tious. Tobacco compresses a long winded
discourse into an epigram. It is at the bottom
of the diflerence between the Welchman's
prayer and that of Mawworm. "Good night,
sir," he remarked to his patron saint, "few
words are best," whereas Mawworm has nev-
er done with words, and would let his pipe out
in more ways than <me, while that of the more
ancient and acute Briton would keep alight.
The smoker wants no other furniture than
some German tinder. If he begins to burden
himself with amber mouthpieces, clips, and
pincers, he ceases to be a man, and becomes a
cupboard. Directly the first ashes falls oft' it,
the flavor is impaired, and the smoke becomes

hot, acrid, and unwholesome. Smoking,
which has greatly increased in recent years,
is, at all events, much better than

Taking Snuff,
which disgraced the very waistcoats of our
forefathers. "Had our noses," mused a phi-
losopher, "been intended tor dustholes they
would have been turned the other way."
Possibly. And it is by no means clear to logi-
cal intellects that our mouths were intended
for chimneys, or could with more fitness have
been opened at the top of our heads, and every
man might have served as a barometer to his
neighbor, who could have forseen the state of
the weather by noting whether his neighbor
was blinded by his own smoke or otherwise.
Youth and love depart from us. Tobacco re-
mains, and perhaps it consoles us. It is the
only form of happiness which is left to some
whom the world has treated unkindly. Je te
laise mofemmeet mapipe; jeterecommande
bien ma pipe," were the last words of Gavar-
ni's vagabond.

1

LETTER FROM DANIEL WEBSTER TO

THE FARMER IN CHARGE OF HIS

MARSHFIELD PLANTATION.

This fine letter of Daniel Webster, writ-
ten 44 years ago, and just now in season, will
be welcomed as a most agreeable and instruc-
tive lesson by city as well as country
TP3,d.Grs *

Washington, March 13, 1822.
John Taylor : I am glad to hear from you
again, and to learn that you are all well, and
that your teams and tools are ready for
spring's work, whenever the weather will al-
low you to begin. I sotnetimes read books on
farming, and I remember that a sensible old
author advises farmers "to plow naked and
to sow naked." By this he means there is no
use in beginning the spring's work till the
weather is warm, that a farmer may throw
aside his winter clothes and roll up his sleeves.
Yet he says we ought to begin as early in the
year as possible. He wrote some very pretty
verses on this subject, which, as far as I re-
member, run thus :

"While yet the spring is young, while earth unbinds
The frozen hosom to the western winds;
While mountain snows dissolve against the sun,
And streams yet new from precipices run —
E'en in this early dawning of the year,
Produce the plow and poke the sturdy eteer,
And goad him till he smokes beneath his toil,
And the bright share is buried in the soil."

John Taylor, when you read these lines, do
you not see the snow melting and the little
streams beginning to run down the southern
slopes of your Punchbrook pasture, and the
new grass starting and growing in the trick-
ling water, all green, bright and beautiful ?
And do you not see your Durham oxen smok-
ing from heat and perspiration as they draw
along your great breaking-up plow, cutting
and turning over the tough sward in your
meadow in the great field ? The name of
this sensible author is Virgil, and he gives
farmers much other advice, some of which
you have been following all this winter with-
out even knowing that he had given it.
"But when cold weather, heavy snows and rain
The laboring farmer in his home restrain,
Let him forecast his work with timely care,
Which else is huddled when the skies are fair ;
Then let him mark the sheep, and whet the shining

share.
Or hollow trees for boats, or number o er
Hie sacks, or measure his increasing store ;
Or sharpen stakes, and mend each rake and fork,
So to be ready in good time to work ;
Visit his crowded barns at early morn ;
Look to his granary, and shell his corn ;
Give a good breakfast to his numerous kine, ^^
His shivering poultry and his fat'ning swine."

And Mr. Virgil says some other things
which you understand up at Franklin as well
as ever he did :

"In chilling winter swains enjoy their store,
Forget their hardships, and recruit for more ;
The farmer to full feasts invites his friends.
And what he got with pains, with pleasure spends,
Draws chairs around the fire, and tells once more
Stories which often have been told before ;
Spreads a clean table with things good to eat,

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

25

And adds some iiioisteniuij to his fruit and meat.

They praise his liospitality and feel

They shall sleep better after such a meal."

Jolui Taylor, by tin- time you have got
through this, you will have read cnouf,'!!. The
sum ofall is, be ready for your siiriiif; work a.s
soon a.s tlie weather becomes warm enough,
and then jiut your liaud to the plow and look
not back. Daniel Wkhstei;.

— Philadelpliia Lnhjcr.

THE BREEDING OF SILK WORMS.

Large Shipment of Eggs from Japan to Eu-
rope via America — The Trade Increas-
ing Yearly — Peculiarities of the Worm,
and How it is Cared For.
A large cargo of silk worms' eggs was ship-
ped from Vokohama on the steamship City of
Peking, and reached San Francisco on tlie
14th instant ; thence they were sent by rail
across the Continent, and airived last Friday
at the Union Line Dock, Jersey City. About
half the cargo was shipped by the City of
Berlin, via Liverpool, for Havre and Paris.
Tlie remaining portion \s'\\\ be forwarded ne.xt
Saturday by the steamship Labrador direct to
Paris and Havre, where the eggs will be dis-
tributed through different parts of France,
Italy and Switzerland. The eggs, which are
placed in 1,872 bales or cases, occupy seven
cars and their value is estimated at |.3,0I10,-
000. The agent of the Union Pacific Hail-
road, Mr. Nolan, says that the cargo arrived
in good condition, and that the eggs are
healthy, and have not been injured by their
long journey to this city. A regular trade in
the trau.sportation of silk worms has been
established for several years between Yoko-
hama and Europe. The steamer Gaelic,
which arrived at San Francisco from Yoko-
hama on the 6th in.stant, had on board a cargo
of 287 bales of the silk-worms' eggs, en route
to Europe. Large as these consignments are,
the trade is increasing daily, and the supply
of silk-worms shipped this year exceeds that
ot any previous year. This is owing to the
fact that there has been a great shortness of
the crop in the silk-worm producing countries
of Europe. The decrease in France within
the present year has been at least one-half,
and the supply in Italy has fallen off fully one-
tenth, making a short crop of .30,0(X) bales of
silk in Europe this year. This failure is at-
tributable to frosts and wet weather, and lias
increased the value of the raw material fully
one hundred per cent. What is known as
"the silk worm disease'' broke out in Europe
with great virulence last year and destroyed
a large number of the worms. The silk-worm
seed shipped from Yokohama for the European
niafket is round, slightly flattened, and
as small as a turnip seed. The .seeds will
stick wherever they have been laid by the
female moth as if glued on pasteboard, paper,
cloth, or even the very cocoon. But the seed
of other breeds will not adhere, such as
those that come from the Caucasus, Persia,
and European Tmkcy, among which are the
white of Adrianople and the yellow of Cau-
casus, from Nouka. The eggs are by natural
law submitted to a period of seemingly life-
less inaction, and so, during the whole sum-
mer, they will stand a degree of heat much
greater than the one needeed to hatch them
in the spring. But after December it becomes
possible, by giving them the same amount of
heat, to secure nearly perfect hatching. Theie-
fore, if silk worms were kept in winter in a
heated room, there is no doubt that they
would hatch or spoil. In shipping them by
railroad or steamboat, care must be taken that
they are not placed in heated cars or too near
the boiler. The most intense cold does not
hurt them, and there would be less danger in
having them buried in ice than in exposing
them to a high degree of heat after the month
of Octol)er.

Mr. Franklin Allen, Secretary of the Silk
Association of America, related to a reporter
some curious facts connected with the habits
and peculiarities of the silk worm. He ex-
plained that there are five diflerent ages in the

life of the silk worm, from the hatching, accor-
ding to the number of tinu'sthey changi' their
skin. These ages arc al.so termed inoulliMg
or sleep. Nature gave the worm the liicully
ofspimiing the .sulld cocoon in which it wraps
itself, secure ai:ainst all dangers that might
hurt it as .soon as it is transl'orined into a chrys-
alis— a state of insensibility which it preserves
from eight to twenty days, according to breed
and climate, before it emerges as a moth. The
age of silk worms is counted by the number of
meals they have eaten and not by the days
spent from their birth. At each moulting the
worm changes the whole of itsouter envelope.
When just hatched, it is not one-twelfth of an
inch long, but from the instant of its birth,
even before its lirst meal, it begins to s[)in.
When the eggs are on the point of hatching,
they undergo a marked change of color; they
pass from dark lilac to ashy lilac, and become
(piite while when the worm is out. They eat
more or less, in proportion to the degree of
activity imparted to them by the beat. At
a cold temperature they are benumbed, and
eat little or nothing. Hence it is ueces.sary in
warm weather to feed them frequently.

Some leading breeders maintain that tire, air
and leaf are the three e.ssential requisites to
sustain the silk worm. Great care, as well as
punctuality, should be observed in feeding
them. The mulberry leaves should l)e spread
very evenly, so that one worm cannot eat more
than another. After eighteen meals most of
them will be buried beneath the leaves. The
others, as many as can be seen, will have short,
thick-set bodies and large heads. By and by
the worms begin to thicken, and in eighteen
hours they will all come out if the temperatm-e
be warm. At every moulting the color of the
worm grows dimmer and wliitens gradually.
At the fourth and last age, the worm is lean
and feeble. As .soon as it is well o\it it is
necessary to give them a light meal with wild
leaves. Later on, plenty of leaves should be
supplied them three times a day. When this
is done, a noise similar to a heavy shower tail-
ing on foliage is heard, which is produced by
their chewing the leaf, which they gnaw close
to the wood. For eight days they require
constant attention. Six days after the last
silk worms have come up, the collecting of the
cocoons may be commenced. The first thing
is to take ai)art the bushy cabins where the
worms first climbed up. The most important
points necessary to breeding and to prevent
disease, are attention to cleanliness, proper
ventilation, regularity in feeding, and care
against cold draughts of air or sudden changes
of temperature. The mull)erry silk worm
being partially domestic in its habits, requires
greater care than the hardy race of worms that
arc independent. During their torpor the
worms require no food ; but their appetite in-
creases after each moulting, and in the fiftll
age it may be called voracious. As they ap-
proach their torpor they raise their heads" with
a waving motion, and their ap|)etite ceases.
The worm, arrived at matmity, diminishes in
size by discharging its excrementitious matter,
and becomes transparent. As soon as the
worms begin to give out the silky fibre, they
should be put on the bush or branches pro-
vided for them to spin their cocoons. In three
days the worm completes ifs cocoon, which is
left ujKin the bush about five days longer, to
season it. Twelve or thirteen "ounces of co-
coons will produce one ounce of seed or eggs,
unless the males be too many in proijortion' to
the females, or the moths liot all very robust
(stout). Finally, lOU females can give 40,000
eggs, whicli, if they all come out well, would
produce VM pounds of silk, and more for .some
breeds, in which 200 cocoons make a pound; it
would then be 200 poiuids. It is to be undei-stood
that these figures can only \m approximative,
still they often prove to be correct in small
breeding. The moths live for about twelve
days from the breaking out of the cocoons. If
the seed has not been impregtiated, it remains
ever yellow and after a while dries up, while
that which has acquired the lilac color stays
round, slightly flattened, but always full till
the next spring. It is left to dry where it

was laid, for .some days, when it is removed to
a place cool and dry.

The series of transformations or changes of
skin which the ijilk-w<irm undergoes are like
those of any other caterpillar; it inclo.ses it-
self in the most admirable tissue, and becomes
a chry.salis aiul then a butterfiy. Examined
with a niagnil'ying glass, the insect's head,
its mandibles, its thread-s))inning apparatus,
legs, skin, and all its organs, external and in-
ternal, are curiously and wonderfully fashion-
ed. A marked swelling, covered with wrin-
kles, at the fore part of the body looks like
the woiiu's head, but has only the appear-
ance of it, and contains a greitsy liquid. The
hanl part, which forms the snout, i.s the true
liead; it is composed of indented mandibles,
.set side by side, hard, strong, movable, very
lit to take hold of the leaf every way, making
the lii-st cut on the sides as well as in the mid-
dle, fi-oni their veiy birth; the other i)art of
the head is the liliere or threader, a kind of
membranous apparatus, set with muscles,
which Dresses as they pass, and strongly joins
together, by means of a gummy substance,
two silk threads .so adherent that they can
be severed only by means of powerful chemi-
cal ageiiLs. These two silk threads are slip-
ped out of two inner reservoirs, full of a trans-
parent liquid, which hardens in the air and
becomes thread liy a i)hase of natme, easier
recorded than explained. Two black points
adorn the head of the silk worm; some [teople
think they are eyes, some say they are not.
The feet are articulate, membranous and
fitted with hooks, who.se princijial use is to fix
the insect in any position. There are six of
them in front, artiinilate, used for motion;
and eight at the back, membranous, whose
principal u.se istofixthe insect in any position;
they are called false feet, and are lengthened,
taken in and expanded, according to the in-
sect's wants. Twelve ringsalternately widen-
ing or Hearing each other,"are used tor loco-
motion; last of it, upon the extreme back, is
a protuberanc'e, a kind of tail, the use of
which is unknown. At each side of the body
there a/e nine black points. They are aper-
tures which supply constantly to the larvae
the large amount of air which it needs so
much. Inside nearly o.oou nniscles have been
counted, used for locomotion. The intestinal
tube extends in straight line along the whole
length of the body; it presents many inside
divisions, and is "externally surrounded with
many small channels, used for digestion. On
each side of that tube are the two long reser-
voirs which contain the silky liquid; they ex-
tend to the head, where they unite with th«
threader or filiere, thus forming two threads
that join on the outlet, as we have before said.
It was an error, very generally received, that
the silk thread was already formed inside of
the worm, but it is now proved that it is
nothing but a liquid, which hardens as soon
as it comes in contact with the outer air.

HOG CHOLERA.

The disease so-called is really a kind of ty-
phoid fever, characterized by great heat of
bowels and rectmn— cosliveliess or dian'hoea,
either one. The symjitoms vary with the
creater or less poison the animal h.as absorbed.
This article is an abstract ofall that has been
learned on the subject in Europe and America
bytenyearsofclo.se observation by scientific
and practical men. The disease is the very
one now prevailing in Holt. It is caused
by an intense poison evolved from the body of
the hog where large ntmibers are confined to-
gether in tilth. It is the mosteontagious pois-
on known, and is carried in a thousand unsus-
pected ways, by chickens, birrls, wind, streams,
of water, feathers and straws l)lown, old lum-
ber or troughs carried, hogs running at large
and smelling around pens where others are
confined. A bird or chicken may alight where
a diseased hog has been, and carry the infec-
tion on its feet or wings great distances.
Crows and blackbirds have carried it fifty
miles. Occasionally some animals can remit
it, just as some people can remit small-pox

26

THE LANCASTER -FARMER.

[February,

and measles. The poison may remain for
mouths, even years, in some dry dirt or filth,
whicli, when touclied by the hog, conveys the
disease. So no animal can be safe e.xcept by
the same means as are used to ward off dis-
eases among human beings. Remember the
symptoms vary in proportion to the amount of
poison in the system, so that we may be mis-
led if we do not consider this. The ordinary
symptoms are slight dullness, wrinkling of
the skin of the face, shivering chilliness, loath-
ing of food, thirst, heat and redness of skin in-
side of fore and hind thighs, and along the
belly. Red mottled spots, slightly raised, on
breast, belly and ham, which fade on pressure
of the finger. Sometimes dark or black spots.
Tongue covered with a brownish fur. The
animal is sore, and sensitive to the touch. It
moves feebly, stitHy, unsteadily, and grunts.
There is sometimes a watery mucous flow, and
after a cough. Bowels confined at first, become
ofteu very loose, and discharges very offensive
at the last. Post mortem examination shows
various appearances, too many to mention
here. A few are specified. Bluish color of
skin, which grows deeper in a few hours; fat
colored snout blue, with spots; tongue furred,
but deep red at base; stomach pink or red; in-
testines congested, a deep red or black, ulcers
or scales. Spots are common over tlie various
internal organs, lilood or mucus in the cavi-
ties, spleen, large and dark.

As to prevention : Knowing how contagious
is the disease, such means should be taken as are
used in cases where epidemics prevail among
human beings. I will just say here that more
wealth has been destroyed within the past ten
years from letting animals run at large than
it would cost to fence up in forty-acre fields
the whole United States. That poor man's
hog we used to hear so much about some years
ago, when it was proposed to have a stock
law, has come near to makmg poor devils of
all of us. He is a poor man indeed who can-
not take care of the few pigs and the cows he
has got. It is about time the men who are
men in energy and ambition, shall take hold
of this thing in earnest, and either have a
stock law adopted in Missouri, or else emi-
grate to Nebraska, where brains, and not
whining, move the law-making power. Hav-
ing done this, if you would keep this disease
from being introduced, act so in regard to-
every movement connected with your hogs —
buying, selling, breeding and feeding, as if
you feared every other hog about had the dis-
ease, and as if the least filth would generate
it anew. Consult the nature of the animal ;
give it an opportunity to rub itself by having
rough parts and corners accessible. Let it have
variety in its food, and access to lime ashes,
coals, copperas, salt, and a little aloes oc-
casionally. Change your pens or yards ofteu.
Pure well water, for you know not where sick
hogs have been at the stream above. High
ground, for you know what deadly effluvia or
poison is sucked down the hollows ; keep but
few together, and none where that "poor
man's" wandering pig may whisper death in
a pig's whisper through the rails. At the
first sign of sickness in a hog, away with it
from possibility of contact with any others.
"When sick give it a tablespoonful or less
twice a week of the following mixture, viz :
Two-thirds nitrate potash, one-third chlorate
potash, and a very slight pinch of jalap, twice
a week. But if you do as told above, you
will not likely ever be troubled. This is a
great deal of trouble, but show me a man that
ever made money without a world of trouble.

THE ARABIAN HORSE.

The first thing that strikes one in the true
Arabian, setting aside what may be termed
his personal beauty, is great general length.
What reach, what stride these horses must
have 1 They are born racei\s ! were the thoughts
that flashed across our mind. Next to the
length, a general appearance of character and
of blood, or high breeding, is conspicuous.
The head is not particularly small or short in
proportion to the size or height of the horse ;
it is not a small, neat, pretty, meaningless

head. The frontal bones and the parietal
bones or walls of the skull above are large,
bold, often prominent, and the brain cavity is
capacious and well developed, giving an ap-
pearance and power almost human. The
nasal bones, on the other hand, are fine and
subservient to the frontal, and of a delicate
and graceful outline. The orbits of the eye
are large and prominent. The eye is full,
large and lustrous ; it is very beautiful ; the
beauty is not so much dependent upon the
size of the eye as derived from its depth and
expression ; and when the animal is excited it
displays much fire. The lids are particularly
fine, and the lashes long and silky. The lace
is lean and full of fine drawing. The muzzle
is particularly flue, the lips long and thin, the
upper lip well cut, the lower lip small, com-
pressed and terse. The nostril in a state of
repose, very long, beautifully curled, delicate
and thin ; when the horse is in action or ex-
cited the nostril opens very wide, and gives a
bold, square appearance to that part of the
face. The lower jaws are fine and clean, the
upper part of the lower jaw toward the neck
is very deep, and the jaws are set wide apart.
The cheek bones are sharply cut. The ears
are well cut, pointed, and well placed, and
when pricked point inward in a peculiar man-
ner which is considered a mark of great beauty
and a great sign of high breeding. The neck
is of moderate length and of a graceful curve
or gentle arch from the poll to the withers ; it
is a muscular, light neck, and the splenius
muscle is well developed. The junction of the
head and neck is very graceful. The head is
well set on. The withers are sufficiently high
and run well back, but are not too thin. The
back is short, the loins are powerful, the croup
high, the haunch very fine, the tail well set
on, and the dock short. The quarters are
both long and deep ; the gaskins are sufficiently
full and muscular without being heavy, pon-
derous or vulgar ; the thighs are well let down,
the hocks are clean, well-formed, well-placed,
large, and near the ground. The shoulders
well-placed, long, and of a good slope, and the
base of the scapulae broad and well developed;
the arms are long, lean and muscular ; the
elbow is well developed ; the trapezium or
bone behind the knees is prominent. The legs
are short, deep, and of fair bone, tendons and
ligaments large and well strung ; the fetlock-
joint is large and bold ; the pasterns are large,
long, sloping and elastic ; the feet wide and
open, and low rather than high at the heels ;
the chest is deep and capacious ; the ribs are
arched (and in this point the Arabian differs
considerably from any other horse) ; he has a
fine barrel ; he is short above but long below ;
he stands over a deal of ground. Thejine
shown from the withers to the setting ofthe
tail is short as compared with the ground-line.
The skin is fine, soft and delicate ; the hair
short, soft and silky ; and the skin is seen
through the hair to a greater degree than is
seen in other horses of high blood. The mane
and tail are long and fine. The whole of the
hinder parts, from the haunch to the heels, taken
collectively or in detail, display great length.
His general appearance indicates the highest
breeding and nobility. He is of high courage,
easily excited, and of a nervous temperament,
but his fire and courage Ave tempered by his sa-
gacity. The Arabs are very particular about
three points in connection with the head of
their horse. The djebheh, which is a forma-
tion of the frontal and parietal bones, if not
pecidiar to, is most marked in, the Arabian
horse; it can scarcely be too large or too bold.
The shape and size of the djebheh gives a
large brain cavity. It adds also to the beauty
and nobility of expression; and here, as in
other points of the Arabian, usefulness and
beauty are combined. It is usually somewhat
different in the horse and mare; in the latter
it is rounder and more prominent, often strik-
ingly so, and descends in a graceful and easy
line to the nasal bones. The mitbth is the
graceful curl of the windpipe (which is toler-
ably detached from tlie neck) as it rufis in lie-
tween the jaws, which gives a fine carriage to
the head, allows it to be brought in, and 'Will

enable the horse to extend the head almost to
the same line with the neck and the ears,
which, to be perfect, should turn inward in
the manner already described. lathe mares
the ears are longer and more open, in the
horse smaller and more pricked. There are
a few other points that struck us as worthy
of observation. As a rule, the point of the
hock (os calcis) is large, well defined and pro-
minent, often to such an extent as to lead
many at first sight, to suppose it was enlarged
from accident. The tendon runs down in a
well-defined way, and, as it were free from
the hock and giving a particularly clean look
to that joint. This formation, I venture to
submit, acts in the horse with an advantage
similar to that gained by a well formed heel
and arched instep in the human subject.

We were struck by the general development
of the fetlock joint, pasterns, and feet, all of
which are pre-eminently good; it is not suf-
ficient to say the pasterns are long and
elastic; all these points appear larger and
stronger and more adapted for use than those
of other horses; the feet are strong and open,
and placed more in advance ofthe leg than is
usually seen in other horses, and the upper
and lower pastern bones by their direction
and conjunction with the foot (os pedis) ap-
pear to act with greater advantage; there is
great depth of leg at the sessamoid bone, and
the head of the shank bone is also large.
There is a marked combination of strength
and elasticity in all these complicated joints
which is peculiar to the Arabian horse, which
gives great freedom besides more easiness in
his paces, which enables him to grasp the
ground and to gallop down hill as easily as on
the flat, and moreover, we thought, accounts
for his tjeing so sound. Again, although the ■
hind leg of the Arabian may be deeper below
the hock than the fore one is below the knee,
we noticed that there was not so great a diff-
erence in size between the hind and fore legs
as is often to be seen among our race horses.
On reflection, this struck us as an admirable
adaptation of parts to the respective and dis-
tinctive kinds of work they have to perform;
for strength and depth in the fore legs are evi-
dently required to receive the weight of the
horse and the force thrown upon them by the
impetus given by the hind extremities when
the horse is in rapid action. And if any part
of the Arabian horse could he said to be ex-
aggerated, it would be the length of his
haunch and hinder parts generally (necessary
for high speed), but which we thought is am-
ply provided for and counterbalanced by the
formation of the various parts of the fore
legs, as I have endeavored to describe; indeed
throughout his whole form it is the natural
appearance of the horse, the beautiful balance
of power and symmetrical adaptation of parts
that cause the Arabian to be so perfect an an-
imal. It must not, however, be supposed
thai in every true Arabian all these points
are to be seen to perfection, but in some they
are to be found, and these must be considered
perfect animals; yet in all these points they
are to be recognized in a greater or less degree,
and beyond those in other horses. — Fraser''s

Magazine,

^

BAKED CORN AND EGGS.

B. r. J., the Illinois correspondent of the
Cmintry Oentleman, writes to that paper as
follows : The steady cold weather since the
middle of November, and some tasks begun
and finished, have kept me so constantly at
home that I have been able to give an hour or
two every day to observing the effects of some
kind of food for the winter production of eggs.
I had heard it repeatedly said that for produc-
ing eggs, for stimulating the appetite of horses,
swine and cattle, "olf their feed," and for
other unmentioned purposes, there was noth-
ing like a daily ration of parched corn. Hav-
ing been so much of the time absent during
October and November, my fowls had little
else but corn; and the time having come for
winter-laying, and they not responding, about
the first of December I began giving a daily
ration of baked com, and with the happiest

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

27

results: for I call llioso results liap()y ones
when hens will lay with the uu-iciny at zero,
and one can have fresh egi,'sto eat and to sell,
when epgs are 40 cents per. doz., as they art
at the present time.

But what puzzled nie in the business was,
why baked corn— that is, corn put in a stove
oven and subjected to beat enough to brown
and <'arbonize it, say -IHI def;. to ■J.Vjdeg.C'ent..
or :i',Cj ileg. to 4S-J deg. Fah. (the temperature
for bakin;; bread)— stimulates egg production,
or the animal economy otherwise, more than
raw corn or corn cooked in the usual manner.
I remend)er to be sure, I wanted
my mush cooked two hours certainly, and
longer if possible; that the New Knglanil deli-
cacy, for I will call it such, of baked Indian
pudding owes a great deal of its merit to
standing from 10 to V2 hours in the old fash-
ioned bi'ick oven; and tliat the same is true of
Boston brown bread, which is never seen in
perfection beyond the broad basis of the Berk-
shire hills. But how the improvement pro-
duced in these dishes by prolonged subjection
to heat could possibly change the eonslitnent
element in corn or cornmeal, I could not see
or understand. The ternary or qnarternary
compomids are so hxed in corn .and all similar
substances, that an attempt to change one in-
to another results in the destruction of both.
Gluten can never be changed into starch or
sugar or oil, or the reverse; but sugar, starch,
and oil are nearly identical in composition,
and so are albumen, gluten, and libriue. All
this I knew, and became more and more puz-
zled over the problem , when I slumliled on a
solution, whicli 1 ran across in the concluding
paragraphs of a paper on Le Jlle, la Farinc ft
le Fttiu (wheat. Hour, and bread), by J. A.
Barral, the propietor and publisher of the
Journal dc V AgrkuHure, of Paris, a gentleman
who stands in the same relation to the farm-
ers of France, as the late Luther Tucker did
to those of North America.

Says M. Barral : "In course of ascertaining
the comparative amountof nitrogen in bread
crusts, and the crumb or soft part, we arrived
at unexpected results ; always that the crust
is the richer in nitrogenous matter than
the crumb of the same loaf, and that these
nitrogenous matters have a much greater de-
gree of solubility. One might say that those
persons who eat hard crust in preference to
the soft, take, in the same weight, food doubly
nitrogenous, more easily soluble, digestible,
or assimilable, and very probably twice as
nourishing. This explains the preference we
should give to hard-baked bread over that less
thorougldy done ; why physicians recommend
a pa]) to be made of bread crusts ; why toasted
bieadso much better satisfies the appetite,
and why toast water is so grateful and nourish-
ing ^o invalids and convalescents. One sees,
indeed, that the loss of organic matter accom-
plished in cooking consist in the carbonaceous
constituents of flour— starch, sugar and the
. like — and the result is a concentration of the
nitrogenous matters in the crusts.

"It is a very important fact to be able to state
that bread crusts are more soluble in water than
the crumbs ; and a more important one to be
aVile to afhrm that the nitrogen in the crust is
much more soluble than the cooking of the
crust, under the double inlluence of a tempera-
ture of 200 to -220 deg. C. (882 to 4r)8 deg. Fah ),
produced in the ovens and from the vapor issu-
ing from the body of the loaf, transforms the
gluten of the flour into a soluble substance."

Now, apply these singular facts to the
whole grain of Indian corn, and the culinary
compounds of cornmeal, and we see how it is
that parched or baked corn is quite a different
thing from tlie raw article, and why the long
boiling of mush and the protracted cooking of
baked Indian pudding and Boston brown
bread have their reason to be. In the case of
egg production, it seems baked or parched
corn is not only more soluble — that is, more
digestible than raw corn — but it also contains
a greater proportion of the egg-makinu sub-
stance, gluten, for the reason that the baking or
roasting has carbonized and diminished the nou-
«gg-making constituents, sugar, oil, and starch.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

Tlie resrular iiioijtlily meetiner of the Lanoastcr
County Airricultural niiil Horticultural Sooicly was
held on MomUiy aflprnoon, Keliniary ."itli, in tlie
.VMu'iKiMMu room, I'rcsitlent Coo[)(-r in the chair.

Tlic (bUowinir nuMiihi'rs wore prcBOiit ; McsBrs.
Calvin Coo|«t, Henry .\I. Eniflc, JolniBon Miller, I.,fvi
.■<. Itei.st, \Vni. MoCoinBOV, Mr. Ilershcv, .Martin D.
Konilis-, S. S. Hallivon. jl. Hcnpilict, Israel I,. I.an-
ili.s, C I.. Uuni'i'ckiT, l.cvi I'ownall, .loliii H. Krip, .1.
Frank bandis, I'olcr S. Keist, J. W. Hess, Mr, Miller,
Simon P. Kliy, Henry Krb, John Gingrich, Harry F.
Hosletter, David (J. Swartz.

Kohert Crane, of Columbia, and Samuel HeBS, of
I^plii-ata, were elected mendxTB of the Bociely.

The eonimillee on revisiuf; the eonetitution and by-
laws of the society were di^eharjred.

.Mr. Enoi.k reported the amount, of rain-fall for
tlie nionlh of .January as H .5-10 inches.

Mr. KKNDiii, of .Manor, said the wheat looks
healthy. Tobacco was very good. Some sold for 1!0
and oO cents per poiuiil.

The committee ap|)ointed at the last meeting; to
consult with the [mblislier of 77« Latwayfcr Farinci-
ill regard to its conlinuatioii and to canvass for sub-
scribers for the same, was called upon to report. .Mr.
Israel L. Landis said he succeeded pretty well, havinj^
reci'ivcd between tift.v and .sixty subscribers in ten
days, but when he discovered that none of the rest of
the committee were making' any elforts, lie droj^ped
the matter, and has dime nothing' since. If the mem-
bers would take hold of the matter, he felt sure the
necessary subscribers could be secured.

Mr. ENiiLEsaid al tlic last meeting he pledged him-
self to secure twenty-live subscribers. He liad got
twenty-eight, and would further pledge himself to
raise the list to forty. He hoped the members would
not lot r/i*: /ar//itr die from starvation. Every niem-
ber should pledge himself to raise a list of at least
eight or ten subscribers.

I'ETEK S. Keist reported twenty-live subscribers,
most of which he got while attending sales. He
would pledge himself to raise the list to lifty. If a
Hrf man would take hold of The Farrnt^r and make a
thoroutih canvass of this county, he felt sure .5,000
subscribers could be secured without much clfort.

After considerable discussion in regard to the con-
tinued publication of The Fanner, Mr. llathvon
arose, and said, on account of the seeming embar-
rassment it caused, he would ofl'er the following reso-
lution, which, on motion of Mr. Engle, wns ordered
to be laid on the table :

liesolvcd, That the consideration of the publication
of The Laitctisfer Fartiier be withdrawn, and that all
committees relating thereto be discharged.

.\lr. McCoMSEV thought the only way to secure
the requisite number of subscribers was to employ a
suitable person to canvass the county. He suggested
that the society pay such canvasser one mouth's pay,
and that be go to work at once.

The question was further discussed by several
other members, when it was moved by Mr. Engle to
oHcr a premium to those receiving subscribers, to re-
port iu eight or ten days, when, if a sullii-ieut num-
ber could not be secured, the matter should be
dropped.

H. M. Eno.i.e, Israel L. Landis and Wm. Mc-
CoMSEY were appointed to prepare a premium list for
the canvassers.

The following bills were ordered to be paid : John
H. Barnes, printing constitution and rules of order of
the society, together with directory of Lancaster
county, 8jo ; rent of room for meeting of Fruit (i row-
ers' Society and janitor's services at same, 5^12.0.5.
The list submitted by the Coinuiittee on Premiums
is as follows : For the largest list of subscribers to
The Fanner, not less than thirty copies, $.5, or life
membership; second largest list, S-i ; third largest
list, $'.; ; lists of lifteen subscribers or upwards, one
copy of Farmer for 1S77. Adopted.

Mr. Engle made the following answerto the ques-
tion, " Is any certain color of a cow indicative of su-
perior milking qualities :" The tfuestion was re-
garded by Mr. Engle as not being deliuite; the answer
must necessarily be conditional. Some cows are
copious milkers, but their milk is of poor quality ;
others, that yield half the quantity of milk, produce
more butter. Again, a few produce a large quantity
of both milk and butter, while far too great a number
produce neither milk nor butter sullicient to pay for
their keeping. Copious milkers are found among all
colors of cattle, but very rich milkers are very seldom
lound amongeitherwhiteor black. The intermediate
colors furnish, as a rule, the best milkers. A good
.iudge will relv upon other marks, among which is a
rich yellow skin without much regard to color of
hair. The Uuenon system well understood is pro-
bably the most reliable method by which to judge the
milking qualities of a cow.

Mr. Enole staled that the Board of Agriculture
of this State met at Harrisburg last week, to which
he was delegated by this society. He said that the i
society will some day make its mark, as some of the j
best and ablest men of the State are members. There i

I is now in the Senate a bill for the repeal of the liounty
allowed local societies. He would like the opiuionof
I the members of the society on this subject.
I Israel b. I.andis hoped prompt measures would
j be taken at once by the society to defeat the bill.
I Mr. ,MeCoM.SEV moved that our representative at
Harrisburg be reiiuesled to use all fair and honorable
j means to prevent the repeal of the bill.

.Mr. Mii.i.EH moved to amend, that a copy of the
resolution be sent to each Senator and liepresenta-
tive. .Adopted.

J. W. Hess presented some York Imperial apples
and three yellow apples for a name, nitfercnt other
varieties of apples were also placed upon the table
for inspection. H. M. Engle, bevi I'ownall and J. B.
Erb, were appointed as a committee to lest the fruit
and report to the Society.

The following questions were offered for discussion
at the next meeting ;

By E. K. Hekshey, "How much lime ought to bo
applied to the acre to secure the best possible re-
sult ?"

By John B. Eitn, "How shall we bnild a good and
cheappump-hou.se, with fruit cellar undenu-ath."

By I'ETEH Heist, "In selei'ting seed corn, is it ad-
visable to take only the middle grains on tlie ear?"

By Johnson Milleh, "When is Hie best lime to
sow clover seed ?"

The following jiroposed by M. D. Kendig, was re-
ferred to S. S. Hathvon, to answer at the next meet-
ing :

"Will the unusually large crop of tobacco worms
the past year be likely to produce a comparatively
abundant progeny the coining season?"

Several bags of seeds from the aL'ricultural dc.
partmcnt at Washington were distr buted among the
members.

Adjourned.

The Tobacco Growers.

The Lancastar County Tobacco (irowers' Society
met in the rooms of the Athenieum, City Hall build-
ing, on Monday afternoon, February 1:^.

The following members were present : Messrs. M.
D. Kendig, president; Jacob M. Frantz, I. L. Landis,
A. Lane, John Brady, Washington Hershey, P. 8.
Keist, H. Yeager, W. L. HerBhey, Colin Cameron, J.
M. Stchman, Henry .M. Mayer, J. M. Johnston,
Harry Hostetter, A. H. .Summy, A. H. Landis.

The following-named visitors were also present:
Henry L. Landis, Joseph Milton, Levi (iross, Peter
Esbenshade, Samuel Weidler, Adam Bear, Jacob
Bear, Michael Landis, David Hess, Benjamin Kittcr,
Adam Shoenberger, Henry F.rb, .Martin Miller, .M.
Shitluer, John .VI . Suavely, F. U. Feustermacher,
John Diireiibaeh.

After the minutes had been read and approved, I.
L. Landis, from the committee to inquire Into the
matter of having the soi'iety properly represented In
the permanent exhibition at Pbiladeljibla, reported
that it was very desirable that the society should
make a jiroper display of Lancaster tobacco. He
urged memliers to make contributions of choice leaf
for tins ]iurpo8e, and described the kind of cases that
he thoutrht best suited for displaying the tobacco.
The cost of the proposed exhibit would be compara-
tively small, and he thought great good would result
to the growers of the county if they made a credit-
able display.

Colin Cameron offered the following resolution,
which was adopted :

Jfexuhied, That we now go into an election of an
executive committee, to consist of five members,
whose duties shall be hereinafter described in the
laws of this association.

Messrs. I. L. Landis, J. N. Frantz, P. 8. Relst,
Harry .M. Mayer and Colin Cameron were nominated
as members of said committee, aud on motion of John
.M. Stebmau, who was nominated but declined to
serve, they were unanimously elected.

Crop reports being in order, Hakrt Myeks, of
East llem[)ficld, reported the crop in his section as
being very satisfactory. It averaged from 1,^00 to
2,0tK) pounds per acre ; the grenter part of it was
sold at good prices, and a good part of it had been
delivered to the buyers.

1. L. Landis, of .Manheim township, reported about
one-third of last year's crop sold, the lowest figure
being three cents for tillers, and the highest HO cents
for wrappers. Nearly all that has been sold has
been delivered. Perhaps one-fourlh of the crops re-
main on the poles to be stripped.

P. S. Keist, of .Manheim, said that five cents for
tillers and L'o cents for w-appere were the outside
figures iu his neighborhood. He knew of one acre
that had produced '.^,'JI)U {>ounds, and some others
that did not produce more than 1,000 pounds. The
average product he estimated at from 1,.500 to 1,800
pounds per acre.

President Kendig, of Manors, re|)orted the flguras
about the same in his neighborhood. The crop was
fully 1,.500 |K)unds to the acre, and he thought about
one-half the crop was yet upon the poles.

Mr. Yeaoeu, of East Lampeter, estimated the
crop in that township at l,fiUO pounds per acre. The
highest price paid for wrappers was 21'^ cents, the
lowest 12 cents, while fillers brought five cents.

J. M. Fbantz, of Lancaster township, reported

28

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[February,

that Mr. Bausman's crop had been sold at 25 cents
round. Another crop had brought 2332, 14 and 5,
and others 20, 10 and 5. About one-half of the crop
in his township had been sold.

Mr. Hershet, of East Hempfleld, said that aliout
one-fourth of the crop in his neishborhood was yet on
the poles; about one-third had been sold, at good
prices; some of it at 30, 10 and .5. Some farms
yielded 2,000 pounds per acre; the average was per-
haps 1,700 pounds.

Mr. M. ShiFFNER, a dealer from Leaenck, said the
average price for wrappers was from 18 to 'jS cents.-
Much of the tobacco in that section was very poor,
being of short growth and much cut up by the worms.
Many of the farmers didn't understand their business
and handled the tobacco very badly. They had yet
a great deal to learn about tobacco growing, and the
sooner they applied tliemselves to a regular appren-
ticeship the better. At least one-fourth the crop was
yet on the poles.

Mr. A. H. SuMMT reported a fair crop, most of it
already stripped, and some of it sold at 20, 10 and 5.

Mr. A. H. Landis reported the highest prices at
25, 10 and 5.

Mr. W. L. Hershet, of Rapho, had seen sales
made in three grades; at 25, 10 and 5, and 20, 12 and
5. One-third of the crop sold in his vicinity.

Mr. Jacob M. Fhantz next read a very interest-
ing essay on tobacco growing and the importance of
the tobacco interest. After a few prefatory remarks
the essayist gave an illustration of the important
part tobacco plays in maintaining our foreign ex-
changes. The agricultural and commercial statistics
of our country show that during 1875 the crop
exclusive of seed leaf aggregated -75,000 hogsheads,
valued at $29,400,000. Of seed leaf the stock on
hand, January, 1875, was 180,000 cases,'grown eh efly
in New England and Pennsylvania. After describ-
ing some of the varieties of seed leaf tobacco, he
proceded as follows :

I believe in big leaves and therefore usually get
seed from the largest plant in the field. If I happen
to be somewhat Icnirthy on this part of the treatment
you must be charitable ; thirty years experience has
perhaps made me somewhat of an enthusiast on the
subj.ct of raising plants. But you cannot raise
tobacco without having plants, and to raise
them in proper time and of proper quality is not only
the first, but the most difficult and uncertain feature
in the business of tobacco growing. I often found
parties having their ground well selected and well
prepared, but, failing to raise their own plants, failed
in securing a good crop. It is almost impossible to
describe on paper or convey orally, how to prepare
and treat a plant bed properly. You must "see it
to believe," and to do it right an apprenticeship is
almost indispensable. But let me try to tell you.
Select a spot, and not a small one either, of the
richest ground, one previously used for hoed crops
preferable ; ground exempt from weeds ; cultivate it
thoroughly late in the fall ; and again as early in the
spring as the ground will admit of, say from March
20 to April 1 ; sow the seed, a tablespoonful to 50
square yards. I usually mix seed with plaster paris
or ashes, to make bulk, to enable a more even dis-
tribution; rake in light and roll or pad with back of
spade, to thoroughly incorporate the seed with the
soil. I find that a covering of the bed with the
bristles of the hog promotes the protection and ger-
mination of seed and the young plants against frosts
and drought to an extent that is marvelous. Indeed
I would go so far as to say that you cannot grow
plants with certainty in any other way that is at all
desirable. Hot house plants seldom do well. After
the plants are started the applicat on of light manure
frequently is of the highest importance ; then observe
a proper location. A south exposure is profitable
and if skirted by a close fence will benefit the grow-
ing plants. By proceeding thus you may have your
plants ready to transplant by the 20th of May, and
be ready to plant at any seasonable weather that fol-
lows that period. I realize from a plant bed of the
size I named, $'i0 for plants, from men that don't be-
lieve in going to the trouble of raising their own, or,
going to a great deal of trouble, but in default of
having the knowledge of the little details, fail to suc-
ceed.

Having the plants we get the tobacco ground
ready. To get ready means not merely plowing,
harrowing and ridging, but heavy manuring early in
the season, the previous fall if possible, and not
later than April 10th. Plow down the manure, cul-
tivate the ground, and after the space of six or eight
weeks plow again, harrow and pulverize the soil
thoroughly ; ridge rows 3Ji to i feet apart, plant
twenty-six to thirty inches apart in the row. This is
done from the 25th of May to the 15th of June, de-
pending upon the condition of the weather. I prefer
planting about June 1st, if the weather is adapted.
After this you have plain sailing for about six weeks ;
cultivating the ground and destroying the weeds are
the only requisites demanding your attention. While
this requires physical effort, there is no particular
skill necessary. Top when the plant attains a proper
size, leaving from twelve to sixteen leaves, depend-
ing upon the season as too wet or too dry. From
this period suckering and worming claim attention,
and just in proportion as you attend to the latter will
the crop pan out.

The product may be increased or diminished in
value from ten to fifty per cent, by inattention to
this part of the business. About three weeks from
the time of topping, the plant witl mature. At this
stage of the growth good judgment is required, to
know just when to cut it. My observation and ex-
periences would lead to the opinion that it is better
to cut a little too soon than too late, for good wrap-
pers. Curing is the next process. In removing from
the field to the shed the ereatest care should be ex-
ercised not to bruise the leaf; various means are em-
ployed ; when convenient to shed, a sled covered
with carpet to protect the leaf will answer a good
purpose. A frame arranged on the running gears of
a wagon, so as to receive the plants strung on laths,
betweenframesof light timber, is a more modern plan
and is popular with those using it. Any way that will
deliver the plant to the shed without bruising and
will do it speedily is a good way. I have not time to
speak of the different or even the most approved
plans of shed or curing house, but would recommend
to all who intend to build to avail themselves of the
opportunity of seeing some of the best arranged
houses. C. B. Herr, king of Manor, and his son,
Bachman Herr, have probably the most complete as
well as artistic arrangements in the county. Means
of ventilation and ease in regulating it are the great
requisites. Properly cured, and your labors are
nearly ended. The process of stripping is one that
wants care and attention, but as this is the subject to
be discussed by Mr. Cameron, I will not encroach
upon his theme. I can hardly close after all this
talk about the attention necessarily bestowed upon
an article to develop its best qualities, without saying
a few things about the result in store for those who
work diligently all through the campaign, and the
importance of the crop in a local interest point of
view.

With reference to the first I would only say that
the product of an acre varies from 1,000 pounds, the
yield being from 1,000 all the way up to 2,400 pounds,
those being perhaps the extremes, and the value in
money from |_00 to $600 per acre. I have no doubt
that the nominal value can be raised to $800, and
perhaps $1,000. Now, as to the local influence of a
crop that amounts in the aggregate in this county to
from ?.', 000,000 to $3,000,000 a year and all labor,
and labor, too, that employs everybody from 10 years
upward. No raw material, imported and to be paid
fsr in gold, enters into the business. In the tobacco
areas of Lancaster county, you find no poor people ;
all make money and are happy.

The area of lands adapted to the growth of fine
tobacco is so small that an overproduction is almost
impossible, and while, perhaps, some wild adventur-
ers attempt to get rich all of a sudden by putting out
ioo much, the experience awaiting them in their ne-
gotiations with the keen-eyed, tender-fingered tobacco
buyer will usually bring them not only within proper
limits, but often drives them out of the business in
disgust after a single season's practice.

Would time allow, I would for the benefit of those
not so familiar with the resources involved in this
subject give them an idea of the contrast between
this county and others in the State and elsewhere,
where they have not the advantage of soil, etc. The
farmers of the tobacco areas of Lancaster county
know of panicx only by name, and are utilizing the
fruits of their toil not only in supplying the demands
of the physical man, but the home comfort, the im-
proved school house, the patronageof our institutions
of learning, all bear testimony that while they don't
encourage the indulgence in costly luxuries, they are
not unmindful of this attention to the cultivation and
development of the higher faculties.

Mr. I. L. Landis thoroughly endorsed the views
of the essayist, and moved that a vote of thanks be
tendered Mr. Frantz for his valuable paper. The
motion was unanimously agreed to.

Mr. J. M. Stehman asked Mr. Frantz to state
whether his experience showed that there was any
advantage in planting tobacco in ridges four feet
apart rather than three and a half feet.

Mr. Frantz said it made very little difference. If
the rows were only three and a half feet apart the
plants should be set rather farther apart in the rows.
He believed that twenty-two inches was the proper
distance between the plants if the rows were four
feet apart.

Mr. John Brady, of Millersville, said that Mr.
Shuman, who farmed for Mr. Bausmanthe fine crop
already referred to, laid out his rows four feet apart,
and set the plants twenty-eight or thirty inches
apart, in good strong land the plants grow vigorous-
ly and the leaves have room to expand and become
very large. He named another farmer who put his
rows five feet apart and raised immense tobacco.

Mr. Kendig believed the leaf would be finer and
better if not so large, if it were planted closer.

Mr. I. L. Landis said he would like to hear the
views of some of the growers as to the variety of to-
bacco they preferred for planting.

Mr. Kendig thought it difficult to determine the
several varieties. They have been SQ much hybri-
dized it is almost impossible to distinguish them.

Mr. Lane presented specimens of the broad-leaf
Connecticut and also of Connecticut seed leaf. He
preferred the latter, as the leaves obtained a greater

length, and were equally fine. In planting he
marked out his rows Sl^ feet apart, and run them
north or south, so that the sun can better get at the
plants, which he has heretofore set 24 inches apart.
This year he will set his plants from 18 to 20 inches
apart. He believes he will thus get finer tobacco.

Harrt Mater presented some fine specimens of
broad-leaf Connecticut, which he preferred to any
other variety.

Mr. P. S. Reist asked the essayist whether hay
would not do as well as bristles to cover and protect
the young plants in the seed beds; whether there waB
any difference in the quality of tobacco, cured in dif-
ferent states of the weather.

Mr. Fkantz answered that neither hay nor straw
were fit to use in tobacco beds. He had found noth-
ing so good as hog bristles. They protect the young
plants from both frost and snow, prevent the ground
from dying out, and yet allow the plants sufficient
air to encourage their growth. The bristles can be
used for four or five years in succession. His plan is,
after he takes them from the bed in spring, to stow
them away in barrels, and before he again uses them,
he loosens them up by running them through a
threshing machine. In answer to Mr. Reist's second
question he would say that tobacco cured much bet-
ter where there were frequent changes of the weather
than when there were few changes.

The manner of preparing tobacco beds was fur-
ther discussed by Messrs. John Bhadt, M. D. Ken-
dig, A. H. SuMMT and I. L. Landis.

Messrs. Levi 'UrosS, Mr. Shiffneb and Peter
S. Keist endorsed the broad-leafed Connecticut as
the best variety. The last named gentleman was
glad to see the interest that was beginning to be
manifested in the proper modes of growing tobacco.
He wished that every grower in the country would
make it a point to attend these meetings, and learn
how to grow tobacco. He would recommend new
beginners to commence with a very small crop, not
more than half an acre, so that if they failed their
loss would not be serious. It is a dangerous under-
taking to commence with a large crop, to the exclusion
of other staples and then perhaps lose it all for want
of knowledge, or from the ravages of worms or hail
storms. Let growers first learn just how to do it,
and that one good leaf is worth more than half a
dozen poor ones, and then they can safely go more
largely into its culture. In conclusion he thought
the meeting of the society should adjourn as early as
4 o'clock BO as to allow members from the country
ample time to get home.

Mr. Cameron oflered the following amendment to
the by-laws :

"The duties of the executive committee shall be
as follows : To take charge of all the business of the
association that is entrusted to their care, and report
in full and in detail at the meeting following. The
committee shall incur no expense without the ap-
proval of the association at its regular meetings."

The amendment was agreed to, when on motion
the society adjourned.

The Linnaean Society.

On Saturday, February 24, the society met with
President Kev. J. S. Stahr in the chair. Five mem-
bers were present. Opened in due form.

The donations to the museum consisted of an im-
perfect stone axe, from William McKeown.

The additions of the historical collections were five
envelopes, containing about forty clippings from
sundry papers, referring to historical events. Also
an impression from both sides of a coin — deemed a
curiosity by the owner. This was submitted to the
inspection of Prof. J. H. Dubbs, who from the date,
"1560," and letter N, and its resemblance to German
coin of that period, supposed it a coin of Nuremberg.

The additions to the library were volume xv and
the missing portion of volume xvi of the proceedings
of the American Philosophical Society of Philadel-
phia ; the report of the Commissioner of Education
for the year 1875, and a copy of the Public Libraries
of the U.S. of America; Special report, 1876; a
bound copy of the "Three Earls," per F. R. Diffen-
derffer, esq ; number of pamphlets embracing "Fi-
nance of Lancaster city to June, 1876," catalogues
of Books and Papers and sundry publications, both
in Europe and America.

S. S. Kathvon read a lengthy and interesting paper
on "Insects as Food." J. Stauffer made some verbal
remarks on the Cunila and the Russian and Cali-
fornia 80-called Frost Plants — and referred to his
article on the subject published in No. 8, for Feb-
ruary 24, 1877, in the Sciejttijic Americait .

Under the head of scientific miscellany, Mrs. Gib-
bons referred to the late lecture and labor saving ma-
chinery A letter was then read from the correspon-
dent member elected at last meeting, M. I. Hoffman,
of Reading, thankfully accepting the same.

As there are about forty volumes at the binder's,
the finance question loomed up — and as no act on was
had by delinquent members, from the hints thrown
out, it is persumed they wait for the notice — which
it is always a task to give and by no means pleasant.
No further business offering, adjourned to meet on
Saturday, the 31st day of March, 1877, at two o'clock,
p. m.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

29

AGRICULTURE.

A Successful Farm Operation — Deerfoot Farm.

Mr. Edward Burnett Is proprietor of :i furm in
Southhoro', Mass., with tlie above fanciful name. It
contains '■W^ acres, and is like the averufre of farms
In Massachusetts. Mr. Burnett Is a vounfr man, just
started in life, as one might say, and a few years ai;o
seriously entertained the idea of eniiirratinL' to some
point West, to emhark in some sort of farming there.
Other counsels prevailed, ami instead he iiroceeded to
occupy " Deerfoot," makinir its possession and work-
in?, however, second in the line of operations he
adopted. Mr. Burnett had a likiiis for and believed
In fine stock, particularly tlioroUL''hbred pl^rsand cows.
Moreover, he had such insiirhl Into the principles of
trade that he thoui^ht he saw plainly the fact that in
an article so " uncertain," in a particular sense, as
pork, combiniuij under this head all the various
forme which piff takes in marketinir, much was to be
gained by huildinc up a trade which should have for
its first element the establishment of thorough eonti-
denee, sustained by the very best article possible to
produce. The idea was a definite supply for a definite
want, prices to take care of themselves.
The First Essay.

So, with his farm and a stock of six pigs, Mr. Bur-
nett commenced business five years ago. By show-
ing the iKtsition this year the two exiremes will be
contrasted. Mr. Burnett has now on hand 400 pigs;
will kill iJOO the present year, and bis commodities
are already famous.

The pigs raised and killed at Deerfoot are of the
Berkshire, Essex and small Yorkshire breeds. Mr.
Burnett believes in thoroughbreds for pork, because
such fat more quickly, have smaller stomachs, and
do not eat so much as coarser varieties, have a thin,
clear skin and make better looking pork, which is a
recommendation if they had no other good qualities.
In the Berkshire a larger streak of lean meat is
found in the bacon than in other varieties; the Essex
is peculiarly adapted for thick pork at seven or
eight months old, cutting five or sx inches on the
back, and three inches on the helly, the meat being
also very firm. The xniall Yorkshire has the princi-
pal characteristics of both the above breeds, besides
being white and more attractive, the fresh pork be-
ing unusually fine.

About the Pens.

At Deerfoot the pig liecomes a handsome creature,
and there is a pleasure in looking at him wliich
forms part of a surprise at the contrast he offers with
the animal as usually seen. The largest piggery
here is a succession of pens under one roof, ranged
on either side of a long passageway, the building
warm, neatly painted, and as clean as a corn crib.
By the way, cleanliness is the great desideratum at
Deerfoot. From beginning to end, in every depart-
ment, absolute and immaculate freedom from nasti-
ness is insisted upon and enforced far beyond
the bounds generally thought possible. Five pigs
occupy a pen, usually, though sometimes more are
allowed. The whole are fed three times a day regu-
larly, one feed being cracked corn, and the other
two of warm hasty pudding, with a few oats thrown
in. For the big piggery mentioned above, JiOO gal-
lons of this mush is given out every day, and about
600 gallons in all. The inevitable consequences of
such feed and such feeding as this will be seen at
the slaughter house. The pork is as hard and as
clear and fine-grained as can be accomplished by the
Ingenuity of man, working with and assisting nature.
The commodity thus produced is as distinct from
that usually seen as is the fine-Heshed, melting, lus-
cious pear of the grafts from the scrub swamps.
Here the first requisite is compassed; the pork is
made desirable, the perfection of meat.

Characteristics of the Business.
These pigs are all killed young, seven or eight
mont'.is being extreme old age with them. The pork
is all "pig pork," no specimens killed weighing over
2.50 ]K>unds alive, put all being in thorough con-
dition when brought to the knife. The pork
house contains a slaughtering room, in which the
pigs are bled and dressed, and in various rooms and
apartments the work of curing and packing the pork
in every part is accomplished. About >00 pounds of
lard arc made weekly, and packed in tins, weighing
5, 10, and iS pounds. Like all good lard this is not
perfectly white, the latter being a production often
resulting from the addition of mutton tallow; but the
excellent quality is incontestable. The hams aud
sides are cured, the latter dry-salted and packed in
cloths. The jowls are smoked and are very much
in demand. Four hundred pounds of sausages are
made daily, the meat chopped, not ground. The
feet are nicely pickled. Every part of the creature
In fact, is utilized hi the manner with which all are
familiar. A peculiarity of the thoroughbred pigs
thus raised is the almost entire absence of bristles,
so that by a careful scalding, performed just right as
It is, not a vestige of hair is left in the rind of the
pork, which is clear as parchment. The .'arae re-
gard for cleanliness is observable in the |K)rk house
as elsewhere, and the most fastidious ladies may
and do witness the operation of pork-packing here,

in all its departmente, without the slightest repug-
nance.

The Market Supplied .

Now for the practical result of this plan of opera-
tion. It must be fairly understood at the outset that
.Mr. Burnett receives lor every pound of his pork thus
raised, in no case li'ss than 3.5 per cent in advance on
market prices for the articles as usually sold. His
sales are made without solicitation, and iic has never
been able to supply the demand. The Astor House
and Fifth .\ venue Iioti^ls order largely of hs sausa-
ges and smoked jowls weekly, and will have no
other. Parker's and Young's hotels, in Boston, use
his products everyday, to the extent of several tons
in a year. His lard is in such demanil — the prices
must be borne in mind— that it Is ordered from as
far away as Detroit, .Michigan, parlies having seen
his articles at the great hotels becoming customers.
Numerous visitors who have heard of his establish-
ment, call al Deerlbot to satisfy curiosity and verify
reports. The whole enterprise is as successful as
success can make it, antl proves the position alluded
to at the commencement of this writing. Pork must
always lie had, and such pork as this will always sell,
no matter what the state of the market, whether
glutted or otherw se, and retain an independent place
as regards prices, at the control and option of the
producer. Is there no incentive to productive in-
dustry in these facts ?

Other Details.

Only about 200 of the pigs here are raised at Deer-
foot. From a stock sent sometime ago into Vermont,
Mr. Burnett now obtains a supply of grade breeds,
having a man to watch their growth and feeding,
aud transfer them to Deerfoot for the finishing of
their pork. Nothing but the best ever arrives here,
and the pigs' last days in life are spent in reveling,
according to a pig's ideas, whatever may have been
his former life. No deterioration or variation from
the strict rules is ever allowed. Everything is meas-
ured by the standard, and nothing found wanting is
passed.

The Dairy

But thus far no mention has been made of another
principal feature at Deerfoot. The dairy is as im-
portant and as characteristically managed as any of
the departments shown.

At Deerfoot, a herd of 35 Jerseys are milked the
year round, and from the milk from 100 to 175
pounds of butter are made weekly. These cows are
well worth looking at. One of them gave '-0 quarts
daily during June last; and a half dozen others give
from IB to is quarts daily. These are valued at
from $400 to $800 each. Their heifer calves bring
from 8100 to $ 00 each, at one year old. They are
bred on the farm. The degree of excellence is in-
infiexibly applied here as in the pork establishment,
and the results are apparent in this ; not a pound of
I'Utter brings less than 75 cents to the farm at any
season of the year, and during the winter not less
than HO cents. Fifty pounds of butter at 90 cents
for every pound, was lately ordered from Detroit by
one man. In the liarnyard stand a herd of grades
from Vermont; which are for sale rather than home
use.

So the enterprise has become established and grows
stronger. It is no longer alone, finding imitators in
sundry places throughout the State. Is there not a
hint in it of possibilities for hundreds of young men
of the present generation ? It cannot be accomplish-
ed without work, nor can anything, excepting, per-
haps, speculation, and the prefeent state of things
does not illustrate that as being a very satisfactory
occupation. Mr. Burnett works. The farm has 75
acres under cultivation, though no fancy crops
are raised. Only such things as contribute to the
departments we have mentioned receive attention.
Four thousand bushels of roots are harvested, and
1-5 tons of English hay. But the round of work is
unceasing, though it brings its reward, and gives as
substantial and decided a social position to its direc-
tor as any man could wish, since it is both honorable
and lucrative, and besides, it will stand every test of
commcm sense, morals and economy. — Cor. Boston
Herald.

HORTICULTURE.

Cultivation of Chiccory.
During 1K75 we imported 818,000,000 worth of
chiccory. We have land in every Stale In the Union
on which it may be profitably cultivated. If our far-
mers in Illinois and Iowa and other States would each
devote annually a few acres of gooil, rich soil to the

! cultivation of chiccory, they would not oulv find It a
profitable crop, but save the lountrv millions that

j now go to (iermany, France and other countries for
an article of everyday use.

The Stockton, Cal., Independent has the following
interesting observations on chiccory, its character and
uses :

" The production and manufacture of chiccory for
Its use as an ailulteration of cofl'ee Is carried on quite
extensively in this country, the factory where it is
ground and put into marketable shape being located
on the bank side ol the San Joaquin river, a few
miles southeast of Stockton. A large area of land in
that vicinity is yearly devoted to the growth of chic-
cory, and the rich alluvial soil seems to be particularly
well adapted to its luxuriant growth. The chiccory
grows in wild profusion along the lanes and byways
in England and most parts of Europe. It is a species
of dandelion, or rather it beloiigs to the same Ijotan-
ical family as the dandelion, and there is a great re-
semblance in the shape of the leaves of the two, al-
though those of the chiccory are much the larger,
coarser and darker color. The root of the chiccory Is
fleshy and milky, and grows about the size of a pars-
nip or carrot. They mature in October, when they
are taken Irom the ground and spread out to dry on
raised platforms. A few days' exposure to the hot
sun makes thcni suflicicntly dry for the roasting fur-
nace, w hich is made in the shape of a cylinder sus-
pended over a hot fire and kept revolving until the
roots are parched to a crisp. This and the drying
process reduces them about one-fourth in bulk. After
roasting, the roots are put through a mill and ground
like cotfee, then barreled anil sent to market. There
seems to be a good demand for all the products of
the factory of which we speak, and it is no doubt a
profitable and remunerative speculation. The bever-
age made from pure chiccory is unpleasant to t he taste
a though chemical analysis proves it to possess few
of the elements in common with collee and very little
of the nutritive properties commonly ascribed to It.
In cases where it is used for a long lime itsetfects are
often deleterious, especially upon the nervous sys-
tem. One variety of the chiccory is cultivated In
England as a salad, the tops having a pleasant, pun-
gent Havor, and even the common variety is some-
times eaten here when other salads are scarce, but is
\'<:ry coarse and strong, and :ather too suggestive of
the diet upon which Nebucdiadnezzar was for a time
compelled to feed." — CUicitijo Jonrnat of Commerce.

The Fodder Value of Apples.

In his investigation of the fodder value of apples
Professor Storer confirms the observation of other
chemists, to the effect that apples are very poor in ni-
trogen. The flesh of Baldwins and Russets yielded
15.7-17.5 per cent, of dry organic matter (the rest be-
ing water and mineral matters), and only 0. •.'1-0.37
per cent, of albuminoids; apple pomaced 23.3 per
cent, of dry organic matter, 0.98 per cent, of account
the dry matter of the flesh of apples, while the dry
matter of potatoes has 8.54 and the pumpkin 17.:i2
per cent, of albuminoids. From these facts two in-
teresting conclusions are to be drawn. First the
small amount of nitrogen explains at least one rea-
son for the low value of apples for food and for ma-
nure; and to make economical fodder from apples
or pumace, food rich in nitrogen should be added.
In this way not only the sugar, but also the peetoe,
of which apples are largely composed, may be econ-
omlcall; utilized as feed.

Covering Strawberries.

It is hardly necessary to inform our readers that al
strawberries, no matter how hardy they are reported
to be, winter better by being covered before the se-
vere weather of winter fairly sets in, or even after-
wards, if before the first thaw. Evergreen branches
have one important advantage— they may be put on
before winter begins without any danger of smother-
ing the green plants. We have found a very thin
covering, if only enough to hide the ground below, of
decided licnent, the plants coming out a fresh, bright
I green in spring, instead of the dull green or brown
when exposed. The crop is earlier, the plant begin-
ning to grow vigorously at the first warm weatliftr.
The evergreen branches may be placed in regular,
even lines, lapping like shingles the branches length-
wise with the rows, giving the beds a |>osiJively orna-
mental appearance, instead of the rouj;h look caused
by the use of straw, litter or coarse manure. (Jn large
plantations, evergreens cannot often be used to advan-
tage, and straw must be employed. In wbiih case rye
straw Is the best, on account of Its stiffness, wlill*
soft, flexible straw, as of oats, is ol>jeetionalile, as it
settles compactly when wet, and tends to smother
the plants. Even corn stalks efl'ect a valuable ser-
vice, if spread so thinly that half the surface Is sure,
by shielding from sun and wind, and holding the sur-
face snow. In providing any kind of eoverin(;,il
must be borne in miml that a green growth of leaves,
like those of the strawberry, are easily injured by
smothering, and that whatever protection is employed,
it must be pervious to air. Farmers understand this,
as a(iplied to green wheat plants, which are killed by
deep drifts of snow. This precaution is not so neces-
sary in case of shrubs which have dropped their
leaves or of herbaceous perennials or bulbs, the
leaves and stems of which ilie down before winter.

Country residents often have a number of evergreen
trees planted about their dwellings that are either
extending their limbs too far and interfering with
other growth, or else becoming distorted as they in-
crease in size. Cutting off portions of these limbs at
a fork (so as not to leave a dead stump) will improve
them, and afford a quantity of ** brush" which is just
the thing forthe straw berry beds. Evergreen screens
often receive more or less cutting back, in which case
an abundant supply of protecting material may be
obtained.

30

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ February,

Fruits in Kansas.

The following varieties of fruits were recommend-
ed by the KansaB Stirte Horticultural Society, at its
recent meeting :

The committee on condensed fruit list, omitting
the apple, Dr. William W. Howsley, chairman, re-
ported the following :

Pears. — Bartlctt, No. 1; White Doyenne, 1; Flem-
ish Beauty, 1; Duchesse de Augouleme, 1; Winter
Nelis, 1; Seckel, 2.

Peaches. — Hale's Early, No. 1; Crawford's Early,
1; Stump the World, 1; Heath Cling, 1; Yellow Al-
berge, 'J; President, 'I.

Plums — Uinkley or Minor, No. 2; Wild Goose, 2.

Cherries. — Early Richmond, No. 1; Maj Duke, 1;
English Morello, No. 2.

Apricots. — Breda, No. 1.

Grapes. — Concord,!; Dracut, 2; Clinton, 2.
Kaspberries, — Miami, No. 4; Doolittle, 2; Philadel-
phia, 2.

Blabkberries. — Kattatinny, No. 1; Lawton, 2.

Gooseberries. — Houghton, No. 1.

Strawberries. — Wilson's Albany, No. 1; Chas.
Downing, 1; Downer's, 1.

Committee for the southern fruit district, D. B.
Skeels, assisted by J. S. Williams, reported the fol-
lowing:

Apples. — Early Harvest, Red June, Red Astrachan,
Cooper's Early White, Lowell, Maiden's Blush,
Chenango Strawberry, Fall AVine, Buckingham
Wine (synonym Pennsylvania Red Streak), Jona-
than, Winesap, Rawles' Janet, Ben Davis, Missouri
Pippin, Willow Twig.

Pears. — Bartlett, Duchesse de Angouleme.

Cherries. — Early Richmond, Belle Magnifique,
English Morello.

Grapes. — Concord, Delaware, Dracut, Amber.

Blackberries. — Lawtou, Kittatinny.

Raspberries. — Miami Black Cap," Doolittle Black
Cap.

Gooseberries. — Houghton.

Additional varieties by J. S. Williams.

Apples — Summer — Summer Rose, Early Pennock.
Autumn — Fameuse. Winter — Wagoner, Yellow
Bellflower, Dominie.

Crab. — Hysop and Transcendent.

Peaches. — Hale's Early, Large Early York, Stump
the World, Old Mixon (free and cling), Crawford's
Late, Smock, Heath Cling.

Pears. — Flemish Beauty, Belle Lucrative, Seckel.

Plums. — Hinkley or Minor, Wild Goose.

Apricot. — Breda .

Grapes — Delaware, Clinton.

Strawberries. — Chas. Downing, Wilson's Albany.

Mr. Shinn endorsed the report.

druggist will put up a small quantity of this mix-
ture for a few cents, as all the ingredients are inex-
pensive. Labels written with this ink, and bearing
the date l>>.5fi, can be seen in the orchard of one of
my neighbors, as legible as the day they were writ-
ten. This is proof enough of the value of the ink.
Ztnc labels are now advertised for sale, but any one
can make them with the aid of a pair of tinner's
shears — a tool that every farmer should possess.
From a strip of zinc four inches in width, cut off
labels half an inch broad at one end, and tapering
to a point at the other. By cutting the broad end of
the label at each edge alternately of the zinc strip,
nothing is wasted, and each cut gives a label. The
name and date (and the latter should never be omit-
ted) are writteu on the broad end of the label, and
the other end twisted loosely around a twig
of the tree to be marked. This is some trouble, but
not too much when the work is to last a lifetime. —
^1. H. Chi'^terj in Country Ge?Uletnan.

How to Make a Hot Bed.

A good hot bed may be made upon the surface of
the ground, piling up the manure from two feet six
inches to three feet high, and at least six inches
wider all around than the frame. This extra width
tends to preserve the heat within the frame ; and if
it be a foot wider than the frame it would be better
than six inches. The situation should be where the
soil is dry ; and the bed should front to the south,
or as nearly south as the location will permit. The
sashes should either he procured before the bed is
made, or their exact size should be known when the
frame is made ; and the frame may be made to hook
closely together, so as to he removed and easily stored
away when not in use. Fresh horse duns is the best
manure to produce heat. It should be thrown into a
heap and wetslightlv aluuit a week before it is placed
on the bed and turned over once or twice before
using it to increase the heat. When put on the bed,
tread it down tirnily, and cover it about six inches
deep with light, rich soil, and ascertain the degrees
of heat when you desire to sow your seeds, by plung-
ing a thermometer into the soil ; and if too warm,
wait a day or two for the bed to cool. Seeds will
stand a heat of 90 degrees very well. Sometimes
seeds are sown in jjots and jians, which are plunged
into the manure without any covering of soil ; but in
such a case, it should be covered three or four inches
deep with sand or ashes to retain the heat. Wooden
boxes six inches deep, made of very thin boards,
about two feet lonsr, and one foot wide, would be
better than pans and pots for some kinds of plants.
The bottom might be zinc, or galvanized sheet iron,
perforated with small holes to allow water to pass
through them, if the watering should be too copious.
Such boxes could be packed in without any waste of
room ; and they could be easily removed to fork up
the bed anew to increase the heat, or to allow a new
bed to be made, when the heat of the old one is too
much exhausted.

Ink for Horticultural Labels.

There is so much inquiry lately for ink for writing
on zinc labels, that a good receipt for such an article
may benefit some one. It is an old one, and has
probably appeared in your columns long ago, but it
is worth repeating. It is as follows : Powdered ver-
digris, 2 parts; sal ammoniac, 2 parts; lampblack,
1 part; water, 20 parts. A quill pen will be neces-
Bary, as it will corrode a steel pen very quickly. Any

The English Hop Trade.

A correspondent of the Mark Lane Bxprexs esti-
mates the English production as follows: Mid Kent-
district, 17,000 acres and 119,000 cwt.; East Kent,
12,000 acres and 78,000 cwt.; West and North Kent,
4,000 acres and 12,000 cwt.; Weald of Kent, 10,000
acres and 60,000 cwt.; Sussex 11,000 acres and .5.5,-
000 cwt.; Worcester and Hereford, 9,000 acres and
i;!,. 500 cwt.; Surrey and Hants, 5, .500 acres and 33,-
000 cwt. The total area is given at 68,500 acres, and
the aggregate product .S70,.5O0 cwt., or 5.41 cwt. per
acre." The writer quotes a recent circular of a lead-
ing firm of brewers, stating that crops on the conti-
nent are everywhere short; in-Bohemia, especially,
tliere is a general failure. An average crop on the
whole continent would produce from 1,000,000 lo
1,200,000 cwt., whereas the actual yield is supposed
not to exceed from 260,000 to 300,000 cwt., while the
actual consumption is between .5.50,000 and 600,000
cw^., and the stocks, remaining over is supposed to
be between 150,000 and lS0,O0O'cwt. In England old
stocks are remarkably low.

Grafting Currants.

The Rm-id Nem Yorker says : Lovers of the cur-
rant and gooseberry have reason to feel- .jolly over
the success, which seems to attend grafting them
upon the Missouri currant (Hibes a-iircvui), which is
not liable to the attacks of the borer. Besides, they
are exempt from mildew. And thus by a single,
happy hit the two great drawbacks to currant and
gooseberry cultivation have been over come. The
beauty of these littletre.es, when loaded with their
pretty berries, as displayed at the Centennial, is
of itself enough to insure their general cultivation.
It would be well for those who intend experiment-
inir with grafting currants to bear in mind that
there is a great ditl'crence in the varieties of theMissouri
currant, some making better stocks) than others.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Boiled Dinners.

The degeneracy of the modern stomach spoils the
application of some of the best of our series of gas-
tronomic essays. To write of pies, or puddings, or
hot buckwlieat cakes, or boiled dinners, or any other
hearty and generous food, for this generation of dys-
]-)eptics and in-doors men, is like descanting upon
skating and rowing in ahospital forcripples, or dilat-
ing upon music and oratory in a deaf and dumb
asylum. There are so many "tea and toast" chaps,
.and oatmeat and bran-bread lunatics, and gastric-
juiceless individuals who devote their time to finding
out what "doesn't agree with them," that one can-
not count upon the sympathy of his readers when re-
viving one recollections of good living.

Nevertheless, we deem it a duty to do our part to
prevent the abolition of the old-time "sutiptantials."
Chief among these we must ever rank the boiled
dinner, which, if the cooks keep on refining it, will
soon be "though lost to sight, to memory dear."
For a boiled dinner, like baked beans, cannot survive
"style." A genteel boiled dinner is to the real article
what a gas fire in a gilded cast-iron back log is to the
old glowing brick fireplace. As the first innova-
tion, the potatoes were mashed ; then the beets were
omitted ; then sweet, juicy, home-made corned beef
was supplanted by a leathery "remnant" from the
butcher's; then each article was cooked separately ;
;in<l finally the cabbage was banished, because it
"scented up the house" in cooking — though a boiled
dinner without cabbage is like a "roast turkey with-
out stullhig, or the play of ham and eggs with the
ham left out. A piece of boiled salt beef, flanked
with a few regulation vegetables, cooked as they are
for any other meal, doesn't constitute a boiled dinner
any more than a fricasseed fighting cock makes a
game supper.

For the genuine boiled dinner, such as did good to
the stomachs and souls of the sturdy men who "made
and preserved us a nation," you want, first, a good
piece of corned beef — not the lean, brown, bony slabs
that are commonly set apart for that purpose, and

eventually go to the hash-bowl, but a thick, tender
cut, with liberal streaks of fat and lean. We confess
to a preference to the home-pickled meat ; but if you
can't have that, select a piece fresh and have it put
in your butcher's barrel with a pinch of saltpetre
added to give it color. Then take Savoy cabbages —
about one more than you think you will want ; some
white French turnips — to be boiled with the beef,
cabbage and potatoes, and served hot, in slices.
Select potatoes that will boil dry and tender without
falling to p eces. Beets boiled separately, and served
in hot vinegar and butter, complete the list. The
condiments are not a slight matter — nothing is,
about a good dinner. To some people any colored
fluid that is a trifle sour is vinegar ; but the instructed
taste knows better, and craves the genuine article on
its boiled dinner. The mustard should be mixed
fresh, for those wdio like it ; an ancient pot of mus-
tard is as bad as salt that has lost its savor. There
should be no dessert after a boiled dinner, unless it
be fresh fruit. Nothing is more incongruous or un-
necessary than a lot of pastry or sweetmeats after
such a repast.

Of course, everybody can't safely eat such a meal.
But let none such imagine it is the dinner, r.ather
than their stomach, or mode of life, that is at fault.
A man who huddles into a crowded street car and
hurries to his business, bends over his desk, or perch-
es on his stool, or stands at his counter, all day, with
not a breath of fresh air in his lungs, or exercise
enough to stir his slugish blood — who dashes out
for ten minutes to swallow a hasty lunch, and brings
a fagged mind and listless body to his hearty meal
late in the day — who robs himself of sleep only to
continue his w-ork, or seeks recreation in the vitiated
air of a crowded theatre or hall — such a man cannot
be expected to really relish any hearty food. But he
should not, in justice, berate the articles that others
find wholesome. "Because thou hast suddenly be-
come virtuous, shall there be no more cakes and
ale?" or, to paraphrase the quotation to meet the
case. Because you have not the stomach of a man,
shall there be no more boiled dinners? — Golden Rule

Repairing Leaky Cellar \A^alls.
The season now at hand is the one most important
for making cellars dry and cleanly. In fact, the re-
liairing of leaky cellar walls should never be delayed,
since the crevices are continually widened b.v the
water soaking through. Cement, tar and water-glass
are the best materials for the purpose, but the last
two can only be used as a time when the cellar is dry,
as iu wiuter, perhaps even in September, or after
drying and airing it in winter by artificial means.
When nearly dry, the leaky portions of the wall can
be readily recognized, and should be marked with
charcoal. Holes and cracks should first be filled with
hydraulic cement. The marked places, when dry,
should be coated three or four times w ith a solution
of one volume of commercial water-glass in two of
water, and finally, after becoming perfectly dry, with
a solution of one volume of water-glass in one-half
volume of water. Instead of the solution of water-
glass, tar, kept quite liquid by heating, may be laid
on a number of times. If cement is to be employed,
the marked portions of the wall should be cut out
wedge-shaped, and carefully filled with a cement,
rather thickly made up, with one-half sand. If the
cellar cannot bedried, the moist places should be cut
out somewhat deeper (4 to 6 inches), and filled with
cement by placing a tube of material, about as thick
as a finger, in the middle, and packing the cement in
tightly around it, and, if necessary, holding it in
place with a board until it hardens, while the water
escapes through the tube without exerting any pres-
sure upon it. After 20 or 30 days the opening may
be plugged up.

^

Handy Men.

Next to a good mousing cat, a faithful watch-dog,
and a good family chestnut-colored horse, is a handy
man. Now don't misunderstand me, and say that I
compare a man with either of my favorites in the
speechless world, not at all. Man is the noblest
work of God, except a woman; but really a handy
one 1 am un.able to class. Conceive of anything
about a home more desirable, when circumstances
have compelled you to neglect home duties, or rather
postpone them, than for a man to fill the surcease
by being able to wash dishes, make beds, sweep,
make bread, and in straightened times darn his own
stockings, sew on his buttons, and preserve his hab-
itual good humor. If so, there is no rufHe or splash
in the home life in consequence of the inability to
maintain the order and comfort of the household.
Of course the season of the year favors the demon-
strations of handy men. We should not expect him
to leave his plough, harrow, or mowing machine, to
help iu the kitchen, but if he came to eat, and had a
mind to place the chairs, fill the ice-pitcher, or pare
the potatoes, it might contribute wonderfully to the
comfort of the tired housewife; not only by saving
steps, but the feeling of appreciation that cheers up
many a tired worker, and braces them up for the
numtierless duties about a home. Handy men are
generally fortunate in getting good wives, and any
woman is fortunate who has a handy husband. —
Misa Ruby, in Maine Farmer .

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

31

Healthful Beds.

Germany excels any country with which I am fa-
miliar in the cleanliness of its l>e<ls. It seems as much
A part of yearly house-eleanintr with them lohavellie
hair renioveil from the mattress, to have it well hcut-
en and sunned, and the cover washed, as it is u iili us
to hare the carpets whijipod and freed from their dis*
eaee-be^ettinc dust. 1 i^rant that it would l>e a dilli-
eult and expensive undertakiiii^ for an Aincriean
housekeeper, for skilled laborers are rare, and when
I found must be well paid, as they should lie. Knowinir
the obstacle, then, in tlie way of thorou^'li renovalicin
j of our beds, we shouUl take all the nit>recare to protect
and air them. Kvery bed should have especially
' made for it, tlie size of a tick, a widte, lacked coin-
I forter, not too thick so as to be unmanacfeable in
I washinp ; over this the sheet is spread. Every bed in
j daily use should be subjected to the purifyini;- rays of
I the sun at least once a week, and should be left open
I for the reception of air and litrht some time hel'dre
beinp made up. Beds not frequently used are often
found very musty and disajjrceable to guests. The
parlor beds that swallow their own contents by a
masric touch, are fair witliout, but in time, for the
lack of proper airinp, they become foul within.

LIVE STOCK.

Valuable Recipes.

Cramp. — Take of water of ammoida or of spirits
of hartshorn, one ounce : olive oil, two ounces.
Shake them toirether till they unite, and use as a lin-
iment to rub well on the afllicted part.

SrET Pudding. — Three quarters of a pint of chop-
ped suet, one pint of milk or water, one eirir beaten,
one-ha!fteas|)Oonsalt,andenouirli flour to make a stitT
batter but thin cnouijh to pour from a spoon. Put in a
bowl, cover with a cloth and boil three hours. The
same, a little thinner, with a few raisins added and
baked in a well jireascd dish, is excellent.

Sauck for Stkaks and Stews. — For one quart,
cut into dice one carrot, two onions, one head of cel-
ery, and two turnips, fry lijrhtly in a small quantity
of butter; stir to prevent burning; aild sullicient of
browti sauce to make the required quantity; boil
slowly until thevctjctables are done; put in a pinch of
sugar, a little pepper and salt, and it is fit to serve.

Mince Pie. — Seven pounds round beef, lean, two
pounds stoned raisins, two pounds currants, two
pounds beef suet, one peck apples, four pounds pow-
dered sutrar, one-half pound citron, one-half ounce
of powdered cloves, one-half ounce powdered mace,
one-half dozen nutme^rs, one ounce of cinnamon,
scant, three teasi>oonful6 salt, one pint brandy.
Chop all tine tojrether; when makinif pies mix a little
cider. This will make fifteen good-sized pies.

Spiced Beef. — X^ke some nice suet, or three or
four slices of pork; fry in a pot until it is a light
brown; then lay in a piece of raw beef; brown it on
both sides; tliencover it with water and let it stew over
moderate fire five or six hours, according to the size
of the beef; add an onion, two hay-leaves, lialf a tea-
spoonful of mace, a teaspoonful of whole cloves and
allspice mixed; pepper, salt, and vinegar to taste; add
water as it boils away, so that there may be enough
to make gravy when the meat is done.

RcBT Cake. — Beat to a cream one pound of su-
gar and one pound of butter; add eight well-bcatcn
yolks of eggs and one grated nutmeg, and stir in the
coloring matter, made as follows, (irate a beet root
to fine shreds, with a very little water; let it stand
one day and squeeze through a linen cloth. One
wineglassful of this essence should be added to the
other ingredients. Then stir in one pound of flour;
lastly the whites of the eight eggs, beaten to a still'
froth.

QnEEN Pudding. — Take one pint of fine bread
crumbs, (or their equivalent in bread soaked and
rubbed through. a colander,) one quart of milk, one
cup of sugar, the yolks of four eggs beaten, a piece
of butter the size of an egg, and the grated rind of
one lemon; beat the bread, milk, and eggs light, then
beat in the other ingredients, and bake until done, but
not watery; whip the whiles of the eggs to a still
froth with a cup of sugar and the juice of one lemon,
on top of the pudding spread a layer of jelly or jam,
then the whites of the eggs: brown slightly and serve
hot. It may be made without jelly, and eaten with
hard sauce.

Making Cider Vineoar. -A correspondent of
the Country GenlUmaii gives directions as follows :
".Make the cider as early in the season as possible.
When the barrel is filled let it remain where the sun
can shine on it part of the day. Leave the bung
out and insert the neck end of a bottle. This will
let the air in, while it will keep the flies out. Put
into each barrel one sheet of foolscap pa|)er, a half
pint of white beans, and a half pint
of good brewers' yeast, or other yeast that is as
good. Also, if you choose, put in a pint of molasses.
.Manage in this way and you will have vinegar in six
weeks. Remember that good eider will make good
vinegar.

^

Wanted— 500 subscribers to The Fau.mer ; the
cheapest and best.agricultnral paper in the country.
See terms on the 1st page of cover.

Experiments on the Nutrition of Domestic
Animals. .

In conducting the feeding trials at the German sta-
tions, where nearly all of the later experimenting in
this line has been done, neat cattle, sheep, goats,
horses anil swine receive dilferent foods in varying
proportions and mixtures, and the etfccts are accurate-
ly noted. Among the questions whose solution has
been sought are, the cliemical composition of different
I'ciod materials, and the proportions of food ingredi-
ents in each, as albuminoids, carlioliydratcs, and fats,
which are digested by dilfeiVnt animals; the parts
they play in the animal economy, which elements
are the " flesh formers" and wliicti the " fat form-
ers; which make the fa.l (butter), and which the
casein (curd) of the milk ; wliicli produce heat and
muscular force, i^:e.; in what proportions and mix-
tures the animal will digest most fully and use most
economically the food ingredients, and, finally, what
amounts of each will be needed and utilized to the
best advantage by differenl animals and for difl'crent
purposes.

The care and patience and thoroughness with
which these experimcuts arc conducted, the amount
of labor and lime and money they cost, and the
ways that their results are applied, would be quite
astonishing to most American farmers. Careful
weighings and analyses are iliade of the food the
animals consume, the milk they produce, the excre-
ment and urini' they voiil, and even the air they
breathe. A single experiment often requires the
hard and unremitting work of several chemists day
and night for .several weeks or months. "The ac-
counts of the experimental iuveslig.ition on the sub-
ject cif animal nutrition that have been published
during the last fifteen years in the (ierman language
alone would make what most peojde woiil* call a
good size library. The experiments thus described
are luimbcred by hundreds and even thousands, each
one of which has cost the labor of days, weeks, or
montlis. They have called in requisition the service
the ablest scientific men and the most successful
farmers. They have involved an incalculable aiuount
of thought, care, and toil in the laboratory, the
stable, and the study. The latjor, much of it of a
mental sort, has been performed willingly, even en-
thusiastically, by those to whom it has brought not
wealth, but only meager support. Nor has the work
been in vain. These investigations have done a vast
deal to settle the (|uest.ions about stock-feeding,
which occupy so much space in the papers, and
>vhieh are as perplexing as they are important to
millions of farmers on both sides of the .\tlautic.
Combined with the results of daily farm experience,
they have shown for what purposes different kinils
of fodder-materials are best fitted, and how much
each is worth. They have taught the farmers how
to make valuable fodder out of poor hay and straw ;
how to employ lucerne, seradella, clover, and other
forage-crops to the best advantage; how to utilize
waste products such as flaxseed and cotton-seed and
the oil-cake made from them, also the refuse from
the manufacture of sugar from beets, and of alco-
holic spirits and starch from potatoes and grains.
They have shown in what proportitms these and
other fodder-materials should be mixed and useii, so
as to get the greatest benefit at the least cost." In
brief, this sort of work is supplying (Jerman farmers
with just the information they need in order to keep
their stock, and produce meat, dairy-products, and
whatever else comes from the maintaining of domes-
tic animals, most rationally and with the largest
profit.

^

The Horse Growers.

Going into Orange county, New York, j-ou find on
every hunilred acres, a neat and ca[)aci<ius white
house, with well kept fence, a few rose bushes, a
convenient garden, ample barns. Inside these houses
you will be apt to find a wliolesome, handsome wo-
man and four good children — that is theaverage. If
this woman docs hot know what good butler is, and
how to make It, good bread and how to make it; if
she does not know a good horse or cow when she sees
it, a good farmer as soon as she puts her eye on his
land, It will be surprising. If every woman in every
house does not own and wear a good silk dress, if
there is not in every house a newspaper or two, a
magazine or two, and twenty good books, it will be
more surprising still. These houses are furnished
with good carpets and good beds, and in manv of
them stands a piano, which some daughter can use
passably well. On Sumlays and on fair days, these
men and women and cliililren have a good carriage
and a horse or two, with which they can ride. They
are as well olT as mankind can be, and they ought to
be content.

For myself, I should like to see introduced here
the English fa.shion of fortnightly market days,
where at the central town on a particular day, buy-
ers and sellers should meet, the one with productions
the other with money, for mutual exchange. I be-
lieve this would promote and satisfy the social feel-
ing, which now may sometimes go hungry, and I am
sure it would be pecuniarily beneficial. Five good
farmers can start it in an; district, and I trust they

will In Orange county. The ^^lnclpal products of
this rich county are butter, cheese, milk, cattle, hay
and horses. It is with the last that we have to do.
Three great stud farms are to he seen tlierc; and, be-
sides these, good horses, in ones anil twos, are bred
on nearly every farm. This, indeed, lias been the
usual method until within a few years, when capital
lirain and experienie comliined, have organized great
businesses, as to which I only propose to report
progress.

On these great farms are to be seen, running loose
on the snow-covercd fields, henis of yearlings and
two-year olds, rough, uidieked, hmg-lialred. It la
not easy for the uninitiated to believe that some of
these unkempt creatures are worth morethana thou-
sand dollars as they stand. But, with singular con-
fidence, they come up to you, they put their noses
into your hand, they wish to nip at your coat, they
have no other idea than that you arc their friend.
Then you begin to see that they have brood faces,
great, intelligent eyes, quick, flexible ears, and con-
lidenee. You arc pointed to the depth of chest, which
indicates lung-power and large hearts. You sec that
they are even now strongly developed behind, where
the great propelling power of the trotter lies. You
see, too, that the stifles are wide, and that the mus-
cles <reep well down toward the hock-joint, which is
low on the leg. Very soon you begin to lielievc that
these uncondicd, wild-looking, but gentle colts are,
indeed, worth money, and that they are the stock
from which is to be "developed the gentlemen's road
horse of eastern .Vmcriea in the coming time. You
go into the open yards and find in groups of Ave or
six, the brood mares, as rough-looking, as unpromis-
ing as their children; but you learn that most of
them have racing blood in their veins : are descend-
ants of Mambrino or At>dallah or Clay or .Star, or
some ether of the noted horses ; anil nearly all have
made their mark, have done their nu'le in 'Ji.'iO, •J:40
or 'J.i\0, and so have won their places as mothers of
noted olfspring.— Ot(r Great Fartnerf, lnj C. W.
Elliott ^ in Galaxy.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs.

A dog previously of lively disposition, shows sul-
leuness. His eyes change from a dull to a sharp,
glaring expression. He walks most of the time with
the tail hanging down. If he has the privilege of
the house, he will walk around and sniflT at different
objects of furniture, raise his hind leg, and allow
him.^elf privileges which he never did before. If he
has a rug to lie on, he will scratch it in a heap, and
lie on it with his chest, and not on his side. His
mouth is hot and dry, his pulse beats hard and
quick; he is always thirsty, and drinks a good deal
of water. He will sometimes come up to his master,
look him in the face with glaring eyes, as if he
wishes to tell him, "There is something the matter
with me." -\ dog like this should be securely chain-
ed, and closely watched. Within eight days he will
commence to chew with his mouth, froth will issue
from it, spasms set in, during which he will lie on
his side and roll around in a circle, yelping and
frothing from the mouth. After the spiisms subside
he will stagger away, as much as possible in a
straight line, till his head strikes an object, when he
will liite and turn in a diHerent direction, till he
strikes again and dies.

The two senses of hearing and vision are gone,
only the sense of feeling is unimpaired. He will walk
into fire as well as into water till he touches it and
turns. He will attempt to bite into stone or any
other object, as well as into living beings. If not
killed quickly, tetanus (lockjaw) will soon set in and
end his trouble, and danger to man and beast. The
bite of any dog is dangerous, as he only bites under
nervous excitement, which bite may produce hydro-
phobia in a nervous person, but the bite of a dog as
above described is always fatal sooneror later, accord-
ing to the nervous condition of the person so bitten.
After a person has been bitten by a dog or cat, the
first thing to do is to quiet the nervous system with
ether or other an;estheties. put them to sleep and
keep all excitement from them. (Jet the root Tetut
foeted (skunk cabbage) if it can be had fresh, grate
it or iTOund it to the soft consiatency of a poultice,
incise the punctured wound if not lacerated and put
the poultice on it and renew it every three hours.
If fresh roots cannot be had obtain the pulverized
preparation from the druggist and moisten with water
to a poultice consistency. This remedy has been
employed in eases of snake bites, especially rattle-
snakes and vipers, with good results, as I am credit-
ably informed by men who had been bitten and
could show the marks of the bites plainly. As the
eft'eet produced by the bites of rabid dogs and rep-
tiles is the same, except in type and time, and the
root grows in all our swamps, the remedy may easily
be employed In Iroth cases. Yours truly. — Dr. H. A.
Rotenthal, V. S., in Turf, Field and Farm.

Lumps in Udders.

Take poke root and chop it up fine and beat it
into pumice; take a teacupful and put in a quart of
meal, and feed to a cow whose udder has lumps init,
and they are removed at once. The remedy Is infal-
lible.

32

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ February, 1877.

BEE CULTURE.

Queen Bees.

We find in the London Journal of Horticulture the
following entertaining speculations respecting queen
bees :

The more I learn about bees the more conviction
forces itself on me, that many statements recorded
and repeated acaiu and again about them are falla-
cious. I do not accuse observers of willfully dece v-
iug, but some new or wonderful occurrence is seen,
or believed to be seen, when it is at once recorded as
a habit of the bee. Mrs. Tupper has said "bees do
nothing invariably;" nothing could be more true, and
sometimes they do things which at the time are to us
wholly unaccountable. To exchange a queen is a
common operation with me, and my experience is,
that, as a rule, to release one six or seven hours after
caging, would be found a dangerous proceeding.
Last month, when the weather was very cold and
likely to continue so, I risked the introduction of two
queens without any caging, simply because I did not
want the stock chilled. The first stock, which had
been queenless some time, killed theirown sovereign;
the second, where I merely took out their own queen
and dropped the other in her place, accepted her all
right, and she lives still. Now, had my opinion been
asked as to what would occur I should just have re-
versed the events.

The introduction of a strange queen into a hive
where one already reigns, I do not believe troubles
the latter whatever. I have put in scores and find
the result as follows: The first bee which discovers
the intruder seizes her by the leg or wing and holds
on, and then comes another and another until she is
covered; stili the bees crowd on, holding to one an-
other until a solid ball as big as a bantam's egg is
formed with the queen in the midst. A vigorous
hissing is kept up, and so intent are the bees on their
attack that the ball of bees may be taken up into the
hand without any fear of stinging. At the Alexan-
der Palace Bee Show, I several times caused the for-
mation of such a bee ball, which was handed a7nong
the spectators from hand to hand. I find the work-
ers rarely sting a strauire queen; they will keep her
encased until she dies or their fury abates, and then
release her. I have known one confined in, this man-
ner for a fortnight, when she dies; it is certain they
must at least sometimes feed the prisoner, for a queen
will die of starvation in twelve hours. So eager are
they to encase a new queen, that if the latter be
held by the wings with the thumb and finger, the
bees will gather there in a ball. I have said work-
ers rarely sting a queen, but they do sometimes. I
have seen almost the first bee that perceived her,
jump on her back and sting her in an instant when
she would quickly die — not always however, for twice
have I seen a queen stung and the sting left in her,
and yet no fatal result occur.

Managing Queens.

Remembering the old tale of how the reigning
queen would seek oul an intruder, some two or three
years ago it occurred to me what an easy way it
would be to extract the old queen from a skep to sub-
stitute a new one if I first caged the latter in the
hive. I tried it several times, hut in no instance did
I ever find the old queen come to my bate. Several
times when wishing to pre.serve a queen for a few
days I have caged her in the midst of a populous
hive, where she obtained food and warmth. I never
found a reigning queen trouble herself, although the
cage would be sure to be tliickly covered with the
excited workers. I am also skeptical as to the in-
variableness of fighting to the death between queens
which meet. If we jtut two queens under a wine-
glass, and watch the result, we see them seize each
other, wrestle and fitrbt like two gladiators, and
sometimes one receives a sting and dies, but more
often they separate, again eomc together for another
battle with still a negative result." This is repeated
until they get tired of fighting and let each other
alone.

Twice this year I came across instances of two
queens in a hive, but I do not think in either case
they were both fertile. In the first instance the old
queen was evidently worn out. She had bred an
inordinate number of drones — no hope of a swarm;
yet instinct guided the bees to raise a young queen,
which soon took the place of the old one, which I
found thrown out of the hive. I once divided a hive
by a diaphragm of perforated zinc, filled each half
with combs and a swarm, gave entrance to one col-
ony in front, and to the other at the back of the
hive. It was no use. One queen went on with her
maternal duties, the other was encased by her own
bees. I caged and released her several times, but in
vain, the bees had evidently made up their minds it
was one hive, and therefore they would not have two
queens.

^

Golden Rules for Bee-Keeping.

Rev. J. W. Shearer furnishes the Jice-Keeper's
3Iagazine with the following rules :

1st. For success. Thesuccessful bee-keeper should
be firm, fearless, prompt, provident, persevering,
systematic and self-reliant.

2d. For situation. The apiary should be in a

sheltered position, near a small stream, and where
a variety of honey plants, some of which yield abun-
dant and others constant supplies of the nectar.

3d. For removing bees. Allow for abundant ven-
tilation, close up firmly, invert and place in a spring
wagon so that combs run with and not across the
wagon. Unless removed a mile or more hives should
he moved by degrees, only a foot or two at a time,
or many bees will be lost,

4th. Forhives. The general advantages of manu-
facture, simplicity, capacity, wintering and adapta-
tion to the requirements of the particular apiarian
are to be considered. It is essential that every hive,
frame, box, and movable part be of the same size so
that each will fit with all.

5th. For handling. Move gently and without sud-
den or violent motions in all work about the apiary.

6th. For subduing. "Bees filled with liquid sweets
do not volunteer an attack." Hence cause them to
fill themselves witH honey by smoking or drumming.

7th. For smoking. Use dried buffalo chip from
the cow pen. It costs nothing, is the best material
and when lighted lasts a long time.

8th. For protection. Use a bobinet vail sewed
up at both ends, one fastened with rubber around the
hat, the other secured under the coat collar.

9th. For sweeping bees. Use a green twig or
bunch of asparagus, never a feather.

loth. For stings. Do not flinch if stung. Scrape
the sting out with a knife or finger nail, pinch the
wound and apply soda, hartshorn, or whatever
alkali is found best by the particular party.

^VholesaIe Death of Honey Bees.

R. F. Criley, residing at Isabella station, Wil-
mington and Reading railroad, was the owner of
six large hives of bees that stored a great deal of
honey last year, but at present he is fearful he will
lose his entire bee family. Those in two hives are
already dead, and all the others are in a dying con-
dition. Hesaysthathe had not taken any honey
from them since last spring, and the hives are full
of honey, showing that tliey are not starving. He
took the combs out of one hive and examined them,
without finding a single worm or indications of any-
thing else being wronir. There were 18 combs 11
inches wide, filled with honey, but all the bees were
dead. The bees are in patent hives against the
southern side of a board fence and protected from
the northern winds, occupying the same location
they did a year ago and flourished exceedingly well.
The cause of the death of the bee is unknown.

LITERARY NOTICES.

Thirty-two impekial quarto pages weekly, (8
of which are BU|iplemeutary) constitute the super-
ficies of the Af/ricultural Gazette, "an illustrated
journal for land-owners and tenant farmers," publish-
ed at No. 7 Catharine street, Covent Garden, Lon-
don, England, by Alexander K. Bruce. Printed on
faintly buff tinted paper of superior quality, and re-
markably well finished and plainly impressed type.
Its "make up" is very x-ompact, its contents of a
superior quality and of a diversified scope ; in short,
it is a perfect vadc raecum to the agriculturist and
rural economist. It contains valuable weekly market
reports ; discussions of farmers' clubs and societies ;
weather diagrams; tabulated statistics; synoptic par-
liamentary proceedings, in addition to the usual
matter found in agricultural papers ; and last , not
least, each number contains nearly one hundred ad-
verlisemeuts from five lines to a whole column. We
are intensely American — ftom the heels of our boots
to the crown of our hat — and we have always reposed
the greatest faith in "Yankee Doodle;" but such
spectacular manifestations as The Agricultural Ga-
zette, The London Times, and especially our visits to
our late Centennial and Internat onal Exposition, ad-
monish us that our country does not occupy — either
physically or intellectually — the whole of the largest
circle which can be drawn within a square, and all
other parts of the world only the outside corners.
And in the spirit of this metaphor we are in sympathy
with the editor of the Gazette in his strictures on the
Queen's speech, which practically includes all other
interests of her realm within a similar circle, and
pushes the interests of agriculture out into the corn-
ers, if she recognizes them at all. We are much in
the same category on this side of the water.

The following from the supplement of the Gazette,
taken from the Irish Favnier, on "American Beef,"
will be good news to our countrymen who are inter-
ested in the exportation of that article of commerce:

"The first supply of American beef, 60 quarters,
equal to 1.5 live beasts, direct from shippers, Messrs.
Bell t& Sons, Glasgow, arrived in Dublin, per Duke of
Argyle, on 'Tuesday, at the North Wall, and was im-
mediately conveyed to the appointed agents, Messrs.
Tieman & Hogan, 41 Talbot street, Dublin, and was
at once disposed of by this eminent firm by public
auction to the vitualing trade. The following were
the principal purchasers : Messrs. Case,' Bruton,
Dunne, Byrne, Moouey, Daly, Lawler, O'Loughlin,
and others. Competition was spirited — forcquarters
realizing from 5% to 6!,id. per ft.; hindquarters 8 to
S%i. per lb. The quality was rich and good, the

meat in good preservation, remarkably well killed,
and perfectly free from discoloration and smell."

The farming population that can sustain such a
journal as the Agricultural Gazette, must be more
than ordinarily a reading people; therefore, what-
ever progress we may be making on this side of the
Atlantic, in the establishment of public schools, and
the diffusion of knowledge, we may find that they
are keeping pace with us in the old world. They
probably have not as 7iany readers as we have, in
proportion to the population, but there may be more
of that practical "John Bull" solidity about their
reading than we possess. If we permitted ourselves
to descend to selfishness, we might envy the Gazette
its liberal advertising patronage. If any of our read-
ers desire to patronize a foreign journal, in addition
to their own local paper, we commend to them the
Agricultural Gazette, as one that would be likely to
realize all their expectations, and would cost them
less than $3.00 per year.

Arithmetic made east. Ropp's Easy Calcula-
tor is a new publication that must prove of incalcu-
lablebenefit to farmers, mechanics and business men.
It is so rapid and origiyial as to startle the most schol-
arly, and yet so simple and practical that the most
illiterate in figures can instantaneously become his
own accountant. It enables thousands to accom2}lish
in a minute what they could not learn to calculate
in many months.

The first part contains an entirely neiv system of
tables which show at a glance the exact value of all
kinds of grain, stock, hay, coal, lumber, merchan-
dise, etc., from one pound to a ear load, and for any
price that the market is likely to reach; the interest
on any sura for any time at 6, 7, 8 and 10 per cent.;
correct measurement of all kinds of lumber, saw
logs, cisterns, tanks, granaries, bins, wagon beds,
corn cribs, time, wages and many other valuable
tables.

The second part is a practical arithmetic and em-
bodies a simple mathematical principle which ena-
bles any one familiar with the fundamental rules to
become a lightnin.g calculator; and by which over
tieo-thirds of the figures and labor required by the
ordinary methods, and fractious with their intrica-
cies, are entirely avoided.

The work is nicely printed on fine tinted paper,
is well and elegantly bound in pocket-book shape and
is accompanied by a silicate slate, memorandum and
pocket for papers. It is by far the most complete,
comprehensive and convenient pocket manual ever
published. Prices : bound in Russia leather, gilded,
¥-.00; morocco, §1.50; fine English cloth, |1.00

The American Farmer for February, 1877, a royal
octavo of 32 pages, published by Samuel Sands &
Son, No. 9 North street, Baltimore, Md., at $1..50 a
year. This excellent agricultural journal was estab-
lished in 1819, hence it is now in its 58th year, ripe in
years, ripe in agricultural literature, and ripe in gen-
eral usefulness ; and from the fact that the number
before us has '1\ pages of advertising matter in it, we
may infer that its status as a circulating medium,
and a diffuser of useful knowledge is appreciated and
fully recognized. We in Lancaster county shake
hands with "My Marj'land" across ".Mason and
Dixon's line," and also, because personally those dear
to us by the ties of blood are domiciled within its bor-
ders, it seems nearer than other States. This jour-
nal is exceedingly well conducted, able in its com-
position and compact in its " make up," containing
more that s really useful, and condensed n a smaller
space, than is given by any of our exchanges.

Our Exchanges, among which are such standard
pub ications as the American Agriculturist, the Na-
tional Line Stock Journal, the Gardeuer^s ^funthly,
the Catiada Farmer, the Sanitarian, the Penn Month-
ly, the Lau'S of Life, the Herald of Health, the Kansas
Farmer, l\\Q Semi- Tropical, the Bee-Keepers' Maga-
zine, the Practical Farmer, Wallace's Monthly, and a
number of others for 1877 — and all entitled to a more
special notice — regularly appear on our table, and to
whom we can now only extend a general greeting.
Here they are all around us, and seem like old friends.
They are all well known to the reading public — all
worthy of support, and none of them need our com-
mendations to entitle them to recognition. Of them
in detail anon.

An Essay on New South Wales, the mother-
colony of the Australia, by G. H. Reid, Honorary
Member of the Cobden Club. A royal octavo of 171
pages, with many maps and charts. Those intending
to visit New South Wales, Sidney City, or any of its
settlements, would do well to consult both of these
volumes, especially as recent inducements have been
held out to those who desire to migrate to that
country, on account of the demand for laborers.

We call the attention of the readers of the
"Farmer" to the the advertisement of "Bufi'alo Ferti-
lizer Co., in another column. Their claim to make
" Honest Fertilizers" is well established, and no one
who deals with them or gives their article a fair
trial will be disappointed or dissatisfied.

Hepoetof the Railways of New South Wales,
their construction and working from 1^73 to 1875 ; a
fine volume of 1^8 pages, full of statisticals and maps,
and 8'j by 19'^ in size, by John Rea, A. .M., Com-
missioner of Kailways, presented to Parliament by.
command, Sidney, i»76.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

Ill

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HARDWARE,

tH.AHS,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TEREA com, IRON and LEABPIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,

SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Agents Tor tbe

^' Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer,
Whann's Phosphate,
I Fairbank's Scales.
Dupont's Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, &c., &o.

We have the Inrgeet stock of general Hardware Id the
State, ntid our prices ar« as loir and terms aa liberal as can
"be found el8( where. 9-1-tf.

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

Stockiflp, SflspeMers, HaaflkercMefs,

liftnpn and Pnper I'ollHrs an'l CnfiH

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

E. J. EEISHAH'S.
No.- no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Hotel.

i 9-i-iy

J. STAUFFER,

T » t f t » t-

I.

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877
CI-OXHS,

CASSIMERES,

COATINOS, ■WOnSTERDS,

VESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Ohiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, aliiped and diiiRonal.for Spring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailorlntf and ClotUlnR Stoioof

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Established in the year 1840),

Corner of North Queen and Orange-Sts.,
LANCASTER, PA.

Extra fluiahcd and trimmed. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOTS,

and clothing out or made to order in the moat eatiafactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' KURNISHINQ GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ly PracUcnl Tailors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MAMUKACTHRER OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

N.ADDLKK.

COLLARS, WHIPS, <fec.,

ALSO DKAI.EU IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO KOBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-t-ly LANCASTER, PA.

LANCASTER, fENN'A.
235 EAST ORANGE ST

All matters HrrertaininR to UNITED STATES or CANA-
DIAN PATENTS. TUADE MARKS, and COPYUIOHTH.

pronivtly attended to. Ilia exjerience, Buccefis ii d faithful
ateiition to the interests of those who engage bis servicea
are fully i:cknowledgod and appreciated.

Preliminary examinations niude for him by & reliable Ab
cistnnt at »v'iiBhingtoti, without extra charge for drawing
i.r dtj-criiitioii. [9-1-tf

WANTED IMMEDIATELY

y y ~1 Young Men nnd Women to learn Ti^LE- X
GUAPHY. Situations guaranteed. Salary while
practicing, AddresR. with stam]'. Nhorinnn
TolHcrni*!! <"<».. Ohcrlin. Ohio. 8 9-6t

E. IT. FEESKMAN &. BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are aathorizi*(l lo ronCract Tor ndvertislnic
iu this paper.

Estimates fnmlslied free. Send (or a Cucnlar.

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. O. RH0AD3.

ECONOMY I HI FERTILIZERS I

HOMHAEE CHl^MICAL MANHRES,

The uio»t Effective nnd ChoapeHt.

Buy reliable Chemicals and make your own Fertilizers
AT HOME. Write for circular, giving full information on
thi8 subject.

We make, or import, all kinds of Eertiliziug Chemicals,
Including :
Oil »f VHrol, DisHolved Bones,

<Jrniin<l Bones, I.and J»l«ster,

HnlpliHte or Polasli, Nisrute of so<ln,
Attrirnltural Snll, SulpSiale of Ammonia,
Muriutool Potiisii, Bonv « liareoul,
SulpliHte of Soda, Snlplmtc of ina^ncsla.

Address HARRISON BROS. & CO.,

105 South Front Street, rJtitnttrlphia.

Established as M luufaoturers of Fertilizing Chemicals
In 1793. 9-l-'2m

My annual Cataln^nio of Vegetable and Flower Seed for
1877 will tii* reridy by Janu;iry,and pent /rre to all who ap-
l>ly. CustomoiH of last ae;:fl.;u need not write for it. I offer
one of the 1 irgeRt collection/i of vegetable seed ever sent out
by any seed house In America, a large portion of which
were gr-wn on my six ceed farms. Printed direction* /or
cultivation on ever;/ package. Ail seed sold from my catab-
liahment warranted to be both fresh and true to name; so
far, that should it prove otherwise. I will jeflU the order
gratis. As the original introducer of the Hubbard and
Marblehead Sqnushep, the Marblehead Cabbages, and a
score of oitier new veKOtsbles, I invite the patronage of alt
who are anxious to have their sced/t freth, true, and of the
T-cry beat strain. Nfw vkoktadleb a Specialty.
8-U 5t] JAMKS J. H. OUEGORY, Marblehead. Mass.

n day at Home. Agents wanted. Outfit and
terms free. TBUK 4 CO., Augusta, Maine. [8-3-ly

$12

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wholesale and Retail Dealera Id

EUMONDS, WATCHES, JEf ELRY,

SILVEEWAEE, SFECTACLES,

EroBses. Clocks and Watcliniakers' Material:.

Jobbers in Amei^ican Watches.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injporlations iij -Foreign Goods.

9-1 -ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

ABE PLANTED BY A MILLION PKOPLE IN AMKBXCA. 8««

Vick's Catalogue— 300 Illuilrationa, only 2 ceata.
7 Viclis Floral Guide, Quniterly, 25 ceuta a year.

Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden, 60 cents; with
elegant cloth love.ip, $1.00.

All my I ublications are pi-inted in Enplish and German,
Adarcss, JAMES VICK, Rocbestor, N. Y.

9-2-lt

SPOONS and FORKS.

BUY DIRECT

OfMannfacturers, at Wliol«>snlo I'rlces. Made

of Steel, jilatcd with while Alabala Metal. They will wear
like silver and list ton years. Six Tcoai ooua, 4«P. ; Six
Tablespoons, 60c,: Sii Table Fork.^, 7«c. By mail on
receipt of price. Olive, Oval and Tipped patterns. Sample*
and terms to Grangers or Pi-.troiis. 5nc.
8-12-2t) ELECTRO PLATE CO., Northford, Conn.

FARMS

For Sale Knn^•inl,- frnni 2<> to r,UU Aere».
Apply to t. MAI..OniE, Salisbury, Md-

9-1 -at

■ SEEDS.

Our
Combined

CATALOGUE .sn.

EVERYTHING

l-OU THE

e ABBE If

Nnmberiog 175 pages, with Colored Plate,

SENT FREE

ZZ To our customeraof past ye;iie. aij.l to all parchaaer*
H of ottr books, (-ilhor

W Gardening for Profit, Practical Floriculture,
W Qj. Gardening for Pleasure,

(Price $1.50 each, prepaid by mail,)

To others on recei]>t of 26c.
IMaln Plant or Seed Catalogues without pl«t«, free

to all.

Sfedamrn, Market (innlnu-r.i ami Fluri.ils,

35 Cortiandt St , New York.

i^i^^^Bl PLANTS. I

»-l-3t

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER,

[ February, 1877.

LADIES!

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

I4TORE,

A NEW LOT QF

HAMBDEGEMBROIDEEEI) EDGINGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT TEE VERT LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid GIoTes,

:E3:osiE3:E=L^sr,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CRA.PB VKIX.S.

CEAPE BONNETS & HATS,

KUCHINGS,
all etjrlea and widths, and cTerythiDg elae in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WSAS,
that ia good, deairable and cheap.
Give ns a call at

los. 142 & 144 North Qnfen-st, Lancaster., Fa.

9-1 -ly

DON'T FAIL TO

USE THE

Buffalo Honest Fertilizers

ON ALL SPBING CKOPS.
Ammoniated Bone Super Phosphate,'

AND

PURE GROUND BONES.

The purity of these goods ib griarauteed, and their stand-
ard proved by regular aui,ly6J8 of Prof. G. A. Liebig of
Baltimore, and other emiijeut chemi8*'8.

Highest Premium and Medal of Honor
awarded by tlie <'enfeiiuiat <'oinmi«»Kfon of
Ihe International Ksposition. I'liiia., 1876.

Send for new Spring Circular, containing full directions
and Testimonials.
9-2-3t.] Office 252 Washington St., Buffalo, N Y,

RATHVON & STAIR,

DEALEKS IN

DRY ■ GOODS

NOTIONS,
Ko. 163 LOCUST STEEET,

COLUMBIA, "PA.

(JJCf" ± . C^n^ ^ Wiek to Agdit^. $10 OutAt Free.

P. O. VICKERY, Augusta, Maine,

AMOSMILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MAKUFACTUBBE OF AND DEALER IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

Bridles, Whips, &c. Alec a fine lot of Ti units. Valises,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Kobes,

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.

»-l-ly

FRESH AND RELIABLE

-pjlLOWli:!* SEEDS— all imported from the best and most celebrated
fi French Gro'wers.

"VT^EGETABLE SEEDS — the best and most desirable varieties —
V both imported and grow^n.

■ jlIELD SEEDS— 6 packages free as samples for two 3-cent stamfiB. i
Jji Trees, Plants, Implements, &c.

OUR NEW CATALOGUE of the above, ready January Ist, will be mailed iiost free .o all applicants.

ibjmOOImEU IaIvk stock.

Our elegant new Catalogue is just out— Prioe, «0 coixts. It contains 48 large
octavo double column pages, besides separate pages of cuts from life of ->ur finest imported
and prize stock. Every farmer should have it.

Addbesb

BENSON & BURP££,

223 Church St., Philadelphia, Pa.

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to all Hpplj-

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r i-rjpt of 25 ct8.

This is one of the

.nrgest CAT1L0€IJEB

piibl itched, contnitiH

Ml>out 2.W pu^es, over

0 fine engravings, two

^ ...^BTint colored plates, and

■ gives full descriptiona, prices

r and directioDB for pliuiting

over ISW v:»ri»'tieB of Vegetalile

' and Flower Seeds, Bedding PluntB,

UoRe», Slz., and te invaluahte to

.rnier. Gardener & Florist. Address,

D. M. FERBY & CO., Detroit, Uich.
Our AbriJjfJ Priced Calalofni FREE to ill AppIianU.

FZMFZiBS.

I will mail (Free) the receipt for preparing a simple Veg-
etable Balm (bat will remove Tan, Freckles, PIMl LES
and BLOTCHES, leaving the siin soft, clear and beautiful-
also instructions for producing a luxurijnt growth of hair
on a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vaudelf &
Co., Box 5P.il, No. 6 Wooster St., N. Y. ,[9-l-6m

FOUR BRAND PRIZE MEDALS AWARDED DDR
EXHIBIT AT THE CENTENNIAL.

Bliss's Illustrated Seed CnialoBue and
Aiiiatenr's Guide to the Flower and Kitchen

Garden. 200 pasres, including: several hundred
finely executed enKrav-inps, and a beantiialiy
colored Litlioernph. 33 Cents.

Bliss's Illnstrated Gnrdenei-'s Almanac
and Abridueil Cntnlosnie. ISBi.aws. Embraces
a Monthly Calendar f.f Oierat'oiis. and a Price List
of all the leading Gnrden, Field and Flower
Seeds, profusely illustrated, with brief directions
for their culture. 10 Cents.

Bliss's llliistrnted Potato Catalotiie con-
tains alist of SOO Varieties, and niudi useful infor-
mation upon their cultivation, 1 0 Cents.

Regular ctt»tcmers supplied gratis. Address
P. O. Box. B. K. BLISS At SONS,
No. 5712. 54 Barclay St., New York.
9-1 -2t

ESTABLISHED 18S2.

G. yKNlHjK & SOISTS,

Mauufaciurere and dealers in all kiuds of rough and
fitiisbed

The best Sawed SIII ^ <JI..ES iu the country. Also Sash,
D'loip, Bliiide, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, wh'ch are far superior to any
other. Also btet 4'OAI. constantly on hand.

OFFirE AND YARD :

Northeast Comer of Prince and Walniit-8ts.t

9-l-ly

I

Q 'V/aQT' /To mibscrlbera in
cl I Cal \ the county.

SZITGLE COPIES 10 CENTS.

To BQbioiibera

tb« coum

',;°""} $1.28.

Prot S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, MARCH 15, 1877.

LI1T1T2;U3 BATHVOH, Publisher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

{l|e ^umin

fmm

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Hftde a proruiiieut feature, with special reference to the
wante of the Farmer, the Qardeuer and Kruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited ty Prof. S. S. EATHYON.

The Lanoahtbu Farmkb haviug completed its eighth
year uuder variouD vicifieitudee, now cjramences its Dinth
Tolome under, it ie hoped, more favorable auHpicee thuu
atteuded itB former voluniea. Wheu the publiehere of the
last two volumes assumed the respoueibilitiea of its publi-
oatlon, it was with a determiuatiou to make such improve-
ments as would pluce the farmer's organ of this great agri-
Goltural county In the very front rouk of agric\iltural jour-
nabsm. That this has been accumpliehed we think our
readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reason, bly siis-
tained, our aim is to make it still more interesting and in-
structive under Is new pioprietorsbip. In this, however,
. we need the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rath von, on
■ubjectB connected with the science of farming, and partic-
ularly that specialty of which he is so thoroughly a master —
entomologicil 8cience--Bomo knowledge of which has become
a necessity to the Kuccessful fanner, are alone worth much
more than the price of thiH publicatiou.

Ths Farmeb will be pubWehed on the 15th of every
month, printed ou good i)aper with clear type, in con-
venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to sub-
scribers on the foj^wing

TERMS:

To subscribers revidlng within the county —
One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - - - - . _ 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. ------- ^,50

To subscrilrijrs otitside of Lancaster county, including
postage pre-paid by the publishers:

One Copy, one year, - - - - . . $1.35

Five Copies, one year, - - - - _ . 5.00

All subscriptions will commenoe with the January num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

All commuuicatiuuB iuteuded for pnblioation should be
addressed to the F.ditor, and, to secure iusortiou, should be
in his hands by the first of the month of publication.

All business letters, containing subscriptions and adver-
tiseuieuts, should be addressed to the publisher.

LINN^US RATHVON,

32 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

RATES OF AnVERTISING — Ten Cents n
line for eacb insertion. Twelve line* to the Inoh

The Country, - 33

Blue Glass, .33

Hell's Ten Acres, 33

Sentimentalism, ---.-. .S3

Coldslaw, 33

A Momentous Question, - - ... 33

" Varmints," 84

Lettuce. Lactuca Sativa, .... 35

Ants and Ant-Eaters, - - - - . - 35

Cultivation of Chiccory. J. Stauppbb. . 36

"Collier," - . - 37

The Tobacco Worm, 37

"Game Fowls," 39

The Wild Turkey, 89

Hay for Hens, ------- 39

Insects as Food, --.-.. 40

Jottings Suggested by a Circular. A. B. K. - 41

Very Curious Experiments, . - - - 41
The Sick aud ttic Alllictcd (;ured— A Great Bless-
ing Conferred u]jou the fiumiiu Family without
Cost— Blue and Sun LighU — Cast a Blue Ray of
Light — Blue LighL uiuin Animals — Various Sick
Persons — Wife of a Philadeliihia Physician —
Two Major Generals — Violent Hemorrhage of
the Luugs-'SaviDgthe D^inghter's Life— Hope for
the Bald-Headed — Gen. Pleasonton's Explana-
tion— Newtoniun Theory of Gravitation — Who-
ever Desires to Eii-erimeut — A Step in Advance.

Golden Rules for Bee-Keeping, - - - . 43

Our Local Organizations, - - - - 43
Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricultural
and Horticultural Society.

AGRICULTURAL.

Minnesota Wheat and Flour, - - - - 44

Harrowing Wheat in Spring, - - - . 45
Corn Fodder, -.---.-45

Saving Manure, --...- 45
Valuable Cows, --.-..-45

HORTICULTURAL.

Early Spring Salads, - .... 45

Bottle Grafting, - 45

The Thurber Peach, ..... 45

Celery, --46

Tobacco, --------46

Planting and Care of Trees, - - - - 4<i

Tree Planting in Minnesota, - - - - 4(3

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
Farm Sacks over Sixty Years Old and in Constant

Use Still Doing Good Service. E. L. K. - 46

Facts Worth Hemembering, - - - - 46
Perfected Butter Color, - - - - -Hi

Vienna Bread and ColTee, - - . - 47

Fruit ae a Medicine, ----.. 47

Bitter Cream, - - . ... - 47

THE POULTRY YARD.

Food for Fowls, 47

Feeding Fowls, ...... 47

The Pekin Ducks as Layers, - . - .47

Fattening Poultry, 47

LIVE STOCK.

Care of Dairy Cows, - - - . - - 48

Leading a Colt, ---... 48

Value of Roots for Stalks, 4s

A Queer Calf, 48

Domesticating the Buffalo, - . - - 4S

Rearing Lambs by Hand, .... 48

Keep Good Cows, -.--.. 48

Literary and Personal, ----- 48

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RATHVON & STAIR,

DEALERS IN

DRY GOODS

NOTIONS,
No. 163 LOCUST STREET,

COLUMBIA, PA.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

Rat«a «»f Advertising: In the Farmer.

1 mo....

2 mo....

3 mo

4 mo....
e mo....

5 mo....
1 year .

1 iu. [

Sin.

4iu.

5 in.

$1.00'$ 2.00

$ 3.00

$ 4.00

$ 6.00

2 00 4.00

6.00

8.00

12.00

2.50

4.51)

6.75

10.00

13. ,".0

3.00

6.00

9.00

12.00

18 00

4.50

9.00

13.60

18.00

27.00

6.00

li.OO

18.00

24.00

36 01

9.00

18.00

27 CO

36.00

64.00

iiu.

S 8.00
16.00
IS. 00
24.00
36.00
48.00
72 00

tt^~S>»ecial and^busineea notices 15 cents per line.

lENNSYLVANIA RA

Trains leave the Depot

WE TWAHD.

Pacific ExpresB"

"Way Passengert

Niagara Esprees

York Accommodation, ...

Mail train via Mt. Joy

No. 2 via Columbia

Sunday Mail *. . .

Fast Line* .

Frederick Accommodation.

Harrisburg Accom

Columbia Acconjmodation..

Harrisburg Express

Pittsburg Express

Cincinnati Express"

EASTWARD.

Atlantic Express*

Philadelphia Expresst

Harrisburg Express

Columbia Accommodation,.

Pacific Express*

SuDd:iy Mail

Johnstown Express

Harrisburg Accom

II.ROAD SCHEDUJLi:.

in this city, as follows :

Leave Arrive

Lancaster. Harrisburg.

2:40 a. m. * 4:0S a. m.

4:50 a. m. 7:50 a. m.

9.35 a. m. 10:40 a. m.

9:40 a. m. Col. 10:10 a. m.

11:20 a. m. 1:00 p. m.

11:20 a. m. 1:20 p. m.

11:29 a.m. 1:30 p. m.

1:55 p. m. 3:10 p. m.

2:00 p.m. Col. 2:35 p.m.

6:10 p. m. 8:10 p. m.

7:20 p. m. 8:00 p. m.

7:25 p. m. 8:40 p. m.

9:25 p. m. 10:.'i0 p. m.

11:30 p.m. 12:45 a. m.

Lancaster. Philadelphia.
12:40 a. m. 3:10 a. m.

4:10 a. m. 7:00 a. m.

7:35 a. m. 10:00 a. m.
9.2S a. m. 12:30 p. m.

1:20 p. m. 3:45 p. m.

2:00 p. m. 5:00 p. m.

3:05 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

5:50 p. m. 9:00 p. m.

The York Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster
■with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas-
ter with Fast Line, west, at 1:55 p. m., and runs through to
Frederick without change of cars.

The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will
Stop at Middletowii, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis-
ville.
*The only trains which run daily,
tRuns daily, except Monday.

Fruit and Ornamental Trees,

Tines, Plants, Bulbs, Roses, Honey Locust and Osage
Orange, very fine

APPLE, PEACH, PEAR AND CHERRY TREES,

A splendid lot of
SILVER AND J»II«AR MAPI.ES

for shade trees. Fiue Eveegbeen and Shrubbebt.
Address H. M. ElyGLE •& SON,

9-l-2m. Marietta, Pa.

SIGN OF THE

BOOKS, i^TATIONKRY,

Gold Pens, Fancy Goods, School, College, Law, Theological,
Medical and Miscellaneous Boohs. Subscriptions for all

PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES AND PAPERS

at Publishers prices.

J. M. WK.STHAFFFER,

9-l-2m 57 North Queen Street.

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUBEtt OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS FRENCH KID BOOTS

FOR FOU

©ENTI^EMEN. LADIES.

No. 36 West King Street,
LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.
9-l-ly

TO COlTSrMPTIVES.

The advertiser having been permanently cured of that
dread disease, Coiisuni] tiou, by a fimjile remedy, is anxious
to make linowu to his fellow sufferers tUc menuH of cure.
To all who de.sire it, he will send a copy of the prescription
need, (free of charge), with the directions for preparing and
tisitig the same, which they will find a bube Cuke for Con-
sumption, Asthma, Br(inchitik, &c.

Parties wishing the preBcri]itiou will please address,

Rev. E. A. WILSON, 194 Peiiu St., Williamsburg, N. Y,
9-1 -'Im ]

i^ilS^iF^ Broom -Corn,

A uew vaiiety, ijcver pete red. l.oiit,', straighf, aud free
frcm curl. Kireiis early, yields better, and will bring ;j
more thau any utberkiud. By mail. 5^0 per qt.; by exfiress,
11.50 1 er lef-k; S4 lier bushel. Address SAMDEL WILSON.
Mechanicsville, Bucks Co., Pa. [9-l-3t

BRRORS OF YOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who suffeied for years from Nervous
Debility. Premature Decay, and all the effects of youth-
ful indiscretion will, for the sake of suffering humanity,
send free to all who need it, the rrceipt and direction for
making the simple remedy by which he was cured. Suffer-
ers wishing to profit by the adveitiser's experience can do
BO by addressing in perfect contidence,
«-l-€mj JOHN B. OQDEN, 42 Cedar St., New York.

1760. ESTABL'iiSHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDIl^G HARDWAEE,

M'LXHS,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TEEEA com, ISONaM LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,

SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Ag^ents for tbc

" Ohio " Reaper and Mo"wer,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Powder,
Harrisburg Nails. &c., &o.

We have the largest stock of general Hardware in the
State, and our prices ar*; as !ow and terms as liberal as can
be found elsewhere. 9-1-tf .

S £2

D S

FIELD, GARDEN, FLOWER

EAND BIRD SEEDS, Bf

Herd, Orchard, Green and Blue Grass, Flax, g^^
HuuKarian,

CLOVER and TIMOTHY.

Also, GRASS SEED MIXTURE, for Lawns and
I Grass Plots,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL,
BT

E

2D W. D. SPRECHER&SOn. 23

No. 31 East Kiiig-st., I.nncastei', Fa.

9-S-2m

S £2 E D S

FOOR GRAND PRIZE MEDALS AV^ARDED OUR
EXHIBIT AT THE CENTENNIAL.

Bliss's Illnstrnted Sn-<"d Cnlnlosiie and
AinHteur'a Guide to the Flower and Kitchen
Garden. 200 imj.'es, includinif several hiindrpa
finely exoentcd euf.-ravinK^. and a beautilully
colored Litliocrnpli. 33 Cents.

niias's Illii'lrnted Gardener's Alinnnnc
and Abrlileed Cnlnloirne. ISUiaKec Enibracoa
aM'inthly Calendar 'f Oi erat'TP. nnda Prire LiEl
nf all the leadinp Gnrilen, Field and Flower
Heeds, profusely illustrated, with brief directions
for their culture. 10 Cents. *

niixs's lllnstrnted Potnto Cntnloene con-
tains aliet of nOO Varieties, and mii'h useful infor-
mation upon tlieir cultivation, 10 <!ents,

licoular customers suvplicd oralis. AddresB
P. O. Box, B, K. BI,1SS & SONS,

No. S713. S4 Barclay Ht., New Vork.

9-l-2t

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

,THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCK
JOURNAL,

Publisbcd at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THIS GREAT MONTHLYis univereallyaoknowl-
ledged to be without a rival in its department of
Journahem. Each number contains 48 large pages,
three columns to the page, itith a handsome cover,
and is Beautilully Illustrated with elegant double-
plate engravings. It is the only paper in the world
devoted exclusively to live-stock and the dairy. It
discusses the science of breeding, the merits of the
various breeds, the most ai3i>roved methods of feed-
ing and handling, and everything j attaining to the
successful management of livestock on the farm.
During the year 1877, Prof. James Law, the eminent
veterinary of Cirnell University, ^^-ill contribute a
series of articles upon llie lnwsof health aud disease
as applied to Domestic Animals, that cannot fail to
be of great value to Fanners aud Stock Breeders
every where. It contains separate Departmenta,
devoted to HOUSES, CATTLE, SHEEP,SWINE and
the DAIUT, sud its corps of editors are recognized
throughout the entire country as the Most Thor-
ough, Able and Practical writers in the separate
departments, that ciii be found in America. No ex-
pense is ST ared ou the ]>art of its publishers, to
make it a hiijh-ton^d , reliable, practical and iustrjic-
tive Journal, just such as every intelligent farmer
aud stock breeder will find worth ten times its cost
each year.

TERMS. — Single copies, one year, postage paid,
$2.15; Clubs of five, postage paid, .*Jl-00 ; Clubs •
of ten, with au extra copy free to person making up
club, postage pre-jiaid, §1.05. Handmmely Illus-
trated postern mailed to all who will get up clubs. Ad-
dress It Iters, registering those containing money,
unless iti shape of Postal Order or Draft, to

STOCK JOURNAL COMPANY, Publishers.

Likeside Building. CHICAGO, ILLS.
tySKND 20 Cents fob Specimen Copt. [9-3-3m

A CpVASSER WpTED

IN

EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY

TO TAKE

SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

FiRHEIL

Farmers' Sons and other

Young Men during their

leisure hours

CAN MAKE

GOOD WAGES,

i

We want a thorough canvass of every

district, and will pay canvassers

liberally.

Address,

L. HATHVOIT, Publisher,

I<ANCAST£R, PA.

I

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA.. MARCH, 1877.

W.. IX. No. 3.

THE COUNTRY.

The "lonpt ngonj" tliat lias a;;itateJ the po-
litical inti'icsts of this cipuntiy ever since tlie
Presitleiilial noiiiiiiatioiis, is now over, and
although the result may not be satisfactory
to all of the people — anil perhajis never will
I be— yet, under all the eileunistances, events
I may have been permitted ti> transiiire, that in
I the end will be overruled for good. Indeed,
j the seeming end that has been Ihially altain-
I ed, attests that, aside from all bombast or na-
I tional egotism, ours is an extraordinary coun-
try, and we an extraordinary people; and
forcibly illustrates that ''the race is not al-
ways to theswift, nor the battle to the strong. "
Peradventure. it is written, that ''Evil shall
slay the wicked;" tlierefore let those who
have done the evil "stand from under," for
surely in all that relates to the moial welfare of
the human family, llure is One whose will will
ultimately "brinn ii to pass." The nation
requires and desires tran(iuillity, and whether
or not that is too dearly iiurchasid, is not onrs
to judge, but must now be committed to the
wisdom of i/mi who alone can see the end
from the beginning, and under whose benign
government it is almost daily demonstrated
among men, that "thus far shalt thou go but
no farther."

We must be an extraordinary people, for in
no nation on earth, where the people are politi-
cally so nearly equally'divided in numbers, in
power, in wealth, and in intelligence, couUi
such a transition have been effected as that
which has recently characterized our people,
without a terrible and bloody war.

Through our centennial exultation and our
political fervor, we have been in somi- measure
divertedfromthesuffering interests which have
surrounded us for the past two years or more,
and which can never prosper, save under the
auspices of peace, conlidence and tranquillity.
Farming interests have not been aliected to
the same extent as mechanics, day-laborers,
professionals, and those who depend upon the
patronage of these classes ; but still, to a
greater or less extent, their prices and their
profits have diminished, whilst their labors
have been the same as in prosperous times.
This is ii further illustration of the importance
of farming as a fundamental factor in the
constitution of society. Men, by stringent
necessity, may effect a sort of compromise with
their heads, their bodies, their feet, and even
with their minds, but it is impossible for them
to do so, except to a very limited extent, with
their stomachs, withoutsubjecting themselves
to disease, to sutlering and to sorrow, if not to
absolute starvation.

The farmers are the feeders of the civilized
world, and in a country where " general peace,
general iilenty, and general satisfaction"
reign, there is little danger of "war, jiesti-
lence and famine. " These are all more or less
within the province of the farmer's occupa-
tion, and he could entirely control them for
good, if he made the same effort to enlarge
his mind that many other professions do.
Still, take him as he is, he is none the less
" the bone and sinew of the country," as well
as the great civilizer of the race, the hope of
the State, and " the bulwark of the nation."
In carrying out his mission on earth, all he
asks is, "itf us /uirf peace."

BLUE GLASS.
We publish on i age 41. a paper on the
theories and experiments with "Hlue Glass,"
which is going the " rounds" of the public
press, not because we endor-se it, for in good
"troth" we know little or nothing about it—
but because the attention of the public is more
or less directed towards it, and because the
author or discoverer of this phenomenon

nuikes his statements with so much confidence,
and the Source of the doctrine is so intelligent
and respectable, that we feel compelled to i;ive
him a hearing. Jloreover, we sincerely be-
lieve that there are occasions when there is
wisdiim in "going behind the returns, " and
deciding the merits of the case upon fviWoi'f,
whatevermay bi; the linal result. If the thing
is based on J'wt, that fict will be linally ulii-
niated ; if upon /'iHcy, that fancy will be
eventually di.ssipaied. Already a deniaud for
bliie glass has been excited, and the trade in
it so far stimulated as to encourage the manu-
facture of it in this country ; and our manu-
facturers are already able to successfully com-
pete with those of France and England, where
it had been heretofore suppo.sed it ccmld only
be produced. But su|)pose it does (inally turn
out to be imaginary, the objects subjected to it
as a remedy for tliecure of existing evils, can-
[lot be worse off than the horse whose owner
placed green spectacles over his eyes and fed
him pine shavings, which he ate and imagined
to be corn-fodder, and throve upon it just, the
same as if it had been real tbdder, and in
which he by no means stood alone, but had
his sympathizers in the human family.

HELL'S TEN ACRES.

There is a locality in Breckinridge county,
near the Hardin line, containing some eight
or ten acres, in which no animal can live any
length of time, owing to the strong miasma.
A short time since, the owner of the ground
undertook to clear it, and with his son pro-
ceeded to the work. The sun was overcome,
and it was with dilficulty that the father, af-
fected as he was, could get himself and son
out. A calf was turned into the place, and
soon after he died. There is nothing in the
looks of the place or the smell of the atmos-
phere to indicate the deadly miasma hover-
ing over it. All the above is amply vouched
for in every particular.— £h'2ai/e£/ilou;n (Ky.)
JSTcws.

"Is that so ?" "We would like to hear some-
body from "Breckinridge," or the "Hardin
line," speak up on the Subject. In our boy-
hood we had read— and lor many years there-
after believed— the wonderi'ul account of the
celebrated "Bohon Upas" tree, in a certain
valley in the Island of Java, which had a fatal
effect upon any living thing that ventured
into it ; but sub.sequent accounts have gone
very far towards exploding the theory of that
story altogether. That Breckinridge tract, not
only illustrates that "ten acres are enough,"
but that it is entirely too much, to be whole-
some to calves and their owners. If ever the
"Colorado Potato-beetles," and the "Rocky
Momitain Locusts," get near that region, we
would suggest the driving of them within the
territorial limits of those ten acres, as the
grandest insect trai)on the continent of North
America. We cannot say that we are very
seriously affected with incredulity, but at the
some time, before we come to fixed conclusions
on the subject, we would like to examine the
"vouchers." We n.ay be just a little demoral-
ized on this subject ; but, we still could be
more fiee in the affirmative of the question, if
we had a more satisfactory demonstration.

SENTIMENTALISMS.

A while ago a farmer in Virginia lost his
wife, and out of love for her memoiy called
his estate "Glenniary." A neighbor having
met with the same affliction, and eqlially de-
sirous of keeping before him the image of his
dear departed, followed his example, and his
farm is known by the name of "Glenhetsy."

If such an exhibition of scntimentalisin had
occurred in Lancaster county, we might have

attributed it to a waut of poetical discrimin-
ation ; but coming up from the classic ground
of the "Old Dominion," we hardly know what
ought to be said abonf il. Under any circum-
stances, we quesiinn whether the latter indi-
vidu;il was a thorougbbred /aimer— a fancy
farmer, perhaps, who had no very definite
concejition of the fitness of thinus. He may
possibly have been a relati\e of tlie famous
Mrs. Partington, if not her hopeful son
" Isaac" himself. He evidently seems to have
been affected with "romance on the brain ;"
soinelhing like the man, not versed in Scrip-
ture, who, nevertheli ss, was determined his
son should have a .Sriplure name, and there-
fore called him BcehOiub. Althnugh our text
does not .Say he was a farmer, yet, from the
fact that he iiosscssed a farm, we may legiti-
mately infer he was. "Gienmary" is a very
pretty name, but " Glenhetsy" is simply shock-
ing, and does iKjt sound halt so euphoneous as
"Betsy Glen." Afterall, "what'sin a name,"
since we know "a lose by any other name
would smell as sweet," and in a trial before a
coetic tribunal, with that precedent in evi-
dence, OlaihcUij might take a verdict without
the jury leaving the box; therefore. Hurrah
for "Gleubetsy."

COLDSLAW.

Yolks of two eggs; a tablespoonful of cream;
a small teaspoontui of mustard; a little salt;
two tables])oonfuls of vinegar. If cream is
not used, put in a small lump of butter rubbed
in a little tlour. Cut the cabbage very fine;
heat the mixture, and pour it on hot.

No doubt the foregoing would result in a
capital condiment— indeed, we knoxcil would,
for we have often tried it— all except the cold-
slaw, when it is served up hot! Why not at
once call it /lofslaw? Let shiw be its eeneric
designation, and cold or /lot its specific name.
If we must blunder on in our names of things,
let our blundering be suflicienily systematic to
leave, at least, the appearance that we are
consistent, and have a thorough knowledge of
our meaning. In fact, the term "coldslaw"
is a corruption; and although wc believe there
are a great many people who may know from
what root or roots, il has been corrupted, we
also believe there are many more who have
not that knowledge.

CnhhiKje, is said to have been first introduced
into (iermaiiy and England by the Romans,
under the name of kale, ca/f orco/e;and known
by other similar names, by different nations,
as kahl or cmcl, aial. kohl, etc., etc., and all
the varieties of Brassica now cultivated are
from that original stock, which did not pro-
duce the solid head that is now produced.

In short, our .Saxon ancestors made a salad
of it, which was called knle-solladt, and in
time perhaps by the Anglo-Saxons kohl-salladt
ovcole-saludt, which was gradually contracted
into c/)?(:-.<sa'«fJ and finally coW-s/aiJ. OfcouiBe
these names would have been the same, and
Would have had the same meaning — with their
know edge of the original composition of the
dish — whether it was hot or cold.

A MOMENTOUS QUESTION,

Whether we regard the question involvintr
the insect world in reference to the bcneJUs it
confers upon the human family— as in the pro-
duction of silk, honey, wax, galls, lac, dye
stuffs, and medicines— or in reference to the
i}ijnrifs which man directly and indirectly
sustains from the pre.sence of these pests in
preponderating numbers, as in the destruction
of our potato, tobacco, grain, fruit, tield and
garden crojis, our trees and shrubberies, we
find, on looking intelligently into the face of
it, that it is a most momentous question, and

34

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ March,

that no amount of apathy, indifference or ridi-
cule can divest it of its importance in the
sphere of domestic and rural economy. It is
the province of many people to "pooh-pooh''
the subject as one beneath their special con-
sideration. Few people are in the habit of
viewing things in their aggregates, and hence
they never form an adequate conception of
the gains or the losses which may accrue to
society through the presence or the absence of
insects. The following essay by Prof. Aughey,
of the State University of Nebraska, first pub-
lished by the State Journal, and afterwards in
the Nebraska Farmer (from the latter of which
we copy it), is so much to the point on this
subject, and so experimentally practical in its
details, that we give it entire— especially as it
also involves the question of birds and bird-
destroying agencies, in their remedial relations
to the insect world — and we ask for it a care-
ful perusal by our readers :

Our Danger and Our Remedy from Insects.
I wish to add some facts and suggestions to
what the press has been saying on the subject
of our danger from insects, and the remedy.
There can be no question about the increase
of our insect enemies. Even the chinch bug
has been increasing on the whole during the
last ten years. I saw more butterflies of the
army worm during the last summer than ever
before in our history. It only requires a
favorable season and conditions for this insect
to become a formidable foe to our agriculture.
Tree-borers are also alarmingly on the increase.
I noticed them in large numbers in ihe groves
during the last season where they were never
seen before. Many more instances of the
same kind could be given. Tlie vast numbers
of grasshoppers that occasionally sweep down
on our jilains are too familiar to need discus-
sion. It should be recollected, also, that the
amount of damages done in a year throughout
the United States by insects is not less than
four hundred miUions of dollars. IlUnois
aUme has suffered to the amount of seventy-
three millions in a single year. The poverty
and retardation of settlement in Nebraska,
produced by grasshoppers, is familiar to all.
In fact, these insect plagues bear heavily on
every one.

We do not need to go far to ascertain the
cause of this general increase of insects. The
balance of nature has been interrupted in Ne-
braska. Insects arc increasing with the de-
crease of our insectivorous^birds. This de-
crease of birds is iraced directly to the agency
of man. As a few persons deny the agency of
birds in keeping down insects, I will give a
few examples from my note book. In May
and June, 1875, I examined the stomachs of a
great many prairie chickens, which I had shot
for that purpose, to ascertain definitely the
nature of their food. No. 1 had 58 grass-
hoppers and 13 other insects in its stomach.
No. 2 had til grasshoppers and 16 other insects
and worms. No. 3 had 75 grasshoppers and
9 other insects. Besides these insects, there-
was a large mass of the same kind of
materials that was too much macerated
to be counted. The stomachs of quails
contained 40 to 50 grasshoppers and other
insects, besides a large m:iss that could
not be distinguished. In previous years, when
the migrating grasshoppers were not in the
State, the contents ot the stomachs of these
birds were still largely made up of various
kinds of insects.

No families of birds are so little appreciated
for their insectivorous qualities as plovers and
snipe. They are represented in Nebraska by
at least sixteen species. The number of in-
sects which they destroy is enormous. I liave
found tbirly to thirty-five insects and worms
in the stomachs of one small species {^gialUis
semipahnatt(s). Many of these plovers and
snipe spend tbe cold months in the Gulf
States, and come north in the spring to hatch.
Formerly they were exceedingly abundant in
the State, but they are now becoming reduced
very fast by murderous hunters.

Our thrushes, blue birds, wrens, swallows,
etc., all feed almost entirely on insects. The
blackbirds and orioles, that are charged with

confiscating so many grains, will be found on
examination to make insects at least nine-
tenlhs of their food.

Now, suppose the insectivorous birds were
left to increase until there were 1,000 lo a
square mile ; each bird, at a low calculation,
vv-ould require 100 insects for food each day ;
this would destroy 100,000 insects per day on
each square mile, and in a month 3,000,000,
and in five months, 15,000,000. But insectiv-
orous birds really consume nearer 200 than 100
insects each day, and at this rate 500 such
birds to a square mile would accomplish the
same result. If birds are increased to the
number proposed, there will be insects enough
to furnish them food for many years. When
once the insects are properly reduced in num-
bers, the birds will of their own accord, if left
alone, betake themselves to other regions. If
they must be killed by carnivorous man, let
the point of over-supply be first reached. But
let it be remembered that our forests and
cultivated trees in Nebra.ska alone are preyed
on by about 140 siiecies of inserts. Apple,
pear and plum trees have about ILIO species of
insect enemies. Fifty species of insects inter-
fere with grape culture. There are at least
35 insect eiiemies of our gardens. Most spe-
cies of insec's have a marvelous fecundity :
one pair of grain weevils will produce 6,0li0
young between Apiil and August. Accord-
ing to Reaumer, one aphide, or plant-louse
(these aphide are found on almost all kinds of
plants), may become the progenitor in a single
season of six thousand millions. The female
Wiisp produces in one season 30,000 (Packard.)
The white ant deposits eggs at the average
rate of sixty to a minute. Our ovi'n wild silk-
worm {Attaciis cecropi(t), v/hich feeds so largely
on our wild plums, produces from 6C0 to 1,000
eggs per season. But I need not multiply
these common instances of the enormous in-
crease of insects. The entomologist, whose
eye is accustomed to look for insects, sees
almost every foot ot ground swarm in summer
time with insect life. If the naked eye does
not perceive them, the microscope brings them
to view. No one need, therefore, to fear that
such an increase ot insectivorous birds as is
proposed would produce a famine among
them. The fact is. we must get them or suffer
immeasurably more in the near future from
insect depredations than we have ever yet done
in the i^ast. But what liinders such an in-
crease of insectivorous birds as would save us
from insect depredations? The hindering
cause, as every one knows, is the barbarous
custom of killing birds. No agent of destruc-
tion is so potent as bird dogs ; they do im-
measurably more damage than traps. When
trapping was made illegal, hunting birds with
dogs should also have been forbidden. The
farmer is seldom able to hunt during thebu.sy
summer, and when he can go gunning on his
own fields the young game has been so reduced
in numbers and made so wild by men and dogs
that little can be obtained. Better forbid by
statute the killing of birds by any method
for at least three years, and after that permit
it only for a month, by shooting without the
aid of dogs. The use of dogs in hunting and
traps should be prohibited forever. This
would make all equal before the law on this
subject, and work unspeakable good to the
State. Surely,sporting men will, for the sake
of the public good, be willing to abandon their
favorite amusement.

The objection is sometimes made that a
large increase of prairie chickens and quails
would endanger the crops of the farmers. I
believe that this is a mistaken view. In ex-
amining the stomachs of these birds that
were killed on wheat stubble after harvest, I
almost invariably found more insects than
grains of wheat. Tbe only exception to this
experience was the occasional finding of an
almost exclusive meal made on prairie grass
seeds and berries. But surely the few seeds
and grains that they confiscate wjll not be
grudged to them, in view of the many insect
enemies which they destroy.

[This also bears heavily upon the "Quail
question" of Ohio and Indiana, and equally

upon the "Partridge question" of Pennsyl-
vania, and their grauiverous propensities.
Our wheat harvests occur in July, and before
the wheat is ripe, we believe no complaints
against partridges as destroyers of that crop
have been made. Nor yet are they seriously
charued as destroyers of the corn. They are
not climbing birds, and therefore whatever
grain food they appropriate must be that
which has been left by the gleaner, and is
lying on the ground. These birds pass the
whole year with us, and between one wheat
or corn harvest and another, nearly a whole
year elapses, and during that period the
partridges must eat something, and until winter
sets in, that something is largely composed of
insects ; and their habits bring them nearer
to certain species of these, than climbing or
perching birds.

^

"VARMINTS."

A rather curious "varmint" was killed on
the farm of J. B. Boyce, in New Madrid
county, several days ago. It is a snake, some
thirty-two inches long and four inches in cir-
cumference, of a dark color and smooth skin.
It has four very small feet, two iu front about
three inches from its nose, and two about eight
inches from the tip of its tail. In its upper
jaw are four rows of teeth.

Whenever an animal is found, out of the
ordinary occurrence, and people in general
have "never seen the like before," and there-
fore do not know what it is, they forthwith
call it a "va7-»/(Mit,-" a "thingumbob;" a
"Gosh curious thing ;" a "queer animal," or
something of that 'kind, according to the pe-
culiar phraseology ot the special locality ; and,
without some casual remark in its description,
the reader can scarcely tell what animal it was
between a mouse and an elephant. But, in
the above description the writer says, un-
quahfiedly, "It is a snake." If then his cap-
tion had been "a queer snake," or a "queer
reptile," he would atonce have so far classified
the animal, as to have assisted in determining
what it was. Varmint, is a "Davy Crocket-
ism," a general term which that distinguished
backwoodsman applied to a variety of animals,
including bears, wolves, "coons," panthers,
badgers, "catamounts," &c., whatever the
last named may be. The term "varmint," is
not defined in any of the dictionaries, and
probably is derived from "vermin," a term
which ill itself is very uudeterrainate, and is
applied to many animals that are noxious in
their character, from a minute insect, up to
an alligator, not excluding mammals and
fishes ; it is, however, generally applied as a
plural [rermine,] and generally means charac-
ter rather than kinds— numbers, rather than
single individuals- as rats, mice, cockroaches,
lice and maggots.

This animal seems to have been killed on
the farm of a Mr. Boyce, in New Madrid
county, and although the state is not men-
tioned, we presume it means the south-east
corner of the State of Missouri, but it is not
said, whether it was killed on land or in water.
But no matter about that; the smooth skin
removes it from the snakes, (Ophidians,) and
also from the lizards, (Sauri.^ns) and locates
it among the irogs and newts, (Batra-
CHIANS, j in close proximity to the Proteans.
Of course, from a brief newspaper description,
it would be almost impossible to name an
animal specifically, unless we had previously
seen a similar animal ourselves ; but, from the
size, texture, and structure of this reptile, we
may inferentially set it down as.a specimen of
Amphiuma tridactyhan, of which there are
two species known to inhabit the stagnant
pools "and ditches of Louisiana, Florida,
Georgia and South Carolina; and that it should
have been found as far north-west as New
Madrid, is not more remarkable than that its
congener, Menopoma allcghaniensis, (Hell Ben-
der) which sixty years ago was not known to
exist east of the Allegheny mountains, should
have been found in the waters of Lancaster
county in 1870.

It is said that the species we have mention-
ed sometimes attains to three feet in length,

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

35

ind tliat great minibers of them arc often
fouivi in cleaiiiiif; out ponds, buried dei;p in
the mud at the bottom, and also tliat tliey
have been known to come (lut on marshy
|ands, in dark, cloudy or rainy days.

The "Proteans," to whicli Ihey are allied
)y family, Pro(d(s sa»(7ia)iti.>i,for iiis(ance,have

flattened tail, only two toes on the hinder
feet, and a kind of external j^ills on each side

Ef the neck ; and arc said to have been a deli-
ious edible. When Cortez invaded i^Iexico
I — according to Air. ]$iillock, an Enirlish
author— the lakes surrounding the city of
Mexico were full of an alhed genus, (Siredon
nisrlforme,) and were esteemed such a great
luxury, that for some time that renowned in-
\ ;uler fed his army upon tliem ; and that long
■ifterwards, when the city of Mexico came
under Spanish rule, thousands of them were
icxposed for sale in the imblic markets.
\Meuobranrhux lateralis, found in the great
lakes of North America, is said to attain a
lengtli of three feet. The "Sirens." an allied
family, have two feet in front and none behind.
I Thisissayingagreatdeal about a "varmint"
but such newspaper paragraphs, usually treat
ixn interesting subject so flippantly, that in
many instances, and to the mas.ses of the peo-
ple, they do not afford the least enlightenment,
in consequence of their very indefinite no-
menclature.

LETTUCE,

Litctttru Sitliva.

' Lettuce is a hardy annual, of which the
original country seems to be unknown. It has
been found wild in many different parts of the
Ift'orld, and was first cultivated in England
^bout the year 1.5tJ2. It is divided into two
families, called the Cos and the cabbage lettuce.
The first — distinguished by an upright
^rowth — was introduced from the island of
;Uos ; and the second, — the habits of which are
pomewhat indicated by its name, — from Egyi>t.
pur climate is not altogether favorable to the
Cos family ; or, at least, we find the other one
much more thrifty and worthy of cultivation.
For the information of tlie curious reader ;
\t is well to stale, that the botanical term
\Lactucn is derived from Iw. the Latin word
for milk, in allusion to the milky juice which
exudes from the stem when broken. This
tuice, when the plants are young, contains but
B. small quantity of the narcotic principle ; but
It gradually acquires a strong, bitter taste,
and becomes notably sedative. " This property
feeems to have been known at a very early
period, and a lettuce supper was thought
fiighly conducive to repose. The varieties
and sub-varieties are numerous, and, as is

fisual in such cases, a very few include the
eading merits of the whole.
The best soil for lettuce is, undoubtedly, a
I jmellow loam, deep, rich, and founded upon a
■ "ry substratum. It should be fertile, and it
pt so naturally, must be supplied with a good
uantity of old dung, some time previous to
he sowing of the seed. This is better done
n autumn, than in the spring.

CuLTuuE. . By the exerci.se of a little fore-
jtbought, the family gardener can keep his
liable supplied with lettuce throughout the
kear, at a very trifling expense. To have
fearly plants for sprhig use, the first sowing
must be made either in the nrevious autumn,
Drelse in the latter part of winter, ujion a hot-
bed. The first plan we consider decidedly the
best, as the plants are hardier, and better able
to bear removal to the open ground, than those
Dbtaiaed by artificial heat.

This sowing may be between the first and
the middle of^ September, upon a bed of liglit,
rich soil, having the benefit of shade at mid-
day. The best varieties are, the Large Green-
head, the Brown Dutch, and the Early Cab-
bage, together with such others as are capable
of standing severe winter weather. From
nine to twelve thousand plants have been
raised from a single ounce of seed. Sow rather
thinly in drills eiyht inches apart ; cover the
seed lightly, and, in a dry time, press the
surface of the bed, by patting it with the
spade, or by walking upon a board. When

the plants crowd one another in the drill, thin
tlieni out to distances of two or three inches,
allowing them just suflicient 8i)acc ti> secure a
good .stocky growth before cold weather sets
in. Such as arc inilled, can be set out in
another |ilace, perhajis on the sjiot to be en-
closed by the cold frame. The soil should be
kept light and clean.

In the latter part of October the plants are
to be furnished with their winter i)rolection.
Some of the hardy varieties, which are intend-
ed for early crops can be set out one foot
apart, upon the south side of ridges, that will
be covered with straw during severe weather.
The princijial iiart, however, should be re-
removed to the cold frame or box, and there
dibbled as closely as they will stand without
interfering with one another. The covering,
lie it of glass or plain boards, must be often
ojiened in mild, pleasant days, for the admis-
sion of fresh air. Look out for the attack.s of
earth-worms and slugs ; dusting the leaves
with soot is somewhat of a preventive. Or,
instead of using a cold frame, the seed bed
can be covered with mats ])laced over bent
hoops. Whatever may be the jilan adopted,
do not omit regular ventilation in all pleasant
weather.

Where the sowing was not made in autumn,
according to the above directions, and early
plants are wanted, they must be obtained
from a small hot bed, built in the latter part
of winter. No great amount of heat is re-
quired, but care should be taken to prevent
any bad consequences from the want of jiure
air. For general directions upon the forma-
tion and management of hot-beds, the reader
must refer to an article on "Forcing Vegeta-
tion."

Taking it for granted that the gardener is
supplied with plants, which have been safely
kept through the inclement season, let us fol-
low their subsequent growth. At the mo-
ment that frost leaves the ground, a small
nimiber ought to be transplanted to a very
warm border, liaving the full benefit of the
sun's rays, and protected from cold winds on
the north side. They will for some length of
time require the friendly shelter of hand-
glasses, until they become "gradually accustom-
ed to the change of quarters, and until the
progress of tl)e season permits their exposure
with imi)unity. A second, third, or fourth
removal of these jjlants can be made in the
same way, at intervals of seven or eight days.
By such a course, a great advantage will be
obtained in the regular maturity of the crop.

The first spring sowing in the open com-
partment, should take place as soon as the
weather and ground will permit — perhaps be-
tween the middle and beginning of March.
For the bed select a warm border in a shelter-
ed situation, and mark out the drills twelve
inches apart. The varieties well adapted f(n-
this sowing, are the Brown Dutch, the Early
Cabbage, and the Drumhead. Sow thinly,
and in dry weather, press the earth in close
contact with the seed. When the plants are
two inches high, they are to be thinned out to
distances of four inches in the drill, and those
wliich are pulled can be easily inserted in
another bed. At this time transplanting can
be practiced successfully, but when the sea-
son is further advanced, they seldom head
well if removed from the seed bed. When
tliey are four or five inches high, they should
be so thinned as to stand one foot apart each
way. Water ought to be given freely at
evei'j' removal performed in a dry day, and
regularly afterwards until the roots are estab-
lished. The hoe must be used frequently be-
tween the drills, not only for the purpose of
eradicating weeds, but also for the sake of
keeping the surface soil light and porous.

Another sowing can be made about a month
later, and a third in August for the late sum-
mer croi). The best varieties are the Indian,
the Royal Cabbage, and such others as are
able to withstand the intense heat of summer.
Sow in drills, at the same distance apart as
before, and thinly, so as to avoid transplant-
ing. It will be recollected that lettuce sel-

dom does well when transplanted in warm
weather.

Tlie winter crop is to be sown in the latter
part of Septendjer. Tlie Early Cabbage is an
excellent kind for this purpose. In the fol-
lowing month, when the weather becomes
cold, the plants are to be removed to a hot-
bed, or the forcing-pit. The mould should be
some eight or ten inches below the gla.ss.
Take the roots up very carefully by means of
the trowel, and set the halls of earth iu rows,
nine inches ajiart eacli way. Water ought to
be given in muderate quantities from time to
time through the winter, and the siishes shad-
ed at midday until the roots have taken hold.
Air is to be admitted freely m all pleasant
weather, while in a severe frost the i)rotection
of mats upon the gla.s.s, as well as of a bank of
earth around the frame, will be necessary.
Decayed leaves must be removed as soon as
they are discovered, (iood heads for eating
may be obtained in December, and through
the remainder of the winter.

In this elinuite, the Cos lettuces are far from
being as succes.sf'ul as in Europe. They can
be sown in autumn, and protected through
the inclement season, to l)e transplanted into
the open ground in spring. They are blanch-
ed by being tied up like the endive, a week or
ten days before wanted for use.

Foil SEEU. Select some of the best plants
of the autumn or spring sowings. Put them
in rows, eighteen incheji apart each way, and
do not omit to keep the varieties separate.
When two or more kinds are suftiered to
bloi^som in the vicinity of each other, a mon-
grel will surely be the result. Sujiport the
flower-stems by .stakes,and izather the branches
as the seed ripens, instead of wailing for a
large portion to be wasled on the ground.
That borne by stalks which have run up pre-
maturely, cannot be depended upon. Place
the branches on a cloth or a large newspaper,
spread in the shade, and then let them get
perfectly dry before you attempt to thresh out
the seed.

Use. — Lettuce may be considered as be-
longing to the very best class of salads, and
perhaps it is superior to all others. It posses-
ses a mild, agreeable taste, while it is wliole-
some and easy of digestion. It is also some-
times used in soups. It is largely cultivated
for the extraction of its narcotic properties,
which are somewhat similar to those of opium,
but have not the constipating effects of that
drug. The stalk is cut just before the flower
is ready to open, and the crust which forms
upon the top is carefully gathered. The stalk
is cut again and again, until the milky juice
ceases to exude.

To Dkess a Salad.— This seems to be a
convenient iilace for giving directions how to
dress a salad, which is a general name for
certain vegetables, such as lettuce, endive and
mustard, prepared so as to be eaten raw. They
should be well washed and cut into small
pieces. An egg is boiled hard, and, when it
becomes cold, the yolk is to be taken out and
broken on a plate. Then put with it a large
teaspoonful of cold water and near a teaspoon-
ful of salt. Rub all this together, by means
of a spoon or fork, till the egg is a thick paste,
free from lumps. Next, add and mix a table-
spoonful of salad oil or cold melted butler ; and
after this, add at least a tables) >oonful of good
vinegar. When these are all well mixed, the
dressing is made, and is either to be put im-
mediately with the salad, or be sent to the
table in a separate dish. The top of the salad
may be ornamented with small pieces of the
while of the egg and slices of pickled beet.

ANTS AND ANT-EATERS.

Having read the following account in a
book about ants and ant -eaters, I thought it
would interest the readers of tiie Lancaster
Farmer. A traveler in South America says:
"We rode over hills used as pasture-ground,
which were literally dotted with the upright
and fallen columns that had hocn erected by
the Termites, or white ants. These curious
edifices, and their still more curious archi-

36

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[March,

tects, have always had a great attraction for
the naturalist. Tliu hillocks are coniwil in
their shape, but not with a broad base and
tapering point as those built by the termites
of Africa. E.'iposure to the sun has rendered
them exceedingly hard, and doubtless many
that are iu the ujilands of San Paulo and Mi-
nas-Geraes are more than a century old; for
houses whose walls have been built from the
same earth are still in existence were built
by early settlers in the seventeentli century.
Sometiuies the termites' dwelling is overturn-
ed by tbu slaves, the hollow scooped out and
made wider, and is then used as a bake-oven
to parch Indian corn. In my ride over (Sol-
dade I saw a number of very large vultures,
who during the rain had taken refuge in the
houses tlmt had been vacated by ihe white
ant. These insects do not, however, always
dwell in columnar edifices of three and six
feet high. 1 have seen in some portions of
Brazil the ground ploughed up to the extent ot
lUO feet in circumference by one nest of white
ants. Again, they will climb trees, carrying
building material with them, and erecting a
small archway (resembling what carpenters
call an inch beail.) over them for protection
against their sworn enemy, the black and
brown ant; and on the loftiest branches they
will construct their nests. My introduction
to the cupim, or wliite ant, was in the house
O our former Consul, ex-Governor Kent. A
box of books sent out by the American Tract
Society was placed in a lower room, and the
next morning it was announced to me that the
cupim had entered my property. I liasten-
ed to the room, and turning over the box,
beheld a little black hole at the bottom, and
white, gelatiuous-lookiug ants pouring out as
though very much disturbed in their occupa-
tion. I opened the box, and found that a
colony of cupim had eaten through the pine
wood, and had pierced through "Baxter's
Call,' 'Doddridge's Rise and Progress,' un-
til they had reaceed the place where "Bun-
yan's Pilgrim" lay, when they were rudely de-
ranged in their literary pursuits. On another
occasion, I saw a Brussels carpet, under which
cupim had insinuated themselves, and had
eaten on I nearly all the canvas before the
proprietor had made the sad discovery. The
writer, at Campinus, witnessed the depreda-
tions of the white ants iu the taipa houses.
They insinuate themselves into the mud
walls, and destroy the entire side of a house
by perforations. Anon, they commence work-
ing in the soil and extend their operations be-
neath the foundations of houses, and under-
mine them. The people dig large pits in var-
ious places, with the intent of exterminating
tribesofanls wliich have been discovered on
their march of destruction. Mr. Suuthy
states, on the authority of Manod Felix, that
some of these insects at one time devoured the
cloth on the altar in the convent of St. An-
tonio, at Marasham, aud also brought up into
the church pieces of shrouds from graves be-
neath tlie floor; whereupon the friars prosecu-
ted them according to due form of law eccle-
siastical. What the punishment or sentence
was in this case, we are unable to learn.

"The white, and other ants, have, however,
enemies far more tangible than bulls of ex-
communic.ition in the Mernyomecojihaya, or
the great 'Ant-eater,' the Taiuandua and
the iittle Ant-eater, ' of which the last two
have a prehensile tail.

"The great aut-eater is a most curious ani-
mal, but well a<lapted to the purposes for
which he was designed by the Creator. Its
short legs and long claws (the latter doubled
up when in motion) do not hinder it from run-
ning at a good pace; and wheu the Indians
wish to calcli it, they make a pattering noise
upon the leaves as if they were falling; upon
which the Myniitcophaya cocks his huge
bushy tail over his body, and, standmg per-
fectly still, soon falls a prey. In tlie northern
part of Minas-Geraes, a naturalist once came
suddenly upon the great ant-eater, and know-
ing the harmless nature of its mouth, seized
it by the long snout, by which he tried to
holdit, wheu it immediately rose upon its hind

legs, and clasping him around the middle with
its fore paws, it would not release its hold, till
a pistol ball was lodged in its breast. When
the great ant-eater sleeps, it lies on one side,
rolls itself up together and covers itself witli
its bushy tail. In this way it may be easily
taken for a lieap of hay. The Indians of the
upper Amazon positively assert that the great
ant-eater sometimes kills the jaguar by tightly
embracing the latter, and tlirusting its enor-
mous claws into the Jaguar's sides. The abor-
igines also declare (hat these animals are all
females, and believe that the male is the 'cu-
rui)ira' or the demon of the forest. The pe-
culiar organization of this animal has proba-
bly led to this error."— P. W. Mee.

The foregoing interesting paper we copy
from tlie February number of IIarclw!cke''s
Sdcnre Gosaip, where it appears in the dejiart-
ment of "Notes and Queries," in which is re-
corded the current questions and answers on
scientific subjects that occur among its readers.

We have also in the United States, insects
allied to the "ants" alluded to in the above
paper, and also "ant-eaters"; but they very
materially differ from the Brazilian animals.
As these insects have been so long and so
widely designated ants, and white ants, it per-
haps would be folly to attempt to give them
any other popular name now; but iu reality
they are not ants at all, and have no generic
or family relation to what are generally rec-
ognized as ants in North America. The most
proper name for them is Termites, and they
are so-called by most authors of ability. The
insects we popularly call ants belong to the
order Hymenoptera- (a Greek compound
signifying insects furnished with four mem-
braneous wings) and the family Formicid^,
from the Latin Formica, which simply means
an ant; and of which we have many species.

But the ants we have been writing about in
our extract from "Science Gossip," belong to
the order Neuroptera, section PsEUDO-NEU-
OPTERA (nerve winged insects) and the tam-
ily TepvMITIdvE from the Latin Termis, which
means a wood-borer, and of which we have
at least two species iu Pennsylvania. For
fully twenty-five years we have noticed one
of these species (Termes frontalis, Hald.) issu-
ing from two frame (or log) houses, on the
east and west sides of North Queen street,
about midway between Lemon and James
streets, in tlie city of Lancaster, about the
end of May or the beginning of June. They
contiuuedto come forth from small aiiertures
under the door and window sills, and along
the overlapping of the weather boarding, for
several days in'succession — say from three to
five days, according to the temperature of the
weather, which also influenced their time of
appearing.

At each succeeding return of these periods,
we also notice the "ant-eater," the liveliest
throng of eaters to be seen during the year.
These, however, were not of the class mamma-
lia,no ignoble and unwieldy earth -grovelors —
they belonged to the dainty ''feathered tribes"
— they Were swallows (chimney birds)— C/i'ie-
tura pdasyin, iinri— that gathered in from
their domicils in the surrounding blocks of
buildings by hundreds. They were honora-
ble sportsmen that took their quarry on the
wing, one at a time,, and did not envelop
them in a viscid secretion, and take them in
by scores with their snaky tongues. They
swooped around in a vertical circle the lower
arc of which was low down where the "Ter-
mites" emerged forth, while numbers of them
were gyrating through the air in pursuit of
those insects that had reached a higher alti-
tude, and had scattered. These insects have
been so long located in these two old houses,
that we would like to be piesent if they should
ever be torn down, just to see what progress
they had made in tiie work of destruction in
twenty-five years.

Mr. Geo. Hensel informs us that he bad a
small colony of Termites a year ago, in his
green house. He had inverted a plant pot on
the earthen floor, and set another pot,
containing a plant, upon it, so that they'were
bottom to bottom, the holes iu the bottoms

opposite each other. In one night a colony of
Termites came up out of the ground under
the inverted jiot; built a gallery up the inner
side, across the bottom to the hole and up
through both holes and into the pot above;
from thence across the bottom and up the
inner side, and through the earth in the upper
pot, and scattered over the vegetation, after
the manner of the foreign species, without
having done much harm otherwise, however.
We were not fortunate enough to see the in-
sect, but Mr. Stanffer says it difl'ers irom fron-
talis, and probably isflavipes. — JEd.

Foi' The Lancaster Fabmek.
CULTIVATION OF CHICCORY.

The article in the February number for
1877, on iiage 20, copied from the Ckicago
Journal of Omimerce, stating that "during
187.T we imported #18,UU0,00U worth of chic-
cory," is certainly a startling piece of in-
formation. Then follows a statement from
the Stockton, Cal., Indcpendeni. on "the pro-
duction and manufacture of chiccory for its
use as an adulteration of coffee." This led
me to inquire more particularly into the
nature and character of the plant. The
Cichorium Intijhas, L. is the wild succory or
chiccory in question ; the Germans call it
Wcyiwart. Being considered a coarse weed,
and common in numerous localities iu our
county, I need not describe it here. Dr.
Darlington in his agricultural botany, (publish-
ed in 1847,) on piige 98, observes that "This
foreigner is becoming extensively naturalized.
Some European agriculturists recounnend
it as a valuable forage plant, though they
admit that it gives a bad taste to .the milk of
cows which feed upon it. In this country, it
is generally, and I believe justly, regarded as
an objectionable wecrf, Avhich ought to be ex-
pelled from our pastures. The roasted root
has been used on the continent of Europe, as
a substitute for the coffee-hrry ; but those who
delight in the aromatic beverage, are not likely
to tiike much interest in this or any other sub-
stitute for the genuine article." Thecicliorium
endivia,[vi\\d) thesatira, D. C. is called Endive
or garden succory, Oerman—Die, Mndivie —
currupfed into ''andifte," cultivated for the
young radical leaves, which are etiolated or
blanched, like celery, by the exclusion of light,
and used as a salad. Theophrastes; lib 7,
chap. 7, and Pliny, have written upou it long
before the time of Linnteus. In lieese's old
American encyclopedia, I find it stated that
the whole plant is bitter, and "when cultivated
it is much more branched and rises to the
height of 5 orb feet, with longer leaves, less
deeply cut and almost smooth. "i< is then
cichorium sativum ; Bauh. Pin. 125, Tourn.
479, Lob. Ic, l-.ii).

Lewis says it is a "very useful aperient,
acting mildly and without irritation, lending
rather to abate than increase heat, and which
may therefore be given with safety iu hectic
and inflammatory cases. Taken freely, they
keep the body open or produce a gentle diar-
rhoea, and when thuscontuiued for s me time,
have often proved salutary in beginning ob-
structions of the viscera, in jaundices, cachexies
(this latter term simply means a bad slate or
habit of the body), and other chronical dis-
eases." "The expressed juice taken in large
quantities," Dr. Woodward says, " his experi-
ence warrants him in recommending as an
efficacious remedy in phthisisand pulmonalis."
"The juicemixed with rhubarb," according to
Du Tour (Nouveau Dictionaire), " is an excel-
lent vermifuge syrup for children." This
much is, and much more might be, quoted
from medical authorities.

It was commonly eaten by the Romans, and
when blanched is still used in France in soups
or as a salad. Wc learn that "in Italy it has
long been cultivated on a large scale, and es-
teemed, either green or dry, as an excellent
fodder for horses, kiue and sheep." It was
first introduced into France by Crette de
Tallael, and into England by the well-known
Arthur Young, but the moist atmosphere of
England is less favorable to its being made
into hay. " The wild succory," says Du Tour,

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER

37

"will grow in any kind of soil, but tlirives
best in a j;ood one well manured, and is culti-
vated at a small expense." It sustains droiiglit,
excessive rains and severe cold, and as it rises
early in the year, affords an excellent sprini;
supply. Its growtli is so rapid tliat it may be
cut tliree or four times every year, or more
frequently. Its produce in bulk and in weight
is superior to tliat of trefoil and even of lu-
cerne. Tliere is no need of preparing cattle to
use it as food. It is as wholesome as it is
abundant, sweetens their blood, and preserves
tliem from disease. In particular, it causes
cows to give more milk without communicat-
ing any of its bitterness, and furnishes, eight
months in the year, an excellent resource for
the farmer, affording the lirst lierbagc for cut-
ting in the spring and the last in autumn."
Tills is conied verbatim from Du Tour, who
was deemed good authority. I give it because
it conflicts with Dr. Darlington's opinion.
Hence, if a xcccd, its growing qualities make
it the more objectionable ; but if Du Tour is
correct, it may deserve some attention from
our formers, who will make an experiment
and test the matter, apart from its adulteration
in coffee. Very respectfully submitted for
further examination, by J. Stauffer.

other part of the body does not argue im-
purity of blood, yet, it is to be discouraged,
in oi'clerthat a luiiformity of color may be at-
tained by the breeders. White upon one ear,
or a bronze or copper spot on some other part
of the body, indicates no impurity, but rather
a reappearing of original colors, but wliite mark-
ings other tlian those aforenamed are suspic-
ious, and a pig so marked should be rejected,
i^ace— short, line and well dished, broad be-
tween the eyes. Ears — generally almost erect,
but sometimes inclining forward with advanc-
ing age ; small, thin, soft and showing veins.
Jowl — full. iVt'cA;— short and thick. !:ShoHlilc,-
— short from neck to middling, deep from back
down. Back — broad and straight, or very
little archc<l. liibs—loug and well sprung,
giving rotundity of body, short-ribs of good
length, giving breadth and Icvelness of loin,
j'f/p.s — of good length from point of hips to
rump Hamx — thick, round and deep, hold-
ing their thickness well back and down to the
hocks. Tail— fine and small, set on liisih up.
Lrgs — short and fine, but straight and very
strong, with hoofs erect, legs set wide apart,
size medium, length medium ; extremes are to
be avoided. Bone— fine and compact. Offal
—very light. Hair — fine and sol't, no bristles.
iSiii!— pliable.

which can be marketed in from f> to 18 months.
They are very liardy, with higli vital powers,
but guard against those with lomj snouts.

For The LAKOtsTEB Fabhxb.
THE TOBACCO WORM.*

"Will the unusually large crop of 'Tobacco-
worms' the past year, be likely to jiroducc a
correspondingly abundant progeny the com-
ing season V"

This question was referred to me for answer,
at the February meeting of this society ; and,
as tobacco growing is becoming one of the
leading agricultural interests of Lancaster
county, it is very natural that those engaged
in it shoidd manifest a reasonable solicitude in
all that relates to its success or failure.

In reply, permit me to say that a redundancy
of noxious insects in one season, may po.tsihhj
be the iirogenitors of the same or an increas-
ed number the season next following ; yet, it
is not always jirohable, nor is it by any means
a matter of course.

There are jirior conditions ; intermediate
casualties ; and subsequent contingencies,
which are more or less related to the case, ana
which ex< icisc a modifying influence over it.
If there had been ten thousand tobacco-worms

IMPORTED BERKSHIRE. THE COLLIER. Owned by BENSON & BURPEE, Philadslpha.

"COLLIER."

This fine Berkshire is two year.'! old, and
Wiis the winner of six honors and first prizes
in England Inst year, previous to his importa-
tion in August. ISTfi.

Bred by B. St. J(>nN AcivER.s, Esq. Pink-
mar.sh Paik, Gloucester, Ensland, and is now
owned by Benson L. Burpee, Philadelphia,
Pa., (see our advertising columns). Aeeord-
intrto a report of a committee of the "Nation-
al Swine Breeder's Convention," the first im-
portation of Berkshire pigs, of which they
could find any record, was made in the year
182.'?, by Mr. Frenfnall, an English farmer,
who settled in New .Tersnv. The second im-
portation was made in 1832. bv Mr. Hawes.
another English farmer who lived in Albany. N
T. and others in the United Slatesand Canada
soon followed with Inrser importations. All
those eai'ly imported Berkshires were substan-
tially the same in size, quality, .style and
niarkinir. as the best of the present day.

According to the same report the following
standard characteristics and marks were re-
cognized as belonginsTto the pure Berkshires.
Color — black, with white feet, face, and tip
of tail, and an occasional splash of white on
the arm. While a small spot of white on some

The committee further says, that in one re-
spect, the Berkshires may be said to excel all
other breeds with which they are acquainted,
and that is in the superior weight and quality
of hams and shoulders, these yielding a much
greater proportion of tender, lean, .juicy, well
marbled meat, in comparison to the fat, than
can be found elsewhere. The sides all par-
take of the same admirable qualities and are
therefore of superior excellence for bacon.
Considering these, it is to be hoped that we
Americans, at least, will never attempt to
alter the breed by crossing other swine upon
it. for the only result will be deterioration.
The Berkshires can improve most other breeds,
but none can improve them.

The experience and observation of Messrs.
Benson and Bupee, corroborate the views of
the committee alluded to, and they also say
that as the Berkshires are exceedingly active,
and will readily shift for themselves, yet when
it is desired to fatten them they will necessari-
ly consume, projiortionally, more food than a
quiet, lazy hog-enthusiastic, but prejudiced
fanciers, to the contrary notwithstanding, who
claims more flesh for the -same amount of
feed, than any other hogs. The sows are
good Bucklers and bring forth large litters,

in an enclosure last year, and every one of
them had been destroyed, and had not been
permitted to burrow into the ground, you
would have much less reason to ai)prehend an
increased, or even the same number this year,
than you would have, had you onlv had ten
worms, all of which you had permitted to go
into thegroimd and pupate there ; for, it is in
this manner that the broods are carried over
from one season to another. There are per-
haps few insects that fall an easier prey to
careful, vigilant, and persevering "hand-pick-
ing," than the tob.acco-worm ; and this, under
any circumstances, is i)erhaps, the best remedy
that can be adopted for their extinction ; but,
this course .should be pursued by all growers,
for one indolent or indifferent cultivator may
permit a sulficient ninnbertoi)erpetuate them-
selves, to stock a whole neighborhood, no
matter how industriously his co-cidtivators
may be employed in destroying them. AVhile
this insect is in the larva or caterpillar state,
it is a slow and .sluggish traveler, and makes
no effort whatever to effect its escape ; more-
over, when it is a little advanced in its
growth, it is sufliciently conspicious to attract

•Read before the AKricullnral »nd HortlciiHuroI Soolatj
of Lancaster county, Much 6, 1877, by S. S. BatbvoD,

38

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ March,

the attention of any ordinary observer. To
many people they are more or less repugnant,
but this repugnance is soon overcome by tliose
accustomed to them ; especially when they have
a direct interest in their destruction. No
fears need be entertained as to their stinging
or biting, for this they nevermake any attempt
to do, notwithstanding their formidable as-
pect ; and here, allow ine to mention one -or
two examples of carelessness in tobacco cul-
ture, which are important factors relating to
the increase or decrease of the tobacco-worm,
and are more or less related to the injury
■which is the subject of this pajjer. Some
tobacco-growers, when the time comes to cut
off the crop, merely shake off what worms
may be on the plants, and pay no other atten-
tion to them. ■ Tliey may perhaps have had a
surfeit of worms, and now rejoice that they
are to have a surcease of tliat disagreeable
labor, and therefore their whole energies are
devoted to harvesting and curing. Now, such
a course may be absolutely suicidal ; because,
the mature worms, thus .shaken off will bur-
row into the ground, and change to impa ;
and the immature ones, will finish their larval
career on the young "suckers ;" and finally
will also disapjjear "under ground. Another
careless habit is, to let the stump stand in the
field, which sometimes realizes what is termed
a "second crop." If this crop is left growing
without paying the same care to it that was
paid to the first crop, it may be the prolific
source of an increased "crop of worms" the
following year. Of course, you all must know
better than I do, how far you may have per-
mitted this state of things to exist, and this
may afford some light upon the possibility or
probability, of an increased or diminished
number of worms the coming season. Their
general immolation, and hence the prevention
of their pupal transformations, are mainly the
prior conditions to which I have alluded. But
they are also subject to parasitic infestations
to a limited extent, and the more eft'ectively
these conditions are brought to bear upon
them in any season, the less number will be
transmitted to the following season.

These parasitic infestations are caused as
far as known at present, by two little "clear-
winged flies," and one or two species of "two-
winged flies," not much unlike some of onr
common "horse-flies." The little clearwings,
so far as they go, I consider the best friends of
the tobacco and grape grower.s. They are
very bright and active little insects, not more
than a tenth of an inch in length, and one
female will deposit from fifty to one hundred
eggs on the body of a single tobacco-worm.
As soon as the eggs are hatched the tiny
little larva bury themselves in the fleshy parts
of their host, and these feed on its substance,
until their larva period is completed. They
then work their way out to the surface of the
tobacco-worm, and there spin each a little
white or yellowish cocoon, one end of which
is attached to the skin of the worm, and
crowded together, like so many grains of rice
standing on end. In two or three days, some
times a longer period, these little grubs will
have passed through their pupal period, when
they will cut off a little lid from the upper end
of the cocoon, and emerge forth a fly, like
the one that laid the eggs.

Doubtless some of yoii may have noticed
tobacco-worms, tomato-worms and grape-
worms, covered with the cocoons of these little
parasites, and when you do see them, don't
disturb that worm, lest you also destroy your
little friends. You need entertain no fears
about a worm so infested, for he will never eat
any more tobacco after he is so microgaftfr-
ized. A few days thereafter you may find him
adhering with a death-grasp to the old spot,
and his body hanging flabbily down, either
dead or dying. The maggots, however, of the
Tachinized worms, or two-winged flies, re-
main in their bodies, and are carried with
them under ground and destroj' them in their
pupal form, so that the imago or moth of such
a worm never is developed nor sees the light
of day. These are some of those "intermedi-
ate casualties" to which I have alluded.

But, should the worm, through neglect, in-
advertence, or ignorance, be allowed to per-
fect its larval development and so into the
ground to pupate, it will come forth the fol-
lowing season about the time the "Jimson-
weed" is in bloom, in the form of a large grey
moth, and these moths may be noticed in the
evening hovering around these plants, draw-
ing the nectar out of their trumpet shaped
flowers ; and when they are so engaged, they
may be struck down with a wooden bat or
paddle, or be caught in a bag-net with a
handle attached to it, and thus be prevented
from depositing their eggs on the plants.

Another mode of destroying these moths, is
by poisoning them. It is well known that the
tobacco moths are partial to the nectar in the
flowers of the jimson-weed, and visit these
plants in the evening twilight, for the purpose
of drawing it out of their flowers with their
long tongues, which are coiled up like the
mainspring of a watch, below the forpeart of
Ihe head, between their marillce.. Now, if a
strong solution of arsenic, or corosive sublimate,
which are almost tasteless, is mixed with
honey and a drop or two is introduced into
each flower of this plant during the after-
noon, when the moths suck it out in the even-
ing, they cannot survive it long, but will die
sometime during the night, or wherever tliey
may secrete themselves, after they leave the
tobacco field. If I have been correctly inform-
ed, this plan has been successfully tried by
several tobacco growers in the state of New
York and also in Virginia. and the Caroliuas.
Indeed I am informed from an intelligent and
practical soiu'ce, that this remedy has been
tested, to a limited extent, in this county
with entire success.

Although this poison remedy could have no
possible effect upon the eggs that had been
deposited by the moth before it had partaken
of the poison, yet after that event, it would
deposit its eggs "never more," unless there
had been some radical defect in the adminis-
tration of the remedy.

These pupa are greedily devoured by pigs,
skunks, chickens, crows, "and birds in general
— when they can get at them. Plowing tlie
ground late in the fall or early in the spring,
will bring them to the surface and expose
them, not only to the animals which feed
upon them, but also to the vicissitudes of the
weather; for although insects generally can
withstand almost any degree of continuous
cold — under conditions of their own instinct-
ive selection — yet, alternations of heat and
cold, wet and dry, freeze and thaw, js very
generally destructive to them. I have often
duj them up in the spring of the year within
the" depth of a common garden spade, but it
is probable that they bury themselves deeper
than that when they first pupate. They have
the power to wriggle themselves upward to-
ward the surfiice of the ground, by the flexi-
ble hind ends of the body, but I do not think
they could work themselves downward again,
and as the moth appears late in the season, it
might be advisable to plow the tobacco ground
late in the season at about a spade's depth,
which would give crows, blackbirds, chickens
and other animals an opportunity to feed upon
them. It might also furnish an opportunity
to pick them by hand. Insects naturally in-
crease in proportion to the increase of their
natural food-plant, although they sometimes
■decrease, from contingencies of which we have
not a clear knowledge.

The "Tobacco worm" belongs to the
Sphinx family. It was so named by Lin-
naeus, because of a remote, or i)erhaps fan-
cied resemblance to the Egyptian Sphinx,
when the worm is in a state of repose. All
the larvae, or worms of this family, when they
are not feeding, support themselves by the
feet on the hinder part of the body, and raise
up the front part, and thus remain for hours
lierfectly motionless; unless they are annoyed
by their pigmy persecutors— the little para-
sites tliat approach them to deposit upon
their bodies their tiny little eggs, and^ the
presence of which they instinctively ackn'owl-
edge by the rapid turning of the front part of

their bodies from side to side with a sudden
jerk. But it is all in vain, for the little per-
severing creatures never relinquish their task
until it is accomplished.

There are two prominent species of Sphinxes
that attack the tobacco crop, named Sphinx
Carolina and Sphinx quinque-maculata, respect-
ively. In the imago, or moth state, to 'which
I have already alluded, they are called "Hawk
moths," and, somewhat indiscriminately also
"Humming-bird moths," from their habit of
poising themselves on the wing, like a hum-
ming-bird, while they are in the act of suck-
ing the nectar out of the flowers. These two
species of Sp/u')ix may properly be called the
"Southern Sphinx," and the "Northeastern
"pliinx." In the southern States the Sphinx
Carolina or "Carolina Sphinx" prevails, and
the northern species is almost unknown;
whilst in the northeastern States the S. 5
macidata, or "five-spotted Sphinx" prevails,
and the southern species is almost unknown.
But here in the intermediate region, or Mid-
dle States, we have both species. Although
the distribution of insects is more or less local,
yet their limitations are not distinguished by
a fixed, or abrupt line; but on the contrary
there is an overlapping of one district upon
another, and hence such an overlapping belt
will produce species that respectively belong
to either, or both. In districts where no to-
bacco is cultivated, and often, even where it
is cultivated, the "Five-spotted Sphinx" at-
tacks the potato vines, and the "Carolina
Sphinx," the tomatoes. I have a knowledge
of these insects existing in the county of Lan-
caster long before the tobacco plant became
an object of cultivation in it. I had dug the
chrysalids out of the ground, even in my boy-
hood, more than fifty years ago; and, as
neither tobacco nor tomatoes were cultivated
then, they must have fed upon the potato
vines. There is something about the form of
these chrvsalids that is very peculiar, and is
calculated to make an impression upon the
minds uf those who are given to habits of ob-
servation, that is not easily erased. They are
large, smooth, spindle-shaped objects, J that
have an appendage at the anterior end, which
is turned around, like the handleof a jug, and
hence we bovs locally called them "brown
pitchers," or""brown jugs." This handle is
merely a tube in which the long spiral sucking
tongue lies concealed in the pupa state.

The moths of the tobacco worms are crepus-
cularioiis in their habits; that is, they fly
forth, feed, and deposit their eggs during the
evening twihght, and on moonhght evenings
perhaps later into the night. During the day
they are perfectly quiet and lie concealed, and
from their plain and inconspicious coloration,
they are often jiassed over without being
perceived. Although there appears to be sev-
eral broods of them during the season, yet, in
reality, there is only one in this latitude.
This appearance arises from the/act, that like
the "Colorado Potato beetles"— the females
do not deposit all their eggs at one time, or in
one day, nor yet in one week; but very prob-
ably occupy several weeks, depositing them
"here and there," in small patches upon the
plants. These eggs being deposited at differ-
ent times, are hatched out at different times,
and hence there appears to be dift'erent broods,
but they are all of the same. Each female
moth will deposit from three to five hundred
eggs during her life, and may exceed that
number. On one occasion I took out of a fe-
male over three hundred; but she may have
already deposited some, as she flew into a
window and was struck down and captured
in the evening, when she was perhaps on the
way to, or was returning/rojn, a tobacco field.
Thanking you for your attention, I with these
remarks close this essay.

Those of our subscribers who do not reside
in Lancaster city, but who have given that as
their address, will please designate some place
at which to send their papers, as we have to
pay postage at transient rates on those sent
to the post-oflice, which we can ill afford.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

39

"GAME FOWLS."

In the freneral demand foi- novelties in the
"poultry line," the nuwer and more fashion-
able varieties liad for a time occupied the fore-
ground, and had pushed tlie (tAMIcs of our
boyhood, to a jzreat extent, in tlie bickuround.
These biids, liowever, the noble pluek of which
had been the adinir.itiou of our youth, as con-
tradisthiETuislied from the|)usillaniniily of the
"dunirhills," have always had their admirers
aside fronj those who bred and reared them
solely to gratify their love for the cruel sport
of the " pit ;" and now, again, tlie game fowls
are looming up and receiving a new appre-
ciation of those excellencies of character wliicli
had been nearly eclipsed by their newer rivals.
Of these excellent birds Afessrs. Benson &
Burpee thus discourse in their catalogue for
1877 : " Tlie thoroughbred game hen is an
excellent layer of tlie very richest and most
delicately flavored eggs. As a mother none
can equal her. The game cock is vigorous,
watchful, and a sure getter of stock. They
are comparatively small eaters, and if allowed
tlieir liberty, are excellent foragers. As a
table fowl "tliey are ne ;jf'M icHra, beincr un-
eqiialed in the rich, gain'i II ivor of their llesh.
All in all, they are worthy of general culti-
vation as a fowl for
beauty, utility and
profit, even by those
who would, and right-
ly, most strongly con-
dcmu the pit and its
uses. We are breed-
ing DEAD GAME, that

for courage, brave and
noble carriage, beauty
and compactness of
pUiniage and general
good qualities, cannot
be excelled."

Among the varieties
imported and bred by
this enteri)rising lirrii
are '"Brown Hed
Games," -Black Red
Games," "Sumatra
Games," "Duck wing
Games" and "Game
Bantams."

It is not distinctly
clear when or whence
the game fowls orig-
inated. Some writers
allege that they are
descendantsfroin Son-
nerat's common jun-
gle fowl {GaUus Son-
nera(ti) of continental
India, where it in-
habits the woods ; it
exceeds in size the

" Bankiva" [GaUus Bankiva), from which our
" Bantam" is supposed to have sprung, and is
very beautiful, both in symmetry and plumage.
The Mussulman natives of India, wlio eairerly
engage in the barbarous sport of cock-fighting,
highly prize this bird for its great courage and
determination. It is, however, easily domes-
ticated. Two strongly marki^d varieties are
found. In the valleys, about 2.000 feet above
the sea, Sonnerat's species is found, "stand-
ing higli on its legs ;" and in belts of woods
on the sides of mountains, at an elevation of
4,000 feet above the sea, a short-legged variety
is found, and who knows but our " Crcepies"
have come from thi:; stock. Captain Skinner
records the curious fact that, in their native
wilds, these birds have the same habits as our
domestic poultry, in their sexual relations. "A
cock struts at the head of a bevy of hens and
keeps a strict watch over their safety," so
that this ])olygainous habit, after all, does not
Seem to be tlie result of domestication.

instinct of their own. In the fall they direct
their course in great numbn'S to the rich
b ittoin lands of the Ohio and Mississipi)i.
Their food consists of grains, grasses, acorns,
bi'rries, fruit and insects ; neitherarc tadimles,
young frogs and lizards despised. When there
is an abundant crop of acorns, flocks of turkeys
may be expected. It often occurs that rivers
are to be crossed during 'these migrations.
When arrived at tlie banks they assemble on tlie
highest eminences and there remain for hours,
and even days, as if in consultation, or perhaps
to recruit tlieir strength for the undertaking.
While thus waiting, the miles employ their
time in gobbling and strutting about with ex-
panded tails ami lowered wings, in iking with
the latter a drumming or booming sound.
Even the females often imitate these raove-
mentss. At last, mounting the trees and .high-
est eminences, at a given signal from the
cliosen leader they wing their way to the
opposite shore. The old birds easily cross,
but, should the stream be wide, the young anil
feeble frequently miss the goal desired and fall
into the scream wlien they swim ashore. They
swim with no litMe dext'M-itv by closing their
wings and expan ling their tails for support,
striking out rapidly with their long and

THE WILD TURKEY.

This noble bird may be considered as both
migratory and gregarious, migrations arising
mainly from scarcity of food or of greater
abundance elsewhere, to which they are
gradually led by finding the supply increase as
they advance, rather than from any particular

"GAME FOWLS."
powerful legs. When the banks are steep, as
is frequently the case, many are unable to
ascend, and falling back from their repeated
and unsuccessful attempts, are overpowered
by fatigue and perish in the water.

The nest is a very rude structure, being a
straight hollow scraped in the ground in some
dry and sheltered place, and filled with with-
ered leaves or dry grass. These are usually
found in rising ground at the edge of marshes,
slushes or thickets, evidently for the security
the latter give the young. In one case 1 knew
of a wild turkey building her nest in the top
of a stub some eight feet from the ground, the
stub being protected by a thick top of a fallen
tree. The nest contained only six eggs. These
were carefully removed and placed under a
sitting hen, which hatched them all seven
days later. As the nest of a wild turkey
usually contains from ten to eighteen eggs, Tam
led to believe that this unusual selection of a site
for a nest was due to former ones having been
destroyed. The females alone incubate, care-
fully "concealing the nest, apiiroaching it
always with great caution and from a differ-
ent point, and covering the eggs with dry
leaves when leaving in search of food, and
bravely defending them against all depredators.

It is said that three or four females will lay
in one nest, one always remaining as a guard

while the others seek food. This I am inclined
to doubt ; and unless the turkey is far more
astute than supiiosed, there would be some
dithculty in dividing the progeny, particularly
it one or two eggs failed to hatch, and would
cause no small amnunt of tin key talk, to bo
settled by some grave old gobbler capable of
acting tiie Solomon. P.jssibly tliey may pool
progeny as well as eggs. 'I'he eggs arc of a
dull cream color, splotched with red. The
young mil as soon as liatched. and are covered
with a delicate hairy down. They are very
tender and easily killed by cold or wet. To
guard against the latter catastroplie, the first
night of the brood is usually passed In the nest,
after which the hen lea<lstliein to dry, elevated
places, carefully shielding them at night be-
neath her outspread wings until they ar(! two
weeks old, when they roost upon the broad
branches of trees, still ])rotecU'd by the wings
of the parent. The fetnile calls her young by
the well-known cluck. They run very fiust,
and when pursued trust more to their legs
than their wings for escape.

HAY FOR HENS.

T/ie Poultry World advises the use of hay in
the diet of fowls in winter, as they eat gra.ssto
advantage in sum-
mer. " Bulk in food
is required for health
^ as well for poultry as

'manor animals. Rich
and concentrated food
is not readilydigested
and invites disease.
Some think a craving
for bulky food is one
chief cause of feather
eating in winter, or
among fowls confined.
Now, just try and se-
cure a good supply of
second crop hay, short
and, if possible, con-
taining clover. Cure
only enough to pre-
serve, and your fowls
will eat a portion of
it all winter when
they would turn away
from stale cabbage.
What is not eaten will
furnish untold amuse-
ment in scratching
over. Remember in
winter, if poultry
stand on one leg, un-
employed all day, they
are disposed to have
tlie blues. Idle medi-
tations lead always to
bad habits ; while a
healthy mind, in a vigorous b xly, suggests
business, which, with fowls, means winter eggs
and early chickens. Secure your rowen in
September, or early in October of each year,
or before frost, if possible, for it is injured in
quality by being frost biten."

The above advice is good, although few sup-
pose hens would eat hay if given them, but this
is because they have not watched the habits of
their poultry. We have noticed them often
picking short bits of cut hay of almost any
variety, and hay cooked for cattle is eaten
greedily by them. We advise short clover
well boiled for them. Clover is better than
anyollierhay, because it possesses egg-making
nutriment, besides fibre to separate the particles
of grain. It is not bulk, as mere quantity,
that is needed, but coarse fibre to .separate the
concentrated food in the stomach, so that the
gastric juice can circulate through the mass.
The stomach cannot well manage solid food.
Only a few minutes will be required to prepare
this hav for a large number of poultry. — Na-
tional Live Sliock Journal.

One hundred canvassers wanted, to so-
licit snb.scriptions for The Farmer. Good
inducements offered. Send for prospectus and
specimeu copies.

40

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ March,

For The Lancaster Fabmeb.
INSECTS AS FOOD.*

Perhaps it iiiiRht be shocking to your gastro-
nomic sensibilities if I were to assert tliat by
the time we celebrate the second centennial of
anniversary of American independence, the
bills of fare at the most frequented restaurants
may contain such edibles as ws(cts, dressed in
various forms— including the soup, the stew,
the roast, the fry, the friccassee, and the pie —
and why not V Especially such as feed on
fresh, sweet and healthy vegetation. If, then,
it should ever become necessary to compro-
mise the question between vegetarians and
"carnivarians," it seems to nie that insect
diet would be the only platform they could
possibly meet upon. Again, I ask, why not V
Insects, spiders, centipedes, crabs, lobsters,
shrimps, prawns, and hundreds of other simi-
lar iinimals, all belong to the great class
Ariicidata, and, as a class, are infinitely more
clean in their feeding habits than the great
class Vertebrala, at the head of which stands
man, the crown of the animal creation — taken
as a whole. Take, fur instance, pigs, chick-
ens, ducks, and many of the fishes caught at
the outlets of the sewers, along the wharves
of all large cities. So, also, we might mention
the frog, the snappinLj-turtle (Uliehjdra serpen-
tina), which derives its specific name from its
resemblance to a serpent, the Iguanns of South
America — a large species of lizard — all of
which are vertebrates, and the latter belong to
the sub-class REPTiLiA.f Now, although
these animals are all more or less preferred to
other animals that seem more clean, I do not
mean to saj- that they are ])Osltive!y unclean ;
for, fundamentally considered, the maxim may
be true that " there is no such thing as dirt"
— that all such substances are merely chemical
combinations of miiterial elements having
affinities for each other ; and we may also
infer that neither plants nor animals will
normally absorb or appropriate any other sub-
stance than that which is clean and is neces-
sary in the formation and development of its
physical tissues. It is true that many of the
substances which animals feed on impart a
peculiar flavor to their secretions or their
flesh, ye^ if they ore ill-favored, or even poi-
sons, they are, notwithstanding, clean.

When naturalists first began to classify ani-
mals, they included crustaceans, insectans,
arachnidans and myriapodans all in the one
great class called Articulata, from the in-
sected or articidated structure of their bodies;
but the simplest and most marked distinction
between vertebrates and articulates is, that
the former have their skeletons inside and
their muscular, adipose and cutaneous tissues
outside; whilst the latter have their skeletons
outside and their muscular and adipose tissues
inside. We may, therefore, rationally infer
that there is no great difference in the ele-
mentary substances which compose the differ-
ent tribes of articulates. There may be a
difference in flavor, in texture and nutrition,
owing to locality, habit and food ; but in their
elementary substances they may be all the
same. A dish of boiled shrimps and a dish of
boiled grasshoppers, divested of their external
members, will present nearly the same appear-
ance, and, if seasoned alike, will have nearly
the same flavor ; and if people could so far
overcome their prejudices as to make a trial,
they would nearly taste alike, perhaps.

In the month of July, 1875, I made a small
collection of crustaceans along the shores of
Delaware Bay, consisting of crabs, shrimps,
prawns, sand-fleas and others, which I im-
mersed in alcohol. I also made a collection
of grasshoppers (locusts) on the sand flats
some distance in from the beach, which I also
immersed in alcohol. About twenty-four
hours after their immersion, all these animals
turned red, just as crabs and lobsters do when
they are boiled, and on looking at them I
could not but reflect that these animals were
all very similar in substance, and tliat the
chemical affinities which produced this uni-

•Read before the Liunwan Society, February 24, 1877, by
S. S. RathTon.
tTo wUcli alao belong tlis snakes and toads.

form discoloration musthaveheen substantially
the same. Indeed, I have it directly from the
mouth of an intimate friend, who on several
occasions visited the '"Digger Indians" dur-
ing liis residence in California, and who ate
of gras.shoppers as they were prepared by these
Indians, that they were pleasantly flavored and
palatable, even in the simple manner in which
these children of nature prepared them — not
much unlike shrimps, and quite as agreeable to
the sight, and, if properly prepared by civilized
hands, might have been »s good as shrimps.

Many long years ago I had a youthful friend
who went as cabiu boy in a trading-vessel to
the West India Islands, and when he returned,
boy-like, he had many things to say, espec'ially
about the fruits and other edibles he found in
the markets ; and amongst them was a certain
delicacy called (jrugrus, which, compared with
other articles, whs expensive, and highly es-
teemed, but he did not seem to know exactly
whether they were animal or vegetable. Long
years afterward, when I began to read works
on entomology, I learned that gruyru was the
name applied to the larva of the "palm-wee-
vil"— Calandra pahnarim — which was eaten
by those who could alford to buy them, and
that some of the English officers became ex-
ceedingly fond of them and esteemed them
great luxuries ; and also, that the early ex-
l)anding buds of the " cabbage-palm" — Areca
oleracea — or rather within the leaves which
constitute the summit of the trunk, a solid
head lies concealed, which is white, soft and
about two feet in length, and this is eaten
either raw or cooked. The trunk of this palm
is infested by the palm-weevil, as thick as a
man's thumb, and three inches long, so that it
affords a dish, perhaps more savory than our
" beef and cabbage." Now, the practical les-
son I desire to suggest by this paper is to this
effect. We are often injured in our crops of
diflerent kinds by the infestation of hordes of
destructive insects, in some instances so nu-
merous and so gormandizing in their appetites
as to destroy all vegetation, and leave nothing
but barrenness and squalid want in their
train, and, but for legislative provision and
the general dictates of charity, would often
result in famine. With the return of almost
every summer season our vastly expanded ter-
ritory sufiers from the infestations of some
one or more kinds of destructive insects ; and
these are frequently so sudden in their advent,
and so voracious in their demands, that a
whole crop may be destroyed before a remedy
can be applied, even if a certain lemedy were
known ; and this is especially the ca.se with
tiie incursions of the " Rocky Mountain lo-
cust," or "rascal grasshopper" (Caloplinus
spretus), to say nothing about those so destruct-
ive to special crops— such, for instance, as the
"chinch bugs," the "Colorado potato beetles,"
the "white earth-grubs," the "curculios,"
and others, that infest wheat, corn, potatoes,
grasses, fruits and other species of vegetation.

Waiving all speculation as to the oriyin of
insects, I think we may safely concede that
their existence has been permitted in the
universal economy of the Creator, for some
use, for the punishment of some abuse, or for
the prevention of a greater rejZ. We probably
would have a dull, monotonous and pestilential
world, it tliere were no insects, and it is very
certain that the presence of certain species
have always been regarded as a special blessing
to mankind ; and even those noxious species,
in some countries, have been utilized or con-
verted into blessings, which in other countries,
have been only esteemed as a curse. Can any
one doubt that the versatile and gastro-
noniically fertile French would have esteemed
a daily shower of locusts during the late "siege
of Paris" as less a blessing than did the childreu
of Israel the manna in the wilderness ; or that
they would not have preferred them to cat-
stews, dog-pies, and monkey-hash. Nor
would they have been at all singular in this,
for these and other insects have been used as
food from very ancient times, and are still so
used in many parts of the world, and this, too.
not from necessity, but from choice, ^-n'l
wherever they have been tested by intelligent

and unprejudiced moderns, the almost univer-
sal verdict has been that their taste and flavor
have been far preferable to many of the culinary
preparations brought to the tables of modern
civilization— Limberger cheese, for instance.
Many of you, no doubt, have read tliC recent
accounts going the rounds of the newspapers,
of the banquet of Rocky Mountain locusts,
served up under the auspices of Prof. Riley
and a cordon of scientific gentlemen in the
west, the details of which were very interest-
ing and to the point. I am not suggesting a
resort to insect food in a time and in a land of
plenty, and yet a period in our domestic his-
tory may come, when we will make use of
them as a matter of choice. But, when they
make their advent in vast clouds, and destroy
every green thing upon the face of the
earth, I think we should so far overcome our
prejudices, and compensate ourselves by feed-
ing upon them, rather than suffer from starva-
tion and pinching want ; and herein may also
be found a practical remedy. It is wonderful
how the price advances and how scant the
supply, when the taste becomes cultivated to
the appropriation of certain articles as human
food. Less than fifty years ago tomatoes
were regarded with disgust or repugnance, if
not as poisonous ; but how does the matter
stand in regard to this popular edible to-day ?
Tomatoes instead of remaining a mere or-
nament, became a subject of use, and hence
the supply was provided through careful cul-
tivation. Not so, however, with some other
things. When I was a mere lad, some five
and fifty years ago, the ponds, the creeks, the
dams, and even tlie rivers, were all pretty
well stocked with frogs, and they often made
night hideous with their cries of "More rum"
and "Blood and nouns," to the great terror
of juvenile night walker.s. Nobody then
dreamed of using them as food. At length
an instructed epicure located in the town,
who soon commenced a war upon the frogs,
and oflfered to purchase all that were brought
to him at a penny a piece — sometimes as low
as eight and ten cents per dozen. For awhile
his table was well supplied and he and his
guests fairly rioted in the luxury. Finally
other citizens liegan to relish frogs, and be-
fore mail}' years the race became almost ex-
tinct. Frogs have very little brain, but what
little they have, we boys soon tliscovered,
they so far cultivated as to serve the purpose
of self-preservation. To capture them, we
used a fishing rod with a short piece of line at
the end, to which was attached a hook baited
with a "bit" of red flannel, and at first they
were just stupid enough to greedily snap at
the flannel, and allow themselves to be hooked;
but they soon found out the nature of the de-
coy, and refused to bite at it. They would sit
and look at us, and allow us to dangle the de-
coy about their heads, or across their mouths,
but they would bite no more. Then we tied
two or three hooks together — back to back —
like a miniature anchor, and hooked them
with a quick upward jc^rk, whether they bit
or not; but they soon learned to evade this
dodge by increasing the distance between us
and them. Their advance in scholarship was
remarkable. If they were just an inch or two
beyond the length of our rods, and we tied a
foot or two to the lower end, by the time we
were ready to use it, the frogs were just that
much farther out in the stream. Then we
were compelled to resort to powder and shot,
and then too the frogs began to dive under
the water at our approach. Claiming your
indulgence for this digression, allow me to
say, that it was the fashion of eating frogs
that occasioned their depletion and almost
extinction. A similar use of insects would go
very far toward diminishing their numbers,
and who knows how soon the time may come
when such a use will be made of them, both
as a remedy against their incursions, and as
an article of commerce. Even if it should be
made manifest that insects are a nutritious,
healthful and pleasant food, there would ne-
cessarily be exceptions, just as there are ex-
ceptions among vertebrated animals; for, not
many people hanker much after owls, crows

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

41

and buzzards, .Tiiy more tliaii they do after
wild cats, wolverines ami skunks, but there
niiglit be those who would prefer them to
more delicately constituted animals. Nor
could the use of insects as food be claimed as
a modern discovery, for, without j^oiu^j biek
to the iii'ehistorie ages of the human family,
and s|>eculatinK upon their Kiislrouoniic hab-
its, we have numberless instances rec'orded
npon the paijes of ancient, mediievaland mod-
ern history that they were used as Iniman
food. The Greek ai'ul K'lman epicures of the
2d century. —and both <'arlier and later than
that period— were in the habit of eating the
larvce of several coleopterous insect:;, and
highly relished tlieui, according to iElian,
Pliny and others; which were probably those
of palm-weevils, and certain large species of
Lotiyi-corniaus. Pliny's coasus probably was a
Prionus. AVliat we know of cossiis now, is,
that it is very offensive, and would liardly be
used as food"; but the two edible species
named, as well as the white grubs of certain
Laniellicornian insects, were eaten, and re-
garded as great luxuries by the people ;)f Suri-
nam, South America, and the West Indies,
and are very probably eaten liy those people to-
day. The larvie of a large species of Ceram-
liiClD^E {Prionus duiiilcnnns) was in great re-
quest at the principal tables in J unaica, and
a similar one in Mauritius, and also allied
species in various parts of Africa. The whites
as well as the negroes, in the latter country,
are said to be greedily fond of the laritr. of
Cock-chafers and Rhinoceros Beetles (Oi-yctcs
naskomls). Among the OitTHOi'TEHA, lo-
custs have been considered almost a staple
food ainone various nations. St. John the
Ba))tist made a repast of "locusts and wild
honey" in the wilderness, and among the
Ethiopian tribes, and the Parthians, as well
as the Arabians, locusts were a common arti-
cle of food, and from this circiunstance some
of these trilies were called Acrilnphagi (locust
eaters) from Acridum, a genus to which some
of the largest species belong. Tlie larijest
species of locust in our laiitude is tlie Acrid-
ivm Americaiuini, and is common in Lancaster
county.

1 might (ill many pages in quoting the in-
stances throughout the world where insects
have been resorted to as an article of human
food, and this not from necessity alone, but
from choice. Not only the orders Col&ipUiu
and Orthapter", hut also the Lipidoptera, the
Honwptera, the Hijmcnoptcra, the Diptern and
the ^;3t' rn, have furnislied subjects for tlie
sustenance of tlie human family. The Greeks,
the Romans, the Parthians, tlie American
Indians, the East Indians, the Hindoos, the
Egyptians, the Mahrattans, the Brazilians,
the'Swedcs, the Hottentots, the New Caledon-
ians, the French, the Ceylonese, theilarguer-
itans, and even others of the most polished
among the European nations, have at various
times been more or less given to the use of
insect food, and these instances have been co-
piously set forth by such authorities as Aris-
totle, Pliny, Piso, Homer, Aristophanes, /El-
ian, Raumer, Scopoli, Lattreille, Humboldt,
Rose], and many others, anl to lead the de-
scriptions of the relish with which many indi-
viduals, both male and female, refined as well
as vulgar, partook of them, is almost sutlieient
to excite an apjietite in those who have
'•never been there."

to the amounts of such fertilizing materials
removed from the soil (as per tal)le by Prof.
Atwater in American AgricuHnrist) it costs in
these materials to produce one bushel of wheat,
:i3{c. ; one bushel rye, '2Tic. ; one bushel oats,
llic. ; one bushel corn, ^.i^c. ; one bushel buck-
wheat, 18c.; one bushel jiotatoes, 7_tc.; one
ton meadow hay, $8.75; i)\u: ton timothy hay,
.•51-2.l:i; red clover hay would seem to remove
•Sl'i.Sl, but as the clover ajipropriates the
greater |)art of the nitrogen from ihe air, the
materials removed are probably not worth over
fti.oO per ton of hay; wheat stniw per ton,
82.70; rye straw per ton, 82. .')7; oats straw
per ton, $3.37; corn fodder per ton, $4.43;
taliaceo iier 101) lbs., 81.20.

Now if by applying a certain amount of fer-
tilizers, a certain increase is the result, and
that increase costs less for fertilizers and extra
laV)or involved than the market value of the
increase, it is surely to the interest of the far-
mer to use them. The i)reparation of the land
is the same, the tilhige liardly ever more,
sometimes less, on account of the luxuriant
growth of crop that smothers any late weeds
that may start, and the only increase in cx-
pen.sc may be that the harvesting will cost
more, on account of the larger crop ; but har-
vesting usually is but a small part of the ex-
pense.

Unfortunately, the result from the appli-
cation of fertilizers (stable manure being no
exception) will not always be satisfactory, for
if the sea.son is very dry there will be little ap-
liarent benelit, and even in some cases, where
they were not applied in a jiroper manner,
may be a positive injury. But as in most
cases the cost of the increase is only from one-
half to one-sixth of the market value of such
crops, we believe it wcudd pay to use the fer-
tilizi rs more, iiroviding it was made a regular
practice ; for if used only semi-occasionally,
the result would iirobably be about as .satis-
factory as if stable manure was applied in the
same manner.

The crops wliicli would seem to pay best by
an ai)|)lication of fertilizers in the order from
the best paying to those that pay less for the
expense involved are tobacco, potatoes, wheat,
rye, oats and corn. In these the ratio between
the value of the materials removed and the
market value of the crop is the greatest.

Timothy is probably the crop that is least
able to sland an application, for one ton of hay
removes 44i lbs. ammonia (30.0 lbs. nitrogen),
14;,^ lbs. phosphoric aciii and 41 lbs. jxitasli.
costing over 812 at the warehouse, to which,
if freight, expense of applying, interest and
taxes on land, and labor of making hay be
added, it would ruu Uf* the cost of the hay to
about S21 per ton.

From the circular mentioned we glean that
in beets, carrots, tobacco, timothy, and all the
srains except buckwheat, ammonia is most
required, phosphoric acid next, and potash
last.

In turnips, ruta bagas, sorghum, sugar cane,
cotton and buckwheat, phosphoric acid is most
required, pot.ash next, ammonia last.

In Irish potatoes, clover, peas, beans and
lucern, potash and phosphoric acid are most
required, ammonia last. — A. B. K.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
JOTTINGSSUGGESTED BY ACIRCULAR

One of the prominent dealers in fertilizers
has put out a circular which it might be well
to study. As he is generally recognized as a
fair dealer, and the figures that are iriven of
the composition of crops and fertilizers are
ttiken in nearly all cases from standard works
on chemistry, the calctdations that may be
reduced will be in the main reliable.

In making the prices of chemical manures,
he gives the following rates for the fertilizing
materials contained in the same :

Ammonia, 17ic. per lb.; (nitrocren, 2H;)
phosphoric acid, 9c. per lb ; potash, 7^c. per lb.

If we now take these figures and apply them

VERY CURIOUS EXPERIMENTS.

The Sick and the Afflicted Cured— A Great

Blessing Conferred upon the Human

Family without Cost.

Some months ago, a number of the i»ipers
in the country criticised, generally with some
degree of facetiousncss, a book written by
Gen. A. J. Pleasontou of Philadelphia, en-
titled "Blue and Sun Li^zbt; their inlhience
npon Life, Disease, etc." Some of the ideas
set forth by Gen. Pleasonton are calculated to
-startle reading and thoushtfid persons, and
failing to comprehend his theories, it is no
wonder that the critics poked considerable fun
at them. My attention was recently directed
to the "blue glass" treatment by an old friend
who recommended its use in case of sickness
in my family. Having confidence in ray friend
I wrote to Gen. Pleasouton regarding it, and

in reply received a copy of his liook, and in-
strudions regarding the application of the
blue light in the case I recited to him. Hav-
ing practical evidence before me of the bene-
fits to be derived from the application of the
"blue light," I propose in thi.s letter to give
some general Idea of Gen. Pleasonton 's the-
ory regarding the

Blue and Sun Lights.
To promise, then. Gen. Pleasonton, the au-
thor of the book in question, was not the fa-
mous ciivalry leader during the war, as has
b^en quite generally supposed, but hit< elder
brother. The cavalry leader is (im. Alfred
Pleasonton, while the discoverer of the blue
lii;ht theory is Gen. Augustus J. Pleasonton.
He is agraduiite of West Point, was in tlie
reguliir army for .some time, from which he
resigned; during the war he was a Brigadier
General of Pennsylvania militia, and was se-
lected to organiz(f a body of 10,(J00 men with-
in the Stat(! for use in emergencies. He is a
lawyep>f iirominence in Philadelphia, a gen-
tletnan of culture, wealth and refinement.
Owning a farm outside of the city, he in 1800
commenced to ex|)evinient upon his theory re-
garding the different colors in the sun's rays,
and their ellects upon vegetable and animal
life. Experiments made in Eiu-ope had al-
ready demonstrated that the blue rays of the
sun's light had greater chemical powers than
any of the others, developed a greater
amount of heat, and were espt^cially stimulat-
ing to vegetation. But these ex])criments
had been barren of practical results, and Gen.
Pleasonton was left to his own resources to
carry out his own ideas. He built a large
grapery, covered with gla.ss. every eighth row
of which was blue. By this arrangement, the
sun ill making its rouiids,

Cast a Blue Ray of Light
upon every plant and leaf within the jrrapery.
In April, 1801, he set out twenty varieties of
grape-vines in his grapery, all of the cuttings
being one year old, the size of a pipe stem,
and cut close to the ground. The vines soon
began to show a most vigorous growth, and
in a few weeks the urai'cry was filled with
vines and foliase. By September— or tivc
months after setting -the secdman who had
furnished the cuttings made measurements,
and found that the vines had grown forty-five
feet in length, and were an inch in diameter
a foot aliove the ground. These vines at-
tracted great attention in the neighborhood,
but it was predicted that, owing to this un-
usual growth, they would not bear fruit. Next
year, liowever, the vines displayed the same
vigor )us growth, and in addii ion bore over
1,2(K) ])ounds of luscious gnipes of unusual size.
This was more astonishing to horticultur-
ists than the grow'th of the vines, but from that
day to this, the vines have kept up the same
vigorous growth, beini: entirely free from dis-
ea.se and destructive in.'^ecls, and b.'aring with
I>roportioiiate iirolificness. How remarkable
this result is will be appreciated when it is
known that in gra|ie-growing countries the
vines do not bear fruit until the fifth or sixth
year. Having been so successful in his first
experiment with vesretable life. Gen. Pleason-
ton next tried the effect of

Blue Light upon Animals.
His first experiment was with a litter of
pigs, which he placed in a pen which was
placed in a pen which was lighted by blue and
plain glass inserted in the roof in equal pro-
portions. This litter gained wonderfully in
weight, size and strength, and, at the end of
a few months, were found to weiLrh very much
mora than a similar litter raised in the usual
way. He next experimented witli an Alder-
nev bull-calf, which was so puny and weak at
its" birth that the manager of tlie farm said it
could not live. It was put under blue glass,
and in twenty-four hours it was able to stand
ui>, and was taught to drink milk; in four
months it was a perfectly-devc-loped bull,
strong and vigorous, and was turned in with
the lurd of cows, and has since fulfilled every
exiiectation regarding him. Subsequently
other experiments gave him confidence, and

42

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ March,

now all his cattle are raised under blue glass,
showing great vigor and the most surprising
precocity. A heifer beeonies a mother wlien
14 months old, and the cow.s and their proge-
ny are healthy and strong, and the former
are great milkers. It is generally held that
heifers should not bear young before they are
four years old, but under the influence of blue
glass, they do so without injury when 18
months old, thus saving the expense of keep-
ing them tlirough two and a half years. The
beneficial efft'Ct of the associated plain and
blue rays of the sun's light upon vegetable and
animal life having been demonstrated, to the
wonder and amazement of all who had ob-
served the experiments, their eftect was tried
upon

Various Sick Persons.

The most astonishing results have been ob-
tained, which are certified to in such a man-
ner as to leave no doubtregarding them. Com-
modore Goldsborough, who had read some-
thing regarding Gen. Pleasonton's di.scovery,
relates the case of a lady who prematurely
gave birth to a child, which was weak and
puny, weighing but three and a half pounds
at birth. There were blue curtains to the
windows of the room in which the cliild was
reared, and those were arranged so that the
light entering the room came about equally
through tlie blue curtains and tlie glass of the
windows. Tlie child began to thrive, devel-
oped a tremendous appetite, while the lacteal
system of the mother was greaily excited, and
her supply of milk greatly increased. The
child grew rapidly in health, strength and size,
and at the end of four months weighed twen-
ty-two pounds. Commodore Goldsborough ex-
perimented with two broods of chickens, plac-
ing one under blue glass and the other in an
ordinary coop. The former soon showed the
stimulating effects of the blue glass, their
growth being almost visible from day to day,
and their strength, size and vigor far exceeden
that of the chickens in the ordinary coop. This
is testimony f i ora a gentleman of high stand-
ing who is in the habit of carefully weighing
his words. The

Wife of a Philadelphia Physician

was suffering from a complication of disorders,
and the medical fraternity of New York and
Philadelphia could do nothing for her. Her
husband. Dr. Beckwith, writes that she was
suffering from nervous irritation and exhaus-
tion, wiiicli resulted in severe neuralgic, and
rheumatic pains, depriving her of sleep and
appetite for food, producing great debility and
a wasting away of the body. The lady and
her husband had abandoned hope of her re-
covery. Gen. Pleasonton recommended the
trial of the blue glass, and accordingly Dr.
Beckwith arranged one sash of a window with
alternate panes of blue and common glass.
His wife then exposed to the effect of the as-
sociated rays of blue and plain light those por-
tions of her body which were affected by neu-
ralgia. In three minutes she experienced re-
lief, and in ten minutes the pains disappeared.
With each application of the associated lights,
her pains became less,herappetite and strength
returned and in three weeks she was restored
to h'^r normal, healthful condition. This lady
had been losing her hair in consequence of her
sickness, there being several bald places on
her head. Under the stimulating effects of
the blue glass, the hair began to grow vigor-
ously, and tlie bald places were soon covered
with a luxuriant growth of hair. Dr. Beck-
with, in relating this case, says: "From my
observations, of the blue and sunlight upon
my wife, I regard it as the greatest stimulant
and most powerful tonic that I know of in
medicine. It will be invaluable in typhoid
cases, cases of debility, nervous depression,
and the like."

Two Major Generals,
old friends of Gen. Pleasonton. were afllicted
with rheumatism in their forearms, from
their elbow-joints to their finger-ends, so se-
vere at times that they were unable to hold
pens. They determined to try "Pleasonton's
blue glass," and accordingly obtained a piece

of blue glass and set it up loosely in one of
their windows. For three days they bared
tlieir arms and held them in the associated
blue and sun light for thirty minutes. Each
day brought them relief, and at the end of
three days the rheumatism had disappeared.
Two years later they both informed Gen.
Pleasonton that they had not had a return of
rheumatism in any form. A little child that
had, from its birth, scarcely any use of its legs
was taken to play daily in a room where blue
glass formed a portion of one of the windows.
In a very short time it obtained the use of its
legs and learned to walk and run without
ditliculty. Numerous other cases are men-
tioned in Gen. Pleasonton's book showing
that there can be no question of the stinmlat-
ing and curative effects of the as.sociated blue
and sunlight. But I prefer to give my own
experience, and then follow with Gen.
Pleasonton's explanation. A lady of my
family, about si.x weeks ago, had a

Violent Hemorrhage of the Lungs,
and for ten days raised more or less blood dai-
ly. She was very much weakened by the loss
of blood, and considerably frightened withal.
I obtained some blue glass and placed it in
the window where she was in the habit of sit-
ting, the blue glass constituting one-half the
lower sash of the window. The lady sat dai-
ly in the associated lights, allowing the blue
rays especially to fall upon the nerves of the
back of the neck for about an hour a day.
The second day, the sun's rays being unusu-
ally strong, she got "too much blue glass,"
and at night felt peculiar sensations in the
back of the neck, among the nerves, and an
unpleasant fullness in the head. Tliese sen-
si" tions wore off next day, and since then she
has not remained so long at a time under the
blue glass. But from the first she began to
grow stronger, her face soon gained its natur-
al fullness, and in a week she was, to all ap-
pearance, as well as ever. Of course she was
not cured of the trouble in her lungs in so
short a time, but the soreness in her chest has
passed away, and she begins to feel well again.
After sitting in the associated light a week,
a large number of red pimples came out on
her neck and shoulders, an indication that the
treatment was bringing to the surface the hu-
mors of the blood. In a letter to me Gen.
Pleasonton says: "I am satisfied that if this
treatment shall be continued through the winter
and spring, any tuberculous development that
may exist in the lungs will be arrested, its pus
absorbed into the circulation, and then thrown
off from the blood in the e.xcretion (as has oc-
curred already in the spots on the body), the
wounds of the tubercles will be cicatrized
and the lady restored to a condition of good
health." InthesaineletterGen. Pleasonton re-
lates an agreeable incident whicli occurred to
him but a few weeks since. A lady and her
daughter called to see him, and announced
that they had come from Corning, N. Y., to
Philadelphia,for the express purpose of thank-
ing him for

Saving the Daughter's Life.

Four years ago she was afflicted with a vio-
lent attack of spinal meningitis. Her sufferings
were indescribable, but continuous. Every
conceivable remedy had been resorted to diu'-
ing these four years, but the patient received
no benefit. Her nervous system at last be-
came so disordered that the slightest sound or
the most gentle agitation of the air threw hi'r
into the most agonizing sufferinsr. vShe was
wasted away in flesh, could not sleep at night,
had no appetite, and her life was despaired of
Hearing of Gen. Pleasonton's discovery in
associated lights, her parents determiiwd to
try it. A bay window was fitted with alter-
nate panes of blue and plain slass, and the
young lady sat daily in the light which stream-
ed tliDUgh them. Her physicians, of course,
laughed at the idea, pronounc -d the whole
thing a humbug, etc., as is the habit of pro-
fessional gentlemen whenever any new idea is
broached. The physician was dismissed, and
the young lady relied wholly upon the blueglass
treatment for her restoration to health. The

lady says that on entering the room thus
lighted, the pains from which she was suffer-
ing almost immediately ceased. They would
return in a modified form on leaving the room,
but grew less from day to day. Very soon
her condition began to improve, her appetite
returned, and with it her strength; she be-
gan to gain tiesh, her sleeplessness disappeared,
and in short, she was speedily restored to
health.

Hope for the Bald-Headed.
A singular feature of this young lady's case
was that her hair all came out and she became
as bald-headed as an egg. Her physician ex-
amined the scalp with a microscope, and de-
clared that there were no roots of hair remain-
ing, and that, consequently, she would never
again have a natural head of hair. This au-
noimcement to a young lady was worse than
wotild have been the reading of her death war-
rant. Better the cold grave and its attendant
worm than to go through life with a wig. Under
the blue glass treatment, the hair did begin
to grow, the young lady discarded her wig,
and when she called upon Gen. Pleasonton
she showed him a luxuriant growth of hair
which any young lady might envy. She was
profusely gratefid to the General for having
restored her hair, and incidentally saved her
life. So much for examples and illustrations.
These and numerous others which I might
cile if you had space to print them, show that
the blue associated with the sunlight have a
wonderfully stimulating effect upon both veg-
etable and animal life, and have cured some
diseases with which the human family is af-
rticted. If they will do this, everybody ought
to know it, for the treatment costs nothing,
and is a great saving of doctors' bills. Now
for

Gen. Pleasonton's Explanation

of the curative effects of the associated lights.
In his letter to me he puts it thus tersely:
"Sunlight passes through plain, transparent
glass with very slight obstruction, as it does
through the atmosphere and ether of space; it
produces no heat, for the glass remains as cold
as the outside atmosphere while the sunlight
passes through it. When, however, the ad-
joining sunlight, moving with the same veloc-
ity as the first mentioned, viz.: 186,000 miles
per second, falls upon the blue panes of glass,six
of the seven primary rays of sunlight are sud-
denly arrested by it, only the blue rays being
permitted to pass through it into the apart-
ment. The sudden stoppage of these six raj's
of light, with its enormous velocity, produces
friction; this friction evolves negative electri-
city, which is the electricity of sunlight pass-
ing throtigh the ether of space and our cold
atmosphere, both of which being negatively
electrified impart their electricity by induc-
tion to the rays of sunlight as they pass. The
blue glass is oppositely electrified. When the
opposite electricities, thus brought together,
meet at the surface of the glass, their con-
junction evolves heat and magnetism; the
heat expands the molecules of the glass, and
a current of electro-magnetism jiasses into
the room, imparting vitality and strength to
any animal or vegetable life within it. When
the atmosphere of the room becomes thus
electro-magnetized, its inhabitants i-aunot fail
to derive the greatest benefit from being in
it." Gen. Pleasonton's book is devoted to
the scientific discussion of bis theory, and to
the recital of proof to sustain him. He bold-
ly combats many theories which have been
acceiited as established principles, and atily
puts forward his own as a substitute. For
instances lie denies the

Newtonian Theory of Gravitation,
affirming that there is no such thing. He
holds that electricity is the all-controlling-
force of nature, and by and through it we live
and have our being, the earth revolves, the
planets are sustained in their several places,
and all that. He further denies the accepted
theory that the sun is an incandescent body,
throwing off heated rays, and that there is any
heat in the sunlight. He argues that the earth
is siu:rouaded by an envelope of atmosphere

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

43

and ether which has been provcc] to be of a
temperature minus one liuiiuied and forty-two
degrees centigrade, and tliat it would he ali.so-
solutelv iniiiossiblc for the sun's rays to pene-
trate tiiis cold envelope for a distance of il2-,
000,000 of miles and preserve any portion of
heat whatever. According to Pleasonton,
all our heat is evolved from the earth, and
the heat and cold of our atmosphere are regu-
lated by the dislance of this cold envelope
from the earth, Not being a scientist, and
not having much time or space at my disposal
I shall not pretend to explain Gen. Ploason-
ton's ideas. Let those who wish to read his
book send to Scribner for it, inclosing S'J, and
they will get it. Hut "the iiroof of the pud-
ding is in the eating." While I cannot ex-
plain scientilically the operation, I know that
the blue light, in conjunction with the ])lain
light, has i)roduce(l wonderful effects, both in
curing disease and otherwise. It costs noth-
ing to try it, for, although a patent has been
issued to Gen. Pleasonton for his discovery,
he has not sought to profit by it. Let

Whoever Desires to Experiment

with it, whether upon vegetable or animal
life, go ahead. If upon vegetable life, the
proportion of blue glass to transparent should
be about one-eighth; if upon animal life, let it
be about equal— one-half blue and one-half
transparent. The glass used is a dark pur-
plish blue, and can be obtained almost any-
where. Get a few panes cut to the size of
your window panes, and insert them alter-
nately in the sash, and then let the lame, the
halt, and the blind sit within its influence.
It is soon tested, and at a trifling cost. The
results already obtained and certified to by
men of known character and standing are sntli-
cient to make ridiculous the one who would
cry '■humbug." Facts are facts, and cannot
be wiped out. Whatever one may think of
Gen. Pleasonton's theories, or his explanations
of the results obtained by his cx]ierinients, no
one who reads his book can doubt but these
results have been obtained. In France, his
book attracted the attention of the best scien-
tists, who are now experimenting with the
blue glass. What results have been obtained
is not known. All scientists admit that elec-
tricity is a force regarding which very little is
known. They are all striving to learn more
regarding it, and to make it more subservient
to the will of man. Perhaps Geu. Pleasonton
has got

A Step in Advance

of all of them, and holds the key of the»pnzzle
in his grasp. I should add, however, that he
is.exceedingly'niodest regarding hisdiscovery,
and says: "I do not profess to teach any one;
but, as a human atom among the masses of
mankind, for whom all knowledge should be
"disseminated, I venture to imi)art to the pub-
lic the conclusions to which I have arrived on
these subjects, and that the public may attach
to them whatever value they please." When
I see a near and dear relative daily advancinc
from sickness to health, gaining strength and
vigor from the application of his theory, I for
one attach very considerable weight to it. In
the hope that others may be induced to exper-
iment in this dir8f;lion, where no possible
harm can follow and raueh good may result,
I have written this letter. — Qhicago Tribune.

GOLDEN RULES FOR BEE-KEEPING.

1. For success. The successful bee-keeper
should be firm, fearless, promjit, provident,
persevering, systematic and self-reliant.

2. For situation. The apiary should be in
a sheltered position, near a small stream, and
where a variet}' of honey -plants, some of which
yield abmidani, and others constant supplies of
the nectar.

3. For removing bees. Allow for abund-
ant ventilation, close up firmly, invert and
place in a spring wagon, so that combs run
with, and not across the wagon. Unless re-
moved a mile or more, hives should be moved
by degrees, only a foot or two at a time, or
many" bees will be lost.

4. For hives. Tlie general advantages of
manuf.acture, simplicity, capacity, wintering
anil adaptation to the requirements of the
particular apiarian are to be considered. It
is essential that every hive, frame, box, and
movable part be of the same size so that each
will lit with all.

5. For handling. Move gently and with-
out sudden or violent motions in all work
about the apiary.

C. For subduing. "Bees filled with liquid
sweets do not volunteer an attack." Hence,
cause thcin to fill themselves with honey by
smoking or fii^hting.

7. For smoking. Use dried buffalo chip
from the cow pen. It costs notliii>g. is the
best material, and when lighted lasts a long
time.

8. For protection. U.se a bobinet vail
sewed up and open at the both ends, one
fastened with rubber around the hat, the other
secured under the coat collar.

9. For sweeping bees. U.se a green twig
or a bunch of asparagus, never a feather.

10. For stings. Do dot flinch if stung.
Scrape the sting out with a knife or finger-
nail, pinch the wound and apply soda, liarts-
horn, or whatever alkali is found best by the
particular party.

11. For increase. Rear queens, or have
queen cells ready from nuclei before the swarms
are made. Make but few swarms if honey is
desired.

12. For nuclei. Use the regular frames
and hive with division hoards to diminish or
increase at pleasure. No extra, useless comb
is then needed, and they are easily increased
to stands.

18. For inserting queens. She should be
fertile, the bees aware of their loss, no queen
cells started, the same scent given, and the
bees quiet, when she is released.

14. For strength. Keep only prolific queens,
feed in times of honey drought, check undue
swarming by destroying queen cells, and if
neces.sary, by inserting combs of capped brood
or uniting stocks.

15. For honey. Keep the hives very strong
if much is desired. The neater the box, or
jar. the better the price.

1(1 For a queenless colony. Give it a
qui'en, queen cell or eggs at once, or unite it
with another colony.

17. For queens. Raise queens from select
stocks. Keep only prolific ones, and supersede
the third year after the close of the spring
honey harvest.

18. For record. Keep a record of the age
of each queen, all examinations and condi-
tions of the hive, on a card or tablet fastened
conveniently in the top of each hive.

19. For using extractors. Use sparingly
except in the midst of a honey harvest, or
directly thereafter, to give the qiieen room for
laying.

20. For comb guides. Use sharp angles,
or strips of comb in the centre of the frames,
and tip the hive forward at an angle of 25
deg.

21. For worker comb. Have combs built
in colonies which have young queens, and
always near the centre of the hive, or use
artificial foundations.

22. For raising drones. A square inch or
two of drone comb is sufficient in a hive to
prevent the rearing of useless drones.

23. For cleansing comb. If dry, first soak
and then direct a stream of water from a
syringe iqion the comb so inchned that tiie
water carries away the filth.

24. For feeding. Time— after sunset, with
tepid syrup if cool. Season— liquid food in
sununcr and fall, and solid candy in winter.
The syrup should vary from eijual part.s, by
measure, of .sugar and water, for summer, to
two of suijar to one of water, for fall feeding.
Alittle vinegar may be added in summer to
prevent storage, and a little cream of tartar
in autumn to prevent crystallization. Freshly
ground oat.s and rye for pollen, fed in a diy,
sunny i)lace in spring.

25. For removing propolis. Alcohol cleanses
it from glass, benzine dissolves it, but the best

way to remove it from quilts is by rubbing iu
colil weather.

For wintering. Stocks should be strong in
bees, heavy with stores, prottcled from sud-
den changes and depredators, with veutilation
according to temperature.

27. Against moths. Strong colonics with
fertile queens.

28. Against robbers. Contract the en-
trinces — entirely if necessary. Leave no
sweets exposed.

29. Against ants. Pour coal oil, or car-
bolic acid into their haunts. Seal honey in
jars or jjlace it on a bench or swinging shelf,
with a good wiile chalk mark around the sup-
ports. Ants cannot cross a fresh chalk mark
if wide and continuous.

30. I-'or general success in all points.
Keep your stocks strong I Stuong I I

Four things to lie learned :

1. How to succeed in artificial fertilization.

2. How to coax bees to use old comb in
constructing new.

3. How to prepare pollen for use in the
cells.

4. How to make comb foundations that
will not stretch.

Yea and

5. How to winter successfully without
comb. — Bee-Kecper''s Magazine.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

A stalcii moetine of Hie Lancaster County Agri-
cultural ami horticultural .Society, was held in tlie
rooms of tlic Linn;pau Society, on Monday afternoon,
March .5, the following named gentlemen being pres-
ent :

Calvin Cooper, president; Johnson Miller, eccre-
tarv; D. \V. f{ancl<, Henry ,M. En;rle, Reuben Wea-
ver, Martin D. Kendip, John C. Linvillc, Levi W.
firotf, Mr. Hitler, Levi Pownall, E. K. Hershey,
John B. Erti, Jacob B. (iarber, Simon P. Eliy, C. L.
Hunsccker, Prof. S. S. Hathvon, Peter S. Heist, John
Buslions;-, Christian Coble, Georse W.Sehroycr, John
.Miller, Adam Shreiner, Levi S. Relet, Jacob R. WIU
mer, Klias Hershey.

Crop reports bcin? called for, Mr. Esole stated
that there was very little to report; frequent frecz-
inir and thawinp had browned the wiuter wheat
somewhat, but had not hurt it. Some of the peach
buds had been liilled by the severity of the winter,
hut there were enouerh unhurt to insure a i;ood
yield. The lowest temperature during the season,
at tiis place, was C decrees below zero. The lowest
during the past month was is above zero, and the
highest fi.5. Tlie rain fall during the past monlb
was 2'.c inches.

Mr. HiLi.EK, of Conestoga, said the fruit in his
neightiorhood was unhurt. The thermometer at no
time marked a lower temperature than 2 degrees
atxjve zero.

Mr. J. B. Err had noticed that the winter wheat
was in some places injured by repeated freezing and
thawing.

President Cooper had examined a great many
peach buds and found them all kilted. The lowest
temperature was 6 decrees lielow zero.

Mr. E. K. Hersiiet read an Interesting paper
on the question referred to him at last meetinEr:
"How much lime should be used toanacreof landf"
He said agticullural chemists greatly dilTeiecl as to
the utility of lime on laud. Some say that the con-
stitueiilsof lime, if they at'; not already in the soil,
must be put there by the farmer. Others regard
lime as of very little account under the best circum-
stances, while sometimes it did alisolute harm. Mr.
Hershey thought that its chief utility is its quality as
an alkaline re-agent. He thought many farmers
used entirely loo much of it. He recommended
from 15 to 30 bushels per acre, according to the na-
ture of the soil, and to lie employed annually as a
top dressing, in as line panicles as possible, after be-
ing slaked. As the application ol lime as a fertil-
izer was a question on w hicli farmers greatly differ-
ed, he urged members of Ihc society to make experi-
ments and lay the r res-jlts lielbre the society.

Mr. H. M. Ej)«i,E lliouiht too much lime was
generally used; smaller quantities more freqliently
applied will do more cood than the large quantities
sometimes used; some farmers use from 100 to 15o
liuslicls per acre; this is too much.

.Mr. J. C. I.ixviLi.E said some soils would hear
from 100 to .00 bushels per acre, while others would
not bear M bushels. Where the soil is not more
than six inches deep and one-half gravel, it will not
fake up much lime; it should therefore be put on
sparingly. In clay soil it may be put on more heav-
ily. Where there is not much vegetable matter In

44

THE LANCASTER FARMER

[ March,

the soil, lime will do more harm than good. As a
manure it is of very little value.

Mr. HiLLER paid the tobacco growers in his
neighborhood limed very heavily — from 100 to lOO
bushels jjer acre — and in addition added large quan-
tities of barnyard manure, and plowed both in to-
gether. In this way they raised immense crops of
tobacco.

Mr. Levi W. Groff did not have much faith in
lime. Some years ago he bought a quantity, and
spread it on a strip of ground through the centre of
a field, at the rate of EOO bushels per acre. He sow-
ed his seed, and when the crop ripened it was im-
possible to see any difference in the yield. It was
neither better nor woi-se than in the parts of the field
that were not limed. The whole field was manured
heavily with barnyard manure. Mr. Groff said he
would like to know whether a useful kind of phos-
phate might not be made by adding lime to green
sawdust. Would not the lime deprive the sawdust
of its acid and assist in rotting it?

Mr S. P. Eby thought not. The lime would have a
tendency to preserve rather than destroy the sawdust.
We whitewash fences and buildings to preserve them.
Mr. Eby gave an illustration of the value of lime on
gravel soil— instancing a farm that was compara-
tively valueless until lime was liberally applied.

Mr. H. M. Engle thought the action of lime when
mixed with the soil might be very diflerent from its
action when applied to wood.

Mr. E. K. Hershey suggested that gypsum would
be better than lime to mix with the sawdust spoken
of by Mr. Urolf.

Mr. J. C. LiNViLLE had not much faith in either
plan, but would use lime in preference to gypsum to
compost the sawdust, and would then use the saw.
dust very sparingly. It is well known that lime will
preserve wood when it is kept dry, but will not pre-
serve it when it is in a moist soil, as may be seen by
the rotting of whitewashed posts and fences at or
under the surface of the ground.

Mr. HiLLEK said if he had a pile of sawdust such
as Mr. Grotl's, he would rot it with liquid manure —
with the draiuage from the manure pile in the barn-
yard.

President Cooper said he had successfully used
gypsum by spreading it over the manure pile, es-
pecially when there were a great many cornstalks in
it.

Mr. Maktin D. Ken-diS, referring to Mr. Groff's
statement, that he could see no diSerence in a limed
strip of land from the land that was not limed, said
he knew of a strip of land that was limed ten years
ago, at the rate of 100 or 150 bushels to the acre,
and that the good re.<iults of liming can yet be seen
by the increased crops grown on that strip.

Mr. E. K. Heksuey, in answer to a question, said
that air-slaked lime is not as good as water-slaked
lime, because the former contains more carbonic
acid than the latter.

Mr. J. C. Lixvii^LE thought the best time to ap-
ply lime was after the wheat has been harvested,
and the best niode was to distribute it in as small
particles as possible. Phosphates he thought were
of little or no value. He had covered strips of land
with them and failed to see any advantage resulting
therefrom.

In applying lime, Mr. Engle favored putting it in
small heaps covered with earth before spreading it.
The various propeities of the lime are thus preserved
and absorbed by the soil.

Mr. Levi Pow.\all believed that crops might be
doubled by the judicious use of lime. He believes
that it loses i.(me of its virtues by lying unused; in-
deed the lime in old mortar seems to be better than
fresh slaked lime. As an illustration of the value
of lime he spoke of what used to be known as the
"barrens," in the southeastern part of the county,
which have been made fruitful farms by the liberal
use of lime. These barrens were partly slate, partly
gravel, and partly limestone land, and all these soils
had been equally benefited by lime. He had used
phosphates and thought he had in some cases re-
ceived benefit from tliem, but as a general rule he
had been cheated in them.

Mr. Christian Coble said before he commenced
liming h s land he could raise only 12 or 15 bushels
of corn to the acre; now he raises from 75 to 100
bushels. He uses on clay sod from 100 to 1.50 bush-
els per acre, every four years, and is certain he de-
rives great benefit from this method.

Mr. Peter S. Reist said that L5 or 30 years ago
his father applied from ICO to 100 bushels of lime
per acre to part of his land. Scarcely any difference
could be seen at the time in the crops on the limed
and unlimed parts of the farm. But a great ditter-
ence can be seen now; where all was sterility then,
all is'fertility now. Those who use lime have good
crops and those who don't have not. All good farm-
ers now use lime and their farms have advanced in
value from .00 to oOO per cent.

The question, " VVheu is the best time to plant clo-
verseed" gave rise to a long discussion and almost
every month in the yearwas recommended, and half-
a-dozen different modes of putting in the seed were
advocated.

President Cooper would sow the seed on top of
the snow.

Christian Coble would sow it on the ground
when it was hard and dry and cracked open by bak-
ing.

Levi W. Groff would sow on wheat stubble and
trust to wet weather for crop.

Levi S. HeIst sowed in April and failed ; some of
his neighbors sowed in the spring with no better re-
sult and some did well by sowing on wheat stubble.

John B. Erb sowed during harvest and failed.

M. D. Kendig sowed after harvest with good re-
sult.

Mr. H. M. Engle thought spring was the best time
to sow, but the weather had much to do with the re-
sult. He believed the ground should be as well pre-
pared for cloverseed as for any other crop. The best
clover he had was when he sowed the seed with
his oats.

Mr. Levi PowNALL had sown seed in well culti-
vated ground and also in wheat stubble, and the one
turned out just as well as the other. Spring sowing
might be done from the middle of March to the last
of April.

Mr. Levi S. Reist in sowing seed used about four
quarts to the acre.

Mr. E. K. Hershey suggested as an experiment,
first, that the seed should be sown and harrowed in;
and second, on another plot, the ground should be
harrowed the seed sown afterwards. The harrow
should be made of a piece of plank with 20-peuuy
spikes driven through it.

Mr. Levi W. Groff said he intended to experi-
ment by sowing cloverseed on young wheat, and fol-
low the seeding with a drag, a kind of sled without
teeth. He feared that teeth would injure the roots
of the wheat.

"How shall we build agood and cheap pump house
with a fruit cellar under it?" was a question proposed
by Mr. John B. Erb.

A debate followed in which several gentlemen
agreed that a pump house would not be a fit place for
a fruit cellar, as the dampness from the well would
injuriously affect the fruit. Mr. Erb was of a d ffer-
ent opinion. The cellar under his house was too dry
lor fruit, and as a consequence the fruit shrank. He
thought the dampnefs of a properly constructed
pump house would not injure the fruit. He had fre-
quently buried apples in the ground covered with
straw, and they kept very well.

Mr. Hershey had done the same last fall, and had
examined his buried apples a few days a^o and found
them in good condition, while those in his cellarwere
rotten.

Mr. Engle would not hnild such a fruit cellar as
that proposed by Mr. Erb, nor bury his apples as
pnpposed by Mr. Hershey, as buried apples are apt
to have an earthy flavor. The common plan of pack-
ing winter apples in barrels, and keeping them as
near the freezing point as possible, is a good plan.
Barreled apples will stand several deerecs below the
freezing point without material injury.

Prof. S. S. Rathton read a very interestin? paper
in answer to the question: "Will the unusually
large crop of tobacco worms, of the last season be
likely to produce a correspondingly large crop of
worms next season?" See page 37 in this number of
the Farmer.

Mr. P. S. Reist read a paper in answer to the
question as to whether it was an advantage to select
seed corn from the middle of large and well devel-
oped ears. He said it had been his custom to select
the largest and best grains for seed, but some of his
neighbors, who were not so particular in this respect
raised just as good corn as he did, and as much of it.

Mr. H. M. Engle made a stronsr argument in fa-
vor of selecting the best seed for corn, as well as all
other crops. He exhibited .'e.'er,nl very fine ears of
corn, and advised that in selecting seed the lai-gist
and most fully-developed grains should be chosen,
and the grains near both ends of the cob rejected.
He also exhibited some fine specimens of pe.-re ^,
snowllake, and Brownell's beauty potatoes, and re-
commended that the largest and best potatoes should
be selected for seed, on the same principle that the
largest and best cattle and'horses are selected for the
propagation of fine stock.

Mr. P. S. Reist reported that he had obtained 75
subscribers to the Lancaster FARiitR and hoped to
increase his list to 100. He spoke a good word for
allou' local newspapers and hoped his fellow mem-
bers would subscrilje for as many as they could read
and pay for, without regard to sect o\ politics.

Mr. Geo. H. Becutel, by permission called the
attention of the society to the merits of a patent seed
cleaner and separator.

The following questions were proposed for discus-
sion at next meeting;

„ What is the best method of exterminating the
peach tree borer? Referred to H. M. Engle.

Is there any advantage in selecting the larger
grains of wheat for seed ? Referred to P. S. Reist.

Is it not dangerous and criminal to use Paris green
on cabbages and vegetables or fruits for market ?
Referred to Johnson Miller.

"Corn culture and its best varieties" was selected
for discussion at the next meetins:.

Levi Pownall was selected for essayist at the
next meeting, *

Mr. Levi W . Gboff presented samples of "mam

moth rye," the grains of which are unusually large
and of a fine amber color.

The librarian was, on motion, directed to have the
library brought from the court house to the rooms
of the Linnsean society.

On motion the society adjourned to meet on the
last Wednesd.ay in March.

AGRICULTURAL.

Minnesota Wheat and Flour.

The American Miller, an able periodical of Chica-
go, devoted to the milling interest, contains an article
on the great staple of Minnesota, which is of consid-
erable interest. The superiority of the flour manu-
factured in this State is acknowledged, as is also
the fact that the lime is not remote when all the ex-
ports of breadstuffs from Minnesota will be in the
shape of flour, instead of in the raw material as here-
tofore. The American Miller then continues its com-
ments, which are particularly commended to the at-
tention of the agriculturists of .Minnesota, as follows:

The rapid growth of Minnesota as a wheat pro-
ducing State, and the building up within her bound-
aries of a milling interest scarcely less than that of
Hunu'ary, has naturally given rise to much gratuitous
prophecy and criticism on the part of competing sec-
tions of the country. In their zeal to disprove that
Minnesota can ever become the milling center of the
country, many have even asserted that the flour
made in her mills is of a really inferior quality, and
only needs time to demonstrate its unfitness for gen-
eral use in the culinary department of home." A
statement so erroneous hardly needs to be disproved,
for it is well known that th.at Minnesota flour is un-
usually strong and possesses all the elements of nu-
trition to a superior degree. But there is one declar-
ation which has been uttcr.'d which really seems to
have a foundation in fact. It has frequently been as-
ser ed tha'- the soil of .Minnesota is too light to stand
the continuous production of wheat as a remunera-
tive crop, and that she would soon go the way of
her older sister States, and adopt some other gr.ain
as her staple. This statement and prophesy have in
a measuie been verified, if it is fair to take a single
year as a ciiterion. We find it stated on standard
atiricultural authorities that, the soil of Minnesota
alriady shows signs of exhaustion, and that the aver-
aire crop in most sections of the State last year was
only a little over eight bushels to the acre. Much
of this decline in her crop is directly attributable to
other causes, but there can hardly be a doubt that
the best days of wheat raising have passed away in
many sections of the State. If it is true, as assert-
ed, tliat the soil of Minnesota is already becoming
weak, a steady decline in the average production of
wheot per acre may be expcc'ed, though the supply
may be quite as lar^ic as heretofore owing to the in-
creased numberof. acres which may be putinto wheat.

In view of the fact that scientific farming would
hardly pay in a State so youn r as iSIinnesota, the in-
quiry naturally su'isests itself, "What will become
of her SDlcndid milling industry if her supply of
wheat fails? ' We do not anticipate that any disas-
trous r^sul's would accrue to the millers of Minne-
sota, even if the supply sh.ould become inadequate.
It must be remembered that a c'ood share of Minne-
so'a's annual wheat crop is shipped out of the State
to be maniifiiclured at other mills. This margin
clearly would be available to the millers nearest the
wheal field, and all the more so since these fields are
at a distance from our exporting centres, and only
sent there because i's superior excellence commands
a superior price. Moreover it must be remembered
that wheat was first planted in Minnesota as an ex-
periment, and it has not yet been satisfactorily de-
i.erniined how far north the limit of the sprinr wheat
section may extend. The millers of Minnesota may
yet render the future wheat fields of Dakota and
Manitoba tributary to their mills. One point, how-
ever, has more force than all o-hers looking to the
perpetuity of the millinT industry of Minnesota, and
that is the superior enterprise and skill of her mill-
ers. Raw material always seeks those places of
manufacture where these two qualities are displayed.
Great Britain and Mew Enirland do not raise a pound
of cotton, and yet they manufacture cotton itoods
for half of the world. The superior skill manifested
in these two localities has naturally made them the
factories of the two continents, and Minnesota mill-
ers would supply themselves with wheat from Texas
or Oregon if nece.'^sary to the existence of their mills.
Manufacturing centres do not change so easily as
those of airriculture, \vliich change their location nat-
urally as the soil becomes poorer. Costly apparatus
arc not abandoned in the first struggle; and having
already made a world-wide reputation, the millers
of Minnesota will stand for years to come in the van-
guard of the niillins industry of our country. It is
not likely, however, that any perceptible diminu-
tion of the wheat supply will occur for some time to
come from the exhaustion of the soil. Minnesota is
yet a young and undeveloped State, and we see no
cause for dark prophecies respecting the future of
her grain supoly until the unwelcome fact is demon-
strated by the failure of more than one crop.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

45

Harrowing Wheat in Spring.

The advantafreof harrowinj wheat laii'ls thorouffli-
ly in the spi- n;r, as the srroiind Ix-conics dry eiioueh
to preven' the horses 'roin sinkiiv.;' into it, is known
to many farmers wlio have praclieed it, liut is un-
known to tlie majority. Wheat is usually -sown in
September, upon well prepared land. This land is
left there snlijeet to all the slornis of rain ami snow,
and the weather in sueecedinLr spring, until after the
wheat is harvested. In eonsequenee, the land be-
comes in .May and June nearly as hard as a meadow.
At a sca^on of the year, svben the plants are in the
greatest vicor of irrowtli. the land is so hard as not
to give one half the nour sliment it would if kept
mellow by any process. Suppose for inslanee, eorn
should he planted intlie fall, undersiniilareondilions
with wheal, and that the winter did not injure it :
and that it were left without eultivalion of any sort
uniil harvesting' ; it is evident that the yield would
be diminished over one-half ; n fact the yield would
probably be so light and poor as to be almost worth-
less.

Now, wheat, from many experiments in itecultiva-
tion by hand in Enirland, shows as irreat sensitive-
ness as eorn ; the yield, by. careful hand cultivation,
beina; increased to fiO, and in some instances, SO
bushels per acre. Now, a thorough liarrowinGf of
wheat in the spring, in a very inexpensive manner,
performs the cultivation nearl}' as well as when done
by hand. If the crust formed by the winter snows
and sprin? rains is thorouuhly broken, and eround
to the depth of two or more inches well pulverized,
the effect upou the wheat is almost like inagie. It
starts in!o the most vigorous srrowth, and in a few-
weeks lias nearly or quite doubled in size the wheat
not harrowed. In pieces of wheat which have come
under the writer's observation, which was harrowed
in strips, that is, one strip not harrowed at all, and
the other strips on each side I hoi-oni;hly harrowed,
in the early part of June, tlie harrowed wheat stood
fully one foot higher than the unharrowed at each
side, and in every way was strikingly ranker aud more
vigorous.

Mr. Robert J. Swan, of Ilose Hill Farm, Geneva,
N. Y., who has heavy clod land, says he has harrow-
ed his wheat for four years with the Thomas harrow
and finds the yield to be increased fully ten bushels
per acre. Byram Moulton, of Alexander, Genesee
county, N. Y., haivested from fifty acres 1,000
bushels of wheat. His neighhors only obtained about
ten bushels per acre. The only difference in land or
treatment was that Moulton's wheat was thoroughly
harrowed with the same implement in the spring, and
his neighbor's was not.

The efteet produced by harrowing barley and oats,
after they have obtained a growth of four or five
inches is equally as marked. 1 have observed many
instances where fully twenty bushels per acre increase
in consequence of thorough harrowing was obtained.

These facts and many others of similar character
show clearly the great profit which farmers may de-
rive from a thorough cultivation by harrowing of
wheat, oats, barley and other sown crops.

Corn Fodder.

A correspondent of the Chiciign Tribune, in a letter
on steam-feeding, gives the- following directions in
regard to raisin^:: —

Last winter, owing to the failure of the hay-crop, I
kept over my entire stock, consisting of twenty
horses, about twenty head of cattle, and between
•1,600 and 1,700 sheep, without a pound of hay, and
they came into spring in better condition tbau they
have ever done on dry feed.

The sheet anchor of steam-feeding is the fodder of
Bowed corn or, in short, fodder-eorn. Perhaps your
readers will be interested in the plans followed here
in sowiuL', harvesting, and curing this crop, as they
differ in some respects Irom Ihose pursued and re-
commended by other practical farmers.

The ground is prepared the last week in May by
ploushing, and a sufficient number of harrowings
and rollings to brim it into good tilth. The corn is
sowed the first week in June with a Bilckeye wheat
drill all the hoes down and working — at the rate of
two bushels per acre. Nothing more can be done to
the crop till the latter part of August o'r first of Sep-
tember, when it is ready for harvesting.

This is done with a Champion table-rake reaper,
riffged as lor cutting wheat. The reaper is driven
around the field as in cutting wheat, and delivers the
fodder in gavels at the side. Eight mtn follow the
machine, arranged in four pairs, each pair havin.r, of
course, onc-lburlh of the circuit of the field for a
" station," and a light two-legged corn " horse," like
those in common use lor shocking corn. Each pair
after taking its station, carries its "horse" past two
gavels, sets down the "horse," stands four gavels
into the four angles formed by the "horse" and its
cross-pin, brings the tops ofthe shock neatly together,
and ties them with wool twine, draws out the cross-
pin, and is ready for another shock. For the eight
followers, the team, driver, and machine, eight acres
Is a fair day's work. The stalks themselves may be
used for tying the tops, but twine is lound to be suf-
ficiently mure expeditious to compensate lor the cost.

.^fter standin? ten to fifteen days, till the fodder is
nearly cured, and is in a lough stale, the shocks are
taken down, and each tied into four or five sheavcsor
bundles, the stalks them.'elves, in this condilion,
making excellent bands, and twelve or more bundles
made into a largo shock, the topsbelngsecured either
with fodder bands, or with the twine used In the first
instance. The shocks stand in the Held till they are
wanted for use.

Just here comes the most serious objection to the
feeding of fodder corn. There arefimesin the winter
when both weather and roads are bad ; when a
deeply-ploughed cornfield is anything l)ut an agree-
able road beil f)r the hauling of heavy loads ; when
the fodder itself is wet, or covered with sleet, ice, or
snow, or its lower end perhaps tiirhtly glued to the
ground by frost. But the fodder is so cliartred with
rich saccharine matter that howeverdry itmayseem,
and however cold the weather may be, there is
danger that if stored in bulk in a mow. or even In
stacks, it will ferment, heat and spoil. Atsuch times
it is well to have other feed under cover to depend
upon.

An experience covering three years, and the growth
of over 700 tons of fodder, seems to warrant the fol-
lowing conclusions :

1. The fodder grows from five to twelve feet In
heiffht, and averages from seven to Dine feet, de-
pendinir on soils and seasons.

2. Fodder grown on land of good average fertility
stands better feed than on soil too rich, "where the
growth is too fall, rank and coarse.

o. The pi'oper time for cutting is before frost, of
course, and when the lower six or eight inches of the
stalk assumes a yellow tinire. It is then ripe. If cut
sooner, there is danger of its moulding in the shock :
if later, the fibre is more woody, and there is risk of
frost.

4. It is vastly less dependent upon the weather for
its curing than hay. The idea that fine weather is
absolutely necessary for its curing, and the fear that
a little rain would spoil all, was expressed by others,
and felt by myself at first, hut turned out to be a
"bugaboo." During the cutting and curing of the
two largest crops, very rainy weather was encoun-
tered; yet not one-fif, h of 1 per cent, of the fodder
that slood in the shock, and was kept from lying on
the ground, moulded. After it is well secured in the
small shocks, neither rain nor frost seems to damage
if; as indeed they do not usually do the large fodder
that has matured corn.

5. A ton of bright fodder-eorn is worth more than
ihree Ions o( corn fodder that has matured grain,
and as much as an equal weight of good hay

fi. An average crop of fodder-corn on good land is
stifoii.S' per acre.

7. It may be grown at a cost — not including Inter-
est on price of land, nor expense of carrying from
the Held to the barn — including expense of prepar-
ing the ground, seed, sowing, cutting, binding and
shocking, of about §1.30 per Ion.

HORTICULTURAL

Saving Manure.

In speaking ofthe above subject, an exchange says:
Probably but few farmers exist who have not read
articles in the papers advising them to keep their
stable manure under cover in a cellar under the
stalls, or under a shed; but in both places dung is
liable to become too dry, and the straw among it
will not decompose as rapidly as it will when it is
exposed to rains; or if it be all horse dung, it will
"fire fang," and will be greatly injured. A cellar
under the stable stalls, into which all the manure
and urine of the stocK is received, is a good thing,
but it would be a good deal better if the manure
could be thoroughly wet once a month from a pump
adjoining or near the cellar. The same can be said
of manure under a shed when piled in deep, it must
be kept moist or it had better be kept in the open
barnyard. Indeed, we are of the opinion that when
a barnyard is made concave, with no drain to it,
manure can be kept in it from fall to spring: without
anv loss. Some farmers think that much of the
virtue of manure in open yards pass down into the
soil and are lost; but such is not the case, and it
will be found on removing it in the spring that the
soil under it has become colored but two or three
inches deep. Now we claim that if an abundance of
litter be used upon the surface of the manure to re-
fain moisture and to prevent evaporation, all that a
farmer makes i-au be as well preserved in his open
barnyard as under cover; and we would prefer to
have our manu'c spread over the yard occasionally,
and covered with straw, than to have it thrown into
heaps by the stable door and through windows back
of the stalls, and to remain all winter, with much of
its virtue washed away and lost.

^

Valuable Cows.
The history ofthe Shorthorn cow, Duchess (56th,
which sold in IS.^S, at Earl Ducie's sale, in England,
to Col. Morris, of Fordham, for 700 guineas, or $!,-
67.5, is remarkable as showing the actual value of a
good breeding animal. Fiom this cow, which was
calved in November, 18.50, there may be traced, in
direct descent, a number of animals which have sold
lor about $500,000.

Early Spring Salads.
As a nation we do not utilize the great resources
or the small blesslnte that are spread so lavishly
around us. And while spring is some months away,
and we feel no nee.l of appetizers in the luxury of
fruits and veeetables around us, still providence
would suggest that we prepare for the days when
we shall wish for soniethintr fresh and green. The
autumn days are the ones in which to prepare some
fine and choice salads, such as our neighbors over
the water never fail to have. When dandelions ap-
Dcar in the spring, and before they arc a half linger
long, these tiny leaves — carefully picked or the
crown cut just below the surface of the ground —
washed and cut up sll.'htly, and dressed with a
dressing of vinegar, half a cup; butter, tablespoon-
ful; cream, lablespounlul, or more if wlshuil; salt,
pepper, and a bit of mustard, heated and poured over
the salad as it is sent to the table. This will be
found a S|ilendid and healthy appetizer. To do this
you must co to the pastures In the fall, before frost,
and take up the rcots and make a bed of t-ood rich
loam and leaf mould. Your dandelions will tie finer
and earlier than in the pastures, and you can gather
them without wandering a mile or two in the early
spring mud. The only caution is, do not let the bed
be neglected and no to seed; this is easily attended
to, when the blossoms only come In the lime when
you will be often in your earden, and the briu'ht yel-
low blossom can be easily picked off. And there ore
the oUtcabbai;estumi)K usually throw tothejiiirs. Ah!
how many a L'arnish for a dinner of early spring rests
in their undeveloped eyes. In the fall put a barrel of
good garden earth in the corner of the vegetable cel-
lar, and in March spread it against the cellar wall,
set the cabbage stunii»s in this, cover the roots only,
and, no matter aliout the liiiht, in a few days the
pale yellow or white shoots will come out, and are as
tender and as crisp as any celery or salad you ever
saw. And to tho.se fond of "greens" a little care in
the autumn will insure that very healthful potagc,
while yet the snow lingers by the fences, and tlie gar-
dens are yet brown and icy. Take a box two feet
deep and cover eight or ten Inches with horse manure,
over this put six or eight inches of good earth, and
plant the box full of beets, place It where some light
comes ill at the cellar window, and you can have beet
greens while your neighbors look In vain for the first
"eowsli|)s as large as a half dollar." There are
many other cheap and easy ways of having spring
salads which ingenuity may suggest, but perhaps
here are enough to try experiments on, and success
will come without severe labor, in either of these
suggestions. — WcKteni titock Journal.

Bottle Grafting.

This modification of inarchinj or grafting by ap-
proach may often be successfully employed when
other methods fail. In inarching, properly socalled,
two branches or stems on their own roots are spliced
together and kept in contact uniil a union is efiectcd,
and if the plants be in pots, or otherwise [lortable,
this method is practicable enough. It often happens,
however, that subjects to be grafted are planted out,
and that the scion must be severed from the parent
plant. It is in cases like this that bottle grafting be-
comes useful. The scion with two-shoots Is cut from
tne plant and splice-grafted on to the stock, where
it is bound firmly in the usual manner. The base of
the scion is then inserted in a bottle of rain water,
which is ke|)t at the required height by a forked sup-
port, but sometimes, when the stick is stout enough,
the bottle is supported by it. The stock headed back
to a shoot, which is left to draw the sap up past the
point of union between stock and scion.

Oleanders, camellias, myrtles, and many other
plants may be grafted successfully in this way, and
iu some cases the scion not only unites with the stock,
but also pushes out roots into the water ; in that ease
the part below the union may be removed and planted
as a cutting.

There are one or two modifications of this method
grafting ; the Japanese, for instance, who employ it
of largely, use a bag of wet earth or earth and moss,
instead of the water bottle, and propagators often
obtain the same results by pushing the base of the
scion into a potato or turnip.

The Thurber Peach.

This is a new variety, to which the attention of
cultivators is directed by F. J. Berckmans, of Augus-
ta, (ia., by an article to the Xovemhcr AgricullurM.
The Thuiber peach is the result of an attempt to
improve the Chinese cling, and is a seedling of that
variety, the result of a series of experiments by Dr.
L. E. Berckmans. It is described as follows :

Fruit large to very large, often measuringtcn Inch-
es In circumference: round or slightly oblong. Skin
creamy white, beautifully mottled or marked with
carmine on a faint cheek. Flesh white, extremely
juicy, dissolving, sweet and highly perfumed; quality
exquisite. Unlike the Persian strain of cllng-stono
peaches, the flesh ofthe Chinese type is of a (wcullar
tine-grained texture, which dissolves without leav-
ing any sediment, and the Tliurbcr peach possesses

46

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[March,

this quality in a high degree. Maturity from July
15th to August 1st, in fieors'ia. Although this va
riety matures at a season when peaches are in great
abundance, its transcendent quality and appearance
will always give it the front rank among the best
varieties of its freestone period of maturity, and it
will at no distant day become one of our best known
sorts, whether for market or amateur culture.

Nearly four hundred seedling peaches have been
submitted to the writer of this uotice during the
past three years. Many of these were of excellent
quality, but either reproductions of our well-known
varieties, or lacking some slight requisite to compete
with those already known. Out of this large num-
ber of selected seedlings three only have been re-
tained. Foremost among these we rank the Thur-
ber. In bringing this new peach before the public,
we have no hesitation as regards its ultimate popu-
larity. We have fully tested its merits, as we did
those of the Piquet, now recognized as the best yellow
freestone peach of its season, and which has super-
seded all the older varieties of its class when grown
together with them.

Celery.

Success in growing celery depends much upon
what variety is grown and when it is wanted for use.
Any good loamy or rich sandy soil will grow good
celery. It should be plowed very deep at first, then
the rows furrowed out deeply and two inches of well
rotted manure mingled with the bottom soil. Cover
with soil two or three inches deep, and set the plants
about eight inches apart in the row, and rows two or
three feet apart. If the dwarf varieties are grown,
two feet is enough, but if tiio giant white is grown,
three feet. The Boston market and Henderson's
dwarf white are, perhaps, the best early dwarf vari-
eties, and these will need no earthing up until nearly
full grown. When the earthing up is done for the
purpose of bleaching, care should be taken that it be
perfectly dry, and let the heads be so carefully held
together that no dirt can get between the stalks.
The giant white is most generally used for winter,
but the dwarf is equally good, though not of as
long growth. For early crop the plants should be
set early in May, but the w nter beds need not be
planted till July. Plants can be bought cheap, or
they are easily grown in a gently heated frame.
They should be once transplanted in the frame be-
fore going to the field or garden. — Practical Fartner.

Tobacco.
Of the new crop of 1876, Messrs. Gans & Co., say :
The new crop which we had estimated in our issue

of the 1st of November last at ICO, 000 cases, may,

accoVding to the latest informatioii, fall shortof that.

The following are the corrected estimates:

New EiiRlaud 30,000 ciiseB, beluw ;iv. qu lity.

PeiiUBjlvauia 40.000 " An excellent crop.

NewYoik 15.000 ■' FuUy up to uv.

Ohio 31,000 "

Wiscoiiein. etc 20,000 '*

140.0i'0 "
To which add old stock 60,000 "

Total ;9O,CO0 "

The above figures show that Lancaster county fur-
nished more seed leaf tobacco than any State in the
Union, and more than one-fourth of all that is grown
in all the States. Quotations of prices show that our
tobacco brings as high prices if not higher on an av-
erage than New England tobacco, the figures for
PennsyWania selections being ."5@45 and for assorted
lots licoi.S.

^

Planting and Care of Trees.

The following condensed rules are given by F. K.
Phoenix, of Bloomiugton, 111.:

Most planters are so careless ! Friends, if you want
trees to thrive, plant early, in dry, deeply plowed
ground. Keep roots from the sun, air and frost,
burying in the ground again as soon as possible. If
shriveled, bury tops and all in moist ground for ten
days. Thin out and shorten in tops before planting,
to balance the loss of roots in digging. Dig large
holes, three feet across and two deep, or better still,
plow out a very deep furrow, filling up with the best
soil, so that trees shall stand only as deep as in the
nursery. Stiaighten out p.ll roots in natural order,
fill in with best, fine, moist earth, and then tread
down thoroughly, watering well if dry, before filling
up. Then mulch — that is, cover with earth two feet
each way from stems with coarse manure or straw
six inches deep.

^

Tree Planting in Minnesota.
There is one State in the Union, at least, which
Las taken to tree planting with a vigor that promises
the best results. The farmers of Minnesota set out
during the past year over ten millions of cuttings,
most of which, it is reported, are doing well. The
young trees consist largely of cottonwoods and white
willows, but there is also a liberal sprinkling of ma-
ple, larch and white oak. Minnesota does not need
planting nearly so much as California. It is not
subject to drouths. But planting for all that is a
wise policy. It beautifies the waste places. The

main effect to be expected from the movement in the
State in question is a reduction of the temperature
in summer and an elev.ation in winter — changes
generally conceded to be very necessary. If our
farmers could be induced to begin tree p anting on
a large scale there is not much doubt but that we
should hereafter have fewer drouths. — Jjiilletia.

The cultivation of peanuts appears to be on the in-
crease in those States where this plant succeeded best.
The crop in North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee
for 1S7.5-76 is reported to have reached nerrly 800,000
bushels, and it promises to be still larger for ls77.

The Massachusetts Agricultural Society hasofiered
several prizes, the highest of which is $1,000, for the
best five acres of trees, to be planted in the spring of
1877 and awarded in 1887.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Farm Sacks over Sixty Years Old and in Con-
stant Use Still Doing Good Service.

Mr. E, L. Resh, of East Lampeter, one of our
most intelligent farmers, has a number of grain bags
in use, which ajrtly illustrate the kind of material
and workmanship our fathers and mothers put into
goods of home manufacture, as well as their careful
and economical habits in the use of perishatjle arti-
cles. Among the earliest recollections of the writer
are the "flaxbreak," the "scutching machine," and
the "heckle" on which the flax, grown on the farm,
was prepared for spinning and weaving, and the
spinning wheel, and the loom itself in theold kitchen
on which the elder sister wove the stuff for our sum-
mer trousers, which even the wayward "Boy," so
graphically described by Col. Arms, might outgrow
but could not wear out. Then everything the "Boys"
wore was made at home except, perhaps, his head-
gear. The shoemaker went round in the fall mak-
ing the shoes for each family out of leather manu-
factured from the hides of beeves killed on the place.
Many a "Boy" had to suffer with cold feet on the
frosty ground because the shoemaker was late in
journeying his way. In going to bring in the cows
in the morning, it was not unusual for him to chase
up a cow and stand on the place where she had lain
until he got his feet warm; and if he was a pious
boy of the goodey-coodey kind, he would improve the
occasion by invoking a "blessing" upon the tardy
shoemaker.

But we are digressing. Old-time memories are
running away with the diamonds on the point of our
gold pen, and we must beg our friend, Mrs. GiLi-
bons' pardon for not sooner introducing herself and
neighbor, with his old-time farm sacks, to our read-
ers.

^Well Preserved Farm Sacks.

To the Editor of the Examiner and Express :

Having heard mention of some well preserved farm
sacks at the place of a worthy neighbor, I requested
information upon this and kindred subjects, from a
younger branch of the family, and received the fol-
lowing excellent letter, which you may publish if
you wish.

I can scarcely agree with my young friend, that
the most remarkable occurrence is the adaptation of
means to ends in the first manufacture; for it is won-
derful that anything so perishable should have been
preserved through so many hands; that they were
not allowed to lie in the stable entries to be nibbled
by rats and mice; hung over the doors and chewed
by cows; left lying on the ground and partly devour-
ed by hogs; or half buried and rotted in the manure
of a farm yard.

In the elements of wor'dly success, enumerated by
Franklin, (is it not?) as industry, economy and in-
tegrity, our "Pennsylvania Dutch" farmers may be
considered to excel.

We know that they are not Dutch, but so long as
they continue to use the language of their ancestors,
we cannot consider them entirely Americanized.

Tours truly, p. E. G.
Bird-in-Hand, Jan, 131877,

Mrs, P, E, Gibbons Dear Madam: We have in
use some six or eight grain bags marked with the
name of the owner in lsi;6, also about the same
number marked in 181,5, and a few evidently older
than these but without date. These last bear a close
likeness in quality of material and other respects to
some we had until a short time ago — now worn out
— which were marked in 1S07, and without doubt,
made about that time. They have all been in con-
stant use s nee they were manufactured, which was
about the dates they respecti%'ely bear. By constant
I do not mean daily use, but such use as bags are
put to on a farm in carrying the yearly product of
grain, potatoes and apples to market, making the
journey to .and from the mill, and such other uses
as those familiar with the life of a farmer's grain bag
can readily imagine.

Those of 1M5, though bearing the marks of an oc-
casional mishap, from protecting splinter or obtru-
sive nail, and worn thin in places by the pressure of
overgrown tubers or refractory ears of corn, can with
ordinary care last twenty-five years longer. I need

hardly say they were literally manw-factured; that is
hand made, at home, from flax and hemp grown on
the farm where they have always been in iise. The
fact that they were home-made, accounts for their
existence at the present time. Though they are but
grain-bags, their pi-eservation through so many years
of use aflbrds not only, as you remarked, a good il-
lustration of the economical habits of farmers in
some of the older settled sections of our country, but
it impresses me more with the proofs it furnishes of
the good judgment shown by those who made them
sixty years ago, in the selection of material for their
purpose and the thorough manner in which they did
their work.

All these characteristics were, I think, possessed,
in full measure, by the people. Somehow and some-
where misnamed Dutch, iu whose hands the largest
part of Lancaster county has become what it is.

I am quite sure that plenty of instances could be
found, did we make a point of looking for them, tend-
ing to show this yet more fully than these grain-bags
of ours — about which I have, I believe, given all the
facts vou desired.

Very Respectfully, E.L.R.

Facts Worth Remembering.

Gout. — An English medical writer states that
rheumatism and gout can be cured by the free use
of asparagus.

To Bend Glass. — Fill glass tubes with fine dry
sand, close at both ends, and they will bend easily
alter heating.

Warm Feet. — The New York S«« says that a
handful of sawdust worn in each stocking will keep
the feet as warm as toast.

Warts. — Apply creosote freely, and cover over
with a piece of sticking plaster. Follow this treat-
ment every two or three days until the wart disap-
pears.

Frosted Feet. — They may be cured as follows:
White oak bark, taken fresh and boiled in water for
a stronsr liquor. Bathe the feet in the liquor. It is
pronounced the best of all remedies.

To Polish Tins, — First rub your tins with a damp
cloth; then take dry flour and rub it on with your
hands; afterward take an old newspaper and rub
the flour Wf, and the tins will shine as well as if half
an hour had been spent rubbing them with brick
dust or powder, which spoils the bauds,

Windows, — Ventilation would be more eas ly ac-
complished and more certainly performed, and
rooms kept with purer and healthier air, if windows
were made to slide easily. If not hung by pulleys
and weights, let a carpenter add good freely-working
catches. Never permit a broken pane in the house.

Cellars. — Cellars should be kept constantly
clean, as much so as your parlor. It is the easiest
thing in the world, if you attend to it daily, and only
becomes a heavy task when you allow a month's ac-
cumulations to remain undisturbed. It is hardly
necessary to add that fevers have been contracted by
breathing the miasma created in an ill kept cellar.

Colds, — Hot lemonade is one of the best remedies
in the world for a cold. It acts promptly and effect-
ively, and has no unpleasant after effects. One
lemon properly squeezed, cut in slices, put with su-
gar, aud covered with half a pint of bo ling water.
Drink just before going to bed, and do not expose
yourself on the following day. This remedy will
ward off an attack of the chills and fever, if used
promptly.

Doors. — Never allow a door to creak for want of
oil, or to shut so hard as to require slamming to
make it latch. For this purpose pass round once a
week at some regular time, say Saturday evening
or Monday morning, with a drop of oil on a feather,
or on the tip of the finger, and give every rubbing
part, latch, hinge, etc., a touch. Scissors, which are
inclined to work hard, can also be greatly improved
in this way.

Exercise. — Friction of the body is one of the gen-
tlest and most useful kind of exercise, either by the
hand, a piece of flannel, a tolerably coarse towel, or
a flesh-brush. Friction cleans the skin, promotes
perspiration, and increases the warmth and energy
of the body. In rubbing the stomach, perform the
operation in a circular direction, as that is the most
favorable to the course of the intestines and their
natural actions.

Chilblains, — Bathe the feet for half an hour
in water hot as can be borne; add hot water after
the feet have been in a few moments, as they will
bear more than the first. Let the water be as hot
when the feet are removed as when put in. This
draws the inflammation out and allays the itching
which is so very painful. Dry with a cloth; then
bathe well with hemlock oil, (which can be got at
any druggist's at a trifling cost); dry it by the fire.
Repeat the application three or f^our nights if needed.
Care should be taken not to chill the feet immedi-
ately.

Perfected Butter Color.

Occasionally, during the past two years, we have
received for trial, samples of butter coloring prepa-
rations from Messrs. Wells, Richardson & Co., of
Burlington, Vt., with the request that they should

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

47

be tliorousbly tested and criticised as to the merits
and demerits. Knowins the firm wtre strivins to
make tlie best preparation possible, and tliat they
intended to stop at notbini; short of porrcrtion, we
have been free to find all the fault tliat could pos-
sibly be detected.

Tlie first sample received, however, was quite su-
perior to any other preparation of aniiatio that we
had ever used. It was perfectly clear of sediment,
free from odor, and gave a bright, clean color to the
butter, while it was sold cheaper according to its
strength, than aiiythiiiij we had previously bo«s;ht.
But it was not warranted to keep throuirh the whole
year, without beins injured by freezing in winter, or
moulding in summer. A later sample proved
equal to these tests, and showed greatly increased
strength of the coloring principle. Having tested it
for several weeks, we Informed the proprietors that
we could find no fault with it whatever. As now
made, it is the strongest, cleanest, purest ami cheap-
est butter and cheecse coloring substance we have
ever found, and for all we can see, ia is absolutely
perfect. It will bear heat or cold, and does not fade
when exposed to the light. It should entirely super-
sede carrots for coloring butter, and also all the
crude preparations of annatto, as formerly put up
by drugeists.

Since Wells, Richardson <fc Co., commenced the
manufacture of their "Perfected Butter Color," the
prejudice against the use of artificial coloring in but-
ter has been swept away at a rapid rate, not only
among butter niakerf, but also, among the dealers
and iheir consumers. Being perfectly harndets,
simple, cheap, and easily used, it has become one ot
the staple articles of the dairy room, as much as salt
or rennet. For ten cents the proprietors will send
any one a sample. Let all the butter makers try it.

Vienna Bread and Coffee.

These were general favorites during our Centennial
Exhibition, aud the bread is now supplied to all who
desire it in our cities by bakers who do an extensive
business. Louis Fleischman, of New York, describes
bis preparations and process thus :

On the baseuient tloor are six large Dutch ovens,
twelve feet each in diameter, with a baking capacity
of ten barrels of Hour each day. These ovens, when
once thoroughly heated, retain sufficient warmth for
baking purposes for eighteen hours. On the same
floor are immense troughs for kneading dough, and
wonderlul little machines for cutting it to the proper
size. "1 use nothing in making my liread," he said,
"but the purest and'whitest flour, milk, mixed with
water and salt. In bakinir, the oval shape of the top
of the oven brings an equal heal to bear on all parts
of the bread, so that a crisp crust is alike on top,
bottom, and sides."

"Now, let me show you how I prepare my coffee,"
he said. "We toast it according to the general prac-
tice, but in grinding we use stones instead of iron.
The stones are arranged in the same way as mill-
stones. Where iron is used in grinding the coffee it
becomes heated, and in this state robs the cotfee of
Its aroma while imparting a smack of its own flavor.
The ground coffee is placed on top of a tight, fitting,
finely perforated piston head at the Lortomof a large
cylinder. Boiling water is then poured upon it, and
by means of a screw the piston is slowly drawn tothe
topofthecylindcr. This aetioucreates a vacuum at the
bottom of the cylinoer, which the clear cotlee rushes
In to fill throuah the infinitesimal holes in the piston
head. In this way we get pure, undulterated coffee.
The cream we use is all whipped into a light, frothy
Blate. There is no reason for having anything
adulterated when it is so easy to have it pure."

Fruit as a Medicine.

The irregular eating of unripe fruit is well known
to be unwholesome. The regular and moderate use
of well-ripened fruit is not so widely appreciated as
contributing to health. Residents in regions where
more or less malaria prevails, have discovered that
nothing is a more sure preventive of its deleterious
efiects than a regular supply of fruit.

But fruit will not only prevent disease, but in some
Instances it has proved one of the best medicines to
cure it. Many years ago a chronic cough, which had
excited a good deal of uneasiness, was cured by daily
eating ripe raspberries, recommended by a medical
writer of high authority as an excellent expectorant.
Severe colds are more apt to occur on the first cool
and damp days of autumn than at other seasons.
We have often cured these diseases on their first at-
tack, by eating copiously of ripe watermelons. The
beneficial efTects ot drinking freely of cold water on
such occasions, are well known. Watermelons sup-
ply a larger quantity than one could easily swallow
in any other way. — Country Oentleman.

count of the small quantity of cream accumulatlnir.
The summer practice is reversed in the winter.
There being too little milk to require frequent churn-
ing then — say one, and sonn'tlmes two churnlh'.'S a
week — we account readily for the evils comphiined
of. The fore part of the season when milk is in
greater quantity, necessitating more frequent churn-
ing, I bear of but little complaint. It matters not
how good the feed is— if the tenderest hay and roots
are added, makinir an approach to summer feed ; nor
how clean the milk is kept, the most perfect milk if
set beyond three days will be hurt. The writer of
this has filled the vessel, leaving barely space enough
for a cloth to be stretched over without touching the
milk, and a snug lid put on, keeping the air out, but
all to no purpose. So, in the purest air, in all the
temperatures, it is the same."

THE POULTRY YARD.

Bitter C.eam.
Cream becomes bitter by keeping it too long before
It is churned. A butter maker says : "In summer
there is little bitter milk or cream, because the
cream is churned sooner than in winter, seldom reach-
ing the third day. Sometimes, where tliere is a single
cow kept, I have known the bitter to show on ac-

Food for Fowls.

As to food, and several queries for the "best," we
repeat once more, there is no best. The great ex-
hibitors do not owe success to any particular food.
All good meal and all good grain is good in its place.
The only ceneral rules we would lay down are, that
on the whole it is better to mix with raw meal some
portion of one or other of the excellent cooked meals
now so largelv advertised, which is both liked and
prevents the food hecomina: clogged; and secondly,
that much grain should not be used for the young
ones, but pretty much reserved for the last feed at
nisht, when it will tempt a hearty meal which will
remaiti in the crop and give support through the
niiiht. Kspeciully should care be taken not to give
wheat or other tempting grain just after soft food,
which olten causes a eorging that is most injurious,
and will even kill delicate breeds without any ap-
parent cause.

For the staple we would take half of any good
cooked meal, and mix in turn with barley-meal, oat-
meal, ground oats, or even now and then maize-
meal, though this is too fattening to be freely used.
The meal can be mixed with minced grass with ad.
vantaL'e, as this enables a quantitv to be kept fresh
and cool longer through the day. Barley-meal mix-
ed with sharps makes a good food also, and so does
porride-e; and a variety of plain, wholesome food
like this pushes the birds on faster and better than
all the nostrums in the world. Bone-dust, which is
very valuable for lar>re breeds that have not excel-
lent range, should be added to the soft food in the
proportion of, say about one-tenth to one-twentieth
of the dry meal, or it may be first boiled and the
meal mixed with the soup. A little meat or greaves
minced and soaked may be added with advantage,
and the great breeders, many of them, use meat
largely to get the immense size of their largest birds.
But tliis both coarsens the comb and head, and—
well, these immense birds are very seldom chosen to
breed from.

In grain we have barley, wheat, buckwheat, dari,
and 40-pound white oats. A little hemp seed and
canary seed help the very young ones; but hemp is
too heating and canary too dear to keep on with.
Grits are srrand food, but expensive, and we use little
since we tried dari. We repeat that this is, as we
find it, one of the most useful articles one can have,
both for fowls and pigeons. Barley is good, but tlie
chicks will not eat it, at least not enough to do them
good ; but we find them eat up dari and buck-
wheat as eagerly and very nearly as early as they
will grits, while it is about the cheapest grain there
is. As a rule, we generally feed for about a week
with bread-crumbs, oatmeal, a hard-boiled chopped
egg and some cut grass, mixed together and moisten-
ed with milk ; add with grits lor a change — after
that they come down to plain mixed meal, as above,
and dari or buckwheat. We use cut grass — cut in
small chaff with large scissors— even when there is a
grass run ; the chicks eat more and rarely get di-
arrhoea. But we repeat again, it really matters much
less what they eat, than that they get some change
to tempt the r appetites, and aie fed regularly aud
with judgment.

This last is perhaps the great point. It istoo com-
mon to feed all alike, and this is wrong. As they
get older the times of feeding should be carefully
graduated, coming down from six or seven times a
day to four, and by-and-by to three. This is very
important, lor without it the chickens gradually lose
appetite, and are very apt to get liver complaint,
which anuually carries off many. Another cause of
this is giving loo much. All ought to be cleared
clean away in ten minutes ; and till experience is
gained to guess the quantity, it is best logo round at
that time, after feeding, and clear all remains of the
feed away. Then by the next visit they will be ready ;
whereas, if it be left to them to "mess with," they
never get any real appetite at all. Cool, clean water
is the only thing that should be left by them. This
is very simple, but this is the only "secret" in rear-
ing; it is the one particular patent process which,
joined with wholesome food and reasonable change of
diet now and then, makes line birds. — London Live
Stock Journal.

Feeding Fowls.
A correspondent of the Poultry .Va/ion, says OD
this point ; ".My experience In feeding fowls. Is that
medium sized hens will consume about one and
three-fifth gills of grain and vegetable matter each,
daily, in winter, when In active laying condition; and
also that it makes no dilfercncc as to the amount con-
sumed, whether food is kept constantly before them,
or whether they are fed twice or thrice daily pro-
viiU'd they are allowed all they will eat up clean.
For the past two years circumstances have com|«'lled
me to feed but twice a day — morninirand afternoon —
but I find that the fowls get very hungry before the
afternoon meal, and will bolt their food like hogs,
and, if allowed all they will eat np clean, are liable
to overeat, and become diseased in consequence.
Then it sometimes happens that hens are on the nests
to lay at the time of feeding, and cannot be coaxed
off to eat, and they must either be fed on the nest or
go hungry until the next meal, which in cold weath-
er seems a little unmerciful. Heretofore I have be-
lieved in and advocated regular feeding— twice or
three times a day— far all breeds, but my experience
during the past two years Inclines mc to the opinion
that unless the smaller varieties can be fed thrcq
times a day, it Is better to keep food constantly by
thcin.

The Pekin Ducks as Layers.

The sensation made last fall among the fanciers at
the jioultry exhibitions, by the extraordinary size of
these new ducks, is likely io be equaled this season by
their remarkable record as layers. Two of the im-
ported birds last year laid respectively l.H and V>1
eggs. They have done much better the present season.
One of the old birds commenced laying on the .7th of
Februrary and laid 17.S eggs In 18J day.i, missing but
tour days. The other did nearly as well. This is
three or'four times as many eggs as we ordinarily
get from Kouens or Aylesburys. What is more re-
markable, one of the young ducks, hatched in April,
began to lay in August, and laid seven eggs by
the first of September. Such early laying Is all that
we expect of the best varieties of gallinaeeoMs fowls.
The Pekins as much excel in fecundity all other va-
rieties of ducks with which weare acquainted, as they
do in size. They have had the advantageoftborough
breeding for centuries for their Hesb and eggs, and
we predict for them in this country the front rank
among our useful aquatic fowls. — Agrieulttirisl.

Fakmehs frequently have occasion to sell turkeys
by live weight, and wish to know what is the fair
relative price between live and dead weight. In tur-
keys dressed for the New York market, where the
blond and feathers only are removed, the loss s very
small. For the eastern markets the heads are taken
off and the entrails are taken out. This makes a
loss of nearly one-tenth in the weight. A large gob-
bler was recently killed weighing ol'S pounds. Af-
ter bleeiling and picking he weighed -.yVi pounds, a
loss of two pounds, or about one-fifteenth. When
ready for the spit he wei^jhed -iS'X pounds, a loss of
;?><^ pounds which is nearly one-tenth of the weight.
When the market requires the New York style of
dressing, and the price is fifteen cents a pound, live
weight, or less, if he counted the labor of dressing
anything. In the other style of dressing, if the price
we're -0 Cf nts, he could sell for !.■< cents, or less, live
weight, without loss. Farmers who nevertestcd the
loss of weight in dressing sometimes submit to de-
duction of three or four cents a pound for the middle-
men, who are interested in making this large differ-
ence.

^

Fattening Poultry.

The London Field says poultry properly fed will
acquire all the fatness needed for marketing pur-
poses in a fortnight or three weeks at most. Their
diet should be Indian, oat, or barley meal, scalded in
milk or water; the former is the best, as it will ex-
pedite the fattening process. They should be fed
early in the morning, at noon, and also in the even-
ing, just before going to roost, and given a plentiful
supply of pure, fresh water, and plenty of gravel,
sliced cabbage or turnip lops. If the fowls arc re-
quired to be very fat, some trimmings of fresh mut-
ton suet mav bechopped up and scalded with their
other feed, or they may be boiled in milk alone and
poured to the meal. This renders the flesh firmer
than it otherwise would be. When fit to kill, feed-
ing must be slopped for twelve hours or more, so
that the intestines may becomecomparatively empty.
♦

The Poultry World says the Influence of the food
of poultry upon the quality and flavor of their flesh
and eggs has not been taken into consideration ; but
it is now well ascertained that great care should be
exercised in regard to this matter. In some instances
it has been attempted to feed poultry on a large scale
in France on horse-flesh, and although they devour
this substance very greedily, it has been found to
give them a very unpleasant flavor. The best fatten-
ing for chickens is said to be Indian cornmeal and
mUk ; and certain large poultry establishments in
France use this entirely, to the advantage both of the
fiesh and the eggs.

48

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ March, 1877.

LIVE STOCK.

Care of Dairy Cows.

John B. Tomlinson, of Fountain farm, near New-
town, writes as Ibllons: "I have seen in your paper
a eooil d^al about irilt-efiseJ butter and cleanliness
anJ other things connected with the dairying, but
nothins: about lieepin^: tlie cows clean. Mv method
is to grade the stable floor a little back from the
manger; put one plank lengthwise under the hind
feet of the cows, one foot wide, and fill with clay up
to the manger, having a drop of five inches at tlie
plank. Then plank the remainder to the back wall,
having tlie rear a little the highest so as to throw all
the wet toward the drop plank. Then you have a
dry walk behind the cows, and the stables are easily
cleaned. My cattle in the yard do not look as if they
had been stabled at all. In very cold weather I do
not let them out at all, hut, water them in the stable.
In the monn'ng as soon as ^ve can see we give all,
milkers and dry cows, a little meal; a little hay and a
sheaf of corn-fodder after breakfast; toward noon,
two bushels of chaff and more corn-foJdcr, and at
ni^ht hav and meal again. The milkers have four
quarts of meal twice a day. When the weather is
mild they pick the chaff, straw and fodder in the
barn yard, and go into the stable as full as ticks. I
stable all my stock and think it pays."

Leading a Colt.

Put on the war-bridle, and place yourself at the
point against his hips, but six or eight feet out, and
say, "Come here !" so as to be distinctly understood.
Give a sharp pull on the ox war-bridle which will
cause him tn step towards you. Then say, "Whoa !"
and caress him, which is the same as saying to him
that he did all you desired of him. Change from
side toside, repeating the movements until he answers
the word of command without the pull on the cord ;
he will soon learn your desire and act accordingly,
and you must bo satisfied with even a step towards
you, and be sure to pet him evey time he answers
your call. Repeat this from side to side until he will
follow anywhere you desire, punishing his mouth at
any lime with a light yank of the war-bridle, if he
stops or refuses to follow you when you start off and
say, "Come on, sir !"

In this way, if patience, carefulness and persever-
ance are practiced a colt may be taught to follow any-
where the same as a dog and to mind your word of
command the same as an ox or a yoke of oxen. —
Jo/m M. Tuttle.

Value of Roots for Stalks.

The following views of Mr. Willard, of the Rural
New Yorker, on this subject, are sound ones. He
says :

"In comparing roots with other kinds of cattle
food, like corn, bran, etc., we get better results,
practically, from the roots than analysis would seem
to show. That is to say, a bushel of roots— though
containing a lower percentage of nutritive elements
than a bushel of corn — may be so fed in connec-
tion with the corn as to give as good results as when
the same quantity of corn is fed in place of the roots;
but from numerous experiments at the manger, the
roots always show a better result than their analy-
sis would indicate. Roots assist digestion and pro-
mote a more thorough assimilation of other food.
They improve the health of stock in winter whendrv
food is the chief dependence; and as the improved
health of stock is an important element in dairy man-
agement, the dairyman will find it of advantage to
grow roots for his stock."

A Queer Calf.

Mr. James McManus.a resident of Fool's Hill, Ne-
vada, who is engaged in mining, owns a cow, which
eight months ago gave birth to a calf. The calf was
kept up so as to induce the mother to return home
in the evening to be milked and suckle it. About six
months after she gave birth to the calf, failing to
come home as usual, Mr. McManus instituted search
and found her, she having just given birth to an-
other calf of a queer species, not being larger than a
young fawn. With the exception of its ears being
small, its head, legs, and tail are those of a deer,
the body and hair covering it like that of a calf. It
was quite spry, and the mother seemed to be very
fond of it. There has been no trouble so far in rais-
ing it, and it is now two months old and thriving
splendidly. It is beginning to show signs of horns,
which are covered with velvet, like a deer's. A good
many persons have been to see this really remarkable
cur.osity, and it presents a problem for the scien-
tists to solve.

A connESPOXDENT of the Lv'e Slock and Farm
Journal, mentioning that a Jersey heifer fifieen
months and eighteen days old, had just dropped a
handsome calf— the ediicr remarks that this early
maturity is not unusual with the Jerseys, and says ;
"In this community, the Jersey heifer, Nellie Curtis
(3,371) has been in the dairy since she was 1-t
months of age, although she calved a little prema-

turely. If properly cared for, early maternity ap-
pears favorable to the development of the lacteal or-
gans." The following is a statement made by Mr.
J. Milton .\Jackie, president of the American .lersey
Cattle Club, in 1-70 : ".My yearling, Hebe 4th, out
of Hebe 1st, dropped a calf last month, when she
was only 14 months and J days old. She calved
without trouble, l)ehaved well in every respect; has
given six quarts of milk per day. She is thrifty, and
I don't think the labors and duties of maternily, so
early imposed upon her, will injure her giowih in
the least. The calf is of fair size, thrifty and hand-
some."

Domesticating the Buffalo.

A correspondent of the Tjirf, Fiehl and Farm
sends some interesting facts regarding the domesticat-
ing of the buffalo in Nebraska. He began with two
cows and a bull, which he kept with his tame stock.
In the spring the cows calved, and in three years the
calves became mothers, yielding an average of 14
quarts of the richest milk daily, for an average of
five months. The buffalo strain now extends through
a large part of Howard county, in the above State,
and of the half and quarter beef animals are found
to be very hardy.

Our contemporary adds, that sufficient experiments
have been made in crossing the buffalo with native
and grade short horned cattle, and have been at
tended with such successful results that the most
skeptical people cannot fail to be satisfied as to the
advantages and value of the intermingling of breeds.

Rearing Lambs by Hand.

S. M. T. writes to the Pradicnl Farmer : As I
have raised numbers and had good success, I give my
plan of feeding them. If old cow's milk, I dilute one
pint of milk with half a pint of water and teaspoon-
ful of West India molasses ; but if new cow's milk I
give it just as it comes from tne cow, and feed two
tablespoonfuls once an hour through a patent nurs-
ing bottle, or a common bottle with rubber nipple.
As the lamb increases in strength, I give a larger
quantity and not so often. I have in this way raised
lambs that at three months weighed fifty pounds.
At two or three weeks old I have taught them to
drink.

Keep Good Cows.

There is no use in trying to disguise the fact that
there is no profit in the dairy without good cows.
Look at the difference. One cow will make 150
pounds of butter during the year, worth 8.5 cts.,
$36. .50. Another will make -SOO pounds, worth §7 i.
The first yields no profit whatever, and all that you
make comes from the good cow. It would be much
better to keep one cow, and keep her well. It is the
same loose method which makes all our farming
operations so fruitless. As a general rule, two acres
are tilled to get a crop that ought to grow on one. —
Practical Farmer.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

At the last meeting of the Academy of Natural
Sciences; a resolution was adopted authorizing the
officers of the Academy to sign a memorial to his Ex-
cellency the President of the United States, recom-
mending Dr. John L. Le Conte as Commissioner of
Agriculture, on account of his eminent scientific at-
tainments and executive ability.

We clip the above from the Public Ledger of the
8th inst. This is as it ought to be. We feel that this
appointment would reflect credit upon any admistra-
tion that made it, and any country that sustained it ;
and, would also be a practical recognition of those
claims of natural science which are so often ignored
in public appointments. Dr. Le Conte's executive
abilities would bring to the support of the depart-
ment, as aids, the elaborations of the best minds of
the country, and secure it from imposition. We
know whereof we speak.

Benson & Burpee's illustrated manual and de-
scriptive catalogue of imported and thoroughbred
live stock; also, Benson & Burpee's priced catalogue
of reliable seeds — including field, garden and flower
seeds, trees, plants, implements and. fertilizers, for
1^77, are on our table. This enterprising firm of im-
porters and dealers, are the successors to W. Atlee
Burpee, and their agricultural warehouse and live
stock office, is located at 2,B Church street, Phila-
delphia. We call the attention of our readers to
their advertisemenl in the columns of this journal;
and for full particulars in relation to the details of
the articles they deal in, we would recommend them
to send at once for their catalogues, and consult them
thoroughly belorethcy look elsewhere. Illus'rations
and specific descriptions ol the finest of this slotk
will appear in the columns of the Lancaster Fanner.

OuK FOLIOS.— Among the folio exchanges which
have regularly reached our table are many that are a
credit to the country, the age, and to agricultural
journalism, many of them being of such a high order
and such essential institutions, that uo progressive

farmer will consent to be without one or more of
them, and therefore they may be considered as estab-
lished in their affections, and their continuance and
and prosperity assured. What farmer having fairly
tried them, can dispense with the Ofrtnantuien Tele-
graph; the Prairie Farmer ; the Farmers' Uuion ;
the i\>iti York Rural; the Country Gentleman; the
Massachusetts Ploughman ; and a number of others
which will receive attention as the months move on-
ward. Besides the claims of agr culture are recog-
nized more or less by all the folios in our own county :
the Examiner and Fx/ire-'s ; the In/iuircr ; the Man-
hei/n .Sentinel ; the A't-/" Holland Clarion; the Colum-
bia fferalii ; the Jllarietta Register ; the Lancaster
Intelligencsr, and others, of which more anon.

Catalosue of one hundred and seventy p^ire Jer-
sey cattle, imported and bred by William B. Dins-
MOiiE, Of Staatsburg, Duchess county, N. Y. number-
ed to correspond with those in the American Jersey-
Cattle Club Herd Register; issued Jan. 1, 1877. All
communications in reference to the herd should bead-
<ires6ed to Timothy Hcrrick, atthc aLovenamed place.
This is a 12 mo. pamphlet of .3 pages, but between
its covers is a record of stock as valuable as a gold
mine. Some of these cattle are not now for sale, but
one hundred and fourteen are marked for sale, of
which a few are already sold or were sold a few
weeks ago; and the prices range from §75 00 up to
§.500.00, but fully two-thirds are" from $200. to $i00;
short descriptions, as well as pedigrees and names,
are given of each animal. Therefore if any of our
patrons desire good Jersey stock, they should avail
themselves of the opportunity immediately.

Swine. — Notwithstanding the adverse views of the
physiologists, hygeists, and sanitarians, in regard to
the use of swine as human food, perhaps there has
not been a period in the domestic history of our
country, in which more money has been invested in
swine breeding and swine slaughtering and packing,
than at the present time; and never before has it
produced finer stock of that animal. The Berk-
shires, the Yorkshires,, the Chester Whites, the Po-
land Chinas, and the ISssex, are prominently brought
before the public through the various agricultural
journals of the country. The first prizes at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition of Swine, were awarded to T. S.
Cooper, "Linden Grove," Coopersberg, Lehigh
county. Pa., for a Berkshire sow and boar. Between
the 20ch of November 1875 and the 1.0th of Novem-
ber 1-7H, that distinguished breeder sold two hun-
dred and three Berkshire pigs, which netted, in the
aggregate, ^i0,70-', averaging g 00 .-50 per head.
In several instances he realized 81,000, lor a single
pig. The lowest price was 5-5.00— the largest num-
ber from .$100 to S500.

We call the attention of our readers, and especi-
ally those out of employment in our community who
dt'sire to make an honest livelihood, to the advertise-
ment of Geo. Stinson & Co., art publishers, Port-
laud, Maine, which they will find in another column
in this issue of the Lancastek Fakmek. It aflords
us pleasure in being able to say, from occular de-
monstration, that the works putjlished by this com-
pany are of the highest artistic order, and such as
would be likely to find a ready sale among people of
any appreciative intelligence and refineraeut what-
ever.

Mnsic CHART. — We admonish professors of vocal
and instrumental music, and also school boards and
school teachers, that Prof. J. B. Harry, of Chambers-
burg, Pa., has invemed a chart which he recently
exhiijited to us, embracing the fundamental principles
of vocal and instrumental music, in a very compre-
hensive and yet simple manner; and which seems
destined to atlurd a greater aid in imparting a tho-
rough kuowledge of the scientific priuciples of this
accomplished art to pupils, than anything that has
yet appeared before the public. This chart is over
four feet by over five feet in size — intended to be
hung up in the school or class room— and embraces
the whole musical "score," from the highest alto
to the lowest bass, illustrating the scales of the
human voice and tlie different kinds of musical in-
struments, and the relations they bear to each other.
Teachers, keep an eye on this chart.

We invite the attention of our readers— farmers
and housekeepers especially— to the announcement
made this week in our columns by Mr. J. G.
Koehler, of 50 J North Second Street, Philadelphia.
Air. Koehler is the patentee and manufacturer of an
improved Butter Tub, with Cooler attached to each
end, the latter consisting of removable tin chambers,
thus f.icilitatiiig the removal of ice, water, etc.
These tubs vary in carrying capacity from 0 to 200
pounds. Constructed of white cedar— well seasoned
—and bound in galvanized iron and brass hoops,
their whoic appearance indicates that they have been
substantially constructed, as well as neatly finished.
They are guaranteed to keep or carry butter in the
hoitcst weather, in prime condition. For particulars
send for circular as above.

We wish to call the attention of our readers to
the prospectus of that valuable monthly, The Ka-
riojAa/.ii/'c .Siyc'i: /o'(rj/«/, which appears in this is-
sue of our paper. We will furnish The Journal with
our paper lor $..50 per year.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

III.

E. F. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron.

Has uov«r been known to fail in the cure of weakncBB, at-
tended with BvinptoniB, iudiRpositiou to exortion, loss of
meraorv, dimculty ol breathing, general weiikueaH, horror of
diseHRp^ weuk, nervous trembling, dreadful horror of death,
night sweats, cold feet, wcaknesH, djumesHof vision, languor,
universal laesitudo of the niuioulur Ryateni, cnormouH np-
potite, with dysppptic system. |hot huudH, flushing of the
bodv dryness of the skin, piiUid countenance and eruptions
on the face, purilying the blood, pain in the b.iok, heaviuosa
of the eyelids, frequent black spola flying; before the eyes,
with t-'uipcr.iryaufl'uaioii and loss of sight, want of atteulion,
etc. These syniptome all arise from u weckneas, and to
reinedy that, use E. F. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron. It
never fails. Thousands are now enjoying health who have
used it. Get the genuine. Sold only in $1 bottles. Take
only E. F. Kunkel's.

Ask for Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron. This truly vnlunblo
tonic has been so t horoughly tested by all cliist^es of the com-
munity that it is now deemed indisHpnaable as a Tonic raed-
Iciue. It costs but lutle, purifies the blood and gives lone
to thestonmch, renovateethosystem and j-roluugslife.

I now only "sk a trial of this valuable tonic. Price $1 per
bottle. E. F. KITNKEL, Sole Proprietor, No. 2r.9 North
Ninth Street, below Vine, Philadelphia, Pa. Ask for Kun-
kel'B Bitter Wine of Iron, and take no other. A photograph
of the proprietor on each wrapper, all others are countorieit.

Beware of couuterfeits. Do not let your druggist sell you
any but Kunkel's, frhich is put up only as above iei>reBeut-
ed. You can get six bottles for five doll.. ra. All I ask is
one eimjile trial.

Tapeworm Removed Alive.

Head and all complete in two hours. No ffe till head
pnBses. Seat, Pin and Stomach worniB lemovi.d by Dr.
Kunkel, 259 Noi-th Ninth Street. Advice free. No fee until
head and all passes in one, and alive. Dr. Kunkel is the
only Buccessfu) )ihysiciau in this country for th^ removal of
Worms, and his Worm Syrup is pleasant and safe for chil-
dren or grown persons. Send for circular, or ask lor a
bottle of Knnfcpl's HV/rm Si^rup. Price one dollar per bottle.
Get it of your Diuggist. It never fiiila. 9-H-Ini

To the "WorUiiisr Cla^w. — ^^Ve are now prepared to
fnrniBU all cheseB with constant empljymeut at home, the
whole of the time, or for their spare moniei'lB. Business
new, light and pi ofltable. Persons of either sex paaily earn
from 50 cents to $5 per eveniug, and a proportional sum by
devoting their whole time to t)ie business. Boyi andgiils
earn nearly as much as men. That all who nee this notice
may send their adkresB, and test the business we make this
tjuparaUeled offer : To such as are not well siitiBfind we will
eend one dollar to pay lor the trouble of wiiting. Full par-
ticulars, samples worth several dollars to communce work
on, and a copy of Home and Fireside, one of the largest and
best Illustrated Publications, all sent free by mail. Header,
if you want permanent, profitable work, address,

9^;!— Im Gkorgk Stinson k Co., Poitland, Maine

not easily (arued :u Ih' 6 ^ tiniO' ,'iut U cuu bo
made in three moutlis by any one ot either
sex, in any part of the country who is v.'illing
to work steadily at the emjiloyment that we
furnish. $66 jier week in your owu town. You
need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and 55 Outfit free.
Address at once, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-::-ly

$7771

s:b3:i:f\.ts i

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

Sloclinp, Siispenfers, HafldtercMefs,

Itiiipii aud I'nper Collars anri CiiCTh

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

AT

E. J. ehishan'S,

No. llO North Queen Street,
Second door from Shober's Hotel.

J. STAUFFER,

mimt i mm,

LANCASTEE, i'ENN'A.
235 EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE M.\PKS, and Cf »PYIUGIITS.
proniptly attended to. His experituro, sncccHs a d faithful
atontion to the interests of those who engage his Bcrvicea
are fully ackuowledged and appreciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable As
sistant at Wushiugton, without extra charge for drawing
or dencniifion. ffl-l-tf

E. IT. FRESHMAIT & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W, Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are antborlzvcl to rontract Tor advcrlising
In tbls paper.

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877

CI-OTHS,

CASSIMERES,

COATINGS, :WORK'I-ERDS,

TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviota and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, striped and diagonal, for Spring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and CMothlng Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Eetsblisbed Id the year 1840),

Corner of A'ortli Queen and OrauKC-Sts.,

LANCASTER, PA.
Extra flaiahed aud trimmed, Uocdy-made Clothing, for

MEK A'NJ) BOYS,

and clothing cut or made to order iu the most satisfactory
manner.

A fiuo line of GENT.S' FUItNISUING GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard oi i lece.

RATHVON & FISHER,

9-l-ly Priiclioal Tftilors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANUI-ACTUREIS OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

SA]>I>I.RS.

COLLARS, 'WHIPS, &c.,

ALSO DEALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO R0BE9,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-l_ly LANCASTER, PA.

H. Z. RH0AD3.

CHAS. Q. RHOADS.

Eslimates furuisM Iree.

Seul lor a Circular.

ECONOMY I IV FERTILIZERS !

HOME-MADE CHEMICAL MANURES,

The most Effective and C'lieapeNt.

Buy reliable Chemicals and make your own Fertilizers
AT HOME. Write for circular, giving lull information on
this subject.

We make, or import, all kinds of Fertilizing Chemicals,
including :
Oil of Vilrol, niswolvfU BoncM,

^-rikiiixl ISoiies, lijiiid l*la*4tcr.

Sulpliut*' oT B'olnMli, Nitralc of soda,
A;;rir-iilliirHl Sii!(, S)il|itiii«c of Ammonia,
Muriat<-'Ol I'ofit.sli, Itoii*- « linrcoiil,
Sulpliiiio of Soda, Kiil|»li;tte of Magnesia.

Address HARRISON BROS. & CO.,

/05 .South I'rottt Strtrt, J'JiHafitlp/iia.

Established as Manufacturers of Fertilizing Chemicals
in i7o:^. if-i-':;m

My annual Catalagno cf Vegetable nnd Flower Seed for
1877 will be re.idy by January, and sent frt-f to nil who (ip-
ply. CuBtomers of last Heasjii need not write for it. I offer
one of the Urge-^t coUectionR of vegetable seed ever sent out
by any seed house in America, a lurco jiortion of which
were gr wn on my b'x seed fnrms. I*rinffd direction.t/or
cuKivationon eocrt/ packane. All seed Bold from my estab-
lishment warriinted to be bo'h fresh and true to name; so
far, that should it prove otherwise, I will aefiU the order
gratis. As the original introducer of (he Hubbard and
Marblehfad Pqnaahep, the Marblehead Cabbages, and a
score of other now veiietablea, I invite the patronage of all
who are anxious to bar-e their xeedn fresh, true, and of the
t^ry bent Strain. New vkoktableb a Specialtt.
&-r2 51] JAMES 1. H. OREQORY, Marblehead, Mass.

R day at Home. Agents wanted. Outfit and
terms free. TBUK k CO., Augusta, Maine. [S-Z-lj

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wholesulo and Retail DealerB In

fflAMOK, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVESWARE, SFZOTACLES,

Bronzes, Clocks and Watckakers' Uiteriah.

JOCBKI\S IN A^IEI\IGAN WaTCI^^ES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods,

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

9-1 -I y]

Tvarietiea of either Flowor or Vegetable NF.Kn.S for 25
centB, post paid. " rlorsl TributB" 16 cenlR.

E. E. JOItn.W.
9-3-2m 29 Savamiah-Ht., Ilocbewlor, N. T.

$12

ABE PLANTKD BY A MILLION PEOPLK IN AMEBIOA. SEB

Vick's Catalogue— 300 lUustratioue, only 2 cents.
; Vick's Floral Guide, Quarterly, 25 ceute a y©»r,

Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden, 60 cent e; with
elegant cloth coveip, $1 00.

All my I ublications are printM in English and Oerman.
B!| Adaress, JaMF.S VK'K. Uochoster, N. Y.

FARMS

For Sale K;inffinf fr.<m a<> 1" ."iOO Acri-1.
Apply to I.. MALiOIVE, Sallabury, Nd.

IS EEDS.

co^L'La CATALOGUE /«".

EVERYTHING

VOK THE

Numbering 175 rages, with Colored Plate,

SENT FREE «

To our costomerBof past years, and to all purchaBors f'
of our books, either ^

Gardening for Profit, Practical Floriculture, 4]

or Gardening for Pleasure. >J

(Price $1.50 each, prepaid by mail,) ^

To otbers ou receipt of 25c.

Plain Plant or Seed Catalogues, without pUte, free

to all.

Seedsmen, Market (hirdnierx and Florists,

35 Cortlandt St., New York.
^■■■■■B PL ANTS. Hi^HBBi^H

9-l-3t „

WANTED IMMEDIATELY

Y T 77 YounR Men and Women to learn Ti Lhj- X

YounR Men aUL
GRAPHY. SituatiouB (fuaranteed. Halary while
practicing. Address, with etatnp. Sherman
Teleffrapb Co., Oberlio. Ohio. 8

9-M

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[ March, 1877.

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUNDAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A KEW LOT OF

HAMBUBG EMBROIDERED EBGIBGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT TEE VERY LOWEST PRICES. AIk),

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Ktd GIOTea,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CRAPE -V-KXX.S.

OEAPE BONI^ETS & HATS,

BUCH1K38,

all styles and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDBEN'S WEAB,

that is good, deBirable and cheap.

OiTC nB a call at

K08.I42 &, 144 North Qneen-st, Lancaster., Pa.

9-l-ly

DON'T FAIL TO

USE TBE

Buffalo Honest Fertilizers

ON ALL SPKING CE0P8.
Ammoniated Bone Super Phosphate,'

AITD

PURE GROUND BONES.

The purity of these goods is guaranteed, and their stand-
ard proved by regular analysis of Prof. G. A. Liebig of
Baltimore, and other eminent chemiate.

Hlgrtaest Premium and Medal of Honor
swarded by tbe <'entciiiiinl Commission of
tbe International JExpoKition. Phila., 1876.

Send for new Spring Circular, containing full directions
and testimonials.
9-2-3t.] Office SBSWashington St., Buffalo, H. Y.

FROM ONE TO SIX-HORSE

FARM & FREIGHT WAGONS.

The beet proportioned, best ironed, lightest running and
cbeapeBt Wagons in the market.

W. D. SPRECHER A NOW,

9-3-2m 31 East King-Bt., Lancaster, Pa.

♦ CCT +« <t^^ a Week to AgfntB. $10 Outfit Free.
wOO X<0 4> I I f • O- VICKERY, Augusta, Maine,

8-8-ly

AMOS MILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANDFACTURBR OF AND DEALER IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars

Bridles, Whips, &c. Also a fine lot of Truuke, Valises,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.
»-l-ly

SEEDS

^^isriD :Fi.:E]i_,i.i^^LEi

For the FI.OWER and TEOETABLE GARDEN and the FARM.

Our 1877 Combined priced Catalogue of Seeds, Plants and Blooded Live Stock and Fancy
Poultry Free to all.

BFtE:E:D£:Fi'S -NLA-VSTJ aji^.

The Philadelphia Practical Farmer of Dec. 30, notices our Catalogue as follows: "We have received an illustrated man-
ual and descriptive catalogue of imported and thoroughbred live stock, Aldecney, Ayrshire and Short horned Cattle, Ches-
ter White, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland China Hogs, Cotewold and South^wn Sheep, land and water Fowls,
fancy Pigeons and Dogs, owned, bred and for sale by Benson & Burpee, of Philadelpma.

This is emphatically the best and most complete live stock Catalogue we have received. It contains not only illustrationa
and price lists of stock, but gives in addition a large amount of valuable practical information on the breeding and man-
agement of different varieties and is very useful as a reference book. Messrs, Benson Jc Burpee have now on band a very
fine lot of breeding stock, and we feel confident that customers will be well pleased with purchases made from them.

Price 20 cents.

JITST OUT I THE POULTRY YARD. How to Fubnibh and Manage It. By W. Atlee Burpe<t. A new and prac-
tical treatise, at a popular price, for every farmer and amateur in poultry breeding. It treats of Poultry Houses an d
fixtures, nests, yards, &c., poultry at liberty and in confinement, the best breeds for various purposes, selection of stock,
mating for breeding, feeding of adult fowls and young chicks, condiments and general care and atteution^requisite to suo-
cess in this often neglected branch of rural industry.
It also contains practical hints on the raising and management of Tuikeys, Geese, Ducks and Quineas.

Beautifnl Colored Frontispiece of a trio of Fowls. Price 50 ots., post free.

EGOS FOR HATCHING of all choice varieties. LAND AND WATER FOWLS. Also very fine Chester White,
Yorkshire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland China Pigs; Cotawold and Southdown Sheep, Alderney and Ayrshire OattU
and calves now for sale.

A'>'>«-" BENSON & BURP££,

Seed 'Warehouse, 223 Chvirch St., Philadelphia, Fa.

MAMMOTH CORN.

Every farmer send for package of Mammoth Corn, whlob
in ordinary ground will yield 125 bushel per acre, besides
ripens much sooner. It is perfect flour com, grows thre»
ears on each stalk. Club together and send for one dozea.
packages. It is put up in packages at the following price:

One package 35 cts.

Two " 50

Six " 1.40

One dozen packag'cs 2.30

Two " ** 3.70

Send at once to

CASEY'S SEED CO.,

9-3-3in HarrisonvilM, Meigs co., Ohio,

YOUR NAME PRI!«TEn on 40 Mixed Cards for
lOo. STEVENS BROS., Northford. Conn.
9-3-lm.

ESTABLISHED 18S2.

Prize Medal Awarded by the C'entcnHlal
Coniini»!4ion to

IMPROVED BUTTER TOBS AND COOLERS.

With movable Ice Cham-
bers, Patented Jan. 12,
1ST5. Best in the market.
Are made of white cedar,
buuud with galvanized
iron or brass hooj s.
Within thetub ia fitted a
tin Cooler, having a
movable Chamber for
ice at each end. On the
till is constructed a se-
rieH of ledges, on which
rest the shelves for sup-
porting the butter (Print
Butier); are used without shelves for Roll Butter. Can be
locked for shipping. Hinges, Hasps, and Fixtui es. are tinned
to render the^ rust proof. J. G. *-■ OEII1.ER,

9-3-3m Msnufacturer, No. 503 N, 8econd-st., Phila.

FXMPZiSS.

I will mail (Free) the receipt for preparing a simple Veg-
KTABLE Balm that will remove Tan, Freckles, PiMi LES
and BLOTCHES, leaving the skin soft, cltar and beantilul;
also instructions for producing a luxuriant growth of hair
on a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vandelf &
Co., Box 5121, No. 5 Wooster St., N. Y. .[9-1-Gm

SENEK & SONS,

Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and

finished

r.x7]y[B£:fi,

Also Sash,

The best Sawed SHI^'GLEM iu the country.
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &o.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best COA I. constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YAKD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-stg.,

9-l-ly

$1 a Year

'To (iHhRcriberB tn
'l the county.

SINGLE C0PI3S 10 CENTS

To flubBcriberii out of |
tUf cnuiity, (

$1.23.

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, APRIL 15, 1877.

UNNSnS BATEVOK, FabUsher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the
wautB of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower,

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited by Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

The Lanoastkk Farmer having completed its eighth
year under VHrious viciseitudeB, now commences its ninth
volume under, it ik hoped, more favorable auspices than
attended its tormer volumt'H. When the publisiiers of the
last two volumes HHSumed the reBpousibilitieB of its publi-
cation, it WHB with ii delerrainatiou to make ench iniprove-
ments as would place the farmer'e organ of this great agri-
cultural county in the very front rank of agricnltural jour-
naliBm, That this hsB been accompliehed we think our
readers will bear cheerful testimony. If rejison.bly bub-
taiued, our aim is to make it Btill more interesting and iu-
Btructivo under ts new proprietorship. In thip, however,
we need the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on
BUbjectB connected with the science of farming, and partic-
ularly that specialty of which he iB so thoronghly a master —
entomological science— some knowledge of which has become
a necessity to the fluccessful farmer, are alone worth much
more than the price of this publication.

The Farmer will be published on the 15th of every
month, printed on good paper with clear tyjie, in con-
venient form for reading and bimUng, and mailed to sub-
Rcribers ou the following

TERMS:

To subscribers residing within the county —
One Copy, one year, -----_ $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - - - - . . 5.00

Ten Copies, one year, ------- 7.50

To subscribers outside of LAUcaster county, including
postage pre-paid by the publishers:

One Copy, one year, - . - - . . $1.25

Five Copies, one year, . - . . . . 5.00

All Bubscriptions will commence with the January num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

All communications intended for publication should be
addressed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
In his hands by the first of the month of publication.

All business letters, containing subscriptions and adver-
tisements, should be addressed to the publisher.

LINNyEUS RATHVON,

aa South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

KATF,S OF ADVERTI8IXO — Ten Cents a
line Tor eikeb Insertion. Twelve liae« to the mob

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

April, 49

Fine Test Potatoee, . - ... 49

Words of Cheer, - - 50

The Colorado Bug Abroad, .... 50

Written Receipts by Mail, ----- 50

Crowded Out, 50

Fertilization, Preventive and Cure, - - .50

The Park Association, ..... 50

The Weather— The Ground Hog, ... 50

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Guava, 51

Pieris Rapae, .......5.3

Unpublished Letter of Henry Clay, - . 53
Answers to Correspondents, . . . . 5S

Annual Address, ...... 54

Reud before the '•Lancaeter County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society," Jaiuary let, 1877. by ihe Pres.
fdeut, Ciilviu Coojer.

Largeor SmallPotatoe8,F.R.DiFFENDEBPER, . 54

Essay ........55

Head before the "Lancaster County Agricnltural and
Horticultural Society,*" March 2G, 1877, by Levi Pow-
uaU.

How Much Lime to the Acre, . - . - 5G
ltf;id before the "Laucaeter County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society," IrlKrcb 2d, 1877, by E. K. Her.
ehey.

Sap, Etc. — Plant Life and Molecular Force,

J. Stauffeh, 50

Corn Cultivation, J. G. . - - . - 57
Ayrshires, ...... .58

Gardening for Farmers, J. S. Harris. . - 58
Location of the Garden — Soil — Hot.Bede — Staaon or
time for Planting — Fruits.

Better Prices lor Seed Leaf, .... 60

The Lancaster Tobacco Crop, - - - . 60

Our Local Organizations, .... 01

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricnltural and

Horticultural Society — Crop Keporte — Agriculture of

the Country — Growing Potatoes.

Tobacco Growers' Association, . - - C2
The Linnaian Society, ...... 03

Additions to the Library — Pai>ors Head.

AGRICULTURAL.

Valuable Formulas, 63

Utilizing Coal Eust, 63

What Soil Consists of, 63

A New Agricultural Plant, . . - .63
Hints to Farmers, - fti

HORTICULTURAL.

Florida and its Oranges, ----- C4

Transplanting Large Trees, - - - . 64

Shipments of Apples, ...... 64

Literary and Personal, ..... 64

00

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ELIZABETH STOCK FARMS.

To the getter up of a club of 5 subscribers, at $1 .00
a year, we will mail a copy of The Faruer, for one
year free.

Registered Pure-Bred and High Grade

Jersey Bull^ Cows and Calves^

<'on»laiitlj on Hnnd and
l-'or Nalp.

BERKSHIRES BRFD WITH CARE.
COLIN CAMERON,

»-*-lyl Briekerville, Lanra-iter co., Pa.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

^c:?

fiSl

COIM==SILVER

— Aim

Gold Premiums

GIVEN AWAY

^^ To Every Subscriber of This Paper!!

CONSISTING OF

Elpgant «s:<ra-plate<l TAKLK SirVERWARE,

surh as 87.00 ('aslorM, Knives S6.00 per set.

Forks $3.00, Spoons $4.S0 per set, Xapklii-

llingrs 82.ao a pair, Su^ar-Kowls, goia-

lined, all of latest style of pattern,

TO EVERY SUBSCRIBER FREE.

SiIvrrandGoMgoorls furnished underthis Premium Proposition are from the well known
and reliable Kasle Gold and Silver Plating Company, Cineinnati, uliio. Undt-r a very favor-
able proposition from the above well known house, all regular patrons of this paper can se-
cure a useful and beautiful, a-s well as a verv valuable Premium, in the shape of a hand-
some set of EXTRA PLATED SILVER SPOONS, equal to the iwst artiele of
the kind sold in this counlry lor fl.Sll per set. And, in addition, EACH SPOON
^^Va?^ '^i^'!(P^°'"^,>7,^?NCRAyED WITH YOUR MONOCRAWl
INITIAL. AH who are entitled to receive this elegant and uselul Premium can do
so on compliance with the following conditions: Send your name and post-offlce address,
with your express office, to the EaEle Gold and Silver Plating Company, Cincinnati, Ohio,
together with the following Premium Order, and inclose with your order 75 cents to pav cost
ot engraving your initials, express charges, boxing, and packing, and vou will receive by
return express ior mail, if youliave no express office) a full set of extra plated Silver Spoons
FREE OF ANY CHARGE. All express and packing charges are covered by the 75
cents, and the Spoons will be delivered to you FREE. H you do not desire to have the
Spoons engraved, you are only required to send 60 cents, to pay cxpressage and boxing.
I Ihe order must in all cases be .sent, to indicate that you are entitled to this Premium as this
very liberal oiler is not extended to any who is not a patron of this paper. The retail price
of this set of spoons is S-J.50, as the following letter will show :

-, „ u ,v . . Opfics of Eagle Gold and Silver Plating Company. Cincinnati. Omo.

wo As.ure all aabscHbers that the poods C£.ntr^lcd for are flrat-clasg in eren respect, aud thai our retail price for
ine S[)ooa9 IS S4.o0 per .set. We will in no case retail them at a less price or send them in slDgle sets 10 anT one who
does not send the required •' Order," showing thai the sender is a patron of thi, paper. ^

Cj^ All orders must be sent to above flrm. Eaolb Gold and Silvbb Platinq Compant.

! J^EAn «'AREFI7I.I.Y.— If you prefer as n Premium our 87.00 CASTOR, or S5.00 I
st-t of SIX FORKSi we will furnish you with the Castor on receipt of SI..'*, and the

l-orks upon receiptor Sl.OO; this includes the cost of packing, boxing, postage, aud express
churL:es; or we will furnish you any of the other goods named on .sixme terms. Tliusde- I
livenng to you the goods free of any expense, as a Premium, at cost of packing and ex-
press charges, etc.

^ PREMIUM SILVER ORDER.

fi^'Premium Silverware: Warranted Extra Silver Plate, "^^

T > Ihe Eaele Oolcl and Silver I»latinar Co., Cincinnata, O.: Thi9 is to certify
iMat . .imasubscri^i-Tof lUe [cper liMin wlirch I have cut tfiia Order, amJ :im entitled, under vour
pr.-nuiim aiTan';emenl, to a full set of extr-i-plated Pilver Si-oona, with my initials engraved
ih*-ieon, or other Silverware which I may order herewith. I inclose herewith 75 cents, to pav
expr^-sia, packing, boxing, and engravinj^ charges. '

fl®-On receiptor tl.is Order, we hereby agree to return to the sender, expreM or niailinir
ohars-es prrpaaU in fulJ, a full set of six of our extra-plated .Silver spoons with the initials "f

i^T^,'"' "'■=\''y*".'\^5''"'''-^l5deaired. engraved thereon or onr$7.i>n(-a,^tnr on receipt Of SI .50.
-» ^V ^^ V,\ ^'"" ^^ hon-^red by us for ninetv daya from the date of this paper after which
It Will be null uiulvnrd. [Siiinedl Eiri.k Gold and Su.veh Pi.ATlNfs Co., Cinrinnati. O.

At no time in tl

. fiimili'-.v ThU

I to [homseKes the imtin^

ilver Platx-d Ware atuined so hii;h a porfectiun an at the present I
IT aa pcioil 13 Koliil Silverware, ami much preferred by niaiif

[ :"■■■■■■ "■■ , ""■-,' -" '■ '""* "= ""'"' "I";"- "insB whu desire them are urgird to immediaielv .send and secure

to [hemsehes the immt^Uve ndvantdgoa olT-rert bj- thi-* company f^r s,>ciiring Ih.- h^-n Silver Plot-d W-.r^ yi ofr»red '
on 8iich ravor:»hle term*. CCT Address kll ordera to Eagle tJold and Silver I'lutlne Co , Clnolnnoti. Ohio.

ory '-r iiiaiiuri>-ttire'< bus Sil
[■■■aruii..'e iitid foi- prrv-.-tical \
not k.n({ be held ope

Kntett Mf Advertising: in ihe Farmer.

l^mo

2 mo....

3 mo....

4 mo

6 mo

8 mo

1 year.

1 m.

a in.

4 in.

5 in.

$1.00

$ 2.00

$ 3.00

$ 4.00

$ 6.00

2 00

4.00

6.00

3.00

12.00

2.50

4.5!)

6.75

10.00

13.50

3.00

fi.OO

9.00

12.00

18 on

4.50

9.00

13.50

18.00

27.00

6.00

1-2.00

18.00

24.00

36 0)

9.00

18.00

27 ( 0

36.00

64.00

$ 8.00
16.00
IS. 00
24.00
36.00
48.00
72 00

»JP apecial and business uoticefl 15 cents jter line.

S E B D S

FIELD, GARDEN, FLOWER

E AND BIRD SEEDS, Mq

Herd, Orchiird, Greeu and Blue Grass, Flax. JC^
Huiigiirian,

CLOYER and TIMOTHY.

EAlso, GRASS SEED MIXTURE, for Lawns and tt\
Grass Plots, *■

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL,

33 W. D. SPRECHER&SON, 13

So. 31 East King-st., Lancaster, Pa.

S S E

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTDftEB OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS \ FRENCH KID BOOTS

5-OK FOU

GENTLEHEiy. I I.ADIF.8.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S
9-1-ly

CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.

TO CONSUMPTIVES.

The advertiBer having been permaoeutly cured of that
d read diaeaHe, CoTisuniptioii, by a flimj 1p remedy, is anxious
to make kuowTi to his t'ellow sufforets the me:tiiB of cure.
To all who deifire it. he will seud a coxiy of the prescription
used, (free of charge), with the directions foi' preparing and
using the same, which Ihey will find a sure Cube for Con-
sumption, Asthma, BRoNCWiTis, &c.

Parties wishiug the prescription will please address,

Rev. E. A. WILSON, 394 Peun St.. Wiillameburg, N. Y.
9-1 -flm]

ERRORS OF rOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who suffeied for years from Nervous
Debility, Prematvire Decay, and all the effects of youth-
ful indiscretion will, for the sake of suffering humanity,
send free to all who need it, the receipt aud direction for
making the simple remedy by which he was cured. Suflfor-
ers wishing to profit by the advertiser'a experience can do
80 by addresaing in perfect confidence,
9-l-6m] JOHN B. OODKN, 43 Cedar St., New York.

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

~ ^THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCK

JOURNAL,

Published at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THIS GREAT MONTHLY is univereally acknowl-
ledged to be wi hout a rival in its department of
Journalism. Each number contains 4S large pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover,
aud is BeaLititully Illustrated with elegant double-
plate engravings. It is the only pa] er in tUe world
devoted exclusively to live-stack and the d.tiry. It
dirfcueses the s<^ieuce of breeding, the merits of the
various breeds, the most aitprnved methods of feed-
ing aud handling, and everything perlaiuiug to the
Bucceesful management of livestock on the farm.
During the year 18T7, Prof, James Law, the eminent
veterinary of O'^rneU University, will contriliule a
series of articles iijiou the l.iws of health and disease
as applied to Domestic Animals, that cannot fail to
be of great value to Farmers aud Stuck Breeders
every where. It contains separate Dei artments,
devoted to HOUSES, CATTLE. SHEEP,SWINE and
the DAtKY, end its corps of editors are recognized
thruughnut the entire country « a the Most Thoe-
ouGH. Able and Practical writers in the separate
departments, that cm be found in America. No ex-
pense is siared on the jiart of its publishers, to
mrtke it a high-toned, reliable, practical and instruc-
tive Journal, just such i.s every intelligent farmer
and stock breeder will find worth ten times its coat
each year.

TERMS, — Single copies, one year, postage paid,
H2.15: Clubs of five, postage paid, 81'9«; Cuba
of ten, with ati extra copy free to person making up
club, postage pre-i^aid, $1.(>5. UamiAomelfi lilun-
t rated posters mailed to all who will get up club.t. Ad-
dress letters, registering those containing money,
unless in shape of Postal Order or Draft, to

STOCK JOURNAL COMPANY, Publiahera.

L.keside Building, CHICAGO, ILLS.
tySEND 20 Cents for Sprcimkh Copt. [9-3-3m

My annual Catalague of Vegetable and Flower Seed for
18T7 will be ready by January, and sent free to all who ap-
ply. Customers of last seasin need not write for it. I offer
one of the largest collections of vegetable seed ever sent out
by any seed house in America, a large portion of which
were gr- wn on my six seed farms. Jointed* directions for
cultivation on every -package. All seed sold from my estab-
lishment warranted to be both fresh and true to name; bo
far, that should it prove otherwise, I will jetiU the order
gratis. As the original introducer of Ihe Hubbard and
Marblehead Squashes, the Marblebead Cabbages, and a
score of othn- new veuetnbles, I invite the patronage of all
who are ajixious to ha^e Iheir neeiU frenh, true, ami of the
very bent strain. New Vegetables a Specialty.
8-12-51] JAMES J. H. OREGOKY, \<arblehead, MaSB.

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E. N. FUESHMAN & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are autborizcd to rontract for advertislnc
In tttia paper.

Estmates fumisM free. Seid loi a Ciicnlar.

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., APRIL, 1877.

Vol. IX. No. i.

APRIL.

Had the lot fallen to us — in the nineteenth
century, and in tin- niiiklle of tlio noitli-tora-
perute zone — to anauRi' the festivals, the sec-
ular periods, the nionths and the seasons,
doubtless we would have oiiened the year witli
its vernal period, on or about the first of
April; for, really, as a general tiling, there is
no openini'; Unit ^can be much depended on
before thai jieriod; and even then we often
realize, intervals of "winter HnKering in llu;
lap of spriiiL;. " March — "in like a lion and
out like a lanili"-- is always more litful, and
often meteorologically more unfriendly, than
February; and, under the most favorable cir-
cumstances, is lint a snow-heavcu' and an ice-
breaker for the month of April- a sort of pre-
cursor to s])rini;, without exhibiting any of
the nncpialilied elements of spring.

And yet the month of March, when divest-
ed of its lickleness, and its oi^posite extremes,
js charged with very essential functions in the
economy of the season's su<'Cessions. It
"breaks the back bone" of winter, and "lets
down" more easily the thrall of Kebruary upon
the plane of April. Its furious, moist-absorb-
ing winds dry up the long and excessively
satmated soil of winter, and jirepares it foi'
the ploughshare of the thrifty husbandman;
and if it rested here, its benign ollice would
tic universally acknowledged and extolled; but
not content with tliis, it is ever changing to
and from all the climatic points of midwinter
and advanced spring. One day a blustering
"borean railer," the next an Oriental zephyi',
if not sandwiched by a day or two of cold,
drivinu rain between, anon indulging in a
succession of "blows, " with a violence that
not only divests the soil of its superabun<hint
moisture, but blows away the soil itself and
all it ciiiiiaiiis.

But, this untowardncss of March is eventu-
ally succeeded by "showery, flowery, bowery"
April; and although we are always pri-tty
sure of the sJiOwcr;/, yet it often occurs that
the flnu-er>i, and especially the hntceri/ do not
come until after the first of May. The name
of AriuL is derived from the Latin njiTilis
which itself is a contraction of Aperilis, from
uperinr, which means to open, as the month
in which the earth opens foi' new fruit; when
the trees and plants generally unfold their
foliage, and the womb of nature opens with
yoimg life; and, as it is physicnlly and often
nieteorologi.ially the opening of the .year, in
our latitude of the temperate zone, it easily
could be made so civilly and conventionally,
if it were not for a great nonconlorniity in the
climate, and that makes all the difference.
We could not expect much of an opening up
about Beliring's Straits on the first of April,
and down in Central America it woidd be
quite too late, in a physical point of view.

The first of ^Vpri! has been long and very
widely considered "All Fools Day" — longer
and wider, perhaps, than we "in our philoso-
phy dream of." The allusion is to the cus-
toin of making fools of each other on the 1st
of April; and among some peojile "J/;/ April
mnrii was eiiuivalcnt to my tccddhuj day, for
on that d.ay I w^as made a fool of." In Ilin-
dustan similar tricks were played at the Ilnli
festival, which occurred on the .'ilst of March,
or on "April eve." From this it would ap-
pear that ",\pril fool" cannot refer to the un-
certainly of the weather, nor yet to the mock
trial of oin- Saviour, in one of which events
the custom is said to have had its origin.
Rev. Cobham Brewer says : "I am inclined
to think it refers to traditions about the flood,
when the fcifilifh were left to the jiitiless pelt-
ing of the forty days rain," a eonclMsiouqiute
as abstu-d, and fully as irrational as either of
the other two. in fact we cannot tell
from what or from whence this custom origi-

nated; and, it is a matter of no importance to
us now, from whence it sprung or what its
object was.

Still, with few or no contingencies, April is
the genial season of the year — taking it all
tlu-ougii, from beginning to cn<l — and among
that contingent few is the general "Hitting
day — a day in the liurri/skurry of wliich, sn-
per-ollicions 'helps' often carry out a i)illow
and gently lay it down, and perhaps the next
moment toss a looking-glass out of the win-
dow, from a mere love of making themselves
usrful. Meteorologically as well as domesti-
cally our 1st of April, in Lancaster county at
least, corres])ond8 to New York "May day,"
on which occasion every family in Gothain
seems to be "on the move," and Franklin's
maxim that "three removes arc as bad as a
burn," has no appreciation whatever. Indeed
with us, there are .some-people who are just
"ninnies" enough to believe that they inusi,
and of right iiuijhl to "move" on the 1st of
A|n'il — would be unhappy if they did not
move, and who would coniiilain and grumble
half tlie year if they had not moved. Well,
if that kind of variety constitutes their "spice
of life," it is their concern alone, and perhaps
they ought to be let "alone in tliidr glory."

April bc'ing then, practically, the upcning of
the New Year, in all that relates to human
husbandry ; the farmer, the gardener, the
orchardist or the nurseryman will find enough
for his toiling hands to do. Then he will be
engaged in a multitude of occupations that
will have no end until he nuu'kets his crops,
and gathers with his I'aniilyaround his Christ-
mas fire. Then the country s(Miool-liouse is
closed for the season, and his children eschew
their nursery rhymes of

" Rain, rain, go away,
Come attain,
April ilay,
Little Jolniuy wants to play."

for, uidikc the pinched and idle denizens of
the town, big and little, old and young, al-
ways find something for willing hands to do,
and consequently can eat freely, sleep soundly
and be happy.

An old and well-informed cotemiwrary, in
his calendar of the months, writes in regard
to this month, as follows :

"There is no period of the year of greater
activil-y, nidess it be high harvest, than the
month of April. Every farmer knows the
importance of being well np with the season,
and he who lags behilid at this important
juncture, may as well withdraw from the
"strife of life " — he has mistaken his profes-
sion. The farmer is now busy breaking up
his corn ground, if he has not broken it up
before."

In our latitude, now is the time to plant
and sow, if we would expect to reap. But
the exact time when these things should be
done, nmst be left to the judgment of the
farmer and gardener, for they are more or less
inider the influences of the nature of the soil,
the temiicratme of the weather, and the al-
titude of the particular locality — its protec-
tions and exjiosures, as soon as practicable.
The roots and seeds that should be planted
and sown, during this month, are artichoke,
asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage,
carrots, cauliflower, celery, cress, horse-
radish; hot beds may be made; and leeks,
lettuce, majorum, mustard, nasturtions,
onions, parsley, jiarsnips, peas, jiotatoes, rad-
ishes, sage, salsify, spinnaeh, thyme, toma-
toes, turnips, &c. , put in the ground, because
this is the season for the main planting and
sowing.

The particidar variety of pljints and seeds
selected must be left to the discretion of the
farmer or gardeuer, for soil and situation
have much to do in their success, So, also,

in relation to the times and modes of culture.
In fact, cultivating the soil is analogous to cul-
tivating the mind; tlu; results of eillier or
both are niadi' manifest through tiie products
of rultuie. When these do not become visi-
ble to rational recognition, we may infer that
there has been no real culture, but only the
semblance of it. Tln^ powers and functions
of nature as nltimated through the ollices of
April have not been iixcd, but a6u,«d.

FINE TEST POTATOES.

After the adjournment of the February
meeting of our local Agricidlural Society, the
potatoes which Mr. II. M. Engle had on ex-
hibition, he kindly donated to us, and desired
us to test thiir relative (jualities. Without
laying any special claim to sujierior judgment
in such a matter, we nevertheless cheerfully
assented ; for, if nothing else resulted, we
could sec at least three " square meals" of
good potatoes in it, which promised a teni-
IHirary relief from the inferior articles we
iiad been consuming all winter, with only a
few e.xceptions, and those were foreign to the
County. Three varieties were submitted to
us, namely : the Pccrltss, the Imperial Beauty
and the Snoirflake. AVe venture no opinion
vipon their modes of culture, or their iirolific
qualities, but simply upon their culinary ii.se,
and their alhliations with the human palate.
The first we had preiiared was the " Peerless,"
(three fine solid tubers, aggregating three and
a half pounds) and compared with the general
" run" of jicitatoes of last season, their quality
was very sujierior. From their large size and
lateness of the season, we had supposc-d they
might have been strong and hollow in the
centre, liiit the residt was quite otherwise ;
they wert^ finely flavored all through, and
reasonably dry and mealy. We consider the.se,
in comiiarison, VEUV good. The next in
([uality — Init not in trial — w.as the " Imperial
Beauty," (three tubers weighing two pounds.)
These in color and flavor were very similar to
the Peerless, but more yielding and easier re-
duced to a "mash," and perhaps somewhat
drier and more granular. These we voted
HETTEI!. After tliese, in point of excellence
— to our mind — was the " Snowflake," (four
tubers weighing two pounds.) Tliese were
very white, very mellow, aixl very mild,
faintly recalling our remembrance of the "old
fiercer," before its degeneracy. These, with-
out qualification, we deemed Bkst, notwith-
standing we have«named them last. The
difference in size may jio.ssibly have had .some
influence uiion the quality — the Snowflakcs
being the smallest, the Peerless the largest,
and the Imperial Beauty, intermediate. Per-
haps the fairest test would be to take tubers
all of the same size.

Whatever may be the personal opinions of
others in regard to these three varieties of po-
tatoes, like the Irishman and "Mrs. Mull-

rooney's pig.

' we ate thiin and Shot's the

ind of it ;" and we would further suggest that
we have no objection to be considered a com-
mittee of one to test potatoes for the balance
of the season, and we will make no charges
for our services, only suggesting that the
ijiinntnm itiffirit, of each variety, to reach an
intelligent verdict, is about two poimds.

If we arc correct in our impressions, these
three varieties of the jiotato originated in
New York State, and if so, they are an im-
mense improvement on the potatoes brought
down the Su.sfpiehamia from that State some
twetity-five years .ago, and also at a later date.
We can pretty distinctly recall some varieties
brought down from that State, in our Ixiyhood,
tliat were almost as black as charcoal, as
strong as cotlfish, and as rough as sandstone,
but of very large size, and externally smooth

50

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ April,

■ — especially by the time they reached us in
early spring ; but their, fine large size always
commanded for them a market in comparison
■with the " poor things" Vve then cultivated in
Lancaster county.

One remarkable "glut" in the market we
well remember, when these fine potatoes
would not bring ten cents per bushel, and one
large dealer shoveled three hundred bushels
out into the river rather than sell tliem at less
than that price. Some people thought that
when the river fell, they could get potatoes
for nothing, but when that time came, most
of the tubers liad been carried down the
stream, and those that remained were wortli-

less.

•^

WORDS OF CHEER.

Friend Editnr. — Yours of the 27th ult., and
a copy of the Farmer, were duly received.
It was like taking an old friend liy the hand,
for I began to think it was "all over" with
our local journal, and should have thought it
a great pity that this great county of Lancas-
ter, the acknowledged " Garden of tlie Key-
stone State," could not as much as support
one farmers' paper in it.

I am very glad it has not "gone down" yet ;
and I hope it will live long yet, and do a great
deal of good. The amount of the subscrip-
tion, as you say, will lie little felt by the
thrifty farmers of our county ; for they often
spend more than one dollar within a week or
two, for things useless, and which often do
them more harm than good. Then why n(5t
deny the body a little, and bestow something
on that mind which is immortal V Some
people are very foolish in this respect, and
labor only for " that meat which perisheth."

Country people generally have a very im-
perfect conception of city life. They think
that most of those who live in cities and
towns, live entirely in "clover and honey,"
whilst it is more often " briers and thistles."
I have experienced both.

I will do the best T can for the Farmer,
with what success you soon shall liear, though
I trust I may have good success ; and I will
try and contribute sometliing to your columns
during the approaching summer.

Hoping you may long live and enjoy the
fruit of your labor. 1 remain as ever your
friend, Leolin", EUz'tlKthtmon, March,, 1877.

We thank our fair correspondent for her
high appreciation of our journal, and her sym-
pathies in our behalf, and would tliat others
would do "likewise." — Ed.

THE COLORADO BUG ABROAD.

London, March 13. — The British customs
commissioners announce that the Colorado
potato beetle has been discovered alive at Bre-
men on goods brought from Xew York. The
commissioners have issued a circular to the
collectors of customs in the United Kingdom
directing that the instructions already given
for detecting the beetle be ajiplied to potatoes
imported from Bremen or any German port.

The above paragi"aph we clip from a copy
of The Sun, (Bait.) issued March 14th, 1S77.
Aside from tlie extraordinary feature of mak-
ing such announcements, one day in London
and the next day in Baltimore, there is noth-
ing in the /act, in relation to the bug, that has
not been for some time anticipated; and the
measures adopted to circumvent it are of that
short-sighted policy — in relation to the impor-
tation of potatoes — that has been characteris-
tic of the precautions of our transatlantic
brethren ever since the advent of the "Color-
ado potato beetle" in those States lying on
the eastern borders of our Union. The "bug"
seems to have "been discovered alive at Bre-
men on r/nods brouglit from New York," and
the "wisdom-chests" of Great Britain, as a
preventive, recommend the non-importation
ofpotapies from Bremen. There is usually a
commercial distinctiim made between goods
and produce. If the insect reached tlie conti-
nent on "goods," why not interdict the im-
portation of goods instead of only potatoes ?

The insect in question has no particular
partiality for potato tubers — never deposits

its eggs ujwn them — and is never found eat-
ing them, unless it can get nothing else ;
therefore for one beetle that would be likely
to reach the continent of Europe or England,
on or among potatoes, fifty would be just as
likely to reach those localities in, or on, some
other article of bulky commerce, so that its
circumvention would involve total non-impor-
tation. The best plan, in our view, would
be not to trouble themselves about commercial
n(m-intercourse, but to institute a strict quar-
antine, for a limited period on all vessels com-
ing from infested countries; but even this
might be obviated liy the institution of a
thorough examination of vessels during the
voyage, and this should be extended to all
packet vessels, with as much vigilance as
to trading vessels. About the period when
imtatoes are usually shipped from the Uniteil
States or Canada, ihe most dangerous brood
of tliese insects will be in a state of winter
hibernation, and therefore, not likely to be
among them at all.

WRITTEN RECEIPTS BY MAIL.

We hope our patrons will not require us to
send them written recei])ts by mail for sub-
scriptions, except to clubs of six or more.
The Httle labels pasted on their papers will
indicate to them whether their money has
been received or not. For instance, those
marked "Jan. 77," or simply "77," show
that their suliscriptions are paid up to the
first of January, 1877, and that they owe us
for the present year. Those marked "Jan.
7S," or simply " 78," indicate that their sub-
scriptions are paid up to the first of January,
1878. We cannot send them a loose receipt
without an expenditure of tlirce cents postage,
besides the cost of envelope, paper, and the
labor of writing, unless we resorted to a iios-
tal card, to which man}' people object. We
hope, too, that they will exonerate us from
answering letters by mail, except such as can-
not be answered through, the columns of the
Farmer. We will cheerfully make any reason-
alile concession in cxcejitional cases, but as a
general rule, it involves more labor and ex-
pense than we are able to undergo.

Remittances for advertisements are of a
quite different character, and are governed
by a quite dillerent rule.

If some of our contributors do not find
their productions in the present number of
The FAKMEn, it will be because they have
been unavoidably crowded out. Having more
manuscript on hand than we could accommo-
date with space, we were obliged to give the
preference to priority of date, excejit in cases
where postponement would invalidate the
usefulness of the article; moreover several pa-
]iers which should have appeared in our January
and February numbers, only "turned up" a
month ago, and we, therefore, publish them
in this number as the next best thing we could
do. They will be duly attended to.

FERTI,LIZATION, PREVENTIVE AND
CURE.

The following has been clipped from the
editorial columns of the Philadephia Press,
by a correspondent, and sent to us for inser-
tion in the Farmer. If any of our suli-
scribers, in their reading, meet an article
relating to Agriculture or a kindred subject,
that they wish to have more permanently re-
corded— and also more conveniently — than it
would be in a large folio which, perhaps, they
do not file, if they cut them out and .send
them to us, we will, in due time, give them
pulilicity in the Farmer. In the matter of
recuperating the soil, or forestalling or de-
stroying noxious insects, any remedy within
the bonds of probabilit}' is worthy of consid-
eration and trial. — Ed.

Experiment is constantly making inven-
tions and applications of the greatest value to
agriculture, which is itself a science, and the
very earliest, of no small importance. ' He
who makes two blades of grass grow where

there was only one before is a public lienefac-
tur, according to the well-known proverb. The
substance called paratln oil is well know for
its value when used to lubricate machinery,
owing to its power of resisting the oxydiziiig
action of the atmospliere, and by its very
slow evaporation. There now is the an-
nouncement that parafin oil is a substitute for
the b- st guano, becoming a clean and fructi-
fying manure when poured over dry earth or
sand, which should be used as guano is. More
important still is the announcement that
grain — corn, wheat, oats, barley, beans, peas,
&c. — when steeped for a short time in a pre-
paration of parafin liecomes repulsive to rats,
mice, and the various insects that prey upon
these seeds in the earth. The plan is to mix
4 oz. of parafin oil through six gallons of rain
water, and sprinkle it on the soil before sow-
ing or planting, and. at a later period, wlien
germination has pal]>ably begun, water be-
tween the rows, with the above solution.
Seeds of all sorts should be steeiied in or
sprinkled with the parafin. It is reported as
the result of eight years' experience that this
substitute for guano is a remedy for wire-
worm, grul), and all garden, field "and vinery
jiests. Bii'ds avoid ground thus treated, and
Hies, wasps, and other disagreeable winged
pests equally avoid it. As a hydro-carbon
paratin oil thus acts, and being chemically
inert', will not injure the seed, though it gives
it temporary flavor which drives away the in-
.sectsand other pests that prey uiion the grow-
ing produce. Possibly it might successfully
deal with the Colorado beetle, which has lately
caused so much alarm and done so much in-
jury. It is somewhat singular that the e.xper-
imeiits whose results are here stated were
made in Australia, where cereal jiroduce is
wondrously large — where, as Douglas Jerrold
says, "you have but to tickle the eartli with
a ploughshare, and it smiles into a harvest."
— Press.

THE PARK ASSOCIATION.

At the annual meeting of the stockholders
of the Lco^caster County AgriruHwal Park As-
sociation, held at the Stevens House, the re-
ports of the Dii'ectors and Treasurer were pre-
sented and adopted, and tlie following Board
of Directors was elected for the jjresent year :
Robert A. Evans, H. Z. Rhoads, A. C. Kep-
ler, R. J. McGrann, George Youtz, Abram
Hiestand, Levi Sensenig, W. S. Shirk, Jno.
Murphy, George Styer and James Stewart.

THE WEATHER— THE GROUND HOG.

A correspondent writing over tlie name
"Doubting Thomas," and who says he has
read our "exhaustive and almost exhanstless
panegyrics on the weatlier-wisse woodchuck,"
asks us to " account for the difference be-
tweenSthe mild weather promised by the wood
chuck and the hyperborean lilasts that have
been chilling us to the marrow for the past
few days, with the mercury at zero." The
answer is easy : the ground hog iiromiscd us
six weeks of warm and pleasant weather,
commencing February 1. Tlie six weeks ex-
Iiired on Thursdaj* last. The ground hog's
contract was then fulfilled to the letter, and
like a nolile beast, as he is, he gracefvdly slid
into his hole to give Sts. Patrick and Sheelah
a chance. You see it, Thomas ? " Blessed
are they that have not seen and yet have
believed."

The above paragrajih we clip from the
columns of the Intelligencer of March 19, 1877,
as one among the many that have ajipeared
on the same subject, in various journals the
jirescnt season, and especially in the e(junty
of Lancaster, where it is somehow supposed
that there are more believers in the ground
lioij, as a weather prognosticator, than else-
where. Anioi>g all these paragraphs, there
has been a want of entire harmony, something
of a departure from the original theory — in-
deed, we may say that the matter has gotten
somewhat "mixed up," if not absolutely de-
miualized ; and, in order to get it righted we
must go back to the " doctrine of the fathers. "

1S77.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

51

And even the doctrine of the fathers was
capable of a two-fold construction, and there-
fore had two schools of believers amont; its
adherents ; so that evini among tlieni, tliere
■was by no means a unity upon ils fundamental
principles. Five and lifty years a^jo— and
jicrliaps nnieh lonj;er — it was said, " If the
Ground liog conies out from his winter lair
on the niRht of the second of February, or
' ('andUinas,' and sees his shadow rellccted
by the light of the moon, he innnediately re-
turns to it, niul does not come forth again for
six weeks ;" whicli is taken as a certain indi-
cation that we shall have a six weeks con-
tinuation of winter weather ; Imt whether
seven or eight weeks was a litenil verilication
of the iirophecy, never was clearly established.

Per Coiilnt — '"If he comes out, as liefore
related, and decs nal see his shadow, then he
will remain out, and from that time forward
the weather will moderate, and we shall iiave
an early and a pleasant Sjiring. Six weeks of
niil<l weather succeeding the I'd of February,
and then changing to "cold as (Greenland,"
would not have been regarded as a litrrul
veritieatinn of the prophecy, live and lifty
years ago, by any means. That is a modern
perversion— very re('ent, and very local. Hut,
among the fathers there was a "hitch," out
of which grew the two schools we have ad-
verted to. It was not clear what was tw be
regarded as " the night of the second of Feb-
ruary," because, a whole day was sandwiched
betw'een the two halves of that night. When
the clock struck V2 at midnight, on the 1st of
February, the next moment thereafter the 2d
of February began. At 0 o'clock 58 minutes
A. ^I., the sun rose, and as the moon sets
about 7 o'clock A. M., at that period, there-
fore the Ground hog would have six hours
and lifty-eight minutes in which to come out
and s(C, or mil «(, his shadow, according to
pending meteorological cimtingeneies. The
moon rises on that day about 10 o'clock F. II.
and the sun sets about 5 o'clock, so that the
animal woidd have two hours in which to
mak(^ his ap|iearance, and see or not see his
shadow.

^."ow, it will be perceived that thediflerence
between these schools was as between Omand
nearly scrot. The liberal constructionists
contended that he came out between 12 and 7
A. M.,as the most likely, because at that time
he would be less liable to casual interruption
of any kind ; but the strict constructionists
contended that he came out between 10 and
12 F. M. mainly for the reason that the
Ground hog never was remarkable as an early
riser.

That was the ^talm; of the question fifty,
sixty, or perhaps a hundred years ago, if not
longer, although there were then ali'cady in-
novations upon the ancient doctrine, especially
in local districts. 15ut in later years the old
doctrinal landmarks became almo.st obliterat-
ed, and now it is almost universally stated
thus: " If the Gromid hog comes forth from
his winter (piurlers on 'Candlemas' (Feb.
2nd), and sees his shadow, he will innnedia-
tely return to them, and will not come forth
again for six weeks ;" and this is an indica-
tion that w'e shall have a continuan<-e of cold
winter weather for that length of time. Lax
constructionists give him from sunrise to high
noon, but the rigid constructionists contend
that he immediately returns, and that the
cold weather continues six weeks, and by no
means any longer.

Per Coiitru. — "If he comes forth on theday
afore-named and docf: not. see his shadow, he
remains abroad, and we shall have an early
and genial Sjiring."

The 2nd of I'ebruary, 187(i — in the morning
— was cold, bright and sunny, although before
night it became cloudy. Of course, it was said,
''the Ground hog saw bis shadow," and re-
turned to his winter (piarters to remain there
six weeks longer. Although the weather
which followed February 2nd, 1870, was not
intensely cold, yet the seven or eiiilit weeks
which followed, were not such, we think, as
would invite forth the Ground hog ; therefore,
to the literal constructionist, a prophecy that

is more than verified, is not verilied at all.
The morning of the 2nd of February, 1S77|
was cloudy, and hence ''Old Monax" could
not see his shadow, but the weather which
has since followed has not been such as can
be fairly construed into a verilication of his
prophecy. Even if six weeks of inilil weather
iiad followed the 2ncl of Februaiy, and then a
period of cold, foul and dreary weather had
succeeded it, it would not have been a fullill-
ment of the (iround hog proi;nostication, be-
cause that prediction means the advent of a
mild and early Spring ; and that the month of
March will, in /(trt, as well as in name, be a
Spring month, whereas it has been much more
winterish than the month of Februaiy, the
Iiresent year.

Hut, viewing the whole subject from a prac-
tical standpoint, there seems to be a primal
qualification in tlu^ whole theory which en-
velope's it in doubt. It is .said — "7/" the
ground hog," iS:c., &c., which fairly implies —
"maybe he iciH, and maybe he mou'i " most
likely he UKinH.

Dr. (iodinan, one of Pennsylvania's dis-
tinguished naturalists, who kept these ani-
mals as pets, on several occasions, and who
in a very interesting maimer tells "what he
knew about (Jround liogs," says : "At
the coininencement of cold weather, the
"marmont" (ground hog) goes into his win-
ter quarters; liaving blocked up the door from
within, he there remains until the return of
the warm season revives him again to reiunv
his accustomed mode of life; " and we be-
lieve he would remain there until the first of
May, or longer, if the weather remained cold
so long ; and also that he might come out on
the first of .January, or earlier, if the temper-
ature was high enough to revive him to renew
his accustomed mode of lil'e" — candlemas or
no candlemas. His accustomed mode of life
is to excavate a burrow of from six to ten feet
or mon^ in the ground, in such a situation as
will leave the entrance im-liniiig downward in
order to prevent the ingress of water during
a rain, and making an ample nest for himself,
his mate, and his family of from four to six
or more youngsters, periodically.

Futhcrmore, his habit is to feed voraciously
on vegetation, and especially on young clover,
and it. is said that a score of them can cut a
swartli through a field as clean as a patent
mower, and devour it as they go forward,
lie is not distinguished as an early riser, and
l>refers midday as the period of his foraging
operations; for so cunning' is he. that he
knows that the farmers have retired from the
fields, and are then taking their midday meals
and rest. On such occasions — like the
''Prairie dogs" — one or more will keep watch,
while the others are feeding, and at the
slightest distiibance he gives the alarm .squeak,
and they all make a precipitate retreat to
their holes. They also, sometimes, come
forth to feed on bright moonlight nights, and
under varying circumstances, at other times
also. Jy'ow, if by some diversion in the reg-
ular revolution of the planets it should trans-
l)ire that winter should be displaced by sum-
mer, can any one suppose that the (iround hog
would lie dormant until candlemas before he
ventured forth from his winter (piarters in
.Search of food ? Not he. The demands of
his stomach would become too pressing to long
resist them. Or, if suniiner, or any portion
of it, was displaced l)y Arctic cold, that he
would not hie him to his winter den, and be-
come semi-torpid V Heat is the medium
through which the living power of the uni-
ve.se is exercised, and its vital energies are ,
manifested. Without heat, everything would
be cold, and chill, and liarren, and inert,
and so would be "old ?»0)iax" for ever and
ever.

If the sunshine or clouds of candlemas
have any meteorological significance at all, it
must be Zodiacal, and has, in our opinion, no
relation whatever to the habits of the (rround
hog. 1870 was in contradiction to the ancient
traditions, and so was 1S77, in this locality
at least. If the tradition is now niisstatedand
misinterprated, and night is the time when he

o.stensil)ly comes forth and sees, or does not
see his shadow, it involves the question with
additional difficiiltiea, because of the barriers
it would interpose to personal ob.servalions on
the subject ; and perhaps it is the existence of
these difficulties, which has kept the (lucs-
tion so long an o|)en one. Under any cir-
cumstances, however, a belief or disbelief of
the doctrine can wr)rk no material harm at
the present day, for the light fif intelligence is
becoming so widely and so thoroughly (liflused
that no one of ordinary intelligence would
base the chances of success or failure of an
enterprise upon the 8ui)p08ed habits of the
Ground hog, and if there are yet any such, we
would resiiect fully recommend them seriously
to pray for '^Light, rtvire light slilU'' — Ed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Guava.

Prnf. S. S. liutlirem: Seeing an article in the
February numberof Tli?; Fakmkk in relation
to the G'l/HVK, but as you give no credit from
where you copied it, some readers might sup-
|iose this tree ct)uld be grown as a fruit tree
in our climate— as some have already made
enquiries, where the fever tree, Ewalyptus
(Ih'ljulosa could be i)rocnred, with the inten-
tion of idanting it as a tVnest tree. Now
neither the (iuava or Knealt/jitus will live in a
climate where there is the least degree of frost.
Kven in our most Southern States, both these
trees occasionally are injured, or kille<l, by a
more then ordinary cold spell. In Galifornia
th(!}' are ))lanting largely of the Eucalyptus.
They are both very interesting when grown in
(ireen-honses, where the trees are dwarfed in
pot culture, out of the reach of frost. Mr.
Ileusel has the Ewaluptiis growing finely in
his (Jreeu-house. This tree is said to be of
great value as a medicinal plant. By making a
tea of the leaves will cure many of the "ills
that llesh is heir to." l?y its vigorous growth
it digs up the swanqis, thus destroying the
malaria, and making the climate more healthy.

The Guava — Psidium Catleijanimi — I have
fruited for many years; it is a ideivsant sweet
and acid fruit, and some people are very fond
of the fruit, size of a large cherrj'. Another
species of the Guava, called "sour sop," from
Florida, I have not yet fruited. This is
said to be a larger fruit.

Both these trees grown in pots, so as to
dwarf them; could be grown in an ordinary
sitting room, where no frost enters, and are
very ornamental and interesting. J.
B. G., Crilmnhia. March 2S, 1877.

By referring to the article in our February
number again, our friend will find that the
text is from the New Yeirk 'JViltmie, and the
context from RincVs Vegetable Kingdom, page
:!()7. W^e inserted the article in order to draw
out something practical in regard to its out-
door cultivation in this and more southern
latitudes, as we found it going the rounds of
both Agricultural and secular papers. We
thank our friend for his .suggestions.

Editor of The L.vncaster F.mjmer. —
Dear Sir : You asked me some days ago why
I don't attend the meetings of the Agricultu-
ral and JJortlrultural S'leiettj anymore. Well,
I was a member at one time, and pretty regu-
larly attended the meetings, but was com-
pelled to discontinue attending them. The
reason for iloing so was not owing tfi a want
of interest in tliem, or in the cause of agricul-
ture, but because of my inability to lose so
much time. The fact is, I attend regularly
the Wednesday morning market, and when
the market is over, I transact what business
1 have in the city, and, if at all, I then could
also attend a meeting of a society; but I can-
not afford to leave my work and go to town
exprcs.sly for that purpose on Monday. No
man who himself cultivates his farm, cares
about losing double time, and incurring dou-
lile expenses to attend a town meeting, espe-
<ially when he participates in no fancy specu-
lations, by means of whicli he expe<'ts tocom-
liensate hiin.S(df for loss of time. I entertain
the greatest respect for all who claim to be

52

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ April,

farmers, whether that claim is real or assum-
ed, and I also feel an interest in all that re-
lates to the real success of farming, but, what-
ever may be the status of the society tvoio, it
seemed to me that those who exercised a con-
trolling influence in its proceedings when I at-
tended, were not what I considered practical,
or working farmers. Except perliaps in a few
cases, they were not the men who follow the
plow; and therefore, although honorable men,
they were not at all congenial to me, and I
didnot feel at home among them. Some of
them have farm.s, and good farms too; nice
and clean, and well cultivated perhaps, but
they do not cultivate them themselves. They
get hired men to do the work, and they are
out on some speculation; and the society
meeting on Monday, it just suits that class of
farmers; but I am not in that line of business,
and therefore it would be inconvenient for me
to attend. I have nothing against them, how-
ever, for as I said before, they are honorable
and respectable; but formers like I am, want
to be at home as much as possible, and ought
to be. They can not leave home and farm,
and spend an additional day, and money also,
to attend the monthly agricultural meetings.
—Yours, &c. — J. G.

[Our correspondent is a plain, unobtrusive,
industrious, and withal an intelligent farmer,
and has been a constant subscriber to our
journal, and also a reader of it, from its ori-
gin. We well remember, when he attended
the meetings of our local society some years
ago, that he usually sat from their opening to
their close, without once leaving the room, all
the while manifesting au interest in the pro-
ceedings, without any divided thought outside.
And when he rose to speak, which he fre-
quently did, he was always listened to with
profound respect, by the most intelligent and
practical mernbers. Situated as he is, his rea-
sons for not attending now, seem conclusive.
We knoio he is not alone in these sentiments
in respect to the day of meeting, and we know
also that other members of the society have
suggested a change, but it seemed questiona-
ble whether any other day would not be
equally objectionable to other members, and
finally the matter was dropped. As to the
rest, time may eventually develop some
ground upon which all can meet in harmony.
—Ed.

BiRD-rN-HAND, Pa., March 8th, 1877.

Mr. S. S. RATnvON — Dear Sir : I found
the accompanying insects yesterday while
cleaning a bedroom upon the first floor. I
lifted out tlie fireboard and laid it upon its
face on the front porch. Beginning to sweep
off some of the adhering matter, I foimd a
cluster of tliose insects gathered, I think at
one of the crevices in the board. Are they
the Galerucce, which feed upon the elm V
Respectfully yours. — P. E. Gibbons.

Although the insects alluded to in the above
comnaunication are somewhat darker in color
than those that infested the elm tree last sum-
mer in Lancaster city, yet they are of the
same size, and are otherwise marked exactly
like them. The diflerence in color is no doubt
due to the fact that we bred all our specimens
last summer from larvce and piqxe that we
secured as they were coming down the
trunks of the elms, and killed them within a
day or so after their final evolution, and be-
fore they had partaken of any food, or had
acquired their full coloration; and therefore
we have little hesitancy in saying that they
are the genuine dm-leaf beetle ; and which
Harris, and Fitch, and Emmons, and Morris,
and even Prof. Riley in his late little work on
"potato pests," liave alluded to as Galeruca
calmariensis, but which we — according to Ste-
• phens — could not identify with that species,
and hence referred it to xanthomrelena, Schon.
in which we were sustained by Dr. Le Conte.
(See Lancaster Farmer, page 131, Vol.
VIII.) According to Stephens, calmariensts
feeds on aquatic plants in London district,
Bottisham, Weston, Bristol and Swansea.

When received, the insects were all alive,
and must have souglit the place you found
them in, as a convenient cover for their hi-

bernation. If J' on have any elm trees on j'our
premises there is wliere they came from, and
"there is wliere they wiU go to as soon as they
are in foliage this spring, therefore destroy
them wherever you may find them. — Ed.

Safe Harbor, Pa., March 24, 1877.

Prof. S. S. Ratiivon — Bear Sir: Am glad
to see The Farmer on its feet again, and
sorrv I could not do more toextend its circula-
tion" My name should have been omitted as
one of those specially named.

In looking over some of the numbers I am
struck with the amount of labor it devolves on
you. In fact I think you do entirely too much,
and if in yoiu^ place you would dun some of
the patrons personally, or by post, as conve-
nient, for articles that are suitable for the
coming season, they might assist you. Cer-
tainly such persons as Casper Hiller, 11. M.
Engle, L. S. Reist, Johnson Miller and many
others, have a little time to spare for the
preparation of articles which would do some-
body good to read.

In current (March) number I find that you
prepared or culled all but two and a quarter
rohmins. This is too liad, and you sliould, at
the "peint of the pen" make somebody "toe
the mark." Tell that "somebody," in plain
words that by the first of each month, you ex-
pect an article, and if not received in three
days thereafter you will Ije under the painful
necessity of reminding them that they did not
come up to the "chalk."

Hoping that you will be able to lighten your
laboi's; I remain yours respectfully ^1. B. K.

We appreciate our correspondent's senti-
raentsjof sympat]iy,and feel thankful for them,
and furthermore we commend his suggestions
to all those "whom it may concern." As to
labor, it has become a kind of "Second Na-
ture" to us, and we feel a reward in being
able to labor; nevertlieless as we are getting
old, we would not object to a little more of
the Substantial.

Pittsburg, March 21, 1877.

Ed. Lancaster Farmer — Bcur Sir : I
having offered a premium of your paper, for
one year, at our last Poultry Exliibition, viz.:
The Weslern Pennsylvania Poullrij Socicti/,
and it having been won by D. B. McLean,
Mansfield Valley P. O., Allegheny county.
Pa., you will, therefore, please forward the
same to his address for the term above stated,
.and inclosed please find SI. 25 in paynient
thereof. Yours truly, C. B. E.

We publish the above, not merely to show
the appreciation of our journal outside of Lan-
caster county, but as a suggestion of what
might be properly and conveniently done
— during the approaching Exhiliition season —
by the State Society, by county Societies, and
especially by our own local Society — when
they make up tbeir own premium lists — to-
wards encouraging the Agricultural journals
t)f the State, and elsewhere. Doubtless there
are many exhibitors wlio would by far ratlicr
receive such a journal, than to receive a .SI. 00
or .f2.00 premium, as the case may be, es-
pecially, since under the present postage laws
the mail expenses thereof are paid by the
imblishers, and in no case by the subscril)ers.
Committees on j'remiums, will please "stick a
pin in this." — Ed.

Mr. Editor. — Allow me to offer the
following as my report on canvassing for The
Lancaster Farmer, and the number of
subscribers I have obtained. The members of
the Society are aware, that at first I made no
])roraise as to what I umuld do, or could do.
Upon a second thought, however, and finding
that some of our more liberal and energetic
memliers were quite successful, and that it
was either " life or death" to our representa-
tive journal, I iiromised (wenti/, and these I
soon obtained. I then promised fifti/, l)ut now
have obtained seventy-Jive, and expect to in-
crease the number to one hundred.

I take this opportunity to tender my sincere
thanks to all those who have so liberally, and
with such good motives given me their names

and influence, and I ask to be excused, for my
apparent importunity, by those who could not
see the propriety of giving me their names, or
who could see no benefits accruing from a
subscription to the Farmer ; assuring all
that we are receiving no pecuniary comjiensa-
tion for the labor we have been performing,
hut have been doing all for the advancement
of Agricultural literature, and the good of the
conmiunity.

I would also respectfully beg leave to state,
that a number of our good people declined to
subscribe, because they already received a
newspaper. This I invariably urged them to
continue ; but if they could add another
thereto, let that one be The Farmer. I
also admonished them to patronize the local
papers of our county, without regard to sect
or politics.

My experience in canvassing has been simi-
lar to that of some other members, in that,
as a general thing, I have less difliculty in ob-
taing subscribers from among those who were
already taking one or more papers, tlian
among those who do not take any.

In conchision allow me to say, that we may
consistently feel, tliat The Faiimer is the
" farmer's paper " — that it stands or falls
upon its own merits — and that it offers no
tempting premiums for subscriptions, but
relies upon the moral intelligence, and the
good will of the people, for its support. In
literary composition and mechanical execu-
tion, it compares favorably with any in the
country; and any farmer who takes a copy,
preserves it, and has it bound, will refer to
it with pleasure in after years. — P. S. B.

LiNN^us Rath VON, Esq.— Dear Sir: I
am really glad that The Lancaster Faiwier
has been resumed, and is to be continued.
And as a native of the county, and living ou
a fine farm in this " garden of the State,"
I sometimes feel ashamed that my fellow-
farmers are so slack in sustaining so valuable,
a journal — and one so essential to their in-
terests, and their reputation abroad. And I
blame myself, too, for not attempting to do
the little that I can, in contributing memo-
randums of my observations, experiences and
experiments — in planting, pruning, and culti-
vating— to its columns.

This, however, is little to my present piu'-
pose, which is toacknowledge my remissness in
attending to another and paramount duty —
namely, paying up for my last year's and the
present year's subscriptions. Assuming that
I owe you this much (for I can find no "slip"
to indicate that point definitely) I enclose
S3.. 50, and the additional name of Robt. II.
Gamble, Bridgewater, York county, as a new
subscriber, beginning with 1877, and will re-
mit any balance I may yet be in arrears, on
being made known to me.

And here I would respectfully suggest, to
my fellow-farmers, that they would do well
in" sustaining their Home journal — at least
every subscriber should feel it incumbent upon
himto send at least one name in addition to
his own, for the volume of 1877. One dollar
seems a small sum for the matter it contains
during the year.

Wishing abundant success to The Farmer,
I aril yours truly /. H. M., Columbia, March
1.5, 1877.

We feel grateful towards all for the efforts
that have recently been made in behalf of the
Farmer, but when their eftbrts are accom-
jianicd by sucli words of appreciation and en-
couriigemeut as the above (backed up by the
material) we feel doubly grateful. Our
journal has now fairly started upon its 9th
volume (a longer period than that of any
former enterprise of the kind in the county),
and we are determined to carry it tbrougli the
year, whether we are pecuniarily sustained or
not. Having been born and brought up in
the county of lianeaster, with an ancestry in
it dating back to 1740, we are a descendant of
a pre-Rcvolutionary, and claim a Inrthright to
its jirivileges of citizenship. Having spent
five or six years of our early boyhood delving
on a farm (without professuig to be a farmer).

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

53

aiifl liaviiift now obtained tlu! a^i! of sixtii-five,
with syniiiatlicticiiroclivitics town ids faiining
inton-sls, wc do not dwni it at all |)risuiiip-
tuoiis in us to asl< tlie I'arinfi-s ot I>ancast('i-
county to su.stain a local journal amongst
tliein. Taking a birds-cyp, view of I.ancastei-
county, fioni almost any t'livalion in it, the
beiioldcr is struck with llic idea nf untold
wealth that must still lie undiVfloi"d in her
soil, and in the bowels of the earth beneath
it. Whatever wc may be able to do towards
the develo]iment of that weallh, and to ex-
pand and elevate the minds of tlmse who arc
its Ictiititnate custodians, will (iiid a ready vx.-
position in the columns of our journal. Ed.

Our scntimentsareentirely in harmony with
our friend S. I'. K., Esii.. who has \Ai\rri\ the
following in our hands for insertion in the
Fa KM nit.

Mii/roM Gnovic, Mardi 12, 1S77.

Mi;. E.— /)f((i- .Sic; WhiU^ looking over
the pa^jes of the Lanrastcr liKjitircr, I
saw the i)roeeedings of llie Lnxi-anter At/rind-
tural and IhirticulUoyd Societi/, in which I
find the members of that society diller very
mucli on tlie (juestion of lime as a fertilizer.
1 tiKiUiiht I ouf^ht to write yon, notmy r.rjKri-
tncr, but my olisirvatiniis from my childhood
up to the jii-esent day, on my father's farm. I
stiall begin with what the farm had previously
been. Sly father bought the I'arni alioiit forty-
eight years ago, and the lanil was very poor.
He coiunienced burning lime, not only for his
own use. but also for saU'; and coutinueU ap-
plying some of it to our farm until within
about twelve or lifteen years ago. Since that
time no lime has been applied to the farm.
I can very well recollect that about thirty-six
years ago we had a lield of 19 acres, which,
for three years in succession only yelded frr
loads of hay in iu a season. Now it will yield
thill;/ loads, or more, iu a season, and ibis is
the result of the aijplication of lime. 1 also
recollect, that about the same period we had
a Held of rye, which we only cut in some of
the best iilaces, because it would not pay to
go over the whole lield, bnt for the last twenty
years we did not sow rye in it, because it
grows too ranlv — no grains, bnt an abundance
of rank half rotten straw, so that it don't i)ay
in rye. In applying lime we generally put it
on the sod in the latter part of summer, or in
autumn, and plowed it down for corn. We
hardly ever put any lime on for wheat now,
only occasionally for experimenting, but it
does not jiay. In putting on lime, in order
to realize tlie speediest and largest return of
profit, put your lime on gi'ass or sod, at least
one year before planting in corn. On hilly
land, the rain will not draw as much lime
from the gra.ss or sod as it will from a txire or
plpwed lield. In imtting lime on grass, in
either winter or spring, or at any time, it will
pay the lime in grass the first year, and yon
will have a stronger sod to plow under for
corn, and it will also plow so nnich the easier.
Wc apply lime to the same field every six
years, about one hundred bushels to an acre.
Yours very truly. — A. II. G.

We commend the above to the attention of
the members of oiu- local Society ; because, it
seems to be the practical result of many long
years of experience and local observatioTi.
As Tun Lancaster Fakmeii now imlili.shes
the full proceedings of the AfiriruHund mul
HortkuUural Socicti/ ; the Tnhac.ro Groirers'
Socvtij ; the Bee-Kteptrs'' Society; the MilUrs^
Socktij and the Limxran Society, and also the
Essays read before those societies ; it is a per-
fect vade mecmn to the progressive cultivators
of the soil in our county, and ought to be in
their hands, and read by then\. It has many
advantages over large unwieldly folios, in this,
that it is printed on better jiaper and iu clearer
type ; is more compact and easier referred to ;
is not so li.able to be destroyed, and is annual-
ly accomiianied by a copious alphabetical in-
dex. At the end of the year it can be divested
of its transient advertising pages without in-
terrupting its numerical order, and then lie
bound into an interesting volume, for futu.e
reference. ($1 a year postage paid.)

We ho)ie soon to .see A. II. G's name among
the list of our subscribers, and to occasionally
receive from him such practical contributions
as tlie above.

Gei!mant()\v,\ NuitsEitiKs, March 21, lf<77.

I'l.'oi'EssoH liATiiVdN.- - 7>fi)- Sir: (Jan
you tell me the name of tlie enclo.sed (ly i* I
am anxious to know, in connectl(»ii with my
studies in relation to insect fertilizatinn of
llowers. It makes a pretty little oval outline
whenat rest, or, pcu'liajis, 1 may say spathulate
—the head giving it the narrowest end of the
oval. Tli(;re were two other species in IIk;
woods with it ; all iu large numbers, which I
could not catch — one with antinmr, the Jiair
being as long as (he body, (lerhaps not a I)ll'-
Tsnors insect. It was too active to catch, and
)ierhai)S one-half smaller th;in the one 1 send.
The other a yellowish bronze lly, similar to
tlie one which always seems to come, as if by
instinct, to fri'sh/ccii deposits, but apparent-
ly narrow. I am particularly interested in
these dies, because the theinionuter has been
very much below Uw. freezing point, up to
vvitiiin four hours of the time tiiese dies were
so nuinerons, wlu^n it was 45 '. Very truly
yours, T. M.

AVe regret to state that wc are unable to
give our correspondent the information he de-
sires ; /irst, because the specimen he sent us
was so biully crushed in impaling a small sub-
ject on a larger jiiii (like impaling amoiisc- on a
(u-owbar) that we could not get a good idea of
its form; and .svcomZ, because we i)arted with
our collection of Diptercv before tiie Kebid-
lion, and have not had time or opportunity
since then to make another ; moreover, our
literature in local species of Dipterous insects
has always been exceedingly scant. W(!,
however, do not think this species would as-
sist him much in the study of the " fertili/a-
tion of tlowers " by insects. The mouth and
feeding organs seems to be "ob.solele," but
w(! lost the head before we had completed our
observations. The wings were hyaline and
beautifully iridescent. It is not unusual for
dies to evolve in winter, even when there is
snow on the ground. The larva is probably
stereoraceous in its lial)ils, and pupates in the
ground. Send a specimen to Osten Sacken,
Russian Legation, N. Y., or to Prof. Kiley.

Pieris Rapae.

A friend has called my attention to a copy
of a Michigan newspaper, in which is a eom-
muuication from -'Prof. A. J. C'o(di, of the
Agricultural College.'" The conununication
is headed "Imported Cabbage Bulterlly, I'icn.i
I{up((C,'''' &c.

The writer says that in 1875 he had slated
that this latest arrival from England was fast
nearing their own beloved State, Michigan.
He now reports that it is sorely vexing the
gardens along the eastern and soutli eastern
conlines.

This foe, he adds, lias few if any equals. One
of the many princii)les, he continues, estab-
lished by the adherence to the doctrine of
natural selection, is the fact that plants and an-
imals when introduced into anew country, find
the "struggle for life" less severe, and as the
fittest survive, usually thrive, even at the ex-
pense, and freiiucnlly to the utter extermina-
tion of the natives. "This fact, so amply sus-
tained by our experience with the Hessian (ly,
wheat midge, codling moth, currant saw-(ly,
etc., is no pleasing one in view of our
subject. I can only answer in the lan-
guage of one Patrick Henry, "ice iiiiu<t
fight,''^ nor can we hope to vanquish our
foe, even in eight years. This imported
species, when scarcely half a dozen years on
tins side the ocean, was .said to destroy an-
nually, about the single city of Quebec, $240,-
000 worth of cabbages.

It was first observed and taken by a. Cana-
dian entomologist, in 185'.), at Quebec. From
this it has spread rapidly to the West, and
more rapidly to the south.

The remedies .suggested are the catching of
butterflies— which are lazy— in a net ; children

should always liave these. He says they will
do the work cheaply and greatly enjoy it.

As the insect propagates, or goes into the
chrysalis form, under some projection of
building, fence or tree, keep the garden free
from ridibish, and place? boards horizontally
about three or four inches from the ground,
between the cabbage rows, and the insects
suspended beneath may Ik- collected. He
also says " Paris (ireen and AVliite Hellebone
will kiil the caterpillar, but they will also kill
any oni? who eats the cabl)age ; esiiecially as
th(? Paris Green cannot be washed off .so as to
remove the danger." In re|)ly to this, I may
refer to my experiments of last year with
Paris (Jreen, as reported to yon, fellow-mem-
liers of the Liimaan Society. If ajjplied early
it will nip the insects iu the biiil, and lie
washed off by the rains before the cabbage
matures ; at least it injured no one in our
family, although it was aiiplied a number of
times. Still, I recoinmeiid caution. — I'liebe
I'J. Gibbons, March 2:i. 1877.

Lanca.stkr, March 14th, 1877.

Professou MKTUSOS. — Diur Sir: 1 en-
close a copy of a letter of Henry Clay, the
original of which is in my possi-ssion. It has
occurred to ine that you miglit be plea.sed to
publish it in TliE FAit.MEit, as illustrative of
the great interest which the great statesman
continued to take in his farm and cattle while
engaged in important affairs of the State. It
is also somewhat curious that Mr. (-'lay .should
write from Wasliingtoii to his son in Ken-
lucky without saying anything about his own
health, or making inquiries aliout that of his
family. Yours truly, ./. If. D.

Unpublished Letter of Henry Clay.

Wasiiinotox, Jan. 2, 183(5.

'^jifi/lMu- Thonins: I received your letter of
Ihe 2otli ultimo. You may say to Mr. Head-
ley that I have no wish to rent the house at
Mansfield. I could get no price for it that
would compensate me for the iiiconvenience
of having tenants there.

"1 have two Durham bulls; one that is gone
out is an imported bull, and he is an uncom-
monly line animal, showing high blood, and
good at all points. His pedigree I have not
yet received. His name is Orozimbo. The
other, nearly white, named Hector, was got
by Malcolm out of Delight, an imported cow
purchased iu England by Mr. Wliitaker and
selected by the "editor of the Herdsbook.
Hector was raised by Col. Powell and pre-
seiiled to me.

"They are both fine bulls.and each would be
preferred by different people. Hector having
got his feet very tender in traveling from
Philadi Iphia to "Shepherdstown, I have de-
tained him until February or March, by which
time he will, I hope, recover.

"I wish if, as I lequestAl, you offer to Major
Smith one-half of l)on Manuel, you would
say to him that the price at which I offer the
half must be regarded as confidential between
us. I have a prospect, if he declines, of get-
ting more for liim.

"You will tell iMr. Ileadley to let you have
one of the stacks ot oats, if he thinks we
can spare it.

"I wish you would inform me how Magnum
Uomim is attended to by Aaron. Your affec-
tionate father, H. Clay.

"Mh. Thomas H. Clay."

Answers to Correspondents.
IL M. E.^Mnriettn, Pa. The little green
"hoiiiier" which you say you caught on the
nth of February' last, is a juvenile specimen
u( Tragocejihida'ciridij'aciata, or the "green-
faced, goat-headed locust," and is very com-
mon in pa.sture lands, from June to Septem-
ber, but never to our kiuiwledge, numerous
enough to be jiarticularly destructive. This
individual is still in that developmental con-
dition which corresponds to the larrtrof other
orders of insects— beetles and butterflies for
instance— and is one of those late broods
which are overtiiken by cold weather Ijefore
they have had time to complete their full

64

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[April,

growth, and which go into their winter hiber-
nation immature, and finish their develop-
ment the following spring. During the cold
weather they are in a state of suspended ani-
mation, but are capapble of being revived at
any moment of supervening heat, and during
such periods they will come forth and feed — if
they can find anything to feed upon — no mat-
ter what particular mouth it may be in. We
have known cateri)illars and cut-worms to do
the same thing in mid-winter. To-day the
thermometer was nearly down to zero (March
10) and "hoppers" quiet."

/. W. M. Adams Hxpress Office. The large
Spider you found in llie Express wagon, from
which you were delivering IJaltimore oysters,
seems to be a species of Dolomedes, although
it differs from any figured or described by
Prof. Hentz, whose work on spiders is all to
which we liave access. Prof. Hentz considered
it allied to Lijcosa, the genus which contains
the famous "Tarantulas." It is represented
as a wanderer, biding under stones, and some-
times diving under water. The mother
spiders of this genus construct an orbicular
cocoon, which contains her eggs or young,
and which is usually attached to the posterior
portion of her body, or is carried on her back,
and which she often bravely defends. We
have allied species in Pennsylvania, but we
have seen none so large as this, which was
likely brought from Maryland in a cargo of
oysters. It is a very handsome specimen.

ANNUAL ADDRESS.*

To the vieinhers of the Lancaster County Ag-
ricultural and Horticultural Society — Gentle-
men : As has been the custom of my prede-
cessors, it becomes my duty to address you, at
this, the last meeting of the year to which I
was elected as your Chairman. The duty I
assure you is not a pleasant one to me. It is not
my forte to speak in public, nor to make an
address, therefore I trust you will accept thefew
remarks I shall make, with due allowance for
my inexperience.

Our society has passed through another year
of its history, the many valualale hints, and
the observations and experiments so freely
given by the practical men enrolled, have been
sought and digested by others, who as yet have
not taken interest in the public good, to join
our roll, and assist us in disseminating Agri-
cultural and Horticultural knowledge. Our
existence as a society now is only due to a few
who have labored earnestly and well for the
perpetuation of our little band of workers. Let
the unbiased judgment of those who have
observed the records, pass upon our merits or
demerits.

The year just closed is one long to be re-
membered as the great Centennial of our na-
tion. Is it not a fitting time at this, the open-
ing of the new, to look back upon the past,
with thankful hearts to an all-ruling Provi-
dence, for the bounteous provisions of his
goodness, for tbe great success of our country
as a nation, for the peace existing between us
and all other nations, for the bountiful crops
that have VAcssed the labor of the husband-
man, and encourage us to renewed energy in
pursuing our respective callings.

The great success of our country as a nation
has struck wonder and admiration in the
hearts of many foreigners who have visited us
the season just passed, seen the great show at
Philadelphia, and were amazed at its
magnitude. It becornes us as Americans to
begin now anew, as the great anniversary has
but just passed intobistory ; and we have just
ushered in the new 5 ear, like the new-born
haVje in its mother's arms, unable to foretell its
destiny. Therefore, let us start afresli on the
broad track of honor and integrity, that our
posterity may revere in memory dear the
foundation laid for the next National Jubilee.

I have the pleasure of congratulating you
through the information of Mr. H. M. Engle,
and the research o£ Simon P. Eby, esq., the

"Head before the "Lancaster County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society," January 1st, 1877, by the President,
Calvin Cooper.

discovery of an Act of Assembly, granting an
annuity from the county in amount equal to
the annual contributions to the society, pro-
vided the sum does not exceed one hundred
dollars. The necessary papers having been
prepared by Mr. Eby, and filed in the Com-
missioners' Office, the sum of thirty-two dol-
lars was realized, that being the amount
voluntarily contributed the past year. Since
we have some accessions to our treasury from
the county, it seems to me some action might
he taken by this society, by which the greatest
good may result to Agriculture and Horti-
culture, for instance, the aualyzation of soils
and fertilizers, with a view to supply the cx-
liausted field, with ingredients necessary for
certain crops. The examination of seed, to
discover, if possible, its freshness and puritj',
and prevent the sale of millet and other un-
desirable, and even mineral matter, in clover
and othei- seeds, offered by unprincipled
dealers, who are ever ready to take the ad-
vantage of the unwary, as the fine crops of
" fox-tail" and other fall grasses give abun-
dant testimony of the adulteration. Science
is one of the farmer's most valuable servants,
and is ever ready to do detective service for
the watchful luusbandman. By a statement
from the State of Connecticut, a fertilizer
was sold for $55 per ton ; the analyzation at
the State Experimental Station proved it to
be nearly one-half sand, and to have a com-
mercial value of S8 per ton.

In the same journal I see that detective busi-
ness is carried on to discover false and impure
seeds. Numerous and ingenious adulterations
liave been found in the common seeds sold to
farmers. Among them have been found old
seeds that have lost their power of germinat-
ing, seeds of useless and injurious plants, and
pieces of quartz rock, ground, colored and
sifted, to imitate genuine seeds.

Can the soil withstand the persistent tillage
as followed in our section, and not become
exhausted ? The falling oft' and irregular
crops of wheat and other cereals, have been a
source of anxiety to the farmer. The consu-
mer, too, begins to enquire from whence come
the supply to satisfy the hunger of a rapidly
increasing population. Many cast a wistfiil
look over the blasted field and wonder why
we are not blessed with a yield as of vore.
Let science answer. I therefore recommend
for your consideration the appointment of a
committee with authority to take such action
as may secure and result in the greatest good
to the community.

There is also much room for improving the
common "slip-shod" way of wintering stock.
The thin, gaunt form, with hair on end, and
back elevated 15 or 20 degrees above its natu-
ral level, ever on the outlook for some luscious
bit to gratify the craving appetite created by
the piercing blasts of our northeastern winter
storms, remind us there is something wanted
to compete with the well-rounded form and
sleek, glossy coats of the herds of our modern
fiirmers and stock breeder of the day, who,
with his improved labor-saving machinery,
cuts, steams and uses such means as scientific
experiments and observation have convinced
him are as necessary to prepare and cook
food for his stock as for himself. And in the
spring, after having wintered 20 to 30 per
cent, more stock from the same number of
acres, than his old fogy neighbor, and hay to
sell besides, while "slip-shod" has been saving
all winter, and in the end has to buy to keep
his hungry herd from starving.

In Horticulture we have the gratifying in-
dications that the many enemies to our fruits
are gradually diminishing, and encouraged us
to hope, by the vigilant protection of all in-
sectivorous birds, that we may, ere long,
I)luck bountiful crops of luscious fruits from
our own vineyards and orchards, and furnish
a supply for the incoming demands of a rap-
idly increasing population. The well-filled
orchards of a))i)les and peaches give the dis-
heartened fruit grower such encouragement as
to hope for abundant remuneration for, the
labor and money expended on his fruit garden.
Had it not been for the great storm from the

east last fall, our markets now would be sup-
lilied with luscious home grown apples. Even
plums and gages, that have so long been
strangers on our markets, are beginning to
make their appearance on the stall to tempt
the palate of all lovers of the delicious pulp
that underlies the skin of a well ripened
" Green Gage," or a Washington Plum. The
little hard-shelled "curculio," with its crooked
proboscis, (the great destroyer of all smooth-
skinned fruits) is slowly disappearing from our
midst, and I trust, ere long, will be among
the things that were.

The revised constitution and by-laws, re-
commended by j'our committee and adopted
by the society, otter a broad platform for use-
fulness, which, I trust, the members will em-
brace, and create an organization that every
on« interested in Agriculture, Horticulture
and Floriculture will feel that they cannot
afford to be absent. I find, as your chairman
for the last year, that, at times, there is a
great want of interest in the proceedings. A
little more promtness on your part in disposing
of the different topics under consideration
would greatly assist in making the meetings
both interesting and instructive, and facilitate
the chair in carrying out the routine, laid down
by the rules of order, with the dispatch that
is' always advisable in public meetings.
Another matter I will take the lil)erty of
calling your attention to here is the habit of
some of the members of waiting to be called
on to express their views on the various sub-
jects under discussion. I find it impossible
to iiifuse spirit or life in a meeting while there
is a tendency to withhold opinions and obser-
vations ; and a little more free expres-
sion would ofttimes bring about a spirited
and instructive debate.

In conclusion allow me to return my kind-
est acknowledgments for the courtesy and
respect you have shown me during our meet-
ings, and, if aught has been done or said on
my part to wound the feelings of any one, I
humbly ask pardon. Hoping you will believe
that it has been my endeavor to be impar-
tial in my rulings of all subjects under my
control, and ever cherishing the very best
interests -of the society and its memliers, I
have the pleasure of wishing you a very happy
new year. Most respectfully submitted. — Cal-
vin Cooper.

[An apology is certainly due from some
one, that the foregoing excellent annual ad-
dress of the worthy President of the Ayricul-
tural and Horticultural Society should have
met with such an unjustifiable delay in its pub-
lication ; but, the fact is, that, notwithstand-
ing our frequent inquiries about it, it was not
placed into our possession until the 26th ulti-
mo, ten days subsequent to the issue of the
March number of The FAESiEn, whereas it
should have api)eared in our January number.
Without indulging for a moment in any kind
of censure, and willing to regard it as a mere
act of inadvertence, we cheerfully do the next
best thing, by inserting it in our April num-
ber, and in making this explanatory record, as
the only compensation we can make for a de-
reliction that was entirely beyond our control.

—Ed.]

^

For The Lancaster Farmer.
LARGE OR SMALL POTATOES.'

The oldest business in the world is farming.
Exactly how old it is, it would be unwise to
say in these daj's when geologists are settling
and unsettling things regulary every
twelvemonth. But even they let us go back
over 5,000 years, and that is sufficient for the
purposes of any argument. Agriculture is a
science as truly as chemistry, astronomy or
mathematics ; and as more good, common
sense individuals have been at work on it than
on all the rest put together half a dozen times
over, we have a right to expect that it ought
to be so systematized and understood, that
its canons and princiiiles should rest on such
sure and immovable foundations, that acqui-
esence therein should be universal and not
excepti(mal. In the wide world of Art and
Literature, we recognize certain unchangeable

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER

55

conditions wliicli govern and rt'iiulate tht'lr
in-odiK-tions, aiul which fix llicir de^iivc of
iiu'i-it or dcuicril. 15ut whon we cnuie down
to farniini,', at wliicli (■(Hintless niilHons liavc
tuiU'd, we ol'tontinn'S liiid that I lie divuriifncu
of opinions on jioints so often and so re^^nlarly
lironi,'lil to tlie 1'arnier's attention, i.s as wiile
as it well can he, and I lie real issue as unde-
ciih'd as when Adam delved and Eve spun.

To one of these disputed i)oints I jiropose
to call attention. The question whether
farinevs shall plant larije or small jiotatoes is
an old one, and as hmi; as it is old, and will
no dmht continue to a.ijitatc tlie agricultural
mind for a long time to come. If every the-
orist on this queslion would convert liitnscW
into an experimentalist, the ease would not
he long in doul)t, hut nnfoitnnately, the more
(un- favorite theories are assailed, the more
we feel disposed to stick to them. Farmers
are |ierh.aps the most conservative jieople as a
rule, in the connninuty, and lids a|iplies to
things within (he liiK^ of their calling even
more than to outside maltei's. They are apt
to hold on to that which experience lias
taught them produces satisfactory results,
and too infrequently refu.se to better what
seems to them already good enough.

Every reader knuws farmers who jilaiit only
small potatoes, not from necessity but from
choice, and others who select the choicest of
their crop for planting purim.ses. If the former
succeeds in gathering a large crop of line
tuhers, he is confirnu-d in his theory that .size
has notlnng whatever to do with the matter,
and if his crop i)roves short in (piantity and
interior in (piality, an abnndan(x> of reasons
drawn from the season, cfindition of the soil
and what not, are always at hand to sustain
his original view. Paradoxical as it may
seem, the man who has iilanted the very hest
article in his cellar, aiiplies this identical line
of argument to his own system, no matter
W'lu'tlier failure or success has attended it.
The result is nothing is proved, and each
party is as strongly wedded to his theory as
ever.

My father invariably planted small-sized po-
tatoes, and was careful, when nonesuch were
to be had, to cut the large ones imtil no ]>iece
contained more than a single eye. He had a
neighbor, a brother, whose rule through life
in this matter was the exact opposite. The
fields adjoined, and in so far as anything
could be discovered, there was no difference
whatever in either the quality of the .soil or
method of cultivation. Vet tliere were fail-
ures and successes on both sides, as often on
the one as on the other, and an experience of
50 years' potato growing left both satisfied as
to the soundness of their individual views,
without any other perceptible difference ex-
cept that my father had the satisfaction of
eating his finest iiotatoes, while my uncle
dined on small ones. This is but a single in-
stance by way of example, and everyone will
remember plenty of others in his own expe-
rience. .

Last year a somewhat similar experience
fell to my own share. I had about half an
acre of ground to plant. I imt down Peerless
and Early Rose, mostly small ones, freely cut-
ting the large ones. Finding several rowsun-
planted when night came and being anxious
to finish, these were planted with very large
Peerless, whole, for I would not lake the time
to cut them. The result was that this last lot
was the most uu.satisfactory of the whoU;, al-
though I atn not luepared to say this was in
consequence of having iilanted entire potatoes.
Several years ago a lot of mere parings,
planted in the rich, mellow soil of the gar-
den, gave unusually line results.

If there remains attached to the eye, mere-
ly sufficient of the substance of the potato to
sustain its vitality until it has had time by its
contact with the soil to throw out rootlets,
which it quickly does, everything has been at-
tained which need be asked for; the .soil, with
all its component parts, must do the rest.
The old potato furinshes sustenance merely
until the growing eye makes arrangements,
so to speak, to find other and more substan-

tial nourishment to support its growth.
What is drawn from the potato is at most
only a matter of a few days, while on what
is taken up out of the soil, and that oidy, de-
pend our ex|)ectations of a vigorous growth
and a prolilahlc crop.

Is not this view, in all its bearings, abun-
dantly confirmed l)y thi; inamier of planting
resorted to by those who have planted small
lots of potatoes in conqietitiou tor iirizes. If
Mr. II. (J. Pearson had |)lanled his single
jMiund of the '"Alpha" variety, without cut-
ting the tubers, how nnuiy would he have
obtained by the experiment V Most likely his
crop would have lieen 17 pounds instead of
171)7, and his lilW jiounds from a single pound
of " Huby" would, in all probability, have
dwindled down to a figure which half a dozen
hungry farm hands could have demoli.shed at
a single meal. When a single eye of a potato
can he divided and subdivided until ten or
more parts have been obtained, and these
]ilaided and cultivated until the result is ai\
increase of nearly •iOOl) per cent., I aiiprehend
the advocates of whole i)otato planting have
very little ground left in the way of argument,
to stand upon.

Instead of being beneficial, planting whole
potatoes can hardly fiul to result in direct
injin-y. Some potatoes have more eyes, some
less, but the avei-age is anywhere from six to
a dozen. Were all these to grow and thrive, it
would of itself elfectually demolish the
" whole" planting theory ; for that number of
plants or shoots, all drawing nourishment
from so limited and eircuinscribed a space,
would literally star\'fc and the expected crop
prove a failure.

There can bo little room for doubt but that
sound healthy potatoes;, when iirojierly cut
into pieces and planted, will yield the best
results. That being done, other most essen-
tial factors step into the foreground, and con-
trol the size of the croj), and its quality. The
soil must be rich, light and jiroductive :
thorough and constant cultivation nnist be
liracti<'ed, and when all this has been done,
one thing more remains to do, and unless.that
is done in season, and elfectually, neither rich
soil, careful cultivation, whole potatoes, or
anything else will liring good results — you
must exercise eternal vigilance against the as-
saults of the Colorado beetle, for at that price
the potato croi> nuist now be purchased. — F.
It. I)., Lancaster, Pa.

^

ESSAY *

The year just closed ended the first century
since the indeiiendence of the country, ami
the second, since the first settlers landed on
the banks of the Delaware, for the purpose of
making this State tlieir home.

They found the valleys of Eastern Penn-
sylvania wooded, and the hills clear of timber.

These they called barren, and considered
them unfit for cultivation.

Their rude houses were built by springs
and running streams, everywhere found in
abundance, and the work of opening farms in
the wooded timber connnenccd.

Those who have no exiierience in clearing
land for cultivation, have but little idea of
the labor re([uired. But the early settlers had
been inured to toil, and year after year saw
the tindier disappear and fresh acres of thi'
virgin soil added to their farms, to take the
place of those that ha<l become exhausted by
continued croi>ping. During this time the
old Indian custom of hiniting the scanty veg-
etation on the hills had been di.scontinu<'d,
and they had grown up with a vigorous
growth of yoimg timber ; and when the cen-
tury closed the order was reverse<l. The
valleys were cleared and the hills were
wooded.

At the opening of the second century there
were causes oiierating to, in a nu^asure,
change the habits of the lieople, which led to
.some improvement in their agriculture. Many
of the first settlers, in all our new Slates,

* lEead before the ** T.snca8ter County Agricultural ftud
Horticultural Society," Murcli 26, 1877, by Levi Powuall.

have been nomadic in character, and those of
the* old were no exceptitm to this rule.
From 1725 to the close of llie century, Vir-
ginia and North ('arolina fin-iiishcd an out-
let to the wanderers from this State. When
the hmds in those Slates were occupied, their
attention was turned to the Northwest Terri-
tory; hut the Indians had beconur jealous of
the encroachments of the pale-faces, and dis-
posed to dispute their right to extend their
.settlements.

This, for a time, checked cinigralion, and
turned tlu; attention of the peoph' to the im-
jirovement of their buildings and the land
already occupied and under cultivation.

In making thesi' improvements, the people
for the first time discovered their mistake in
destroying their hest timlMjr. To remedy
their error the land covered by the growing
timber on the hills was taken up and added
to tlieii' farms, and from this time till the in-
troduction of coal, the tindx r was carefully
pre.servetl. After th(' introduction of coal a
large ixirtion of the remaining timber land
was cleared and brought under cultivation,
llow far this action was wise, this and future
generations will have to settle. Independent
of the <iuestions of rain fall and the failure of
springs now being di.scus.sed, there are othera
that in the end may prove of greater import-
ance : Timber belts for .screens or wind
brakes, their infiueuce in regulating the tem-
])erature of our climate, and their elfect on
the cultivation of fruit. Their attention was
also directi;d to the use of water for the pur-
poses of irrigation. They had depended on
the grass growing on the meadow land, for
hay and pa.-ture. To enlarge the area and
increa.se the supply, ditches were made to
convey the water from a higher level, and the
marks indicating th(^ lines of those oldditches
still remaining on our farms, attest the indus-
try and perseverance of our ancestors to ac-
complish their purpose. Farms with water
rights for purposes of irrigation were in de-
mand at a premium, while those without were
a drug in the market. In 17ilS cloverseed
was introduced and .sown in this section of
the State.

Greeley's Saying, "that the man who makes
two blades of grow where one grew before, is
a public benefactor" if true, would entitle
the man who first introduced cloverseedin a ten-
fold sense, to til IS appellation. At the lime of its
introduction the farm land had gradually de-
teriorated. The cultivation of many acres
that had once been fiatileaiul productive, had
been abandoned. The growing of this plant,
and the practice commenced near the same
time, of using lime, made the turning ))oint
in our agriculture. Clover, in connection
with timothy, grew so well on our uplands
that they took the place of the meadow grass
fiir hay, anil the ditches that were dug with
so much lalior and expense, were in a few
years abandoned.

After the defeat of the Indians in 1794, the
Xorthwest Territory was open for settlement;
the (ioverninenl («fferiug inducements, not
only to our own citizens, but also to those
of Europe, to occupy the laud at a nominal
price.

The i)opulation rapidly increa.sed, and the
surplus lu-oducts harvested fnmi the fertile
soil of the Mississippi Valley waited for the
means of transportatitm to a distant market.

The eastern cities siiw the importance of
this trade, and their capital and energies
were directed to secure it. But the distance
was great. The ways and means of over-
coming the ditliculties to be encountered were
not yet devised.

In those days civilization and settlement
were in advance of the means of transi)orta-
lion. In the meantime the now crude |)ro-
ilucts of the vegetable kingdom walked to
our eastern markets in the shape of cattle
and swine, and for the first time wo had a
competitor from a distance in our markets for
those liroducts. I need not enumerate the
different enterprises contemplated by our
commercial cities of the cast to control and
direct the course of the internal commerce

56

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[April,

between the States. How eastern and foreign
capital was largely expended. How a canal
leading to the lakes, and railroads over the
mountains were constrncted. How, when
extended and completed to all portions of the
west, the rival lines carried western products
for less than cost of transjjortation, and made
up the deficiency on their eastern traffic.
How farmer.s in the eastern section of the
State had to change their farming operations
to meet the altered circumstances under
which those improvements in transportation
bad place them.

These are matters of history, and for us to
examine and see if we, as eastern farmers,
have been the gainers or losers by our public
improvements.

Looking fi'om the standpoint of an old-
time farmer, when all the profits of the farm
■were derived from the sale of beef and grain,
we would constantly be the losers. But,
looking from another standpoint, we may be
able to see some compensating features.

The construction of lines leading to the
coal regions of the State ; the organization of
companies to develop the other mineral re-
sources and of our various manufacturing
interests— made possible by cheap coal— and
whose extensive works now line all our high-
ways of public improvements— paying into
our State Treasury a sufficient amount in
taxes to relieve our farmers from State
taxation.

The increased trade brought to our cities —
causing a rapid increase in population and
making the last twenty years an era of city
building, east and west— creating a market
for perishable articles and dairy products.

In the souiliern part of the county we
have fonnd our compensation in the increased
demand for the products of the dairy. A
few years ago raising grain and feeding cattle
were the rule with fanners, and the dairy in-
terest was of small importance. It has now
grown to be the main reliance to make both
ends meet at the end of the year.

Here, in the northern part of the county,
growing tobacco appears to be the paying
business. Either dairying or raising tobacco
will prove more exhausting to the soil than
the old .system of grain raising and feeding
cattle ; and in making the change we should
be careful that we bring no discredit to the
reputation our county has gained of being the
"Garden County of the State."

We have now entered the third century of
our history. In taking a review of the past,
we cannot claim that the agriculture of our
country has been a success. It is true, we
have always had a surplus of agricultural
products to export, but this has been accom-
plished by bringing new laud under cultiva-
tion, not by increasing the productive power
of that already occupied. Our statistics show
that the average yield per acre of the different
grains raised, has decreased in nearly all the
States. The reason for this decline, I think,
can be traced to the natural fertility of the
soil, and the abundance of unoccupied land
that could be obtained at a mere nominal cost;
and those causes have been operating to the
injury of our agriculture, all through our
histoi-y. The policy of the Government of
holding out inducements for the settlement of
new ten-itory, has been an injury to the older
States, and no advantage to the new.

As remarked, many of the first settlers of a
State are nomadic in character. This class
make no permanent improvements and leave
the land less productive than they found it.
They rob the soil of the elements of its fertility
and making no return, move on, finding fresh
fields to repeat the same process. You can
trace their progress through the States like a
tidal wave from the east to the west — im-
pairing the productive power of the country
to an extent that will require years of careful
tillage to restore. They committed the wrong
through ignorance of the truth that the pro-
ducts of the soil are the basis of our national
wealth, and the foundations of our mutual
advancement. By im]iairiug its productive
power they were striking a blow at their
country's prosperity.

HOW MUCH LIME TO THE ACRE.'-

The practice of liming laud has been pur-
sued for many years in Lancaster county, and
the question is, did we apply it in a scientific
manner or not ? The question also ari.ses,
whether the fertility of this section of the
State is owing to this practice.

Farmers are not all agreed as to the way
in which lime acts on the soil. Some argue
that it is a direct fertilizer, while others con-
tend that its fertilizing qualities depend on
its chemical action on the soil.

If the first argument is correct, we may at-
tribute the present generally ricli condition of
our fields to the free use of lime.

However, agricultural chemists are not
agreed as to the manner in which lime acts.
Some have claimed that as lime is found in
the ashes of most crops, it is one of the essen-
tial constituents and must therefore be found
in the soil naturally, or applied, in order to
supply the proper elements to the plants.

But does this explain its action '} A single
illustration will give a conclusive argument
on this point. The neighborhood where we
were brought up, though a diluvial, or loam
soil on the surface, rests on limestone rocks
which often protrude through the surface.
The well and spring water is so saturated
with lime as to yield a thick coat of it in the
tea kettle in a brief time. Yet lime applied
in the usual way seemed to benefit that soil
as much, if not more, than clay or slate land.
On this point we also wish to add, that chem-
ists tell us that in analyses of samples of
water from different localities and qualities of
soils they found lime enough to supply the
wants of any crop, in every one of them.

With these and other facts in view, we
rather favor the doctrine that the chief utility
of calcined lime is in its action as an alkaline
re-agent to neutralize the acidity of the soil
and to decompose organic or vegetable sub-
stances and fit them for food for growing
plants.

Those who are familiar with chemi.stry will
remember the fact that a compound is more
readily decomposed if there is a substance
present which has a sti-ong affinity for one of
the elements liberated. Thus all vegetable
substances in rotting produce a considerable
amount of carbonic acid, and this has a strong
affinity for lime. Hence the presence of lime
in a soil hastens the destruction of dead grass,
roots, manure, etc., and sets the elements at
liberty to act in direct or indirect nourish-
ment to the growing crops.

May not lime also extract ammonia from
the atmosphere ? We think it does, for its
sulphate (gypsum) does so in a remarkable
degree.

With the above theory of the action as an
alkaline reagent we may conclude, viz.:

That on new soils where there is an abun-
dance of vegetable matter, and some sourness,
an application of lime will hasten the pre-
paration of the natural manure, and should
not be applied in greater quantities than 1.5
to .30 bushels per acre, but every year.

On dry, sandy soils lime is beneficial in re-
taining the moisture by compacting the soil.
In this case lime acts mechanically by cemen-
ting the soil.

On heavy clay soils lime is often beneficial
in the same way, but care is necessary not to
apply it largely, as it sometimes cements the
clay and is deleterious.

The best form of application is in a freshly
slaked state, in the^»jfst condition possible, and
immediately stir it with the soil. The farmers
in our section of the county (Manor township)
have a practice of hauling their lime on large
heaps of from .50 to 200 bushels, during the
winter. This we do not favor as a general
thing for the following reason:

If the spring is wet it will be apt to drown
and in this condition it benefits the land very
little as it can not be mixed as intimately with
the soil, as it is lumjiy ; covering the heaps after
they are slaked with straw or boards will be
better.

■Read before the LancaBier County Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Society, March 2d, 1877, by E. K. Herebey.

We have always marked out land after it is
plowed in the spring, in squares of six steps
and put one-half bushel on the intersection,
and as soon as slacked, spread and mixed with
the soil immediately, with good results.

As per quantity per acre soil must be taken
into consideration, some soils taking more
than others, but we are inclined to believe too
much is applied at a time and not often enough.
One hundred busliels applied on a light soil
may deconipo.se all the vegetable matter in it,
and be used the first year and render it sterile,
while a less quantity might just decompose
enough to benefit the first cro'p and the roots,
leaves,&c.,of this crop may benefit a succeeding
crop. We do not fitvor plowing it down, as
lime, as every observant man knows, has a
tendency to sink. It should always, in our
opinion, be applied as a top dressing.

And now a word to the fiirmers of Lan-
caster county : There is large room for ex-
periment in regard to this lime question, and
I hope you will not let the matter rest, but
try it on your land in every possible way —
twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, one hundred,
and even one hundred and twenty-five bushels
to the acre, and determine which is best; also,
befoj'e and after planting a crop, plowed
down or top dressed, and let each one make a
record and bring it before the society, and
theu we may arrive at more definite conclu-
sions.

[The same inadvertence wliich delayed the
publication of the President's annual address,
has been instrumental in withholding this
paper from our March number, namely, it was
closed up between the lids of the Secretary's
records. We would suggest that hereafter Es-
sayists keep their papers in their own posses-
sion, afterthey have been read, and hand them
directly over to the editor of The Farmer.
If it is desired to publish a synopsis of them
in the body of the proceedings, Eeporters
can obtain that privilege from him. We have
lao desire to enjoy a monopoly of these things,
but we do desire to obviate uuneccessary in-
advertence, indifference, delay or neglect,
wherever and whenever we can. — Ed.

SAP.ETC-

For The Lancastek Faemeb.
-PLANT LIFEAND MOLECU-
LAR FORCE.
What a wonderful labyrinth we find in seek-
ing knowledge tlirough what is termed scien-
tific investigations. The things we learned at
one time or period of our lives we have to un-
learn ; as subsequent enquiries have brought
new facts to light, tlie old theories would no
longer explain the phenomena, and new ones
had to be devi.sed, onlj' to give place to modi-
fication and changes as other investigators
made new discoveries. The trouble is, men
see in part, as through a glass, darkly, then
jump at conclusions, and advance their theo-
ries, and being an F. R. S. or M. D., or the
like, of course minor lights must reflect the
brilliancy of these luminaries, and laud them
for their effulgence. It is nevertheless true
the varied experiments lead to new discovery
and new truths are brought to light and made
available, although the theories founded are
often delusive and too hastily arrived at.

I am led to those reflections on reading an
abstract of a paper read by Mr. Andrew Mur-
ray at the last meeting of the Scientific Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society, in
which he combats the theory of a descending
current of sap at any period or under any cir-
cumstances. He maintained that absolutely
no proof whatever has hitherto been adduced
of a descent of sap, nor would he admit of an
assimilating process in the leaves and a trans-
ference of food thus prepared to where growth
is taking place, or where under certain condi-
tions growth would take place. His views
are based upon the experiments of Herbert
Spencer (Linna'an Society's Transactions, vol.
XXV. ) and since repeated and extended by
Prof. W. R. McNab. It is essentially declar-
ed that the ascending sap deposits the wood
as it rises, and the surplus water is evaporat-
ed through the leaves into the air. Now re-
fer to "Gray's school and field book of Bot-

187?.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

57

any, 1870," ]iaa;e 168, .section 4S5. Of the .sap
he say.s : "Altjiougli containeil in cells with
closed walls, nevertheless the Ihiitls taken in
l)y tlie roots are carried np thron^li tiii! stem
to the leaves even of the to|iinost hciuph of
the lallist tree. And the sap, after its assim-
ilation liy the leaves, is carried down in the
liarkof the canibinm-layer, and distributed
IhroULrliont the plant, or else, is conveyed to
llu^ points where growth is taking jjlacc, or is
accumulated in roots, stems, or wherever a
deposit is being stored u|) for future use."
This is wliat Messrs. Murray, McXab and
.Si)encer tlatly contradict. Dr. Gray's tlieory
is the one accejited l)y all the most eminent
vegetabU' i)liysiologists, and yet it cainiot be
denied that there exists a difference of opin-
ion as to the functions of the tulmlar vessels,
which liermeate vegetable tissue, from the tiji
of the roots to the petals and pistils. Some
allirni that they contain air, others tluids,
other gases, etc. I liiid that Herbert Spencer
has .shown that these vessels are not only
charged at certain seasons of the year with
lluid, but that they are intimately connected
with the formation of wocid; ai\d from exper-
iments with colored tluids ca]iable of entering
the tissues without impairing vittility, not
only in cuttings of pl.ants, but in individuals
in which the roots were uninjured, that th(!
sap not only ascends Ijy the vascular tissue,
but that the same tissue acts in its turn as
absorbents, returning and distributing the sap
which has been moditied in the leaves. This
view of Spencer certainly gives no foundation
for the broad assumption of Itlr. Murray.
That the tissue acts some important jiart is
clear from the constancy with which it is pro-
duced at a very early stage in adventitious
buds, establishing a connection between the
tissue of the old and new parts. According
to M. I)c Monchy,"Comptes Kendus," March,
18t)8, the sap of vegetables contains large
numbers of grannies haviiiir an oscillating
motion, called by botanists "movable glob-
ules." The same granules iiave been noticed
in the pollen-bearing utricles, in the liquids
of insects, especially in the eggs and larv;B of
lei)idoptera, and in the posterior part of the
body of spiders, also in the pigment layer of
the choroid coat of the eye. His experiments
there detailed, show that these o.scillating
granules, from all the above sources, are or-
ganisms acting powerfully, like ferments, on
the matters with which they are naturally in
contact. They act on cane-sugar, starch,
and gelatine as ferments, transforming them
more or less quckly and completely into glu-
cose.

TJie function of these granules is to assist
the ripening of fruits, and in both the ani-
mal and vegetable kingdom to elaborate cer-
tain matters for the nourishment of germs
and the incessant regeneration of organs.
Leydig says : " We may state absolutely that
what we call 'elements of iforniation.' are
preceded by a series of creations." These
experiments are important, and the results
furnish much desirable materials for the study
of cellular physiology.

Much is said about 'Molecular force.' Prof.
Tyndall in his address on the subject bef(U'e
the Physical Section of the Briti.sh Associa-
tion, says many good things, and some rather
equivocal, — when he says, comparing a grain
of corn with a crystal—" the architecture of
the grain resembles, in some degree, the arch-
itecture of the crystal. In the corn the mole-
cules are also .set in definite positions, from
which they act upon light. But what has
built together the molecules of tlie corn i* I
have said," he continues, "regarding crystal-
line architecture that yon may, if you please,
consider the atoms and molecules to be placed
in position by a iwwer extenial to themselves.
The same hypothesis is open to you now.
But if, in the case of crystals, you have re-
jected this notion of an external architect,
you are boimd to reject it now, and to con-
clude that the molecidcs of the corn are self-
posited by the forces with which they act
upon each" other,"adding — " It would be poor
philosophy to invoke an external agent in the

one case, and to reject it in the other." We
would infer, from his notion, that there is no
architect or creator wanted in any depari-
ment of nature, - that, like the school-boy's
excu.se for whistling, saying it "whistled it-
.self " — as if he had no purl in it. Furtlier
on he, Mr. Tynilall, says, "Mow tlu're is no-
thing in this |)rocess winch neccs-sarily eludes
the (lower of mind as we know it. An intel-
lect the same in kind as our own would, if
ONLY suFFiciKNTLY KX I'.VNDKU, " (The Un-
derscoring is mine. He continues) " be able
to follow the whole process from beginning to
end. The duly exiianded mind would see the
process and its consummation, an instance of
the play of molecular force. It would see
every molecule plaeed in its position by the
specific attractions and reiudsions exerted be-
tween it and other molecules." * * * "A
nrcisxitii rides here similar to that which rules
the |ilauets in their circuits round the sun."

But Mr. Tyndall continues : "But I must
go still further, and atlirm that in the eye of
science the animal body is just as nuicii the
product of molecular force as the stalk and
ear of corn, or the crystal of salt or sugar.
Many of the parts are obviously mechanical."
Well, if innnij of the parts are, what of tiie
tillur parts that are not mechanical ? — he re-
fers to Trevethyck's walking engine, that de-
rives motion, like the aiumal from its food,
from the fuel in the furnace of the engine —
declaring, "As regards matter, the animal
body creates nothing ; as regards force, it
creates nothing," and yet man, plants, etc.,
grow and live.

Prof. Tyndall actually saj'S : " I think the
materialist will be able finallj' to maintain
this position against all attacks ; but I do
not think, as the human mind is at present
constituted, that he can pass beyond it. I do
not think he is entitled to say that his mole-
cular groupings and his molecular motions
explain everything. In rpditi/ it cxp'aius
?io</n'H;/." Just the conclusion we had arrived
at. Finally lie sums up the matter thus:
" The utmost he can atlirm is the association
of two classes of iihenomena, of whose real
bond of union he is in absolute ignorance.
The problem of the connection of body and
soul is as insoluble in its modern form as it
was in the )ire-scientific ages. " Just so. But
what is a molecule ? in a chemical sense, it
means the smallest quantity of an element or
of a compound that can exist in the free state,
pei'haps a single atom ; for instance ammonia
(N". lis.) is, chemically considered, both a
molecule ami an atom ; but the molecule of
elements is said to consist of two atoms. Now
what is an atom ? The definition is: "Apart
so small as not to be divisible;" that is, if
you can conceive that there is an upside or a
downside, it must be divisible, and not an
atom. This Atomic and ^folccular f<irce
theory is as vague as that of the monadic
theory of Leibnitz and his school. A monad
(nomosa unit) is exiilained as " a simple sub-
stance which has no parts ; a compound sub-
.stance is an aggregate of simple substances,
or of monads ! Monads having no iiarts, are
neither extended, figured, nor divisible. They
are the real atoms of nature ; in other words,
the elements of things." Every monad is a
living mirror, rejiresenting the Univer.se, ac-
cording to its jiarticular iioint of view, and
subject to no regular laws, as the univer.sc
itself ! Every monad with a particular body
makes a living substance ! Such we find is
the ground work of the monadic theory or
systems of philo.sophy of Zeiio, Leucippus,
Democritus and Epicurus ; but Leibnitz was
the first who reduced it to a system.

Thus alas, we find ourselves quite incom-
petent to annex any precise idea to siK'h sys-
tems of ])hilosopliy. And in spite of such
profound teachers as Huxley, Tyndall, Dar-
vin, Leibnitz, et. al., we prefer to hold on to
revelation, and the inductive or inspirational
intuitions of a spiritual clement outside of
and acting upon matter, to a purpose founded
in wisdom and ]irompted by love, and bound-
less in power. This All-wise and All-power-
ful, we call God, who, hke an independent

.sovereign, governs the mighty univer.sc, an my
miiiil, in a limited sense, governs the motion
of my pen in setting forth what arises in my
mind, so that my thoughts become visible.
That God-given <-[ement of mind or soul uses
the brain through the nerves, to operate the
muscles of my arm and lingers— but the brain
in itself no mon; thinks tlian the eyes s<!e —
ajiart from an indwelling, immortal element,
nor does it signify whether that cloneul is
composed of nuitcriili a, at'imx or mrmwlii, since
we have as clear a conception of the one as of
the other; and the spiritual in us and outside
of us, when rightly understood, links us with
the great first cause in a more intimate and
loving relation. This is ItcichUian, if not
(Science. — ./. tilauffur.

CORN CULTIVATION.

Now is the time to (ilow and make ready
for corn plantin.: ; a good many farmers plow
their corn ground in the lall.

Tliere is an argument sometimes, as to
which is the be.st time to plow for corn. This
depends a great deal upon the soil, and the
season of the year. A still clay soil ougiit to
be plowed in the fall, so as to have the action
of the frost. The fall plowing should not be
too early; if jilowed so early it settles too
much, by the heavy rains Ixfore winter sets
in. A loo.se .soil, such as gravel or band, or
sandy loam, is best plowed in spring. If a
farmer has too much on his hands, that he
can do it in time, I prefer winter plowing ;
but we cannot dejiend on that ; it is very often
impossible.

This last winter I visited a farmer in Leba-
non county; he said Ue i)lowe(l no com ground
in the fall ; he also .said he gets more wheat,
if the corn gi-ound w;is plowed in the spring,
than if it was plowed in the fall : — that is, he
plows the sod and puts in the corn ; the next
year be plows the corn-.stubble and puts oats
in ; after the oats, he puts wheat in, and he
gets more wheat where he jilows in the spring
than where he plows in the fall. Only trv it.
Plow the half of the held in the fall, and" the
other half in the spring. Now, about the
cultivation of the corn : I plant with acorn-
planter that throws the dirt on ijoth sides and
makes a deep furrow, which is regulated by a
wheel under the lieam ; the tube where tiie
corn drops through is a foot behind the plow ;
some loose soil rolls into the furrow before
the corn leaches the ground; then a small har-
row behind to cover it. The furrow is left
open a few inches deep : after ))lanting I roll
the field lengthwi.se, over tht rows, if nice
and f"ry ; then, in about eight days, or just
before it comes nj), if dry enough, I harrow it
with a common spike harrow once over each
row ; those spikes on the row only .should
touch the sround a little; if they run too deep,
they may be raised a little. This breaks the
crust, loosens the soil and destroys weeds that
are germinating.

Three years ago I went out one morning
with one of the boys to start him to harrow
corn. While he was driving around I walked
over the field and saw a good many corn
plants out. When the boy came round I
stopped him and said, "this wont do. There
is a good deal out already, and tliis covers it,
and smothers that which is out." The soil
was very fine and loose. We took the haiTow
and went home. It was raining and was too
wet to harrow any sooner.
■ But that row got ahead of the others all
summer, and couhl iie seen from a half-mile
off until the whole field had the tops out. It
would be well if all the farmers would experi-
ment about tho.se cultivations, and a good
many others. — J. G.

An experiment was recently made in Sidney,
New South Wales, by way of utilizing the blood
from an abattoir outside of tlie town. A five-
acre lot adjoining the abattoir was prepared
for a crop of barley, the waste blood being
used instead of manure. In eight weeks the|ljar-
ley was four feet in height, remarkably heavy,
and giving promise of an extraordinary crop.

58

THE LANCASTER FARMER

t April,

AYRSHIRES.

Ayrshires are justly famous for their supe-
rior milking qualities. For a milk dairy no
other kuown breed of cattle can equal them.
They give the largest quantity of milk of
very flue quality. For butter, while an Ayr-
shire will not make as much from the same
quantity of milk as an Alderney, yet an
Aryshire cow giring so much more milk will
make per week fully as m;iny poiuids of but-
ter as a first-class Jersey or Guernsey. They
keep in fine condition on a comparatively
small amount of food. They are unsurpassed
as family cows, being more than any other
breed, naturally very (|uiet and docile. As to
quantity of milk, a writer quoted by Youatts
says : "To sum up into one sentence, I now
repeat that hundreds and thousands of the
best Scotch dairy cows, when they are in
their best condition and well fed, yield at the
rate ol 2000 Scotch pints (equivalent to 1000
gallons) in one year ; that in general, 7i to 8
pints (3J to 4 gallons) of their milk will yield
a pound of butter, county weiglit (H pounds
avoidupois) ; that 55 pints (27i gallons) of
their milk will produce one stone and a half
(3G pounds) imperial weight of full milk-
cheese."

Ayrshires have been bred in America for
over forty years, and have proved well adapted
to the soil and
climate. On the
Kew Jer.sey Ag-
ricultural Col-
lege farm, the
greatest yield of
milk reported
from one Ayr-
shire cow in a
year was 4558
quarts, another
cow of only
medium excel-
lence yielded
2957 quarts.
There are nu-
merous in-
stances on re-
cord where the
milk of an Ayr-
shire cow an-
nually exceeded
the entire live
weight of the

cow.

The follow-
ing facts speak
for themselves :

Daisy (No.
3.30), in 1870
weighed 970ft,
and gave dur-
ing the year
6953fc of milk.

Beauty (No. 240) the same year, weighed
9551b, and gave 8011tti of milk.

The ordinary yield of Ayrshire cows is 30
to 50ft of milk per day, but a committee un-
der oath testified that one Ayrshire cow of a
New York herd, gave 85ft of milk per day,
for several days in succession.

Ayrshires are also superior for beef.

Sufficient facts have already been given to
fully demonstrate that for milk all the year
round none are so profitable as the thorough-
bred Ayrshire ; but, in order to more fully
demonstrate their adaptability to this country,
we quote the lollowing trial, made during the
year 1875 with a thoroughbred Ayrshire cow,
belonging to the Roadside Herd of this city :

Hensie (213 N. A. A. K., Vol. 1), height,
4 ft. 10 in., weight, 830ft, girth, 5 ft. 7^ in.
In the year 1875, by weight reduced to meas-
ure, gave 3000 quarts or 7745ft of milk— more
than nine times her weight. Too much can
scarcely be said in praise of the Ayrshires.
Kindly in disposition, beautiful and attractive
in appearance, they are agreeably diversified
in color. " In general they have large lus-
trous eyes, symmetrical head, well-developed
chest, deep fiauk, broad across the hips, bag
reaching well forward, milk veins large and
of handsome curvature and neck graceful,

to which may be added a straight spine, whip-
like tail, bushy at end, full, convex rump, and
well defined milk mirror "

We give herewith illustration from life of
our first prize Ayrshire Bull Casper, 4th vol.
American and Canadian Herd Register. He
won first in strong competition at tlie Bur-
lington Comity, N. J., Fairs, 1875 and 1870.
In concluding our remarks on this variety
we append the recognized standard of points
of excellence for judging an Ayrshire Cow or
Bull :

. 80
. 40
. 10
. 30
. 120
. 00
. 40
. 10
. 10
. 10

1000

Now is the latest time to destroy the co-
coons of the "Drop-worm," hanging on the
naked branches of the trees, in a few days it
will be too late.

Head,

. 40

Ribs,

Nose,

. 20

Rumps,

Eye,

. 20

Tail,

Ear,

. 40

Legs,

Horns,

. 20

Udder,

Neck,

. 40

Handling

Shoulder, .

. 60

Hair,

Chest,

. 120

Color,

Crops,

. 40

Carriagr,

Brisket, .

. 40

Quality,

Back,

. 80

Pelvis, .

. 40

Quarters, .

. 60

YOUNG AYRSHIRE BULL, CASPER. Owned by Benson & Burpee, Philadelphia.'Pa.

GARDENING FOR FARMERS.

Paper by J. S. Harris, of La Crescent at Meet-
ing of the State Agricultural Society,
February 6th and 7th, 1877.

There are but few thinking farmers who
will not concede that a good vegetable garden
is both convenient and profitable, and it would
seem that people possessing all the conveniences
that they have, as regards land, and leisure to
take care of a garden, would consume the
largest amount of vegetable food, but tl-.e truth
is that more is used in villages and cities than
by the same number of land owners. Take a
look among the farmers and it will be found
that one-half of them have no garden at all,
or, at most, only a little corner in some grain
field which is over-run with weeds. Some have
a place set apart for the purpose, but put off
planting it until the bulk of the form crops are
put in, thereby making it too late to secure
any early vegetables on those that require
early planting. The reason usually given for
being without one is, that they have no
time to attend to it. With many the truth
is that it requires a little attention , al-
most daily, and demands thought, pa-
tience and system in order to secure

success and profit ; and they would much
rather attend the larger crops where the horse
furnishes the muscular power, and machinery
enables them to get over acres of ground in
a da}'. It is a well established fact that a
single half acre devoted to garden culture, and
which may be planted and attended without
encroaching very much upon the farm work,
economizing odd spells while waiting for teams
to feed, &c., aside from health, comfort and re-
finement, would annually produce more profit
than four or five acres in any other crop on
the farm.

Without a garden, the winter diet of a
farmer must be mainly confined to bread,
meat, and potatoes, or a large draught must
be made upon the profits from tlie sale of
farm crops to purchase the extras that are
essential to good living. This kind of living
may be tolerated in winter, but when the
warm weather returns the system requires
less stimulating food, and the appetite craves
cooling and juicy vegetables and fruits fresh
from the garden, and the stomach of the
weary and hungry farmer is apt to revolt
against salt pork and soggy old potatoes in
the season for green peas, string beans, early
potatoes, radishes, cucumbers. &c., and when
company is expected how it taxes the inge-
nuity of the good wife to ggt up a passable

meal. These
early vegeta-
bles are luxu-
ries within the
reach of every
farmer's family
at a very' trif-
ling outlay of
time and mon-
ey, and if he
must procure
the suiiport of
his family from
his farm, wliy
not give them
the most health
ful support as
long as it is the
cheapest.
Location of the
Garden.

The garden
should be near
the house, so
that it may be
readily accessi-
ble and and un-
der theconstant
supervision of
the household.
H o use-keepers
do not always
have time to
go to a distant
corner of the farm to gather its products
for the dinner, and if it is near by,
a great many leism'e moments may \i&
spent in weeding and taking care of it.
It should be so enclosed with hedge or
fence that neither fowls or stock can enter it.
It is not reasonable to expect success if cattle
occasionally break in and the poultry are al-
lowed a free range in it at all times, as their in-
stinct leads them to the freshly moved soil for
some of their most essential food. They are
always ready to scratch where the gardener
has formed his new beds and planted his
choicest seeds. A garden is better for con-
taining a variety of soils and if it can be so
located that it will embrace high and dry soil
and that \which is more moist, it will beau ad-
vantage, as early vegetables need a warm and
dry situation, while some that are later, as
cabbage, cauliflower and celery, thrive in
moister locations. For early vegetables a
gentle southern slope is desirable on account
of its getting the more direct rays of the
sun ; and if it is sheltered on the north by a
hill, blutt', grove of trees, or a high close
board fence, it is afforded a protection which
most early vegetables will appreciate in their
early stages of growth.

1877.1

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

59

Soil.

It is a mistake to sii|)])Osc that somo specific
soil is iiidispensaljlc to success. Good i^anlciis
liave been made on i-ocky liillsides, on arid
sand banks, and on lieavy clay s(tils, but
neillier of tlie.se are desirable, and there are
very few farms in Minnesota Unit cannot
furnish us a lietter. Tlie very hest soil is a
sandy loam which will work easy, dry ofl'
(piieklv after a rain, and yet ri'tain sullieieiit
moisture to withstand drouth, and the soil
should be brought into a liiL;h state of fertili-
ty by deep plowiiiij and the incorporation of
animal manures. If sand predoininates to
excess, it will he benefited hy the addition of
lime, ashes, clay and muck. If too still' a
clay it will become more arable by suh-soiliu!.;
and the application of ashes, sand and man-
ure. On clay soils jjood drain.Mt;e must be
secured or it will t)ecome sour and sodden,
and seciu'c hut little benelit from fertilizers.
Every fall after the cro|) is gathered in, all
rubbish should be cleared off, and a liberal
coat of well rotten manure spread over, and
Iilowed under. Plow again in the springwhen
dry enough to work well. During the sum-
mer no weeds should he allowed to grow and
mature (heir seeds and afford lierbs.for nox-
ious insects.

We will now sujipose that we have located,
fenced, and manured a spot for a garden.
What shall we plant in it, and how sliall we
manage it V I would lay oil a border all
around next the fence, six or eight feet wide,
separate from the rest of the garden by a
walk three or four feet wide, and u|ion this
bonier I would make permaneut plantation
of fruits, etc., as follows :

First, on the north side commencing at the
end nearest the dwelling. leave room for hot
beds, cold frame, and early lettuce and rad-
ishes, plant a few roots of horseradish, rhu-
barb or pie-plant, and occupy the rest of the
border with grape vines, set three feet from
the fence and ten feet apart in the row, finish-
ing out the border with an asparagus bed.
East and west borders I would plant to cur-
rants and strawberries, and the south to
strawberries and ra.spberries. Through the
centre one way leading from the house I
would have a road or walk six or eight feet
wide, and this walk I would have bordered
with shrubs and flowers, always keeping it a
straight and narrow and flowery way, so in-
viting that it would tend to lead my children
to virtue and peace, and also tempt the feet
of visitors. This arrangement will leave an
amijle plat on each side hetween the borders
ami the walk for the raising of the supply of
vegetables. These plats after each spring's
plowing may be laid off according as fancy or
convenience dictates, and planted with such
vegetables, and in such quantities as the
wants of the family may ie(piire; and always
bear in mind that it is more pleasure to cul-
tivate a tasty, well laid out garden than one
where things are mi.\ed up and hap-hazard.
The essential vegetables for the farmer to
grow are, string beans, Lima beans, beets,
cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers,
sweet corn, lettuce, radishes, early potatoes,
onions, tomatoes, turnips, etc., in some of
their varieties.

Hot-Beds.

It is aggravating to know that one's neighbor
has radishes, lettuce, cucumliers, tomatoes,
etc., before us. Market gardeners fully ap-
preciate the importance of being the tirst in
the market with these things, and use every
available means to hasten tliem forward, and
resort to artificial shelter and iirotection as
atlbrded by liot beds, cold frames and hand
glasses. But few farmers are able or willing
to incur the expense and use the time that is
necessary for their construction and success-
ful management; but even a cheap and rude
hot-bed, that could be watched and attended
by the younger members of the faniih', would
bring forward a supply of lettuce, cucumbers,
cabbage and tomato plants several days in ad-
vance of those started in the open ground.
Sashes about two and one-half by five feet are
a convenient size to use for covering the bed,

and they can be made by any ordinary car-
Iienter, or purcliased at a sash factory, and
ought not to cost, gla/.ed and painted, more
than $l.M each, and if housed when not in
use, will last many years. Four of them will
cover a bed of sullicient size to start all the
plants that will lie reipiired for a half acre
garden, and furnish a few messes of lettuce,
besides starting a few flowers for the wife and
daughters. A frame of inch-hoards is re-
(piiied which the sash will just cover— the
front side to he twelve inches high and the
back eighteen, to give slant for carrying off
water and admit the more direct rays of the
sun. The frame being ready, dig out a i>it
(which should always face the south) six or
<ight inches larger eveiy way tlian the frame
and about mw foot deep. Fill this pit wilh
fresh litter and manure from tiie horse stable,
that has commenced heating and has been
lireviously forked over, shaking it on evenly
to the depth of twenty iiiclu'S or two feel,
tramp the whole down (irmly with the feet,
put on the fr;inie and sash, and hank \i]i the
outside with c<iarse manure. After tlu' heat
is up, which will be in a day or two, cover
the bed inside the frame at least six inches
deej) with good mellow soil, and after raking
out the lumps put on the sash again, and in a
day or two more it will be warmed tlirou<:h
and ready to receive the seed, which should
be sowed in rows about three inches ajiart,
scattering a littk! lettuce seed along the lower
edge of the bed where other iflanls would be
spoiled from the shade and drip of the sash.
The fermenting manure will kec]) the soil
warm at the bottom and the sun will warm
the surface, furnishing a congenial iilace
where the seeds will come u|i quickly and the
plants will grow strong and thrifty, an<l be
ready to transplant by the time they could be
brought uj) if planted in the open ground.

In this lattitude about the first of Ajiril is
early enough to start a hot bed. The bed will
need watering whenever it begins to get dry,
and the water should be applied through the
fine nose of a watering pot, and should be as
warm as it would get by standing in the sun
during the day. The sash must be opened or
taken off upon bright, clear days, and replaced
at night. Keep the bed closed in cold, stormy
weather, unless the bottom heat is greater than
the iilants will bear. About a week before
the time to take the plants out for transplant-
ing, keev> the bed open night and day, to
harden up the plants. If sash and glass are
not available, a few days' time may be gained
in raising plants, by making a bed of fine rich
soil well filled with warm compost, under the
shelter of a close board fence, wall or huililing,
covering it nights and during cold storms with
boards or matting. Another method which
may be adopted to get plants of early toma-
toes and, where hot beds are out of the ques-
tion, is to sow the seed about the 20tli of
March, in good soil in .shallow boxes, keejiing
tliem in a warm jilace near the stove until thej-
come up, and then set them on a bench or
table inside, and close to a. south window, giv-
ing them air whenever the weather w-ill iier-
mit, transplanting the plants about two or
three inches apart into other boxes of fresh
soil, before they begin to get crowded and
spindling, and if when they are large enough
for the garilen, the weather is not favorable
for planting them out, another transplanting
will be found beneficial. They should be
transplanted at evening, or shaded for a few
hours, to allow the roots to take hold of the
soil. Such plants if properly hardened off, are
sniicrior to hot-bed plants, and if carefully
taken up with the soil adhering to the roftts,
can be transfered to the garden and scarcely
feel the change.

Season or time for Planting.

Peas, onions, beets, lettuce, and radishes
for the earliest crop, should be jilanted as ear-
ly in the spring as the gnmml can be worked,
and they will come forward faster if under
the .shelter of a fence or wall. The fall crop
of onions will do better if sowed early and a
few early potatoes should be planted as soon
as the frost is out of the ground;

It is useless to plant beans, corn, cucum-
bers, s<pi;ishes, and tomatoes in tlie oi>en
ground until about the first week in May, or
until the ground beconies somewliat warm
and dry. ('ncmnbers may be hastened a few
days hy in'otecting them with hand gla-s-ses or
a box without top or bottom, ten or twelve
inches scpian^ and six inches deep, covered
with a light of glass for each hill. (.'ucuin-
bers, melons, and Lima beans for early use
may be started hy taking quart Iwrry boxes,
filling them with .soil and planting in each
four or five seeds, and setting them in the
hot bed, and afterwards transplanting
them ill the open ground, cutting the l)ot-
toms of boxes away to allow the roots to run
out in search of nourishment. Carrots and
Jiarsuips do the best when planted early in May.

Ueets, peas, string or snap beans, sweet
corn, radishes and lettuce, should Ik- jilanted
at intervals of two or three weeks until the
first of .July.

('abbage and caulillower for early use may
usually be transplanted as early as the plants
are ready, and lor late and winter use, about
the -JOIh of .lune. Celery from 1.1th of .lune
to l.">tli of .Inly. Tomatoes from loth of May
to lidth of .June. Turnips may be sown in
July after ]ieas and early potatoes.

The following according to my experience,
which extends over thirty years as a market
gardener, are the best varieties to grow for
family use.

y>'c((.v. — Egyptian Turniit Rooted, Dewey's,
Early Hed and I.oiig Blood.

Biaus for snaps. Early Valentine, Hlack
Wax, and .Striped Cranberry. For shell
beans.— Large Wliite Lima, Dutch Case
Knife.

Cabbmie. — Early Jessie, Wakefield, rol-
ler's Improved Drundiead, I'remluin Flat
Dutch, Silver-leaf Drumhead.

Carrol. — Early Horn, Improved Long
Orange.

Cauh'Jliwcr.—VMr\y Dwarf. Erfurt, and Le-
norniand's Short Stem.

Celery. — Sandriiigham, Dwarf White.

Corn. — Early Minnesota, or Campbell's
Sixty Days, an<l Stowell's Evergreen.

CttCKmhcrs. — Early White Spine, Short
Green, and (iieeti Prolific.

Leidftc— Early Curled Simp.son, and Large
India.

Musk Melons. — Green Citron, Casaba, and
Yellow Canteloupe.

Waltr Melon. — Mountain Sweet, Phinncy's
Early, and Black Spanish.

O/u'ox.v. — Top Sets, Extra Early Bed,
Large Bed AVethei-sfield and Yellow Danvers.

Parsnips. — Student and Guernsey.

Peppers. — Sweet Mountain, Long Red Cay-
enne.

Peas. — Carter's First Croi>, Champion of
England, and Marrowfat.

Potatoes. — Extra Early Vermont and Early
Rose.

Eadish. — Early Short Top, Long Scarlet,
and French Breakfast.

.SV;»a.s/i.— Yellow Bush, Scallop, Boston
Marrow and Hubbard or Marblchead.

Tomatoes. — Canada, A'ictor, Trophy and
Green Gage.

3iinii'/<.s-.— Early Red-Top, Strap Leaf, and
Yellow Scotch.

Asa garden is not comjilete without sweet
and pot herbs, .sage, caraway, fennel, dill,
sweet marjorum, summer savery, tanzy, and
thyme will be found among the most useful.

The tools used to the best advantage in
garden work are the usual ])low and harrow
of the farm, a bright Ames spade, a spade
fork, a manure fork, steel rake, .steel hoe,
wheelbarrow, garden trowel and a line and
ten foot pole and a few stakes.
Fruits.

If a few varieties of fruit are to havea place
in the iHirder the following are recommended
as most likely to prove the liest : Concord and
Delaware (Jrapes ; Red Dutch and White
Grape currants; Doolittle or Seneca Blai-k Cap
and Turner's or Philadelphia R<-d Raspberries;
Wilson's Albany, and Charles Downing
Strawberries.

60

THE LANCASTER EARMER.

t April,

To insure Rood returns from small fruits
they must be cultivated and kept free from
weeds. Strawberiy beds are not profitable to
stand more tlian thi-ee years, therefore, a bed
should be planted every year, and after the
third year, a bed may be 'dug up, or plowed
under each year. Sprhii; is the safest and best
time to set them. To piepare the ground for
a strawberry bed it should be liberally en-
riched, and plowed, and hairowed, and
smootlied over with a rake. Set the jilants in
rows two and one half feet apart and two feet
in the row. No fruit should be allowed to
mature on them the first season, and by fall
they will mostly cover the ground. Keep a
space between the rows -just^wide enough to
step in clear of plants and allow no weeds
among them. Grapes will require pruning
and laying do-mi every fall any tying up to
stakes or trellis every spring and cultivation
sufficient to keep gra.ss and weeds down.

Currants appreciate cultivation, liberal
manuring, and mulching, and if some of the
old wood is removed occasionally to give place
for new, and too many sprouts are not allowed
to come from the roots, a plantation of them
will last for a great numlier of years.

Raspberries are greatly Ijenefited by mulch-
ing. The young canes" should be pinched
back about the first of July to induce them to
throw out side branches, and the old canes
sliould be removed each year after the first
has all ripened, as they have fulfilled their
mission, and will not live to bear again. I
had intended to give detailed instructions for
the growing of Asparagus, as I hold it to be
■a valuable article of food that can be grown
with vei-y little trouble or expense, hut as the
paper is already too lengthy, I will leave it
for some other occasion. Respectfully,

John S. Harris.

BETTER PRICES FOR SEED LEAF.

Excepting in a few favored localities, and for a
few favorite growth.?, growers of seed leaf tobacco
express dissatisfaction with the prices that are offer-
ed, or are likely to be offered, for their crops, old
and new. Between the prices which they are now
receiving and those which they have been accustom-
ed for a few years past to receive, tl'.ere is in many
instances a marked diflerence, and it is accordingly
not surprising that they do not take kindly to the
altered circumstances by which their profits have
been and are being gradually diminished— reduced,
in fact, here and there, below the point at which
any profit at all enures to them. But if they have
reason for dissatisfaction , so, too, have dealers in
that variety of leaf. With them, as with the growers
retrospection conjures up other than delightful emo-
tions, for they also have tasted and are tasting the
bitterness of declining profits, the draught "being
made all the more unpalatable by the many losses
which they have patiently endured.

Seed leaf, like all other kinds of tobacco, and all
other commodities, has declined in value in con-
formity with a general law of trade which is teudinjr
toward an adjustment of prices upon a legitimate
basis. Fictitious values are yielding to the necessi-
ties of the times and the logic of events, and tobacco
growers, tobacco dealers and tobacco buyers have to
accept for the time being the inevitable as they find
It. In the existing condition of business it is vain for
growers to expect the prices for their tobacco that
w-ere formerly paid, for though the demand is un-
abated, other circumstances combine to render their
payment impracticable and impossible. These cir-
cumstances might be enumerated here in detail, but
It is unnecessary to do so as they will be readily
recalled by every one. Growers, however, though
they can not wholly recover the past, yet have it in
their power to materially increase the prospective
gains not only of themselves, but of dealers as well.
A review of some of the statistics of the .Seed leaf
trade discloses the fact, as will presently be seen,
that by a moderate decrease in the amount of plant-
ing, growers can exercise a vei-y great influence upon
the prices of the stock now available, and every year
hereafter they may do as much if thev see fit. How
necessary or even desirable it may be to diminish the
aggregate annual volume of tobacco we do not
undertake to volunteer an opinion, and if we assumed
that to do 60 would in all ways be better, it is not
likely our assumption would be greatly regarded.
So long as farmers can turn a dollar more readily by
raising tobacco than by raising corn or other farm
products, they will continue to produce it, despite
suggestions to the contrarj , whether they realize as
mTjch as they hope from it or not. This is only
natural, and there can be no objection to their free-
dom of choice in the premises, unless, possibly, it
can be clearly demonstrated that by producing less

they might produce better tobacco than, on the
average, is now obtained— a consummation, all will
agree, much to be desired. Our purpose here is not
to debate atiitract propositions, but to draw con-
clusions from statistical data at hand, deferring to
other occasions the consideration of other phases of
our subject.

The estimated production of Seed leaf tobacco for
the years 1871 to 1875, both years inclusive, was as
follows :

1871 180,000 cases.

1S72 173,1100 cases.

18i3 1411.000 cases.

1874 80,000 oases.

ISio 10.5,000 cases;

an annual average of 135,600 cases. The domestic
comsuniption for 1S72 to 1876, the first and last year
inclusive, was : —

|f72 71,785 cases

18i3 80,059 eases

l?i* 89.140 cases

J^'j; 71,785 cases

1'''° 68,789 cases;

averaging 76,431 cases annually. The exports for
the same period were : —

1*72 96,349 cases

18.3 3.3,617 cases

1874 81,301 cases

1875 35,015 o:i8es

1876 61,426 cases ;

showing a a yearly average of 59, .541 cases. Com-
bining the tables of domestic consumption and ex-
port, and comparing them with the production of
the five years oreviously shown, the following re-
markable result is revealed : —

1871 to 1S75. 1872 to 1876.

Production Consumption and

Cases. Export. Cases.

180,000 -168,134

173,000 114,276

140,000 170 441

80,0110 106,800

105,0''C -....120,215

678,000 ~67936C;

the total appropriation, it appears, having exceeded
tlie total production for the period by 1,866 cases.
The average annual -appropriation for the years 1872
to 1876 seems to have been 135,973 cases, while the
average annual production from 1871 to 1875, as be-
fore indicated, was 135,600 cases, an apparent deficit
by an average or 373 cases per annnm.

As previously observed, these figures disclose a re
markable result, and might very well tend to recon-
cile tradesmen to the surplus volume of stockusually
deemed a dead weight— carried to each January in-
ventory. As compared with the period from 1860 to
1870— five years— the production of Seed leaf in-
creased in the five years beginning with 1871 and
ending with 1875, one hundred and thirteen per cent,
plus ; and during the same two periods the increase
in the exports of the same material was one hun-
dred and twelve per ceunt. plus. That there was a
still greater increase within those ten years, as di-
vided, in the domestic consumption of Seed leaf
tobacco no one familiar with the matter will doubt.
It follows from all that has been shown that our
own and the rest of the world's needs of this tobacco
keep pace, and are likely to keep pace, if good and
reasonable in price, with our capacity to produce it
even if we extend the area of its growth. The availa-
ble home supply, old and new, on hand on January 1
was estimated at 190,000 cases, andif to this estimate
we apply the average annual requirement as above
deduced, namely, 135,97:1 cases, it will be seen that
the apparent surplus stock for the calander year is
.54,027 cases. On this surplus, and this alone, the
influence of growers can be impressed, and as they
elect to plant, so will be the degree of the influence
imparted by them. The NewlEngland States are be-
lieved to have iiroduced in 1876 about 30,000 cases,
Pennsylvania 40,000, New York 15,000, Ohio 35,000,
Wisconsin and other States L'0,000; total 140,000. In
1875 they respectively produced : New England 40,-
000 cases, Pennsylvania 30,000, New York 10,000,
Ohio 15,000, Wisconsin and other States 10,000 :
total 105,000 ; and if in 1877 the production
should be made equal to that of 1875 the
existing surplus would be practically reduced thereby
to 19,000 cases above actual necessities. Prices, it
will thus be perceived, are entirely at growers' option
if they can agree to avail themselves of their privi-
lege. But they can not, and this probably is well.
As a rule, it will pay them best in the end to raise
all the tobacco they can so long as it is of desirable
quality, remembering meanwhile, that though ap-
propriation follows, as seen above, closely upon pro-
duction, what we do not use at home m?(s( go abroad,
and to get it abroad buyers must have to be allowed
the option. Assuming our figures as here collated to
be approxim.ately correct, llie strong position of the
Seed leaf interest everywhere at this moment is made
strikingly manifest.

THE LANCASTER TOBACCO CROP.

Names of the Principal Buyers.

The Lancaster correspondent of the U. S. Tobicco
Journal, a gossipy and decidedly long-winded fellow,
writes a rattlin^g letter of three and a-half columns,

to that journal, wherein he tells all that he has seen,
heard tell of, or imagined during his visit to our in-
land city. We make room for the following ex-
tracts from his letter :

A great many of the transient tobacco buyers are
quartered in the Cadwell house, Stevens house and
Franke's hotel. Especially the latter is crowded
with tobacco operators. Before the first glimmer of
the day appears, the tobacco buyers are up and hur-
riedly take their breakfast, after which their driver
with a horse and buggy whirl them away into the
country— a hunt for the almighty dollar. Some
stay away for several d.ays, but as a rule they return
to the hotel when nightfall comes.

The reporter of the United Stales Tobacco Journal
visited several of the tobacco raisers, and the ware-
houses of most of the local as well as the transient
tobacco packers in Lancaster. These packers are
all happy, no care, no fear of ultimate unprofitable
result is expressed by their language, action or look
And why should they ?

The tobacco has not been bought at such extreme-
ly high figures ; the tobacco in general is fine, silky,
spongy ,without any white or heavy veins; no frost or
poleburn is perceptible in the leaves, the burning is
excellent and when in bulk, it is easily heated, an
undeceiving sign of early and successful fermenta-
tion. With the exception of a portion of the '76 Con-
necticut crop there are hardly any competitors to the
new Pennsylvania in the market; the stock of old
and useful tobaccos in the markets of the United
States is small; business and consumption, even if
it does not increase, will certainly not decrease. The
quantity of this new Pennsvlvania crop does not ex-
ceed 40,000 cases; from 8,(J00 to 10,000 of these wilt
go to the Pacific coast and New Orleans without
touching and therefore influencing other markets.

A few thousand cases will certainly be sold for ex-
port ; therefore the deluge of Pennsylvania tobacco,
so much talked about early in the season, will be but
a light shower— just sufficient to make business in
this article grow. Of the 40,000 eases raised, over
:;0,000 are already sold.

Lancaster county is the most popular tobacco
raising district in Pennsylvania. Bucks county also
produces a very desirable plant, but the great central
point for tobacco packers to congregate is Lancaster
city. A stately old place, with a mass of two-story
red brick buildings with marble steps and marble
trimmings, so characteristic with most Pennsylvania
towns. In the business portion of the place are
many elegant stores and imposing warehouses ; an
air of solid wealth hovers over the town, and the
flush of health, prosperity and contentment is de-
picted in almost every fiice.

In her most happy days Hartford, Conn., has not
seen such an .astonishingly large number of transient
tobacco buyers assembled at one time as Lancaster
counts within her walls at present. New York
city, though, has contributed the largest quantum, as
will be seen in the list of firms below :

NEW YORK.

Fatman & Co., represented by Mr. Strasser.

Emanuel Hoffman & Son, by Mr. J. Hoffman.

H. Shubart & Co., by Mr. Aaron Shubart and Mr.
Friedman.

N. Lachenbruch & Bros., by M. and N. Lachen-
bruch.

Chas. F. Tag & Son, by Mr. S. Moore, jr.

Kerbs & Spiess, by Mr. Spiess, Mr. Meyer and Mr.
Reblas.

Rosenwald Bros., by Mr. Sig. Rosenwald and Mr.
Schultze.

Havemeyer & Vigelius, by Mr. Levy and Mr.
Rohrer.

Hirshhorn & Co., by Mr. Feldman.

Gerschel Bros., by Mr. M. Gerschel.

A. S. Kosenbaum & Co., by Mr. Rosenmeyer.

Jos. Mayer's Sons, by Mr. M. Davis.

Lemon <& Ottenberg, by Mr. Ottenberg.

Schroeber & Bonbon, by Mr. Hilke.

E. ct L. Wertheimer (New York and San Fran
Cisco), by Mr. Frank Baer.

M. H. Levin, by Mr. Cahn and Mr. Lederman.

Arckenburg & Co., by Mr. Conklin.

N. Spitzner, by Mr. Charles Schuberth.

Strohn & Keitzenstein, by Mr. Reitzenstein.

Bunzel 6i Dormitzer, by Messrs. Fridy and Mosser.

S. Rossin, by Mr. Altshul.

Levy & Newgrass, by W. G. Schinder.

Mr. Ruppel.

PHILADELPHIA.

Teller Bros, by Messrs. R. .and D. and L. Teller.

L. Bamberger by Mr. McCloughlin.

Moore & Hay by Mr. J. De Haven.

Samuel Moore, jr.

N. Sterner.

J. Mayer.

BALTIMORE.

Becker Brothers, represented by special buyers.
Barker ct Waggner, by Mr. Waggner.
Parlett & Co., by Mr. Owens.

NEW ORLEANS.

Hernsheim & Co., by Mr. Fink.

ST. Lonis.
Mr. Benson.

CHICAGO.

Rothschild, Schroeder & EUiel, by Mr. Rothschild.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

61

POTTSVILLE.

Mr. Wetzel.

PAN FRANCISCO.

E. & L. Wcrllilieimcr by Mr. Knink Baor.

Eeberg, Bacliman & Co. by Mr. Ehrmau and J.
Shirk.

Falkcnstein & Co. [also N. Y.] by Mr. Falken-
stcin.

Scbocnfcid Bros, by Mr. Alleluil.

A. S. Hoscnbaum & Co. [also N. Y.J by Mr. Ro-
scuniayer.

PITTSBlinC, TA.

Prctzfeillcr \- Bros., roprrsrnU'il by variciiis partiee.

LOCAL KIHMS.

Skllee & Frey, Frey it Weidlcr, and various small
operators.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

Tlio rcirulnr stated mectinfr of the Agrirultural
and Ilorlioiiltural Socioly was held on .Monilay,
March -fi, at tlie Atliemvum room, the President,
Calvin Cooper, in I lie chair.

Tlie followinu: members were present : Messrs.
Calvin Cooper, H. .M. En^'Ic, M. D. Kendis:, Cas|K'r
Hiller, Levi I'ownall, John llvitier, Levi W. (irolf,
Levi S. lieist, Simon P. Eljy, Ephraim Hcjover, Isrrcl
L. Lanilis, Peter .S. lieist, I'rol. S. S. Ilatlivon,
Johnson Miller, .Tolin M. Stclunan, Wm. McComscy,
Peter Hiller, David G. Swarlz, L. C. Lyte. .

In the absence of the Secretary, .M. D. Kcndig was
called to the chair ; the reading of the minutes were
dispensed with.

Crop Reports.

Levi PownAi.i i of Sadshury, reported g:rain im-
provinjr, and that it looks very good. Prospects
jjood. Clover and timothy not so good, but hopas
for a good crop.

Casi'Ek Hiller, of Conestoga, said crops was
about the same .as in the above neiirhborhood. Mr.
Ensle said that the crops in his vicinity were also
about the same. Nothing important to report.

Levi S. Keist, of Manhcim township; Latewheat
looks better than that early sown.

Johnson .Millek, of Warwick, reported the con-
dition of crops as pretty fair. The late sowing
looked the best. This was the case last fall, when
the wheat was attacked by the Hessian Fly. His
fields have a poor appearance this spring. Grass
fields look remarkably well, altliouffh in some cases
it has been frozen. Clover is better than last year.
The old crops are generally all sold. More tobacco
will be raised this year than last. He recommended
the rolling of grass and wheat fields. Fruit, such as
apples, peaches, and some smaller fruits he thought
were injured by the intense cold of the winter.

Levi Pow.nall read an essay on the

"Agriculture of the Country."

The essay was a very interesting one and was a
general review of the Agricultural history of the
country. He first gave an account of the early set-
tlers and the hardships they endured in clearim;
lands and emigrating, which was followed with an
account of the first experiments of irrigation and
the raising of tiraotliy and clover, the timothy beinsr
principally grown on the uplands. The eflects of
commercial enterprise was commented upon. In
those early days the chief sources of profit to the
farmer were derived from the sale of 1 eef and grain.
The dairy interests was then of small importance,
but now it is a source of great income in the south-
ern sections of this county. In this district the
raising of i;rain and the feeding of cattle are now
the main reliance to make both ends meet. In the
northern districts, tobacco seems to be the paying
product. These two systems were regarded by the
essayist as more exhau.sting to the soil, than the old
system of raising wheat and feeding cattle. In
making this sudden change, great care should be
taken, for our reputation m.ay not always be known
as the garden spot of the country. In reviewing the
past, the agriculture of our country cannot be
claimed as a success. The reason we have always a
surplus of agricultural products, was because new-
land was always being brought into cultivation, and
not by the increased cultivation of that already cul-
tivated. Statistics showed that the average yield
of dilferent grains raised has decreased in nearly all
the States. The policy of the government of hold-
ing out inducements for the settlement of new terri-
tory, was attributed as an injury to the older States
and a benefit to the new. The essayist closed by ad-
vocating that an earnest feeling should be taken in
the restoration of our lands, and that it could only
be done bv careful tillage.

A vote of thanks wa.s tendered the essayist.

The essay was discussed both pro and con by
Messrs. Simon P. Eby, Levi S. Keist, Casper Hiller,
H. M. Engle, Israel L. Landis and others.

H. M. Enule read an essay on

"Growing Potatoes."

In opening his essay, Mr. Engle read the following
paragraph ;

"Among the anecdotes related of Sir Walter Ra-

leigh, (who is supposed tohave introduced the potato
into Ireland in l.'">>4) is, that when his gardener at
Yout^hall, in the county of Cork, had reared to the
full maturity of "apples," the potatoes which he had
received from the Knii;ht, as a fine fruit from Amer-
ica, the man brou^i^hl to his master one of the apples,
and aski'd if that were the "fine fruit." Sir Walter
having examined it was so dissatisfied that he or-
dered the weed to be rooted out. The gardener
obeyed, and in rooting out the weeds found a bushel
of potatoes."

In concluding the above, tlio essayist continued by
reading the following :

Ever since Sir Walter Raleigh made a wry face
over his first bite of potato, the tuber has risen in
importance and its area of cultivation extended.
AUIioukIi originally found in South America, near
the tropics, experience has proven that it is most
successfully grown in the lii;i:hcr latitudes. From
its insignificant debut as an esculent it has become
one of the most important of crops, over a large ex-
tent of the earth.

In the United Slates the crop of 187-") was over IfiO,-
000,000 of bushels, valued at (W.dOO.OOO of dollars;
and now we arc importing of the surplus crop of
Ireland, a country whose citizens we helped to save
from starvation some years airo, when their crop
had failed. Alllujuirh not of so much importance in
our, as in some otln-r countries, it is over half that
of our wheat crop, in bushels. .Should, therefore,
the jmtato crop at any time fail in the Ignited States,
we would no iloubl cxpcrienc« an ordeal similar to
that whicli Ireland passed. tliruuL'"h in l'S4't. The
country being so rapidly overrun with the C'ohtrailo
beetle, it has made the crop a feeble one. Now for
a judicious antidote, Paris green is no doubt the
cheapest remedy. That the potato bug came anionic
us to remain is evident, bill the indications are now
that he has enemies that will help to keep him with-
in bounds; but will not likely exti^rminate him. It
is therefore conclusive that the potatato can hence-
forth not be grown with (he same labor and expense
as formerly. The demand, even at the high prices,
is evidence that few are willing to disi)ense with it
altogether; consequently the im])Ortance of the crop.

It is not the olijeet of the essayist to enter into
details of planting, inanui-iriLT, cultivating, varieties,
itc, which the importance of the subject deserves,
but more especially tt) point out one fundamental
principle which is generally overlooked by many
planters. Farmers in this section generally plant a
few as early as the ground will permit, but "the main
crop is put out about corn-i)lanting season, and
although the early crop is almost invariably the
lietter, the common custom has been contimicd
withal. Tlie Colorado Beetle, however, has caused
a change which, after all, may prove him a blessing
in disguise. His ravages have brought about the
disposition of early plaiitinic in order to liirhl him
more effectually. This will likely cause the main
crop to be planted early, when it will grow while
the soil is moist and cool, and before the greatest
heat will set in.

These conditions are always more congenial to the
potato, and will produce a larger crop and of better
quality, than when grown in midsummer, when heat
and drouth are generally greatest. Our best success,
however, has been with the other extreme, viz.: to
plant as late as is safe, on account of frosts. The
main crop is put out from the middle of June to Kith
of July, according to variety. Those requiring the
longest season we plant first and vice versa. By
this method the crop will mature during the cool
weather of autumn, at which time the ground is
generally moist. In short, it is the season most con-
genial to the growth of the potato. Some of our
largest crops and of best (piality have been produced
by such late planting ; bcsiiles they will retain their
quality much later in spring than the early crops.
In planting potatoes in midsummer, the seed shoulit
not be exposed to the hot sun, and must be well
covered, as extreme heal and dry ground will injure
the germ when covered shallow.

It is however not to be inferred that any other
necessary means pertaining to potato culture should
be dispensed with, but by taking advantage of the
season, in connection with the best method of cult i-
uation, we need hardly ever fail of producing a full
crop of best quality. In order to prove the futility
of attempting to grow a good crop of potatoes in dry,
hot weather, we have only to observe where and
uudei' what conditions the best and poorest crops are
grown.

" For instance : In England, Ireland, Canada and
our northern tier of States and Territories, this escu-
lent is grown to its greatest perfection, while in our
Southern States the crop is insignificant, as well as
inferior, aS a rule. It seems somewhat strange that
in the country where the potato originated it is of
so much less importance that in its iMcscnt doniaiii,
but on the table lands of the Andes .Mounlains it
will grow to probably as great perfection as any-
where. There is also no question in the mind of the
writer, that, even in our Southern States, on the
high lands, bv taking advantage of the coolest part
of the scasonit may he made a crop of much greater
utility and importance than at the present. There
are comparatively few in the Southern States, as

well as In our section, who are aware, at how low a
temperature the potato will flourish. Ourexpcrlence
is that tuliers will grow rapidly and of best quality
at a temperature a little aliovc freezinir, and that
mat iiriiu.' in extreme heat It Is impossible to obtain
the most favorable results. It may therefore l)e
easily inferred, what are the essenlhils to obtain the
best results, and by whatever methods these may bo
obtained, whether by mulcliiiii;, partially shading,
or by taxing advantage of the season, so that It ha«
moist earth and a cool at niosplieri', In connection
with all other requisites, the potato) crop need seldom
be a failure.

The essay led to an animated discutsion of the
subject by several mem\)er8.

.^ilt. McC'oMSEY was glad allenllon had been di-
rected to the import aiice of the |K>lalo crop and
hoped the present tendency to linrease the (;rowth
of tobacco would not engross the altenlloii of the
farmer so much as to cause him to nei,'lect the po-
tato. .Mr. .McCoiusey gave his experience In growing
the potato, which was in brief that small seed pro-
iluecd small potatoes and large seed large ones. He
planted early in April.

Casi'KK iiiLLi'.it rcirnrdcd late planting as danger-
ous. He had lost several late planted crops by wet
viather setliiu.' in while the vines were growing.
They grew as ra|)idly as hot -house plants, and when
tin; sun shone out upon them the liillage was
scorched and withered, lie believed in (planting
early. With good seed, good ground, and a favor-
able season, he believed 701) bushels of potatoes
inii;hl III' raised |)er acre. He had raised by actual
measure 40 bushels to one-twelfth of an acre, which
is WO bushels per acre. He used large peerless
potatoes for seed, so cut that only a slncle eye re-
mainid to each cutting. Scid trouml is no doubt the
test Inr jiotatoes, but tanners cannot allord to turn
it down fcir that pur|io8c— ihey must keep it for their
corn. His own plan was to thoroughly manure the
cornstubble in the fall ; no matter how niueh man-
ure is ap[iiied-;,M) lonu' asthcrv|is enou,'h— plow it in
the fall. Ill t'hc spring plow the ground ajraln.
Plant early in furrows, not too deep, and ridge up
more deeply afterwards. Cultivate carelully to ex-
termimite weeds, and with good weather anl other
favoiiiiic cinumstances tlicru is no reason why a
yield of .500 bushels of potatoes to the acre should
not follow.

EiMiiiAiM Hoover said he reganled good seed as
necessary in (irowiui; potatoes as in mowing » heat,
eornoroals. (iood seed will yield g<M>d fruit, and
poor sicd poor I'ruit. The seed shoulil lie frequently
changed or procured from a dillcrent locality from
that on which the potatoes are to be grown.

.VI. D. Kendio said that farmers were apt to defer
the cultivation of their potato fields too long. He
believed in commencing to cultivate as soon as the
young plants show themselves above gr<»und, or
even sooner. By this plan the grass and weeds arc
more; easily killed and the potatoes iret abetter start.

Johii.son Miller, secretary, having entered the
room cxiilaiiied the cause of his absence. The train
on whicli he came in was delayed by an accident.
He was excused.

L. C. Lie. HT differed with most of the speakers.
He planted small potatoes for seed, Ixdng careful
not to leave in them too many eyes. He had raised
by this kind of scedinir as iniich as 400 bushels to
the acre. His crop had sonielimes suffered by the
ravages of a small insect that bored into the vines
and killed them.

Priu--. liATiivoN explained that the Insect was the
potato weevil. The parent insect lays its eirgs on
the vine; when they hatch, the young worm eats
into the centre of the stock, and works downward
enervating or killini: the plant. Here the worm be-
comes traiislbrmcd and lives in the vine all winter.
The best reincdv to exterminate it it to burn the
vines. Prof. Kalhvon exhibited a sjicclracn of the
potato weevil.

P. S. Keist believed in planting potatoes early,
ridging u|i the rows and then before the young
plants come up, harrowing the ground thoroughly.
This will kill the grass and weeds before the potato
plant appears.

I. L. Landis suggested that farmers should put
in a irood crop of potatoes this year. They are
bringing good prices and as the tobacco crop will en-
gross much attention, those who plant iiotaloes will
probably be well jiaid for them.

IlE.SRV M. Enole hoped members would make
careful experiments with large and small seed for
IKilatoes. He believed in using the best, but ac-
knowledged that results had sometimes staggered
his failii.

Casi'ER Hili.eb thought a principal objection to
the use of small [xitatoes for seed was that there
were too many eyes and consequently loo many
s]inmls. lie had frequently p-lled off the sprouts
and from them got excellent | latoes, but not In
such great (luantily as from the seed.

Bills for removing the library and for freight on
exhibits sent to the Centennial were presented and
ordered to be paid.

"Corn culture and what arc Its best varieties,"
was postponed for discussion until next meeting.

"What is the best method of destroying the jwach-

62

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ April,

tree borer '■" a question referred to Mr. H. M. Engle,
was answered by that gentleman, who said that lie
knew of no more effective remedy than the knife.
Search for the borer twice a year, sprinsr and fall,
and when found kill him. Another but not so re-
liable a plan, is to hank up the butt of the tree with
ashes. It is important to attend to the borer during
the first and second year of the tree's growth ; after
that they caimot seriously injure the tree.

Caspek Hili,er said "an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure." There are two waj-s of
preventing the borer from getting into the tree :
First, tie the butt of the tree seeurely with paper,
early in the spring, and take it otf in the fall. Sec-
cond, make a mixture of cow dung and lime and apply
it to the tree as a paint. It soon hardens and is proof
against the borer.

Peter S. Reist read an intereresting essay on
the selection of seed wheat. He recommended that
the best portion of the best field be selected for
gathering the seed; that any stalks of rye, cheat,
or other plants be removed before Iiarvesting ; that
the grain he then carefully cleaned from smut and
all other imperfectious. It would always pay to be
particular in this respect.

Messrs. Engle, McComsey and others followed in
elat>oration of Mr. Keist's suggestions.

Levi W. Groff presented a sample of the "main-
stay" wheat — a new variety received from Europe.
The grains are very large and plump. Mr. GroB' was
requested to experiment with it, and let the society
know the result of his experiment.

Mr. Groff said be did not know whether it was a
spring or winter wheat, but he would plant half of
it in the spring and the other half in the fall to find
out.

Mr. Enole predicted it would be bearded, tall
and coarse, and would not make good Hour. He
hoped, however, his prediction miglit jiroved untrue.

Mr. L.wdis presented a small bag full of very
large shell barks or hickory-nuts grown in Missouri
from seed from California.

Prof. Kathvon explained that the reason the
annual address of the president of the society and
some other papers had not appeared in The Farmer
was because he had not received the maunscript
until to-day.

Leai S. Keist presented a fine specimen of the
York imperial apple.

The following questions were proposed for discus-
sion at next meeting :

"How can the fertility and productiveness of our
farms be maintained under our present system of
croi»iiing ?"

" How can we best secure farm help ?" — Picferred
to E. Hoover.

"Is the growth of Hungarian grass for hay a de-
sirable crop for farmers to engage in?" — lieferrcd to
Levi Pownall.

Adjourned.

Tobacco Growers' Association.

A stated meeting of the Tobacco Growers' Asso-
ciation was held on Monday, .March 19th, in the
rooms of the Athenaeum.

The following members and visitors were present :
Martin D. Kenditr, Manor ; ColinCameron, Elizabeth;
I. L. Landis, Manheim ; John M. Stehman, East
HempHeld ; Peter S. Keist, Manheim ; Levi S. Keist,
Manheim ; A. L. Lane, Manor; I. W. Uroh, Lebanon;
W. L. Hershey, Rapho ; J. H. Yeager, East Lam-
peter; A. K. Landis, Manheim; Isaac Leaman,
Upper Leacock ; Samuel Bushoug, Ui>per Leacock ;
Michael B. Landis, city ; John Bo.'isler, Manheim ;
Harry Shifl'er, Manheim ; Silas K. Eshleman, Para-
dise ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salisbui'y ; B. H. Hershey,
Penn ; Abraham Hostelter, Penn ; A. H. Y^eager,
East Lampeter; H. Bomberger, Manheim; Martin
Miller, Manor.

President M. D. Kendig occupied the chair,
and in the absence of the secretary, Colin Cameron
acted in that capacity.

Crop reports being called for, Mr. I. L. Landis,
of Maniieim, said that thegreaterpart of the tobacco
in liis neighborhood had been sold at good prices.
Buyers were as active as ever, but were endeavoring
to reduce the figures, and in some instances they
■were buying lower tlian they did at the opening of
the season, as some farmers found it necessary to
realize on their crops before the first of Api-il. Two-
thirds of the crop has been sold, among it being the
bulk of the first-cla.ss leaf.

Mr. Hersiiet reported fifty cases sold to a local
buyer in West Hempfield, at good prices.

Mr. Yeager, of West Lampeter, said nearly all the
crop in his neighborhood had been bought.

Mr. Eshleman, of Paradise, said that not much
tobacco was grown in his township, and very little of
that sold. The prices asked for wrappers ranges
from IK to 20 cents.

Mr. Kennedy, of Salisbury, said there was a con-
siderable quantity raised in his townsliip; not one-
third of which had yet been sold. Some of it is of
• good quality and some considerably injured by the
worm. Prices have ranged from '^0 cents down —
some selling very cheap. He thought the reason so
little of the crop had been sold was because there
had been but little heretofore grown ; the growers

generally have not learned how to handle it and the
township is distant from the tobacco centre.

Mr. Bear, of Leacock, said nearly all the tobacco
in his neighborhood was sold. A good deal was
raised about Enterprise. The crop was a fair one
and brought fair prices — say 1.5 to 'M cents.

Mr. John M. Stehman, East Hempfield, offered
for inspection several very fine hands of tobacco
grown by E. M. Bricker, of Manheim, on li farm
owned by Henry Hostetter. Mr. Bricker had sold
his crop at .'!0 for wrappers, 20 for seconds and 5 for
fillers. The samples were of Connecticut seed leaf.
Chestnut seed leaf, Bastard and Florida seed leaf.
The preference was given by Mr. Bricker to the
Chestnut and Bastard. The Florida was only grown
as an experiment. Mr. Stehman said that about
two-thirds of the crop in his neighborhood was sold.

A vote of thanks was returned to Mr. Bricker for
his fine specimens.

On motion of J. M. Stehman, the secretary read
from The Lancanffir Fanner an article copied from
the bilctllffd'cer showing that in the New York mar-
ket Lancaster tobacco had the call over Connecticut.

Mr. I. L. Landis urged erowers to use the greatest
possible care in growing and handling their tobacco.
He had no doubt that a great deal of good Pennsyl-
vania tobacco had been sold for Connecticut when
Connecticut was considered the best ; and now that
Pennsylvania was in demand, western tobacco is
being shipped in this Stale and palmed off as Penn-
sylvania. He knew of one large lot of Wisconsin
that had been broturbt to this county, and he sup-
posed it would be palmed off as Pennsylvania, to the
injury of the Pennsylvania staple.

President Kendig, of Manor, said the interest of
buyers in his district had heretofore centered in
fancy grades; there were a good many buyers yet in
the field ; about two-thirds of the crop has been sold.

Mr. p. S. Keist, Manheim, said two-thirds of tlie
crop in that township is sold ; the choice lots were
first bought ; liuycrs are now picking up second
quality. The farmers are considering the advan-
tages to be obtained in raising first-class tobacco,
and many of them have resolved to plant less next
year, and give more attention to its growth and
handling.

Mr. Cameron read a letter from Mr. C. P.
Hughes, of West Chester, asking for information on
the following points : " What is the average weight
of dry tobacco pci- acre raised in Lancaster county i
Do you find highly ammoniated fertilizers an advan-
tage ? If fish guano is used could it afl'ect the taste
of the tobacco? In the use of different salts of
potash, is there any difference in the burning of the
tobacco or in the yield ?"

In answer to the first interrogatory the average
yield was variously estimated at i,'JOO tol,fiOO]ioundR
per acre. In answer to the second some of the
members thought there was and some thought there
was not much advantage in the use of highly ammo-
niated fertilizers. The other questions were briefly
discussed but no result agreed upon.

Mr. Cameron also read a communication from
Hiram E. Lutz, calling attention to a poudrette
manufactured by him which he claimed to be pecu-
liarly adapted to the growth of tobacco.

On motion of Mr. P. S. Reist, Mr. Lutz and other
manufacturers were requested to send samples of
their fertilizers to the president of the society to
have it tested.

On motion of Mr. Johnston, Mr. Cameron was
requested to prepare answers to the questions asked
by Mr Hughes, and read them before the society at
the next meeting.

In further discussing the question of the best fer-
tilizer for tobacco, pig manure, sheep manure, hen
manure and horse manure were each recommended.

Colin Cameron read an essay on tobacco and its
cultivation, of which the following contains the prin-
cipal points :

Every one that has attempted to grow this plant
fancies that he has learned enough from his own ex-
perience to not only govern him in all future opera-
tions, but enough to supply all the neighbors and
friends from what he looks ujjon as an endless quan-
tity of valuable knowledge. The less the time one
has been engaged in the business the more garrulous
be will be, and the local savants tliat on every occa-
sion offer gratis from their store of stuff, almost in-
variably make him who hearkens to them repent
his folly. I believe with the other essayists before
me that there are certain fixed facts that it is well to
ever keep in view, and that there are certain condi-
tions of soil and j>laut-foud necessary to
the growth of a full crop, but I differ
with them in regard to the manner of pre-
paring the .soil. I hold to what I consider
should be a settled principle among advanced agri-
culturists, that no crop save grass should be made
to feed directly of the manure. And I fancy that I
have noticed enough in my own fields and in my
neighbors' to know this to be the ease; especially in
tobacco. I know very well that I bring down the
unfavorable judgment of a vast majority of tobacco-
growers for the utterance of this statement, but I
am so well convinced of its truth that I think I can
well bear this judgment and wait for the future 'to
prove its correctness We all are aware and ac-
knowledge that the plant in its growth is necessarily

rapid, and that it absorbs from the manures some-
thing scarcely definable, that, to say the least, af-
fects the structure if not the flavor of the plant, and
these keen-eyed, tender-fingered buyers that Mr.
Frantz speaks of are the first to know it. I could
not dwell upon the reasons entire that cause me to
come to this conclusion; they are many and long, and
so interwoven that to speak of one necessarily "intro-
duces all. Nor do I consider heavy manuring in it-
self essential; it might be a desirable requisite, but I
could not allow it to be considered any more than
that. Before either plant-bed, plants or soil, I
would place the farmer — a perfect tobacco farmer.

I have seen tobacco grown side by side where the
soil was necessarily alike, and yet there was as much
difl'erence in the yield per acre as Mr. Frantz named
in his essay. I well know that a poor farmer with
good soil and plenty of manures may with the
stimulus of a good growing crop get more per acre
th.an the best farmer under unfavorable conditions;
but this proves nothing, and I ask each one present,
thinkers in the field of practical agricultural experi-
ment, if we ought to sustain any statement, without
qualification, that tends to bear one into any channel
of thought that may break up the idea of personal
responsibility.

I would like to know something more about the
statement made Ijy Mr. Frantz — of hog bristles being
a superior covering for the germinating seed and
growing plants. How many have thought of this,
and what has been the general conclusion ? Theories
advanced here, or facts stated, if not investigated
are only as shadows. We all well know that as a
class, in the production of tobacco, we are not above
mediocrity, and until the false is separated from the
correct, and true principles only promulgated, can we
hope to advance to a better kuowledge of the wants
of this plant. Many never use the bristle ; some use
glass ; others condemn all and sow the seed and
grow the plant unassisted ; and each one for himself
claims to have the plan whereby the best results are
attained. If the after-growth of a crop depends on
the manner of its first start, let us know it and the
reason as well.

I would always grow tobacco on sod, fall plowed,
and plowed again as often in the spring previous to
planting as the weed seeds germinate and sprout.
Set the plants in rows not closer than four feet apart
and twenty inches apart on the row. Allow no
wecil to grow nor the ground to become so much
settled after a rain as to even approach a state of
being baked. I think I know that tobacco once re-
tarded in its growth by the compactness of the earth
never again regains its wonted rapid, hut natural
growth. While speaking of ground in its dilferent
conditiims afl'ecting the plant, I wish to refer to the
manner of planting. I believe all will agree that
there is but one correct way to set a plant ; that is
to place it in tlie ground that every root shall tend
towai'ds the bottom of the hole. I have known each
alternate row of tobacco in a field to vary a very
great deal, and could find no solution of the cause,
except attributing it to the manner of sticking the
young plant. I would insist on this mode of plant-
ing as a prime necessity; its real or imaginary effect
is within the reach of all, and a few well tried and
reported experiments would determine this in the
minds of all.

In stripping there are several things to be consid-
ered at once; first, I should never take tobacco from
the nails or lath until it could be handled in almost
any manner without breakage. If it is taken down
bclbre thoroushly damp and conditioned you will
lose almost beyond belief in weight ; and no other
process, to my knowledge, can make up for this.
The leaf stripped and bulked dry will ahvaj's present
a dry and rough appearance, and will never have the
soft, silky feel that those "tender-fingered bu^'crs"
look for. I would strip tobacco into three grades
always, and would never sort the filler for seconds,
but rather the wrappers, and each hand should be
perfect in itself. I mean by this that it should con-
tain leaves exactly alike in shape, size, color and
condition. This is easy to do. The leaves should be
pulled down in the hands till the tips are even, and
bound at the butts so as to hide the uneveuness.
This done by the grower, saves the sprigging by the
buyer and makes it worth fi'om one to five cents
more jier pound. Then no one can grade .as well as
the grower. Having his tobacco in the shed as it
grew, each kind alone, he can take it down, exer-
cising due care, and strip it, again using an extra
amount of vigilance to make it perfect. The great
trouble with many parties is the desire to he done,
not to be well done. A day or a week's additional
care in this part of the work may add half the value
to the whole crop. The stripper should know the
exact condition of every leaf that goes into each
hand, and those miserable shriveled, short and
frizzed leaves should be thrown away; it will pay
much better than to |iut them with any other than a
lot l)y themselves. Once stripped, each kind should
be bulked down by itself. I would prefer a cool but
not over moist cellar, and should always leave the
butts of the hands exposed, covering with boards
and enough weight to keep it in position, and to give
it something of a pressed look.

Care should be exercised to have each kind by
itself. For I assure you if you put a second with the

1S-7.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

63

wrapper, or a filler with the eceoml, the "tcniler-
(ingered follow" will pull it out certain.

After you have raised a good plant, stick it proper-
ly, grow it to maturity, harvest it without hums or
bruises, talic it down and assort it jiroperly, then
study to know its value, and resolve never to deal
with men whose honor is as <'heap as their words.

I saw in Durham, N. C, the planter hauling his
tobacco ink) town without the shadow of a fear,
well knowing that he would get its full market value.
Why can we not do the same ? Are all the men in
the Iradc banded against the growers, or is our
knowledge of its value so slight as to enable them to
take it at will? Or is the sale of this crop a matter
of chance rat lier than one of square business dealing?

I hope to see this organization prosper and attract
to itself the best practical thinkers and growers in
the county, and as we educate each other and our-
selves, bring to a higher level all engaged in the
same avocation.

On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered the es-
sayist.

The several points of the ess.ay were discussed at
some length liy the society. Mr. Heist said there
was an old maxim that "every man should be con-
sidered a rascal till he was proved to be an honest
man ;" both tobacco buyers anil growers had too
long acted on this principle. Mr. Reist believed the
maxim should be reversed, and that if growers and
buyers should deal honestly and fairly with each
other they would be mutually benefited.

The best mode of preparing the gi'ound, selecting
the best variety of plants, the proper mode of grow-
ing plants and other questions of interest were dis-
cussed, but nothing new was clicteil, except that .Mr.
I. L. Landis rather jocularly suggesled that toliacco
plants should be grown by (!en. Pleaisoulon's blue
glass process ; to whie.h Mr. Cameron replied that
he would rather have an acre of blue (/rasx sod than
two acres of blue t/!axs cover.

The question selected for iliseussion at next meet-
ing was: "How to construct the most convenient
tobacco house for curing, stripping and sorting
tobacco."

Notice was given that the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural .Society will meet next
Monday, instead of the Ist Monday in April.

On motion adjourned.

The Linnaean Society.

This society held theirstated meeting on Saturday,
March 'My C'. A. TIeinitsb in the chair ; si.x members
present. After the preliminary duties, the donations
to the museum were examined, and found to consist
of a very tine specimen of star lish (astcrias) from
the Pacific coast, California, presented to S. S.
Kathvon liy .Mr. Kinzer, of East Walnut street, this
city. This, wlien taken out of the water by Mr. K.,
while on a visit to California, was of a deep red-
searlet color. A large brown spider, found in the
Adams Express wagon, supposed to have come
among oysters, from "down the B.ay," which were
delivered — presented by Mr. J. W. M. of the Express
office. It may be a species of Dobnalex, a stranger at
least with us. "Elm-leaf beetles," found behind a
fire-board in the dwelling house on the 7th of Marcli,
1877, by Mrs. P. E. Gibbons ; a queer place to hide
for the Galcrnca. A small . green grasshopper,
found by Mr. Engle, on the llih of February last ,
curious, chieliy for being out so early. Some good-
sized shellbarks, introduced originally from Cali-
fornia; these nuts were raised in Missouri, presented
bjr Israel L. Landis. Five fossils, collected near
Pa.ii6, Edgar county, Illinois, and given by E. G.
Reist, of Mount Joy ; Spirifer Tcrdiralula, and por-
tions of the articulated stems of the stone lily —
Crinoidcans.

Additions to the Library.

Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia, Part III. October, November and
December, lS7fi. An essay with illustrations on
New South Wales, by G. H. Reid, 187fi. Report of
the Life Saving .Service of the Cnited States and its
operations, 187.5 and lS7(i. Copy of Firlil and Forcul,
February number, per C. R. Dodge. The title page,
etc., to vol. X of the Patent Office (Inzeltc. Patnph-
lets from our correspondent, Dr. AV. .1. Hoffman,
read by him before the Philadelphia societies, viz. J
Pah-ute Cremation, December, 1S74. Ancient
Hearths and Modern Indian Remains. List of Birds
observed by him in Dakota while surgeon of the
United States army. One in pure French, by .M.
Fernand Latasta, on " Lk tetard Du. nominator
Igneus," about the Branchia of " Frogs and Polli-
wogs." Mrs. Gibbons readily translated it to
English. (We, like Pat, understand French very
well when spoken in English.) Tin: Book Erchanqe
Monllihj. The " American Palieozooic Fossils," by
S. A. .Miller, about being published. The " Medical
Intelligencer." List of new publications. The Lcin-
eaxter Farmer for February and March, ls77. From
our Representative, J. L. Steinmctz, esq., copy of
Industrial statistics, Part III. Vol. HI. Report of
the Superintendent of Public Instruction, June 1870.
Annual report of the Superintendent of SoMiers'
Orphans of Pennsylvania, 1870. A report of State
Treasurer, November, 1870. Message of Gov. John

F. Hartranft, January 3, 1S77. Reprints from papers
published in 177l>, and of later date. Six envelopes
containing sixty-three historical scraps, cut out of
the various papers. Several containing specimens of
colonial bills and continental money — among them
lottery tickets for church benefits, so common in
those days.

Papers Read.

J. Stanffer read a paper — showing the divers opin-
ions among men of science, at)out the sap in plants-
quoting Dr. tiray's theory so dally contradi<'ted by
.Mr. Andrew .Murray in a paper read at the last
meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Royal
Horticultural Society. He also presented a flnedraw-
ing taken groni what seemed to be a double calla,
grown and given liirn by Ex-Mayor Zimmerman, of
this city, .March 1."). The white spatlie with. its gol-
den yellow spadix was like the common Afri<'an
lily, only the ordinary green leaf in this case assum-
ed tlie texture and shape of the fiower, close to it, eo
as to appear like two lilies on one stem, close to-
gether.

Mrs. Zcll read a paper on certain observations in a
Zonale Geranium under cultivation in the window,
which manifested a change of tlu^ perfect stamens
intd petals; in one llower she found a single jierfect
stamen, and the lilaments of other petaloid. This is
not a very rare case; it occurs in the water lily, and
other plants under cultivation, especially if iiielined
to become double.

Mr. S. S. Rathvon read a paper on the several
donations made, in which he speaks in high praise
of .Mr. Kinzer, and his valuable colleclion of objects
of Natural Science; his skill in mounting bii'ds, iV:c.,
aud his labors in this field, so little known to the
general public; his collection with that of ours
would form a truly valuable museum.

Mrs. Gil)bon6 read notes and observations on the
Cabbage butterfiy^hirv^, and Paris green.

The following resolution was presented by S. S.
Rathvon and adopted, viz :

"Resolved, That the Secretary be instrneted to
examine the records and see wlio (under the origi-
nal resolutions, authorizing the same) are entitled
to additional certificates of the stock of the museum,
and to issue the same on the e(»nditions named in
said resolutions and report the same at the next
stated tneeting of the Society."

On motion the Secretary was authorized to set up
a form of notice to dcliufpients, and have blanks
printed, to fill out and distribute.

No further business offering. Society adjourned to
meet on Saturday, April 1^8.

AGRICULTURAL.

Valuable Formulas.

Professor Stockbridge, of the Massachusetts Ag-
cultural College, Amherst, issues the following for-
mulas for compounding phosphates, which it might
be well for Granges to paste in their book of [uinulcs.

To produce fifty bushels of corn to the acre more
than the natural proiluet of the land use :

Nitrogen, 04 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
ammonia;

Potash, 77 pounds, in the form of muriate of pot-
ash ;

Phosphoric acid, 31 pounds, in the form of muriate
of superphosphates.

To produce one ton of hay per acre more than the
natural product of the land use :

Nitrogen, 30 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
ammonia ;

I'otash, 31 pounds, in the form of miu'iate of pot-
ash ;

Phosphoric acid, 12 pounds, in the form of super-
phosphate.

To produce 25 bushels of oats and the usual pro-
portion of straw per acre more than the natural
product of the soil, and in proportion for other quan-
tities, use :

Nitrogen, 10 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
ammonia ;

Potash, 31 pounds, in the form of muriate of pot-
ash ;

Phosphoric acid, 8 pounds, in the form of super-
phosphate.

To produce 1,500 pounds of dried leaf tobacco,
with the usual proportion of stalk, more than the
natural yield per acre of land, use :

Nitrogen, Hi) pounds, in the form of sulphate of
ammonia ;

Potash, 172 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
potash :

Phosphoric acid, 16 pounds, in the form of super
phoBjihate ;

Lime, 100 pounds, in the form of sulphate of lime
(land plaster);

Magnesia, 38 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
magnesia.

To produce 100 bushels of potatoes per acre, and
their usual proportion of tops, more than the natu-
ral proiluetion of the land, and other quantities pro-
portionally, use :

Nitrogen, 31 pounds, in the form of sulphate of
ammonia ;

Potash, 34 pounds, in the form of sulphate of pot-
ash ;

PhoRphorle acid, 11 pounds, In the form of super-
phosphate.

By the use of these formulas, upon any ordinary
level lands, with a good elav subsoil, corn can be
raised at about T2 cents per bushel ; oats, ^0 cents ;
potatoes, 10 cents, and tobacco about 84 per hund-
red pounds (all of superior quality), couutingln the
cost of farm labor.

These mixtures should be sown over the land
broadcast when the ground is well prepared, before
planting. an<l not put in the hills, so that the roots
may seek the food and not concentrate and thereby
cause the plants " to burn up."

Utilizing Coal Dust,
.^n invention has been made by .Mr. G. K. Steven-
son, of Valparaiso, for a furnace for burning coal
dust, which is made In the shape of a retort, of lire
brick, open at both emls, and provided with radical
or inclined discharge channels at the upper parts.
This is placed in posillon on the walls, and Is partly
charged with a quantity of wood and coal, and
lightid. The apparatus by which the jjowdercd
fuel is inlroduied is then placed in [msition, and the
fuel fell to the furnace, after the coarse fuel is
I liorowghly ignited by the blast from a blower used
ill connection tlierenlth. The piiwdi-red fuel Is then
continually introduced, care being taken to remove
the ashes from beyond the mouth of the iiuier end of
the retort, which can be done in a few minutes.
The apparatus may be detached and replaced, and
the operation proceeded with, without a great de-
crease in teiiiiicralnre, as the llrebriik retort retains
some of the heat from previous firing. The fuel Is
said to be completely consumed by the addition of
air injected willi the same into the retort, and there-
by a high and unilorm dcgrej^ of temperature Is kept
lip, while the fire may be instantly interrupted wllh-
oul the loss of large quantities of fuel, and also be
started again with great rapidity, so as to facilitate
the getting up of bteain in boilers.

What Soil Consists of.

The bulk of all fertile soil consists of three earths,
to wit : silica, alumina and lime. Unmixed with
<-lay, sand, or ot her organic or inorganic substances,
lime c(uisisls of the oxide of the metallic element
calcium, and as it enters into the composition of all
plants, it necessarily occupies a large place in
Nature's laboratory. Chemistry tells us that it has
an allinity for water and ear!«>nic acid ; when apj
plied to tile land it absorbs water, forming hydrate
of lime; this hydrate then absorbs carbonic acid, so
th.at lime, although applied to the land in the caustic
state, really exists, shortly after its application. In
the form of carbonate, along with a little sulphate
and phosphate as previously mentioned. Lime has
for a long time been used as a fertilizer, when land
previously unworked is brought into cultivation, or
when worn-out pasture land is broken up, lime is
Efcnerally applied. It affects chieliy the vegetable
matter contained in the soil, promoting its decompo-
sition, and thus rendering it available as plant food.

A New Agricultural Plant.

A new agricultural plant for cattle-feeding and
paper-making has been introduced to public notice
by Mr. William Gorrie. Rai Lodge, Edinburg. It is
a variety of a tree-mallow, " Lavatera arlorea,"
the natural habitats of wliich, in Scotland, are the
Ba.i's Hock, with other islets in the Firth of Forth,
and Ailsa Craig. Its ordinary heights vary from 6
to 10 feet, liiit it can be grown to twelve feet. It ll
bienmal, but the first year it may he planted after
the removal of any early crops and matures the
following year. Chemical analysis of its seeds
shows them to he equal in feeding properties to oil-
cake, which is niiw worth in Scotland about 8'"'0 per
ton, and pa[ier-m:ikers ollereil the same price for the
bark that they now pay for esparto grass, which Is
also about g.^O per ton. This shows a return of
about .?J0O per acre, for the '.cv.il and bark, and it
is expected that the excess of fibre in the latter will
allow the heart wood being mixed up with it, which
will add very considerably to the value of the crop.
^ _

Hints to Farmers.

A bare pasture enriches not the soil, nor fattens
the animals, nor increases the wealth of the owner.

One animal well fed is of more use than two
poorly kept.

The belter animals can be fed, and the more com-
fortalde they can be kept, the more profitable they
are— and all farmers work for profit.

Ground once well ploughed is better than tbrlcc
poorly.

Bountiful crops are more profitable than poor ones.
Make the soil rich, pulverize well and keep clean,
and it will will generally he productive.

When you see the fence down, put it up. If It re-
mains until to-morrow, the cattle get over.

What ought to be done to-day, do ft — for to-mor-
row it might rain.

A strong horse will work all day without food ;
but keep him at it, aud he will not last long.

64

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ April, 1877.

HORTICULTURAL.

Florida and Its Oranges.

A correspondent of the Tribune thus writes to
that paper in regard to Florida :

About half of the orange crop this year has been
destroyed by the lonarest spell of cold weather ever
known in Florida. The history of the orange culture
shows that at long intervals the crop is cutoff or
injured by frost something below oO°. What other
crop is not injured at shorter intervals ? The trees
have never been killed but ouce (183.5.) They are
not injured this year, except the young ones in ex-
posed localities. So this cold snap need not deter
those who are wishing to make an orange grove in
Florida. There are places on Lake George, for
instance, and other very \vide openinirs of the river
where nel'her orange buds, nor pineapples, nor early
vegetables have tjcen hurt.

One word more. When an orange is frozen it does
not rot or show any external signs of decay, or does
not, for a long time drop from the tree. It is, there-
fore, difficult to tell a bad one from a good one. It
is likely, then, that perfectly honest p.ackers will
send a good many bad oranges to the North, or
rather have done so. But money is so scarce that
others will not be so honest, and will purchase bad
fruit at low prices and ship them, and they will get
into the hands of street venders, and all this will
damage the reputation of the Florida orange, which
last year won such high favor as to command about
double the price of any other orange.

Transplanting Large Trees.

The London Oarden gives the details of some ex-
periments in the removal of trees of the Cedar of
Lebanon upwards of twenty feet high, which had
been prepared by root pruning the previous year. A
timlier wagon was backed up with a wheel on each
side of thetree,the pole (tongue) placed upright, with
a bundle of straw on the axle to prevent barking ;
ropps were passed under the ball of earth and se-
cured it to the axle, and the stem of the tree was
lashed to the upright pole, a rope at the top of which
pulled the tree down in a horizontal position. The
tree was then carried to its destination. A heavy
mulching of leaves kept the ground moist during the
heat of the summer, and it succeeded well. A better
mode for removal is figured and and described on
page 210 of the third volume of Rural Affairs. The
removal of trees of such size is not to be recom-
rnended in this country of hot and dry summers; but
if previously prepared by transplanting or cutting
the roots, the tree may lie made to succeed if not too
large. Jn the cooler and more moist climate of
Britain, the operation does better, but even there
some of the best cultivators have learned to prefer
smaller size. Sir Henry Stewart's famous park,
made at ouce by the removal of large trees, never
became luxuriant and satisfactory in growth. Lou-
don said he would uuilcrtake lo give larger and better
trees from small ones in five years, by deep trench-
ing and good cultivation, than could be obtained in
the same time by transplanting large ones.

Shipments of Apples.

About 250,000 barrels of apples raised in this coun-
try last year, were shipped to Europe. More than
half went to England ; 11,000 were taken to St. Pe-
tersburg. The trade will doubtless increase largely,
if shippers are careful to send only the best selected
specimens, which will at the same time afford the
best profits. Semling goor apples there will be the
very worst thing that could happen to the business,
and be as bad as shipping poison to taint the whole.
Those who are interested in the success of the trade
should devise some way to protect themselves from
such injury and imposition.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

To THE LiBEKAL AND PATRIOTIC CITIZENS OF

THE Unitki) States op A.mehica : — The under-
signed have procured a charter, granted December
22, ISTO, by the Court of Common Pleas of Lancas-
ter county, Pennsylvania, authorizing them to
organize " The Robert Fulton Monumental Park
Associalion of Lancaster County," having for its
object the acquiring of a piece of ground, not less
than ten acres, to improve and emtjcllish the same,
and to erect thereon a coUosal st.atuc of Robert
Fulton, not only to perpetuate the world-wide fame
of a distin2uished American citizen in the county
that gave him birth, but also as a Centennial me-
mento of one of the world's most ingenious and
beneficent inventors.

They therefore appeal to the patriotic spirit of the
country for the pecuniary means to carry a laudable
and most praiseworthy enterprise into efl'ect, by
gifts, bequests, subscriptions and purchases, in be-
half of said Association.

Robert Fulton, from the best records extant, is
said to have been born in that part of Little Britain
now called Fulton Township, Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, in the year A. D. 17B.5, where the
house in which he was born is still pointed out with

local pride to the historical wayfarer ; but his genius
and his fame are not limited to a district, a county,
a state or a nation, for it belongs to universal civili-
zation. Although honor is due to other inventors
and experimenters, yet wherever inland lake, or
ocean navigation is effected by means of steam, the
name and genius of Fulton is unequivocally reeog-
nized. No event that has occurred in the last half
of our first century as a nation has given a greater
impulse to progress throughout the civilized world,
than the application of steam as a propelling power,
and most especially in its relation to river and ocean
navigation; and, therefore, the successful adoption
of it is entitled to rank the inventor among the
world's most useful and greatest benefactors.

Ofticers : President, Francis Shroder ; Vice Presi-
dent, ThOm.as Baumgardner ; Secretary, Charles M.
Howell; Treasurer, A. C.Kepler; Solicitor, C. M.
Hostetter, esq.

All communications should be directed to C. M.
Hostetter, Lanea.ster, Pa.

The Poultry Yard and[ Market. — A practical
Treatise on Galiinoculture, and description of a new
process for hatching eggs and raising poultry, by
means of horse manure, by Prof. A. Corbett, inven-
tor, ls77. Published by the Orange Judd Company,
No. 245 Broadway, New York. Price .50 cents.

This is a handsome letter 12 mo. volume of 100
pp., including paper covers, mechanically executed
and on good paper, and embellished by a fine por-
trait of tlie author, and illustrations representing
the inculcating apparatus. Neither the author, his
inventions, nor his book are new things to us, and
the significant fact that several gold medals and di-
plomas have been awarded to him, is an evidence of
the merits of his invention, the perfection it has at-
tained, and also, that he has overcome the ditHcuIties
which he encountered in the early part of his exper-
imental career.

As an illustration of the magnitude of the poultry
trade of France, a country that is content to draw
large incomes from small things, we quote the fol-
lowing paragraph on page 23 of the work before us.

" Poultry has always been a source of revenue to
the French people, as the following figures will prove;
In France there are 40,000,000 hens valued at -520,-
000,000. One-fifth are marketed yearly for the
table, bringing about $4,000,000; the annual produc-
tions of chickens ."-O.OOO.OOO, worth in the city mar-
kets §24,000,000, and §2,000,000 are added for the
extra value of capons and fatted hens. The pro-
duction of eggs is estimated at 40,000,000, making
the total value of eggs, capons, chickens and hens
annually sold about .?SO,000,000, or $2.22 to every
man, wcminn and child in France. The eggs im-
ported from France to England in 1874 represented a
value of SI, 200,000 and from Belgium $oOO,000."
[See p. 50, vol. 7, Lancaster Farmer, April, 1875,]
Prof. A. Corbett, Ofliee, No. 7 Warren street. Post-
OIHce Box .5470, New York.

Twenty-seventh Annual Wholesale Catalogue of
Nursery Stock, for Spring of 1877, for sale by
Tiios. Jackson, Portland, Maine, (formerly of
Vesey street. New York.) This is a demi-octavo
pamphlet of a dozen pages devoted exclusively to
trees, vines and .shrubbery, including Fruit Trees,
Fruit Tree Stocks, Small Fruits, Grape Vines, Forest
Trees, Nursery-grown Evergreens, Deciduous Trees,
Weeping Trees, Hedge Plants, Shrubs, Climbing
Shrubs and Roses. Also, illustrations and price
lists of " Beecroft's Wheel Hoe," and bis " Hand
Weeder." Of course, we could not attempt to give
the contents of this catalogue in detail, nor" the
prices of the separate articles, and therefore we would
recommend our readers to send a postal card to the
above address and obtain one for themselves, for
they will find the varieties extensive, the prices
moderate, and the terms accommodating.

The Evening at Home : A Royal 8 vo. monthly
devoted to social life, morals, and instruction ; pub-
lished by 11. A. .MuMAW, Orrville, Ohio. Terms,
$1.00 a year. The March number of this publica-
tion is on our table, and in moral and material it is
not inferior to the best extant, and seems to fulfill its
mission as fully and as clearly as those of a high
pretension. There is much in it to induce young
people to remain at home, unless they are of that
class who cannot be entertained, except by those
things in accord with the morbid and sensational,
which are deplorably on the increase in this genera-
tion.

The Young Folks Monthly : Good sound food
for tlie mind is just as essential to its moral health
and vigor as healthy for the stomach and pure air
for the lungs arc to the health and vigorof the body.
In view of this fact it is the duty of every parent to
be careful what kind of mind food his or her childreu
are feeding upoli, for impressions made in youth are
lasting and can never be entirely elfaced. As the
twig is ijcnt so the tree stands. If the mind is allow-
ed to feed upon the vile "yellow back" novels and
sensational publications which are having such a
wide-spread circulation among our youth to-day,
just so surely will the mind of the man follow the
bent of the impressions acquired therefrom. There
is plenty of good healthy reading to be had. We
have on our table now a young folks' publication
called the Young t'olks' Monthly, published by Mil-

ton George, Chicago, 111., which, while it is highly
interesting and instructive, and is read alike by old
and young, yet is of a high moral tone, always avoid-
ing the sensational and low. Send ten cents for one
month's trial and see for yourselves. The terms are
only 81.00 per year, 5 copies for §4.00. Address the
Young Folkx' Monthly, Chicago, III. The Farmer
and YoHufi Folks, in the county, §1.75 a year, out of
the county, S2.00.

Jersey Cattle. — We learn that Colin Cameron,
agent for G. Dawson Coleman, has purchased the
prize winning Jersey bull "Commodore Roxbury,"
Herd Register 1.586. It is intended to use this ani-
mal in the herd of Registered Jerseys now owned
by Mr. Coleman, which is a large herd, of both im-
ported and native bred, and comprises some of the
best specimens of Jersey cows in the United States.
Commodore Roxbury was owned by Mr. C. B. Moore
of "Glen Dale" stock-farm, and, in 1874, won
eleven First Prizes, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland
and Virginia. From this cross great results are an-
ticipated. The imported horse, favorably known as
Jenifer's Arabian, has also been recently purchased
by Colin Cameron, and is now kept at Marietta in
this county. We have seen Jenifer, and regard him
as a specimen of almost matchless beauty, and, we
doubt not, his mettle will correspond with his ap-
pearance. We expect to publish illustrations and
pedigi'CPB of the above two animals, in future num-
bers of The Farmer.

"He Holds the Fort cf Heaven." We thatik-
fully acknowledge the receipt of a complimentary
copy of this piece of sheet music, published by F. W.
Helmick, No. 50 West Fourth street, Cincinnati, O.
It is embellished with a beautiful lithographic title
page, and i.s intended as a tribute to the memory of
the late Prof. P. P. Bliss, one of the victims of the
Ashtabula disaster. The bust of Mr. Bliss is the
central and most prominent figure (apparently in
the early prime of life) , and two angels are hovering
above him bearing a crown, which they are about
placing upon his head ; with a number of cherubs,
bearing floral wreaths, floating in thedivcrgingrays
above. The words are by Mrs. D. M. Jordan, and
the music by Charlie Baker. Both the words and
the music are very touching, and an appropriate
tribute to a most worthy subject ; and it is sad to
reflect that so much excellence should have been
sacrificed to

" Man's inhumanity to man."

Thanks : In addition to the names of the active
canvassers of the Farmer, mentioned on the first page
of our February number, we take pleasure in men-
tioningour worthy friend LeviPownall, of Christiana.
Mr. Pownall not only reaps his wheat, but he also
rakes and binds, and "brings his sheaves with him,"
lelieving us of all anxieties in relation to contiiigent
delinquencies. There are many districts yet in Lan-
caster county in which we desire responsible cau-
vassers, on the terms published in our prospectus.

We are poor yet, but that much we will engage to
do at least, and hope that we may be sufliciently
sustained before the incoming of 1878 to offer desira-
ble premiums for that year, since it seems to be "the
fashion."

Don't all speak at once ; but still, we would like
to know who will be the "next customer."

The Southern Husbandman — An Orga:n of
THE Tennessee Grangers to be published in
Nashville : We h,ave before us the initial number
of the So'Uficni Iluabandinan, published in Nashville,
Tennessee, by authority of the Executive Committee
of the State Grange, as the organ of the Patrons of
Husbandry in Tennessee. It will appear monthly,
and oftener, should the subscription and advertising-
patronage justify it. Each Grange, through its
lecturer, will receive one copy gratuitously, and the
paper will contain the reports of the Executive Com-
mittee of State Grange officers and of the National
Grange, "Suggestions for the good of the Order,"
and all other official matters of interest to the Pa-
trons. 75 cents a year, in advance.

George Francis Train's Paper is an eight-
paged lloyal-Quarto, the use of which is exceedingly
doubtful, although it may fill a vacum in the social
circle of those who delight in the atmosphere of ex-
tremes. We do not think it will be a very efficient
help to any cause it may advocate, because of its
ultra, or overwrought political seutiments.

The Real Estate Bkokek, an eight page month-
ly, S. H. Peirsol, editor, Parkersburg, West Virginia,
at 50 cents a year, circulation 2,500.

"By the way. West Virginia received the award
against the world, at the Centennial, for the finest,
heaviest, and best quality of wheat."

The North American Ayrshire Register,
wherein every animal is traced to importation; Vol.
H., 1S77, by E. Lewis and Jas. N. Sturtevant, South
Farmington, Mass. Historical and critical.

The Wonders op Blue Glass, as Seen Through
a Glass Bluely," a burlesque, by Sam C. Upham,
Philadelphia, No. 25 S. Eighth street, 1877. Price
10 cents. 15 illustrations.

The Naturalist's Agency, publishers .and im ■
porters of standard scientific books, S. E. Cassins,
Salera, Mass.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

HI.

E. F- Kunkel's Bitter Win© of Iron.

E. F Kunkel's celebrated Hitter wiue of Iron will effectu-
lUy cure liver comv laint, jaudice, dy'«pei>Ri:i. r^ironic or iier-
vouB debility, cbronic diaratioea, diueimc of the kiduoya aud
ftU dlBi*;iBeB urmiTig from a disordered livrr, utomuch or iii-
tostincH. Hiicb !in cunatijintion, flatulenct*. inwiird piles, full-
ness of b:ood t<) the he. d, nridity of ih:* alo'nach, nauee:i
beartburti, diHguBt for fuod, fnltueMH or weiKht In the
Btomaoh, eiuctutioiif, Bitiking or flutteriu^lat the pit of the
Btoniach. HWiminiiiK of the he;id. hurried or ilitVicult breath-
ing, flurtoiiiiK at the heart, ehukinp or HufTticnting aoiiKa-
tiou when in a lying posture, diuiuess of vision, dots or
webs h.'fojo the Bit;ht, dull imiu in the heud, detioiency i>f
perspirHtion, yriluwiiehH of the Hkiu and cyi-H, pain in the
side, back, he;id. chest, linibfl, etc, »Hddi-u flutthea of boat,
burning in the flOHh, ctuiHtHnl iniaginingH of evil aud great
depression of spirits. Price $1 j er bottle. B^-wareof couu-
terfeitH. Do not let your druggist palm off some other pre-
paration ol iron; he nuiy nay it is us good, but iisk for Kiin-
kol's Biit»-r Wine of Iron. Take no other. Kunkel's Bitier
Wine of Iron is not sold in bulk— only iu $1 bottles. K F.
Kuukel, Proprietor, No. 259 North Nii.th .Street, Philadel-
phia, Va. Sold by all druggists imd doalei's everywhere.

Tape Worm Reinoved Alive.

Head and all complete, in two hours. No fee till bend pasB-
es. Sent, Piu atid Stomach Worms removed l)y Dr. Kunkel,
y59 North Ninth Street, Philadelphia, Pa, Siti< for circu-
lar. For removing Seat, Pin or Htumach Worms call on
your druggist and usk for u bottle of Kunkel's Worm Syrup,
price fl. It never fails. Common aenao teichrs if Tape
Worm be removed, all other wormB can be rfadilv destroyed.

Totlio WorkliiKT i'lnxH. — We are now pn-pared to
furnisu all cIhshos with couatant empljymeut at home, the
whole of the time, or for their spare moments. BuaineHB
new, light iind piofltable. Persons of either sex ciisjly earn
from 60 cents to $5 per evening, and a proportional sum by
devotiug their whole time to the business. Boys aud girls
earu nearly as much as men. That all who see ttiis noijce
may send their adkress, and teat the business we make this
unparalleled offer : To such its are not well aatiHfi.'d we will
send oue dollar to pay for the trouble of writing. Full i>ar-
ticulars. samples worth several dollars to commence work
on, and a copy of Home aud Fireside, oueof the hTgest and
best Illustrated Publications, all seut free by mail. Reader,
if you want permanent, iirotilable work, address,

»-3— tm Georgk Stinson & .Co., PortUnd, Maine

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DBALBB IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Repairing strictly attendedHo.

ZiFklini'S COTlNlElTt.,

North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa.

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

Linen and Paper Collars and CufiBi

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

E. J. EEiWaN'S,

No. llO North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Hotel.

Genuine Peruvian Guano.

N?l.
PERUVIAN

GUANO.

.WARRANTED!

As received direct from Pcruvlin Got-
ernmeiit ARcute.

RuHsEi. h Cos. AMMONIATKD 8U-
PEKl'HOSPHATE OF LIMK, the bent in
the murket. GROUND BONE— the pur-
est and best. FARM IMRLKMENT8—
the lateet improved.
The above sold at very low prices, to
meet the demands of Hard Times.
Send for 2M Annual Pamphlet.

H. B QRIFFINO,
60 Cortlandt 8'.., New York City.

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877

CASSIMERES,

C'OATINUH, .WORNTERDS,

YESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, etriiiotl auil difiRonal^for HijrijiR mid Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and ClotbiiiK Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(EstabliNhed in the year 1840),

Corner of North Qiiecn and OrauKe-Sts.,
LANCASTER, PA.

Extra fluiflhed and trimmed, Ueady-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOTS,

and clothing cat or made to order in the raoat aatisfactory
macuer.

A fiue line of GENTS' FUUNISHINa GOODS, and
goods sold by the yitrd or i<iece,

RATHVON & FISHER,
»-l-lr Pr»c»ic»l Tailora.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANOFACTUKER OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

NADDI.RN.

COLLARS, "WHIPS, <fec.,

ALSO DKALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Qlovee, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

»-l-ly LANCASTER, PA.

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IMPROVE YOUR POULTRY,

Dark Brahma, Brown Leghorn, Plymouth. Rock, S. S.
Hamburg and Uoudan

EGOS FOR .SALE.

My fowls are of the best and egKS warranted fresh.

Address HAYON H. TSHUUY,

9-4-2T1 Litit/.. I'K.

FOR DINTKIC'T ATTOR.>'EY.

th:oma.s j. d^vis,

6tk WASH, LAHCASTES CIT7,
Subject to Kepubllcan Rulea.

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. G. RHOADS.

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wbolesila and Retail Dealer* In

DIAMONDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVEEWARE, SFECTACLES,

Bronzes. Clocb and Watckakers' Materials,

JOBBKI\S IN AmEIIICAN WaTCH^ES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations ii] Foreign Goods.

9-1 -ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

7 varieties of either Klowor or Vegotable NKkOA for W
cente, poHt paid. " Floral Tribute " 15 ceritn.

E. E. JORDAN.
9-3-2m 29 Savaunahnt., Itocbtmer, N. T.

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HARDWARE.

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TERRA com, IRON aiS LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
8E£D§,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Agenta for the

'■ Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank'a Scales,
Duponf 8 Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, &o., <tec.

We bare the largest stock of general Hardware In the
State, and our prices are as low aud terms an llt>eral as can
bo found elstwbere. 9-l-tf.

FOR UINTRK'T ATT4»I(.>' KY.

B. W. ESHLEM^N,

Hnbjert to Republican Rale*.

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[ March, 1877.

LADIES !

WB HAVE JUST OPENED

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

NTORE,

A SEW LOT OP

HAMBURG EMBROIEEREDEBGINGS

AND

INSERTINGS.

AT THE VEBT LOWEST PRICES. A!«o,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corseta, Kid Gloves,

:Ea:osi:Ej:E=L''^,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Keckties in all shades
and styles,

CEAPE BOXNETS & HATS,

B0CHIKG8,
an Biylea and wldtbi, and everTthmg elie in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR,
that is good, desirable and cheap.
0lTe na a call at

Ko8. 142 & 144 North Qapen-gt,LancaBter., Pa.

»-l-1y

DON'T FAIL TO

USE THE

Buffalo Honest Fertilizers

ON ALL SPEING CBOPS.
Ammoiiiated Bone Snper Phosphate,'

PURE GROUND BONES.

The purity of these goods ib guaranteed, and their stand-
ard proved by regular aniilyttie uf Prof, G. A. Liebig of
Baltimore, aud other eminent chemiBts.

Hi;;lieHt Premium and Medal of Honor
awarded by llae t'euteuuial t'omntisslou of
the Internnlioual J-'xpoNJlion. Phila., 1S76.

Send for new Spring Circular, containing full directions
snd leBtimouialB.
9-2-3t.] Office 252 Washington St., Buffalo, N. Y.

FROM ONE TO SIX-HORSE

FARM & FREIGHT WAGONS.

The befit proportioned, bept ironed, lightest running and
beapeBt Wagons in the market.

W. D. SPRECHCn <1- SOV,

9-3-2m 31 Eaet King-st., Lancaster, Pa,

flJCC +« ^^17 " ^^'^ek to Agfuts. $10 Outfit Fret.
VUU LU vt> / / P. O. VICKERY, Augusta, Maine,
8-S-ly '

AMOSMILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTURKU OF AND DEALER IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars

Bridles, Whips, tc. Also a fine lot of Trunks, Valises,
Carpet Bags, ButTalo Robes.

Harness and Trvinks neatly repaired.

S-l-ly

SE

EDS

For the FI.OWEK »nd TE«F.TARI.E GARMEK and ttae FARM.

Our 1877 Combined priced Catalogue of Seeds, Plants and Blooded Live Stock and Fancy

Poultry Free to all.

The Philadelphia Practical Farmer of Dtc. 30, notices our Catalogue as follows : "We have received an illustrated man-
ual and descriptive catalogue of imported aud thoroughbred live stock, Alderney, Ayrshire and Short horned ('attle, Chea-
ter White, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland ihiim Uogs. Cotswold and Southdown Sheep, land and water Fowls,
fancy Pigeons an-l Dogfi, owiied, bred and for sale by Eensoii & Burpee, of Philadelphia.

This is emphatically the best and most complete live etocK Catalogue we have received. It contains not only illustrationa
and price lists of stock, but gives in addition a large amount of valuable practical information on the breeding and mau-
ngement of diflerent varieties and is very useful as a reference book. Mesgrs, Benson <k Burj^ee have now on hand a very
fine lot of breeding stock, and we feel confident that customers will be well pleased with purchasee made from them.

Price 20 cents.

JUST OUT ! THE POTILTRY YARD. How to Fubnibh and Manage It. By W, Atlee Burpee. A new and prac-
tical treatise, at a popular price, for every farmer and amateur in poultry breeding. It treats of Poultry Houses an d
fiituren nests, yards, &c., poultry at liberty and in confinement, the best breeds for various purposes, selection of stock,
mating for breeding, feeding of adult fowls aud young chicks, condiments and general care and attention^requisite to suc-
cesB in this often neglected branch of rural industry.
It also contains practical hints on the raisingand management of Turkeys, Geese, Ducks and Guineas.

Beautiful Colored Frontispiece of a trio of Fo^wls. Price 50 cts., post free.

EGGS FOR HATCHING of all choice varieties. LAND AND WATER FOWLS. Also very flue Chester White,
Yorkshire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland China Pigs; Cotswold and Southdown Sheep, Alderney and Ayrshire Oattle
and calves now for sale.

ADDBE.. BENSON & BURPEE,

Seed Warehouse, 223 Church St., Philadelphia, Fa.

Prize Medal Awarded by tbe CenlcimiaJ
Comiiiission to

IMPROVED BUTTER TDBS AND COOLERS.

With movable Ice Cham-
bers, Patented Jan. 12,
1875, Best in the market.
Are made of white cedar,
bound with jjiilvanized
iron or braee hoops.
Within the tub is fitted a
tin Cooler, having a
movable Chamber for
ice at each end. On the
tiu is constructed a se-
ries of ledges, on which
rest the shelves for sup-
porting the butter (Print
Butier); are used without shelves for Roll Butter. Can be
locked lor shipping. Hinges, Hasps, and Fixtures, are tinned
to render theii rust proof. J. G. H OKUJMCK,

9-3-3ra Msnufacturer, No. 603 N, Second-st., Phila.

PIMFZ.SS.

I will mail (Free) the receipt for preparing a simple Veg-
etable Balm that will remove Tah, Fbeceleb, PIMi LES
and BLOTCHES, leaving the skin soft, clear and beautiful;
also instructions for producing a luxuriant growth of hair
on a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vandelf k
Co., Box 5121, No. 6 Wooster St., N. Y. .[9-l-6m

MAMMOTH CORN.

Bvery farmer send for package of Mammoth Corn, which
in ordinary ground will yield 125 bushel per acre, besides
ripens much sooner. It is perfect flour com, grows thre»
ears on each stalk. Club together and send for one dozen
packages. It is put up in packages at the following price :

One package 35 cts.

Two *' 50

Six *• 1.40

One dozen packag-cs 2.30

Two •* " 3.70

Send at once to

CASEY'S SEED CO.,

9-3-3m Harrifl'^TiAnllw, Meigs co., Ohio,

EZRA F. BOWMAN,

Practical Watchmaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 106
E(%Mt Kins' Ntreel, a new aud well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

Amejican Watches from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imjiorted Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver Cases, in weights to suit jjurchasers. American and
imported Clocks in over fifty differeiit styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their
quality. Watches and Clocks carefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
aU, 9^-6m

ESTABLISHED 1832.

a. SENEK <fe SONS,

Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

The beet Sawed SHIl*'GI>EKiu the country. Also Sash,
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best I'OAI^ constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnat-8t8.,

9-1-ly

$1 a Year

(To 8nb«crn>pr8 io
■( the couuty.

SZ1T6LE COFZES 10 CEITTS.

To tTibBcribrrF ont of >
the county. (

$1.2B.

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTEPx, MAY 15, 1877.

LINNa:t7S EATEVON, PuMiaher.

CONTENTS OrmiS NUMBER.

To AilTcrtiscrs, .----.. 65

The European War, ... - . 65

A Reminder, 65

What the Birds Accomplish, - - - - 65

Monthly Reminder — May, - - - - - 65

Tobacco Stems, ...-.- 65
Manuring Lands, -------66

American Pomoloijical Society, - - - 66

Six Montlis for an Owl, - - . - 60

State Board of Agriculture, - • - - 66

CORRESPONDENCE.

A Voice From the South, - - - - 66

Lime and Oyster Shell Bark Louse, - - - 66

Oyster Shell Bark Louse, - - - - 67

The Sener Apple, 67

Shitepoke (liutoriiks viresccits), - - - 68

The Lancaster Farmer, - - - - 68

The Exchange List, ----- 68

Lancaster County Peaches — Sener's Favorite, - 6H

The IVrmancnl Exhibition, - - - - 69

Seed Wheat— 7Wfr S. Heist, - - - - 69

How Shall we Know how to Plant Fruit Trees

—Jo/m B. f.'rh, ----- 69

Book Keeping by Farmers — ,4. B. K., - - 70

Docs the Water Strike Through— -I. - - 70

Southwest ilissouri — SUhtaj A. Gaylvr. - - 70

Incidental Suggestion — J. - - - - 71

Millions for Middlemen — Pennies for Producers - 71

Landscape Gardening lor Farmers, - - 7-

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Agricultural and Horticultural Society, - - 73

Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - 74

Crop Reports — Essay hj Mr. Landis — Tobacco

Hou8f8 — Refarre(i vieBtious,

Bee Keepers' Association, - - - - - 75

The Linmeau Society, ----- 75

THE TOBACCO TRADE.

How Lancaster County Forced to the Front, - 76

The New York Tobacco Trade, - - - 76

Exports of Tobacco from New York, - - - 76

AGRICULTURAL.

Pennsylvania Wheat Crop, - - . . 70

Is Wheat Culture Decliningf - - - - 70

Culture of Broom Corn, ----- 77

A Farm that Ruined the Owner and made his

Fortune Afterwards, - - - - - 77

Measuring .Corn iu Bulk, - - - - 77

Haying, -.------77

Farm Profits in America, - - - - 77

The time to Spread Manure, - - - - 77

Manure on Frozen Ground, - - - - 77

Profit in a Good Soil, 77

Wheat and Chess, ------ 77

Oats and Peas, -------77

Clean out the Weeds, ----- 77

Liquid Manure, -------77

HORTICULTURAL.

Raising Onion Sets, ----- 77

Cherries, --------77

Small Fruits in Gardens, ----- 77

Look at Your Orchards, ----- 77

Japanese Persimmon, ----- 77

The Peach Crop, - 78

Potatoes, --------78

Peas in Missouri, ------ 78

Profits in Almonds, ----- Jj

Twenty Ounce Apples, 7S

Large Strawberries, ----- 78

Fruit Prospects, -------78

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Preserving Fggs, - 7S

Lemonade for an Invalid, ----- 78

Beef Extract, ------- 78

Barn Wash, 78

Painting Buildings, ----- 78

Cleaning Silk, -------78

Household Recipes, ----- 78

LIVE STOCK.

Ayrshire Cows, ------- 79

Does Buckwheat Poison Sheep, - ■ - 79

Care of Dairy Cows, ------ 79

Mild Diet for Cattle, ----- 79

Water Your Cattle, ------ 79

Safety for Rats and Mice, . - - - 79

Advice to Drivers, .-..-. 79

Pay Attention to Live Stock, - - - 79

Durham Cows, ------- 79

THE POULTRY YARD.

Look to the Chicks in May, - - - - 79

To Keep a Fowl House, - - - - 79

Chickens Fit to Eat, ----- 79

Lice on Poultry, ------- i-0

Cure for Chicken Cholera, - - - - 80

The .Moulting Season, ------ 80

Literary and Personal, ----- 80

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Hade a i»rommfiit leuturc, with ejiecial reU-rtnce lo the
wauts of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit -Qrovrer.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited ty Prof. S. S. RATHVON.

TERMS:

To BubBcribers residing within the couuty —
One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - - _ _ . _ 5,00

Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50

To Bubscribera outnide of Laucawter county, including
postage prc-r*!**! by the publJBborB;

One Copy, one year, - . - . . - $1.25

Five Copic-^, one year, . - - - - - 5.0c

All HUbecriptione will commence wlh the January num-
ber unlePB other'wiBe ordered.

All coiuiiHUiicutionB intended for publicatiuu ehontd be
addrcBBCil tu the Editor, iiud, to secure iuKt-rtion, tthould be
in hiB hands \>y the llrtit of the month of publication.

All buHiness letters, containing KubBcriptious and adver-
tieementB, should be addresMcd to the publisher.

LINNvEUS RATHVON,

a2 South Queen Street. Lancaster, Pa.

RATES OF ADTKKTISING — Ten <'<-iil>. m
line for ench Innertlon. Twelve buea lo tbv ujota

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DRAI.hlt IK

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY! TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Repairing Btrictly attended^lo

North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa.

9-1- ly

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ELIZABETH STOCK FARMS.

Registered Pure-Bred and High Grade

Jersey Bull, Cows and Calves,

t'onNt-iintly on llnii<l niKt
I or SbIo.

BERKSHIRES BRFD WITH CARE.
COLIN CAMERON,

9~4-ly] Brt<>k<>rTlll«>. I>finrn«iie'r ro., PH.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

A VALUABLE PREEVilUM GIFT

TO ETERT PATRON OF THIS PAPER!

On receipt of this Coupon, together with Fifty Ceuts to pay for Ex-
press or Mailing charges, we will send FREE, an elegant

Cat out this Coupon and send to the Stnart Importing Co. for redemption.

PREMIUM COUPON.-

RUSSIA LEATHER POCKET-BOOK,

and with ANY INITIAL LETTER DESIRED, neatly etampea in Gold. (Retail price,
Tliia Coupon ia good only ninett bays from the date of ihis paper.
(Signed) STUART IMPORTING CO., 509 Broadway, New York.

WITH
PATENT LOCK,

$1.50.)

AMERICAN JEWELRY COMPANY'S

AMETHYST CASKET S:

FREE

lENT

to nnr ndflresK, with oMr >Je\v IIIasErated Catalogue 'in hoot forna)t
cotHHining over 5U0 full size enj,'ravins.< ol the lulp^t «[ylfs of Jewelry
and Walchc's (of our owu manufacture ), with valuable inlormatioa
HOW TO BKCOMB AGENTS.

Our Amethyst Casket oootaina one eleKantly engraved Lady's Brooch, Amethyst settinfr; one pair
elegantly eugrnved I.adv's Ear Drops, amethvst Kettings; one eleijant .\niPthyst Ring inlaid with Pearls,
one elegant pair of Amethvst Sleeve Buttons; one elesant Amethyst lient'a Pin; Three (3) elegant
Amethyst Studs; one elegant engraved Cross; one elegant engraved Collar Button; one elegant Band King,
engraved " Friendship;" one elegant heavy Wedding Ring; all of which are the Hiiest gold-plate, ana tua
exact size of the engravings in this announcement, and arranged in a beautiful white pink-lined casket.

On receipt of Seventy-Five (T.'Sl Cents, to pay cost of postage and packing, the above Amethysl
Casket and Cataloane will be SENT FREE by mail, postpaid. Thia auuounceoient is mads In
introduce the elegant stvlea of Jewelry manufactured by us. Address.

AMERICAN JEWELRY COMPANT.— CINCINNATI, OHIO

(I TC't, li 1 vc <av ftni I ■• ~ ' Ji. .. ™^..-l r.!».<Vi.-. A r^^r.thtrc* Ciclrat f\f t}-ia Ai>iOT-ii,<iii.Iu\tm1w('niiiii"iii\" mill li'

Idem to tj« iu evtT>

Uli** goods in the Amethyst Casket of the Anierit-an -lewplrv Cnnipany, and M:
;ty as iviireseuttd.''— .SuuTiiKRN" Agkicultukist. LouisvilK-. K-. .

RateN «*f Adverlisiitg: in the Farmer.

1 mo....

2 mo....

3 mo ....

4 mo....
f» mo....

5 mo....
1 year ,

1 i...

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4 m.

5 iu.

J 4.011

$ 6.00

•2 OU, 4.UII

6.110

S.OO

12.00

2.50; 4.50

0.7.)

10.00

13.50

3.00

COO

9.00

12.00

18.00

4.50

9.00

1.S.60

IS. 00

27.00

6.00

1-2.00

18.00

24.00

36.01

9.00

18.00

•2T fO

36.00

64.00

{ 8.00
16.00
18.00
24.00
36.00
48.00
T2 00

J^"S>eciiil a- .1 hu =

GOOD BOOKS

1(11; THK

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The foUowlLs is a list of V:ilual..le Books, which will be
supplied by the Editor of the 'Lancvstek Fakmeb, N.j.
101 North Queeu St. Auy one or more uf ibese books will
be sent post paid to auy of our readers ou receipt of the
regular i>rice which ia uiiuicd i:gaiust eich book

Allen's (R. L. t L. F,] New American Farm Bool! .?2 50

Allen's (L. F.) .\mericnii Cattle.* 2 .'>u

Atwood's Country and Subiiibuu HiiuBes 1 M

Bommer's method of Milking MnuuieB '25

Breck'a New Book of t lowers ITS

Brill's Favm-Qardeuing and Seed-Growing 1 ou

Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, ]3ino I 60

Dadd's Americmi Cattle Doctor, I'i mo 1 :>n

Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Essays by practical growers,) 30

Fuller's Grape CuUurist 150

Fuller's Small Fruit Culturist 1 •'jO

Fulton's Peach Culture 1 SO

Gregory on Squashes pajier.. 30

Harris ou the Pig 1 60

Henderson's Gardening for Pleasure 1 50

Henderson's Gardening tor Profit 1 50

Heuderson's Practic.il Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hiuts 10 Horse-Keni ers , ITS

Bop Culture. By nine experienced cultivators 30

Hunter and Trapper 1 "0

Onions— How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acras. Pa., 30c.; Clo., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00

Parsons ou the Rose 1 •'>"

Quinby's Mysleiies of Bee-Keepiug 1 wi

Quincy (Hon. Joslah) on Soiling Cattle 1 25

Quin n's Money in the Garden 1 50

Quiun's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00

Eilev's Potato I'ests Pauer 50 cts.; oloth., 75

Boe's Play and Profit iu my Garden 1 50

Stewart's Irrigaton for the Farm, Garden snd Orchard I dO

Stewart's Stable Book 1 50

Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 1 5ii

Stoddard's Ann Egg Farm paper, 50 cts.; cloth 75

Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 1 ^0

Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 150

Tobacco Culture, By fourteeu experienced cultivators. 25

Waring'a Draining for Profit and Health 1 50

"Wariug's Elements of Agriculture 1 OO

■White's Cranberry Culture 1 25

■VN'right's Practical Poultry-Keeper* 2 00

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTURER OP

FREfi/CH CALF BOOTS FREfl/CH KID BOOTS

r-OR FOtt

«E!S'ri>EMK5*. LADIES.

No 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

HVNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.

9-1-ly

TO COITSrMPTIVES.

The advertiser having beeu jiernianeutly cured of that
dread dise;i8e. CousumptioTi], by a siint>le remedy, ia anxious
to m:ike kuuwu to his fellow sufferers the ineaiiB of cure.
To all who de-sire it, he will eeud a copy of the prescription
used, (free of charge), with the directinim for prepariuK and
usiug the si.ijie, ftbicli they will hud ;i suitE Cukk for Oon-
suMPTicy, Asthma. Bbonchitis, &c.

Parties wishing i be prescriptiou will please addrCBS,

Rev. E. A. "WILSON, if-l Peuu St.. Williiimsburg, N. Y.
9-1 -(>ni]

HRRQRS OF YOUTH.

AGKNTLEMAN who suffered for yearn from Nervous
Debility, Prcumture Decay, and all the efi'ects of youth-
ful indiscretion will, for the sake of sufleriug humanity,
send free to nil who ueed it, the receij't and direction for
making tlie simile :imedy by which be vr^is cured. SufTer-
ers wishing to profit by the adve'tiser'a experience can do
Ro by addressing iu i)erfect confidence,
9-l-6ni] JOHN B. OGDEN, 42 Cedar St., New York.

AMOSMILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTURKU OF AND DEALER IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars

Bridles, Whiis, &c. Also a fine lot of Truuks, 'Valises,
Carjjet Bags, Bufl'alo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.

9-l-ly

E. H. FRESHMAH & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.

• I

Are anthorlzed to contract for advertising
in tbis paper.

Esimates [waM. free. Senil for a Cucolar.

Great Stock-Breeder's Monthly.

^THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCK

JOURNAL,

Published at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THI8 GREAT MONTHLY in universally acknowl-
ledged to bewi hout a rival iu its department of
Journalism. Each number contains 4S large pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover,
and is Beautifully lUustrattd with elegant double-
plate engravings. It is the only i-aper in the world
devoted exclusively to iive-siock and the dairy. It
discusses the science of breeding, the nierits of the
various breeds, the most approved methods of feed-
ing and handling, and everything j-ertaiuing to the
Buccetsful management of live stock on the farm.
During the year 1ST7, Prof. Jamep L.\w, the emiuent
veterinary of C-^rnell University, will cuutribute a
series of articles upon the laws of health ;aid disease
as applied to Domestic Animals, that canuot fail to
be of great value to Farmers and Stock Breeders
every where. It contains separate DejjjirtmeutH,
devo'ed to HOUSES, CATTLK, SHEEP.SWINE and
the DAIRY, end its corjis of editors are recognized
throughout the entire country bs the Most Thor-
ough, Able and Pr.^ctical writers in the seuarate
departments, that Ciii be found in America. No ex-
pense is s; ared on the I'ait of its X'tiblishers, to
make it a hiyh-toned, reliable, practical and inatriif:-
(iw Ji'urnal. just STich as every intelligent fanner
and stock breeder will find worth ten times its cost
each year.

TEE^IS. — Single copies, one year, postage raid,
S2.1o: Clubs of five, postage ].;iid, ^I-*>0; Club*
of ten, with au extra copy free to person ranking up
club, postage pre-ii:iid, 91. 65. Handmmely IUuh-
trated posters mailed to all who irill get up clubs. Ad-
dress letters, registering thos*' containing niouey,
unless iu sunpe of Postal Order or Draft, to

STOCK JOUKNAL COMPA^Y, Publishers.
Lakeside Building, CHICAGO, ILLS.
C:S^Sknd '20 Cents for Spkcimkn Copt. [9-3-3m

FITS AND ^ EPILEPSY,
FALLING SICKNESS

Perma!i»^ii<I.V Cured— n<> hniiiSnijj— l>y one
nioiitSi's iiSR.^4> of ikr. Goiilai'tr.H I'clebratcd
IiitalMlbo Fil Powders. Tu convince suiierers that
these jiowders will do yll we claim for them, we will wend
them by mail, post paid, a free Trial l>ox. As Dr.
Goulard is the only iihysician that has ever made this dis-
ease a specinl study, and as to our kuowledge thousands
have been parnianeiitBy cured by the use of these
Pou'derH, ne Mill ^laHrniilee a permanent
cure iu every case, or refund you all money ex-
pended. All sufferers should give these Powders au
aarly trial, and be convinced of their curative powers.

Price for large box S3,< 0, or 4 boxes lor $10, 0(^, sent by
mail to any part of United States or Canada on mceipt of
price, or by express, C. O. D. Address,

9-5-ly

ASH & ROBBINS,

?.CAi FunXON STBEET. BitOOULTN. N. Y.

CONSUMPTION

All sufferers from this disease that are anxious to 1)b
cured should try Sir. 8i.is**ner"s <Vlebrated Con-
sumptive Powders. These Powders are the only
prepaiatiou known tlnit will euro CVnsiiniplion and all
diseases of the Throat aeid Ijiin^.^ — indeed, so strong
is our faith in them, and also to convince you that they are
no humbug, we will forward to eveiy sufferer, by mail, post
paid, a free Triafi Hox.

We don't want your money until you are perfectly satis-
fied o! their curative i ower.s. If your life is worth saving,
don't delay in giving these Pow^ler** a trial, as they will
surely cure you.

Price, for large bos. 5.",00, sent to any part of the United
States or Canada by mail on receipt of price.

Address, ^

ASK Sc ROBBINS,

9-'i-lv acil Fulton Streei, Brooklyn, N. Y.

TflSlTEyunraiR

M'lll enable you to
market your but-
ter in the best pos-
8 i b le couditiou.
Competent judges
who have handled
butter shipped Iu
it to the Philadel-
phia market, pro-
nounce it the beat
irraugement for
•:irryiugpriDt but-
<■: they ever SiiW.
\v.\ru. print or pat
- curried in a sep-
i ;ite cup that can-
Mi)t be broken, vip-
s^t, nor get out of
]ilace.

All sizes and
forms of cups and
box will be made.
Circulars with
full description
and price list free.

E. L. R"BSH,
U9 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.

9.5-ly

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof: S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., MAY, 1877.

Vol. IX. No. 5.

TO ADVERTISERS.

The Lancaster Farmer with its greatly
iiuTcased subscriiition list, .and its widely ox-
tended circulation, i.s claimed to he the best
adverli.sin;; niedimn now in the county of
Ijancaster — copie.s of it iioins to neaiiy every
.State in the Union, as well as to Canada and
Europe — es|M'Cially as it hrintrs to the notice
of tlie faruiin'; public such objects, articles and
implements, as tlioy are ininiediately interested
in, in their occupations. This is apparent from
the fact that it may be at any time more con-
veniently referreil to than a large folio, which
is usually either torn uii, used for other pur-
poses, or folded up and laid away, anil often
lost.

All who patronize it are householders or are
members of a household, where every number
Iiermanently occupies the literary shelf or
table, is always accessible, and is frequently
referred to from the beginning to the end of
the intervening months.

At the end of each volume a copious index
accompanies the December nundjer, and when
hound, it becomes a handsome volume of read-
ing m.atter that is always available and inte-
resting.

■ But chiefly, as an advertising medium, it
reaches that sid)stantial class of reliable
citizens whose patronage is the most desirable
to those who have anytliing to sell — who pur-
chase what they want, and who pay for what
they purchase.

Our rates are low, and a reasonable deduc-
tion will be made for increased space, and
length of time. — J'lih.

THE EUROPEAN WAR.

It is just )iossil)le that before the end of the
year it may be demonstrated in Lancaster
county an<i elsewhere, that a larger acreage
should have been devoted to wheat, corn, po-
tatoes and oats, and less to toliacco. Not that
the demand for tobacco will be less, but that
the demand for wheat, corn, potatoes and
oats, is likely to be more, in consequence of
the war. Note the present market of these
products, and sec which is making the heaviest
advances. It is true, that through the deft
intrigues of diplom.acy, a long and devastating
war may be averted ; but this is not likely;
the cards have been too long " shullling,"and
as they now seem to be " stocked," it is likely
th;it the "game" will be played o>it to its
Ijitter end. The extra costs for breadstuffs
and horse feed, exorbitant as it may become,
is nothing in comparison with the human
suffering, the fearful carnage, the death, de-
vastation and general demoralization which
will follow in the wake of the contending
armies.

Any one who has ohseiTed closely the po-
litical history of Europe for the last twenty
years or more, must have be.eu impressed with
the idea that the "Powers" were jealous of
each other, and that in all their adroitly con-
structed treaties, there was ,a mental reserva-
tion that contemplated the ultimate absorp-
tion of Tiirkry, by one or the other of them, if
no amicable division could be made of its
tempting domain. This war may not lead to
its ostensible dismemberment ,as a nation, but
if there is no cffi dive interference by an allied
l)ower .against Russia, it is likely to dwindle
down to a tributary province — .so far as
" Turkey in Europe" is concerned, at least.

I?ut, if the w;ir is long, general, and de-
structive, we perhaps will l)e llnancially bene-
fited ; l)ut we hope no Christian nation will
desire to prosper at such a fearful sacritice of
the human family. If prosperity comes, we of
course will not reject it, for in its rejection we
may but increase the distress of the afflicted
countries.

A REMINDER.

Those of our rciulers who have not attended
to the removal of the cocoons of the "drop-
worms," the pupu'of the "cabbage but terlly,"
the eggs of the "lent cateri>illar," or the caji-
lure of (he jiarents of the "canker-worm,"
will now lind it too late to contend succi^ss-
fully with those insects, as some will be se-
creted by the foliage of the trees, and others
will have already evolvi'd from their pujiii', or
have deposited their eggs. lint, from this
time forward, a war of extermination should
be w.aged against the "Colorado potato bee-
tle," wherever or whenever it may make its
iijipearance. One impregnated female, de-
stroyed before .she has oviposited, is e(iual to
destroying one thousand later in the season,
and will save much Paris (ireen or other rem-
edies, besides .a great .amount of weary and
vexatious lal)or. Now also, and the coming
month, is the most prolilic period of insei-t
evolution in the whole year— quite as much so
with some siiecies as all the rest of the year
I)ut together. The "striped apjile tree borer,"
the "tlat-headed aiiple tree borer," the "linden
tree borer," the "rasiiberry boi-er," the "cur-
rant borer," the "iieach tree Vwrer," the "po-
tato stock borer," and a host of otlier noxious
insect borers, will all elTect their linal trans-
formations during the perio<l indicated above,
evolve from their long pupal sleep, and j;o
forth on their destructive mission. Peach,
pear, apple and <iuince trees slundd have the
surface borers cut out. and thos(^ buried deep-
er in the wood should be gouged or poisoned
out, and the bases of the trees should be pro-
tected against the attacks of matured in.sects
of the present season, when their ovipositing
period arrives.

WHAT THE BIRDS ACCOMPLISH.

"The swallow, swift and night-hawk are
the guardians of the atmosphere. They check
the increase of insects that otherwise would
overload it. Woodpeckers, creejiers and
chickadees are the guardians of the trunks of
trees. Warblers and lly-catchers protect the
foliage. I51ackl)irds, crows, thrushes anil
larks protect the surface of the soil. Sniiie
and woodcock protect the soil under the sur-
face. Each tribe has its resiiective duties to
perform in the economy of nature. It is an
undoubted fact that if the birds were .all swept
x)fl: the face of the earth, man could not live
upon it. Vegetation would wither and die.
Insects would become so numerous that no
living thing could withstand their att.acks.
The wholesale destruction occasioned by
grasshoppers, which have lately devastated
the west, is undoubtedly cau.sed by the thin-
ning out of grouse, prairie hens, &c., which
feed u\)c)n them. The great and inestimable
service done to the farmer, gardener and tlor-
ist by the birds, is only becoming known liy
sad exi)erience. Spare the liirds, and save
your fruit. The little corn .and fruit taken
by them is more than compensated for by the
quantities of noxious insects they destroy.
The l(uig persecuted crow has been found by
actual experience to do far more good by the
vast (piantities of grubs and insects he de-
vours than the little harm he does in the few
grains of corn he pulls up. He is one of the
farmer's best friends."

We respectfully connnend the above to the
calm consideration of those of our readers
who may feel themselves injured or annoyc<l
by th(^ iiugnacious little English sparrow, that
is now becoming so lunnerous in this country.
A conq>laint comes ui> against him from .sev-
eral quarters, that during the latter jiart of
winter, and the earlj' part of spring, he has
been guilty of destroying the leaf and Howcr
buds of trees, and especially fruit trees. Now

this may be all very true, but tlien taking the
whole (|uestion in its entire economical 8en.so,
it does not make a case against these sparrows
by any means. Thty no doidit ha<l eat(Uj all
the insects, their eggs and their jiuikp, tiiat
were accessible, and linding nolhing else eata-
ble, arul moreover being active little creat-
ures, and bound to live through tlie wniter,
they must nec<'Rsarily have eaten snnictliinij,
or have starved before the opening of spring.
Starving to death nmst be a hard death to
die, and that .animals, or even men, should
clandestinely appropriate the property of
otheis rather than pass through such a trying
ordeal, is not at all surprising. Is not this
suggestive V Should we not be able to con-
clude that this is only another way of a.sking
to be fed. We feed inaTiy animals through
the wilder in order thai we may have the
benelit of their lalMirs during the 8i>ring and
summer, and why not e.xten<l the same provi-
dence to our little feathered friends? .Some-
times insects become so. numerous that the
birds cannot eat them all, and then fault is
found with them again. Nobody pretends
that birds will destroy in.sects for tlie mere
puri)ose of di!stroying thrm, and in obedience
to the comfort and convenience of the human
family. They eat just the quaidily that
their natural instincts dictate they should
eat in order to sustain themselves; and if all
creatures gifted with a higher intelligence
would do the same, we should have a lical-
thier, a wealthier and a hapiiier world.

MONTHLY REMINDER-MAY.

"Thin out the early sown crojis of beets,
parsnips, carrots, etc. Transplant cabbage,
lettuce, egg plants, tomatoes, peppers, etc.,
from the hot-beds, frames and warm border-
seed beds. The sowing of any seeds that were
neglected last month should now he attended
to without del.ay.

"Sow borecole, brussels sprouts, broccoli,
cauhtlower, cabb.age, beans, endive, c.amot,
cucumber, cre.ss, melon, water-mel^, squash,
nasturtion, *martynia, okra, jieas, sweet corn,
liumjikin, tomato, radish and sweet herbs.
Plant ])olatocs, sweet jiotatoes, and any plants
still remaining in the frames or hot beds.

"Water all newly transivliinted jilants at the
time of transplanting, and two or three times
afterward, if the weather is dry, or until the
plants are established.

"Keep the boo going in order to destroy the
weeds, which will now begin to be trouble-
some."

Of course, latitude, elevation, exposure, and
the temperature of the season — its forward-
ness or backwardness — its drought or humidity
— will h.ave a corresponding eftect ui)on these
vegetable productions, but under ordinary cir-
cumstances, in the middle States, this work
should now be done, without delay. The
price of good crops in almost any contingency,
is " eternal vigilance."

TOBACCO STEMS.

It is almost universally conceded tliat to-
bacco growing exliausts the land beyond any
other crop that is usually planted, and there-
fore it is a matter of constant solicitude how
to keep up the necessary fertility of the soil ;
although it is generally conceded that this can
be best accomi>lished by jilwral manuring; hut
there is still .some difference of opinion in
regard to the kind of manure. Good bam-

•The Ioii(f. liorii-t*liaiic<l ^oed-j-odB of MiirtyiiU aro UBfd
for pickliiift when in Ihelr yuunp Krean fllale, and liy nmny
pprttons are vref^rrcd to ciictiml)«ra. Tho wed vbould be
BOwu in HD opon border in April or May, and in Jnnc ahould
be l.-aiit»i-liinted into tho pernianent t*d at a diHtal.co of two
and a-half fcpt apart Mcli way. It will tbrlve in any Rood
garden Koil, but does uot need to be bearily niaQurad.— McX;'«

66

THE LANCASTER .FARMER.

[May,

i

yard manure seems to be most in favor, but
there are many places where tobacco is grown
that this kind of manure caimot be obtained.
Recently, on several occasions, we have noticed
that tobacco stems have been highly recom-
mended as a fertilizing manure.

The stems are broken up, or are laid down
whole, and plowed under. This is supposed —
as in the case of mulching with forest leaves,
around the trees from which the leaves have
fallen — to return to the soil the elementary
substances which had been drawn from it by
the previous crop.

This has suggested to our mind that if these
stems, as well as the " runts," were all gather-
ed, dried, broken into pieces, and then run
through a mill constructed for the pm-pose, so
as to be reduced to a powder, it would make a
capital fertilizer, and would return to the soil
what the previous crop had drawn from it.
There is a probability that the county of Lan-
caster will, in the near future, become a vast
tobacco garden, and therefore there should Ije
some good and cheap manure ready at hand.
This would also furnish occupation during the
''weary waitings" on a market, and would be
the next job after the stripping season. We
merely call the attention of tobacco cultivators
to it, as a subject, for the purpose of experi-
menting on it. — Secor.

^

MANURING LAND.

The quantities of each kind of manures to
be applied to an acre are given below. They
vary much in their range, as the present con-
dition of the .soil as to fertility must be taken
into consideration, and this must be left to the
judgment of the cultivator.

Barn-yard manure : Five to twenty tons, or
thirty to fifty cubic yards.

Bone-dust : Sixteen to twenty bushels, or
from seven hundred to twelve himdred pounds.

Fresh fish : Twenty-five to forty bushels.

Fish guano : Four to six hundred pounds.

Guano : Three to eight hundred pounds.

Gypsum : Five to six hundred pounds.

Horn-shavings : Twenty-five to forty bushels.

Hops : Thirty to forty tons.

Lime : Fiftytoone hundred andflfty bushels.

Night-soil : Twenty bushels.

Poudrette : Twenty-five to thirty bushels.

Salt : Two to six bushels.

Soot : Twenty to fifty bushels.

Sulphur : Six to eight pounds.

SulpMu-ic acid : Thirty to forty pounds.

Super-phosphate : Five hundred to a thou-
sand pounds.

Farmers' refuse : Five to eight hundred
pounds.

*Wood ashes : Twenty to forty bushels.

If there is anything in which amateur culti-
vators are lacking, it is in having a liberal
supply of manure, the very corner stone of all
gardening and field operations. It is there-
fore of the first importance to know how to
make the most of it.

SIX MONTHS FOR AN OWL.

The Osborne county (Kas.) JVii-ma- says:
"We have taken wood, potatoes, corn, eggs,
bulter, onions, cabbages, chickens, stone,
lumber, labor, sand, calico, sauerkraut, sec-
ond-hand clothing, coon-skins aod bug-juice
on subscriptions, in our time, and now a man
writes to us to know if we would send the
paiier six niontlis for a large owl. There are
few things an editor would refuse on subscrip-
tion, and if we come across any fellow who is
out of owl, and is in need of one, we'll do it."

That is a little more liberal than is the case
with srmie peojilc about this "neck of woods,"
who, when they capture an owl or any other
kind of wild fowl, exjiect to be handsomely
compensated for it in sometliing more conver-
tible and sulistautial than the copy of a news-
paper. We have, tried live owl, as a gift, and
our experience is, that a live owl on our hands
is only exceeded by having a "live elephant."
Judging from the above paragraph we should

•If the ashes are leached, from one hundred to one hund-
red aud fifty bushels may be used to advantage. — Dick'a
Girrden,

conclude that the "circulating medium"
about Osborne is something like it was in
North Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana some
years ago; when the Indians and tlie whites
had their social gatherings at the country
taverns, where, when a man called for a single
drink, he would ofter a "coon-skin" at the
bar, and get his drink and three rabl)it skins
in change. In tlie lunilier regions, shingles,
staves and hoop poles were the "current cur-
rency," and when the "vendee" returned to
his home in the evening he carried quite as
heavy a"load" as he did with his currency in
the morning.

"AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY."

Our readers will bear in mind that this dis-
tinguished association — at the invitation of
the Maryland Horticultural Society — will hold
its sixteenth annual session in Baltimore, to
commence on Wednesday the I'ith of Septem-
ber next, at 10 o'clock a. m., to continue
three days. All horticultural, pomological,
agricultural and other kindred associations in
the Ujiited States and the British Provinces,
are invited to send delegations as large as
they deem expedient; and all persons interest-
ed in the cultivation of fruits, are invited to
be present, and to take seats in the conven-
tion. Specimens of all kinds of fruit will be
exhibited, and a large meeting is anticipated.

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Programme of meeting of the Penn'a State
Board of Agriculture, at Harrisburg, commen-
cing Tuesday, May 22, 1877, at 2 p. m.
Meeting for business; report of the Secretary
of the Board; Report of the Chemist of the
Board.

Essay — Fertilizer Laws, by E. L. Sturte-
vant; Essay — Valuation of Fertilizers, by
Secretary ; Essay — Fertilizers on the Eastern
Experimental Farm, by John I. Carter, Sup't;
Essay — On the Choice of Fertilizers, by Secre-
tary ; Essay — The Future of our Board of
Agriculture, by Hon. Jno. P. Edge ; Address
— Influence of Forest on Rainfall, by Thos.
Meehan ; Essay — Tree Planting for Shade,
Shelter and Profit, by Prof. S. B. Heiges ;
Essay — Forest Area of the State, by Secretary ;
Essay— Pleura Pneumonia, by Chas. B. Mich-
ener, V. S.

The report of the Secretary will include a
draft of a iiroiiosed law regulating the manu-
facture and sale of commercial fertilizers in
the State.

Tlie report of the chemist will embrace an
analysis of each of the principal fertilizers used
in the State.

Essays and addresses are expected on other
important subjects.

The meetings are public and all are invited
to participate in the discussions. — Thos. J.
Edge, Secrciarij.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A Voice from the South.

To those who are in the habit of reading —
and we regret to say there are many yet who
have n<it formed this liahit — we have no fears
that the Laxcastek Farmer will not be
ultimately appreciated ; and that, like our
correspondent below, tliey will turn their
attention to our journal as a matter of choice:

Salisbury, North Carolina, 1
April 27th, 1877. )
Lancaster Farmer : — You are always a
welcome visitor to our d(jinieile— perliaps we
.should have more iiroperly said, to the place
where we dat/ at — for truly speaking, we have
no permanent home on this earth, seem this
as it may to others. But to the point. We
regard tiie Fa iniKR as one amongst the best
Agricultural pajters in our whole country, and
have little fear of contradiction, if any. In
saying tliat, to our aiiprehension, you a^re the
best household journal, and if we believe, ex-
press,feel and take an interest in your wflf ire,
living at so remote a distance — we cannot sec

why your own people, the citizens of Lancas-
ter county, the best cultivated county in
America (so far as we have seen and are able
to judge), do not stand by you en nia^sc, and
help to build you up, and keep you as a shin-
ing light before the Agricultural community,
as well as to other matters relating to domestic
economy.

^Ve last visited your great county in 1876 ;
took special notice of j'our lands, productions,
manufactories, live stock, poultry, &c. ; ex-
amined your markets, and concluded you ought
to be the most independent, liai>piest, and
according to your opportunities, the most in-
telligent people on this continent.

Here, we in a measure tread in tlie steps
our fathers trod — that is to say, when we go to
mill, we put the corn into one end of the bag
and a stone in the other to make it balance on
the horse's back. Old haljits and old associa-
tions are hard to get rid of, but we are trying
to surmount them.

Thus far, this year, the season has been
rather backward. Much rainfall and unfavor-
able weather has kept good housewives and
farmers from planting garden and field crops ;
much of neither of which has so far yet been
done this spring. The season being backward
for this latitude, however, does not seem to
have an injurious effect upon wheat, oats and
grass, all of which make a fine appearance, as
far as we have seen and heard. Judging from
present prospects, there will be a bountiful
crop of grain, grass, fruits, &c.

For forty, or more, years past we have
traveled in diflerent States ; read difl'erent
papers — home and transatlantic — tried to be a
close observer of men and things — mineral,
vegetable and animal — but nowhere have we
seen as good a neUured country as this is.
Nature has done much for it, man but little.

With all good wishes for your prosperity,
and a long and happy life, we are truly yours
and the Farmer's friend.— JI/. E.

[We thank our correspondent, not so much
for the high compliment he pays to our paper
as for that which he pays to our comity, and
which, if we are riglit in our conjecturers, is
the old home of him or his ancestors. We
hope our people may eventually realize that
our county can produce as good an Agricul-
tural paper, as it can produce good crops of
corn, wheat, tobacco and fruit, as well as
stock and implements.]

Lime and Oyster Shell Bark Louse.

LiTiz, March ?>!, 1877.

Simon P. Eby, Esq. — Dear Friend.— I
cannot refrain (even in these few last busy
hour's of scrivening) to call your attention to
a few articles that appeared in the American
Aejricidturist, of April nuiutier. The first on
page 12"5, on the bottom of the middle column,
lieaded "Manuring Old Trees." Tlie .second
on page 143, middle column, headed tlie
"Oysfer Shell Bark Louse." Iliave practiced
what those articles suggest, for years past,
with much success; the only difference, in ar-
ticle fir.st, I do not turn the manure under.
If you recollect, we hud a talk aliout manur-
ing orchards and whitewashing trees some
time ago. Foi; over eight years 1 have been
guided principally by my own judgment and
experience, and often found that much to the
contrary of my own practice was said, but I
was not discouraged, because I found that I
was right, and now the same results are seen
l)y some of our cliief fruit growers, with simi-
l;ir aiiplieations. Please look up the articles
and see more fully what they contain. Yours
in haste. — Israel G. Erh.

"Manuring cild trees, or those that have
come into bearing, should have been cared
for last month, or earlier. If they need man-
ure, give it at once. Ni-arly all the "running
out," bitter rot, and other troubles not due to
insects, are merely cries I'or niauure. Stable
manure rarely comes amiss; this may be ap-
plied over the whole surface, except close to
the trees, and turned under with a furrow so
shallow as not to cut the roots. On orchards
already fully manured in previous years, or

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

67

naturally rich in vegetable matter, a dressing
of lime will often iiroduce gratifying results,
and wodd ashes scarcely ever come amiss on
any soils."

[Tl\e foregoing is the first article alluded to
by Mr. E.'s corres]iouili'nt, and no doubt will
be generally accniiesced in, althongh \vc are
aware that some very good orchardists are oji-
poscd to cultivating arouml trees. As to ma-
nure, the vc are other kinds tlian stable ma-
nure that liaveagood effect upon tree culture,
one of which is right at hand, if altenlion is
given to its collection in time, and which re-
turns to the .soil again what the tree had drawn
from it. Two years ago a scientific connnis-
sicm was appointed in tlie city of J.,ondon, to
report on the causes of the (lepletion of the
trees in Jli/dc and oilier /VtrA-.s of that great
city, whilst they were healthy elsewhere.
Tliey made microscopic and chemical analy-
ses of the leaves, and discovered that they con-
tained large quaidities of fertilizing sails, and
tliey came to the conclusion that the trees
were depleted through the constant swec^ping
up and removal of the leaves, instead of
mulching them into the soil. Look at our
great oaks — look at the gigantic trees of Cali-
fornia tliat have stood thousands of years,
perhaps, without ever having bad any ma-
nure,savc what yearly fell from their branches.]
Oyster Shell Bark Louse.

"Crude Petuoleum.— 'B. L. B.,' Proc-
tor's Creek, Va., was six years ago living in
the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and went on
a visit to his father in Central New York, tak-
ing with him a can of crude petroleum, fresh
from the well. His father had two young
apple trees in the garden, which, in spite of
all that could be done for them, were going to
decay, and he requested the son to cut them
down. Mr. B. suggested that he would first
kill the trees, so tliat there should be no trou-
ble from sprouts, and to do this he, in Fel)ru-
ary, took a broom and completely washed the
trunks and larger limbs with tlie crude petro-
leum, noticing at the same time that they
were thickly covered with bark lice. In the
following spring, to the astonishment of all,
the trees starte(l out with renewed vigor, made
a greater growth than they ever did before,
'and the bark was as smooth and as healthy
as that of a one year old .seedling.' Since
then the trees have flourished and borne abun-
dantly. Mr. B. suggests that the application
should be made before the buds swell at all,
as petroleum will kill the foliage. We would
add to tho.se dis|iosed to exiieriment in that
direction, that neither kerosene nor any other
preparation from petrol um should be used as
a substitute for the crude article, just as it is
drawn from the wells."

[We should hesitate to recommend petro-
letmiin any of its forms; but instead of it, oil,
or grease of almost any kind, has been endors-
ed by the highest authority, and we ktiov it
to be effectual, fijr we have tried it on various
occasions. ]

Lime OK Whitewash.— "W. E., "of North
Haven, Conn., takes tlie best fresli-burned
stone-lime, slakes it with hot water, and thins
with cold water to the i)roper consistency to
apply readily, and with a common broom — a
round one preferable — Jiaints over the trunks
and large branches. Thinking that we liad
somewhere seen the statement that lime had
been tried by < it liens without effect, we wrote
to Mr. E. to make sure that it was the Oyster-
iShell lou.se that he had in mind, and be replied
that it was, and finds lime perfectly ellicacioiis.
Though nut now troubled by tlie insect, he
would apply lime wheiu'ver lie discovered it.
Mr. E. I'egards ;i coating of lime-wash as
highly u.seful in other respects, and wonders
why its use is ojijiosed by some. Upon young
trees, in which the bark is still active, we jire-
fer not to clog it with a coat of lime, but if
any wash is needed, use a more soluble one of
lye or soap ; in older trees, when the outer
bark is ih^ad and begins to scale oil', it makes
no dilTerence, except as a question of looks.
In treating this bark louse, as well as in all
contests with insects, success will depend
hugely upon proinpt action, and attacking the

enemy as soon asjiossible after it is discovered.
Young trees e8i)ecially should be watched, for
it is an easy matter to treat a tree, all parts of
which are within reach, compared with an-
other two or three times tlie si/e. We have
no idea that washing the trunk, merely, of a
tree, witli whitewash, )ietroleum, or other
ap)ilica(ion, will rid it of the (iyster-Shell
bark louse. 'Wiese are situated upon the
newer growth and small limbs, and any ai)]ili-
cation that fails to reach these, can be of little
or any service, .so far as this particular insect
is concerned. It is very im]iortaiit to avoid
introducing this pest, and every new tree from
a nursery and el.sewhero should be examined
for bark lice, before jilauting."

[Really, it seems that the question invol-
ving the utility of whitcnvashing trees, is never
to lie definitely .settled. When we were a boy
and worked upon a farm, fifty years ago, it
was rather a conmion thing to whitewash
trees, especially those that were growing in
the yard or the garden. This process usually
followed the whitewashing of fences and out-
hoiKses, and was done with the same material,
and with no particular reference to the bark-
louse, or any other iii.sect, if anything had
ever been known or heard of then. It some-
how was thought to produce thrift in the
growth of the trees, or perhaps more lik('ly
was a mere matter of taste. In after years,
according to the exiierience of some persons,
whose opinions were entitled to respect, it
was alleged that whitewa.shiiig was absolutely
injurious to tlu' trees. Now, how could e(iual-
ly intelligent peojile differ so much in the re-
■s'ults of their individual experiences ? We
apprehend that the difference is just in this
wise. The difference in the kind and the
quality of the limo and the wash, and the dif-
ference in the .ages and conditions of the trees.
The opposers of whitewashing, said it closed
up the pores and arrested respiration, a func-
tion as important to the healthy development
of the tree, as "insensible perspiration " is to
the human liody. In order to increase the
adhesiveness of whitewash, peoiile are in the
habit of putting a greater or lesser quantity
of alum, salt, sugar or glue into it; and if
these ingredients increase its adhesiveness
when applied to fences and frame buildings, it
would adhere too clo.sely to trees to allow free
respiiation and thus injure them, and especial-
ly young, smooth-liarked trees. If the lime
was too acrid, hot, or strong, it would have
the same effect. The whitewashing of large,
old, and rough-barked trees, does not afford a
proper test of the utility of the operation, and
especiall}' when it is done to kill bark-lice;
because, as "W. E." above, trnly says, there
is not the place where these insects locate
themselves. And secondly, because the sur-
face of a rough-barked tree cannot be covered
as com|)letely and as imperviously as a smooth
one can, and there will always he fissures in
the liark that have not been reached by the
brush, and tlirough which res]iiiation is car-
ried on, and could only be effected there,
whether the tree was whitewashed or not.
Some years ago a neighbor of ours had two
young jie.ar trees badly infested with hark
lice, and on the recommendation of a friend,
he used strong fish brine, ajiplied with a hand-
scrub on the one, and sharp lime wash on the
other, but they bolli eventually died. AVe had
the same kind of a tree, similarly infested, and
wc used lard oil with entire success; and in
every instance where we liave recommended
it, it has been effectual. The late Mr. Walsh,
State I'^ntoiuologist of Illinois, exiierimented
with everything, and finally recorded his tes-
timony in favor of oil. |

The Sener Apple.
By M. J. Si'AVMAN. Leavenworth, Kansas.
— Dear Sir. — Yours of September '20th was
received yesterday on my return here, also
the apple, although it was entirely rotten,
but in fair shape, so that I could take a cut
and inside outline of the fruit. I am .sorry I
did not get it in time to give a more satisfiic-
tory outline and description. The scions were
eutirely dried ui), past recovery, which I very

much regi-et, as I wished to graft tliem at my
homeplace, I^eavenworlh, Kansas. The busi-
ness at the Centennial continued to
increase in number , of varieties so that I
found it impossible to leave until it was over,
and with what I had on hand, and some other
business, detained me until the Titli of this
month (Dec. ) before I left the city. I send
with this the outline and descriiition. The
color and iiuahty I had to Judge f^rom memory
and what you wrote, which may both he in-
correct, if so, jilease state in what respect,
and also add about the vigor and any otlier
part omitted. 1 am very thankful for your
kindness in sending the specimens and your
interesting letter, and am very sorry that 1
have been unable to answer sooner.

I took, while at the Centennial, .seven hun-
dred and eighty (7^0) cuts and descriptions of
fruit I had not taken before, making my en-
tire collection over 1,700; in everv respect
comiilete and taken by my.self, embracing
many new and valuable varieties.

I w^iuld h(^ much obliged, if it is not too
much trouble. to send me a few more scions fit
to graft, and direct tliem to Leavenworth,
Kansas. Two or three grafts will he sulficient
to test the variety, as I expect to be tiierc in
ten days and remain tliere, from where I should
like to hear fiom you when convenient.

1 think the Seiier a valuable variety, and
worth being more generally cultivated. Pruit
large ; form oblate, slightly conic ; color light
yellow ; dots small, di.stinct, scattered, grey ;
stem medium, rather thick ; cavity wide, deep
green, or russeted ; calyx very large, open ;
segments large, rellexed ; basin rather wide,
deep, abrupt, slightly furrowed ; core large,
wide, closed ; carpels medium, hollow ; seeds
rather large, ovate, angular, light chestnut
brown ; fiesh white, tender, juicy, siirightly,
pleasant sub-acid; quality good, excellent for '
kitchen ; tree, rather drooping, a regular and
generous bearer. Brought from Cermantown
some lifty years ago. (irown by Mr. Sener,
Lancaster, I'a. Specimen received from Mr.
S. S. Kathvon, Lancaster, Pa.

[This apple having originated about Gcr-
mantown, Mr. Stayuiau's paper has been very
kindly placed at our disposal by I'rof. Bathvon,
instead of using it in his own Lancaster
Parmer— a courtesy we highly apineciatc.
We may lake occasion to say that the Lan-
CASTEU Fahmek, though unfartwuttelii with
the local name of " Lancaster" appended to it,
is not a merely local ]>aper, but is at least e<iual
in general value to an v Agricultural paper that
coines to our table.-£(J. G(udi)i( r's MnnlMi/.]

Some time in March last we sent by mail
to Mr. Stayman a number of scions of the ap-
lile .above referred to, and also to Mes,srs.
Casper Ililler and H. JL Englc. From what
we know practically of the quality of the
fruit, we feel Justified in recommending it,
and hope more of our fruit growers will make
apiilicatiou to Mr. Sener for scions, who kind-
ly offers them with no other motive than its
perpetuation, as the tree is growing old. In
addition to all of the foregoing we refer our
readers to an article on the subject, on page
14.") Vol. VI I L of tlie Farmer, where the his-
tory of the apple, and our own experience is
more particularly detailed.

AVe cannot conclude without th.anking the
editor of the G. M. for liis complimentary no-
tice of our journal, even including what he
seems to think an "unfortunate apiicndage."
We know what he says is not intended to lie
disrespectful, but merely suggestive, and as-
sure him that he is not alone in this senti-
ment, for such a view was entertained when
the present name of the paper was adoiitcd,
and still exists among some of its most intelli-
gent patrons, on the ground that a more gen-
eral title might elicit more general contribu-
tions to ilscolunins, and a more general pat-
ronage from abroad. W<' however feel reluct-
ant to change the title now, especially as it
was never intended to circumscribe, or limit
its scoi>e; but should it lie deemed advisiiblc
to do so at a future time, we will give the
matter a respectful consideration, if our con-
nection with it still coutinueB. — Jid.

68

THE LANCASTER -FARMER

[May,

CoLTTMBiA, May 1, 1877.

Frof. S. S. Rath von.— Dear Sir. — En-
closed in box please find a "Slutepoke" with
a bass in its mouth. The two struggled for
supremacy upon the dam iu the river for a
mile, and both died in battle. I sent a de-
scription to the Era. — S. E.

The box containing the bird and fish came
safely to hand, for which we tender thanks to
the thoughtful Squire. The fish was wedged
so tightly in the bird's mouth and throat,
that wc did not wish to disturb them ; so,
instead of skinning and mounting the former,
with the probability of destroying the inter-
esting tableau, we cut oft' the head as it was,
and also the feet, and "embalmed" them in
alcohol, with a view of preserving their statu
quo. Of course, our readers are well acquain-
ted with this bird {Butorides vircscens) which,
in addition to the common name given above,
is also known under the jiopular names of
"Green Heron," and "Fly-up-the-creek."
However correct buds may be in their general
instincts, this subject made a woful mistake
in its calculation, for it attempted to swallow
a fish beyond its swallowing capacity, and
died in tliat bootless attempt. It is all well
enough to exliibit "grit," energy, or determi-
nation, in accomplishing individual ends; but
it is the sheerest folly to overmeasure our abil-
ity and then be brought to disastrous "grief."
2 his is OUT moral, aside from violating the fish-
laws.— £(t.

Mount Holly Springs, 1
April 20th, 1877. j
Mr. Editor : — I saw a copy of the Lan-
caster Farmer and was very much pleased
with the reading matter which it contained,
so much so tliat I have come to the couclusion
to subscribe for it for one year. I consider
the paper is good enough to be iu any family.
Please send me the back numbers, starting
with the January number, 1877. Send me a
receipt for the same. I can perhaps get you a
small club in my neighborhood. Address,
Enos Staufter, Mount Iloily Springs, Cumber-
land county, Pennsylvania.

Office of "Western Farmer, ]
Dixon, III., April 30, 1877. j

Dear Sir : Please place us again on your
"Ex" list. The Lancaster Farmer "used
to be one of our most valued exchanges, and
w8 are glad to be able to notice its revival.

Yoiu's truly, W. M. Kennedy.

We cheerfully comply ; and feel specially
complimented in being solicited to do so ; and
also reciprocate the sentiment pervading the
above. — Ed.

LANCASTER COUNTY PEACHES—
" SENER'S FAVORITE."

International Exhibition, 1
Philadelphia, 1877. ]
The United States Centennial Commission
has examined the report of the Judges, and
accepted the following reasons, and decreed
an award in conformity therewith :

Philadelphia, February 27, 1876.
Report on Aw Auon—Produet, Peaches:
Name and address of exhibitor, J. Frederick
Sener, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The undersigned, having examined the pro-
duct herein described, respectfully recom-
mends the same to the United States Centen-
nial Commission for award, for the following
reasons, viz.: Two plates of yellow peaches
called " Sener's Favorite," freestone, very
large, 10 inches in circumference ; rich, sweet,
and delicious.

Wii. Parry, Judyr.

APPROVAL OF group JUDGES.

"W. L. ScHAEFFER, Francis Meehan,

T. T. Lyon, Suel Foster,

JosiAH IIooPES, Parker Earle,

E. Satterthwait, F. W. Harrison.

A true copy of the Record.

Francis L. Walker,
Chief of the Bureau of Awards,

Given by authority of the Centennial Com-

[Seal.]

J. L. Campbell,

Secretary.

A. T. GOSHORN,

Director-General.
J. R. Hawley,

Prcmlent.

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION— 1876.
U. S. Centennia* Commission,
Philadelphia, March 20, '77.

Mr. j. F. Sener, Lancaster, Pa. — .%-;
The enclosed is a copy of the Report of the
Judges as accepted by the United States Cen-
tennial Commission, .and in conformity with
which an award was decreed to you. You
will be notified when the Diploma and Medal
will be readyfnrdelivery. Please acknowledge
the receipt of this report.

Yours Respectfully,

A. T. GosnoRN,
Direclor-Gei^eral.

[We feel a local pride iu the foregoing hand-
some and authoritative recognition of the
"Sener Favorite Peach," because it was
through the colunnis of the Lancaster
Farmer (Vol. 3, pages 189 and 190) that it
was first brought to the notice of the public ;
and for the delectation of peach growers, we
reprint what we wrote u])on the subject in
1871 ; and, in view of the many inferior va-
rieties of this sjiecies of fruit which have
annually been put upon our market, since that
time, we feel that we cannot too strongly
recommend its extended propagation, especi-
ally since it costs no more labor or risk to cul-
tivate a r/ood variety than it does for a had one ;
and the former is always sure of a market,
and ample compensation,]

The Sener Peaches.

The credit of originating these luscious
peaches, we are of opinion, belongs to Mr.
Gotlieb Sener, of Lancaster city, and their
history, characteristics, and qualities are
worthy of record in the archives of horticiU-
ture, and especially of our local horticulture.
These peaches have been iu Mr. Seller's fam-
ily, and have maintained their integritj',
through three generations of the fruit, cover-
ing a period of 33 years. In 1S38 Mr. S. ob-
tained two seeds — from whence miknown — -
and planted them in his garden in Lancaster
city, and from these seeds grew two trees,
which in three years produced fruit, slightly
difl'erent in size, in flavor, and in appearance,
one of which was known in the family as tlie
"Landis peach," and the other as the "fa-
vorite ;" the last named being rather the
largest and most symmetrically formed.
The first name originated something in
this manner. Tlurty j'ears ago a Mr. Lan-
dis was on a business visit to Mr. Sener, in
the third year of the young tree, and when it
had three ripe peaches on it, which Mr. S. had
himself not yet tasted. On passing the tree,
the fruit of which looked so exceedingly fine,
Jlr. L., could not resist the temptation to
pluck one of the peaches and eat it. It proved
so luscious and generous to the taste, that on
repassing the tree, Mr. L. , plucked another;
Mr. S., all the while burning with anxiety lest
he should not get an opportunity of tasting a
fruit he had been so carefully cultivating, and
the quality of which he desired to knoiv, and
yet too modest to inform Mr. L. of the state
of the case, he, (Mr. L.), of course, being al-
together unconscious of the anxiety he had
caused. Through tins circumstance, this
peach, in the fiimily, received the name of
the "Landis peach," and to distinguish the
other from it, it was called the "Favorite,"
although not the best fruit. Our descriirtions
will therefore refer specilically to the first
n.amed, or Landis variety, and only incident-
ally to the Favorite; for although both vari-
eties were on exhibition at the late fair of the
Horticultural Society, yet the kilter were dis-
posed of l)efore we had an oppoiluuity of test-
ing them. Tlie first named has retained all
its qualities through three successive propa-
gations from seeds, perfectly intact, but the
other, in some instances, has undergdne some
slight change.

The dimensions of an average specimen

were as follows : Fr^dt ; lateral circumference,
eight inches and three-quarters ; transverse
circumference, eight inches and five-eighths;
weight, five ounces; form almost spherical, and
very perfect; skin tender, thin and velvety;
color, a yellowish tinge, with a deep red cheek;
the lateral suture, which so distinctly marks
some varieties of the peach, is very slight in
the one under consideration. The stem is
rather short, and the indentation, or concav-
ity where the stem is attached, is only of me-
dium depth; flesh faintly tinged with yellow,
and a deep pink around the seed; taste sweet
with a slight pleasant tartish after-taste, juicy
and melting. Seed ; very free, clean, mod-
erately flat, and small in proportion to the
size of the fruit. Lateral circumference,
three inches and a quarter ; transverse cir-
cumference, two inches and three-quarters;
indentations of the seed, very deep; internal
cavity small and shallow, exhibiting a propor-
tionately thick shell, kernel,- length, three-
quarters of an inch, and fiat in form.

AVe have been thus minute, because we do
not think we have ever seen and tasted so fine
a fruit, undistinguished by some proiuinent
name ; and the fact that it has not degenerated,
nor diverged from the original stock, by being
successively raised from the seed, during a
period of thirty-three years, goes very far in
favor of its character, as worthy of cultivation.
Doubtless cultivation, by budding and grafting,
woul<l work an improvement in its quality, its
size, and its general character. To facilitate
this end, Mr. F. J. Sener requests us to say
that he will cheerfully furnish any persons
with scions who may desire them. Of course,
we do not feel that we alone have authority to
name those peaches specifically, but they may
be provisionally regarded, for the present, as
" Sener 's Seedlings," Nos. 1 and 2, or may
retain the names they are known by in the
Sener family, until they are propagated by
others, and "formally baptized by a competent
committee. As the trees are healthy, and
constant and prolific bearers, adapted to osr
locality, they may prove more advantageous to
the peach growers of our country, than many
of the introduced crack varieties cultivated
now.

These two peaches have now blended by
proximity of cultivation into one, which has
all the good qualities of both, and is known as
"Sener's Favorite." The "Landis" variety
was somewhat ovate in form, and the " Fa-
vorite" almost perfectly spherical — the former
was the sweetest, and the latter the roundest';
it therefore retains this form, and of late years
but one variety with all the size, color and
quality of the originals is recognized ; and
since the above description was written (1871)
a new generation has been produced, retain-
ing its original integrity, as demonstrated in
the award of the commission.

In addition to the foregoing, within the
past month we have been informed by Mr. J.
F. Sener, that he has entered into an arrange-
ment with Mr. Daniel Srae3ch, of Lancaster
city — a very competent and successful fruit
cultivator — to propagate and .sell the Sener
pcadi stock ; and therefore all who desire them
from henceforward are respectfully referred to
him, as possessing exclusive control over the
subject for the present. After such a compli-
mentary recognition by such a competent com-
mittee of " Group Judges," perhaps a prophet,
after all, may have some honor in his own
country and among his own kin. We often
think of the little kitten whirling " round and
round" in punsuit of its own tail, when, if the
little simpleton would only stop and look, it
would find the end of its tail right at its nose.
Hundreds of dollars have been thrown away
by the citizens of Lancaster county within the
past few years, for inferior nursery stock,
brought here from remote or obscure corners
of the country.

A "one-horse farmer" in Decatur co., Ga.,
made 400 bus. corn, 10 bales cotton, .^OO bus.
ground peas, 2"! bbls. .syru|i, and.'iOO lius. sweet
I)otatoes the past season. And this with 1 mule,
1 regular hand, very little extra help or manure.

il

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER

69

THE PERMANENT EXHIBITION,
A condensed description of wliich wepiopose
to publisli in t'utni-o numbers of tliu Fak.mku,
was opened with imposing cei-emonies on the
loth insl. In our present nnnd)er wo can
only find room for tlie following, which we
eull from a very well written article on the
subject, bv ilr. Charles 'William Foster, on
the "Editorial Slall'" of tin- I'hilaileljihia
I'rcxs, and which aiijieared in one of the April
numbers of that journal, while the exhibition
was still incomplete. After noticing the seve-
ral different departments, the writer concludes
as follows :

The general exhibits which are distributed
through the aisles of the M:\\u Building are
much the same as during the Centennial, aud
have been classilicd as follows :

1. Minerals, ores, !)uililing-stc)nes, marbles,
artificial stones, metallurgical products, bar
and she(^t iron.

2. Ghvss ; ceramics ; terra-cotta.

3. Chemicals, pharmaceutical preparations,
medicines, oils, paints, varnisli, soaps, aud per-
fumery.

4. FurnlUnre ; apparatus for lighting ; lire
and burglar-proof safes ; wooden and basket
ware.

5. Api>aratus for cooking and heating ; laun-
dry, kitchen, and bath-room api>liances ; manu-
fiictured ]iarts of b\iildings.

0. Wovrn goods, ropes and cordage, brushes,
clothing, furs, artilieial llowers, llags, and
tniveliu;; ecpiipments.

7. lA'alher and shoe industry ; harness.

8. (iold and silverware, plated ware,
bronzes, jewelry, gold (lens and pencils, gold
and silver foil, fancy articles.

9. Stationery, pens, pencils, paper, wall and
felted paper.

10. Firearms and ammunit ion ; sporting
implements.

11. Philosoi)hical, scientific, chronometrical,
electrical, and optical instruments; weights
and scales.

12. Surgical and dental instruments and ap-
pliances.

i;?. Hardware, cutlery, hand tools, orna-
mental castings, plumbers' materials, galvan-
ized iron and zinc work.

14. Carriages, vehicles, and accessories.

l."). Musical instrinueuts.

10. Educational systems and aiipliances,
publications, historical and archieological col-
lections.

17. Engineering and architecture, models,
plans, &c.

18. Sculpture and paintings.

19. Engravings, lithographs, photographs,
heliographs.

"20. Art applied to industry — Mosaics,
stained glass, models, decorations.

21. Machines, tools, and appliances of min-
ing, chemistry and extractive arts, machines
for manufacturing vegetable or animal pro-
ducts for food.

22. Machines and tools for working metal,
wood and stone.

23. Machines and implements used in sew-
ing, spinning, weaving, and felting ; wasliing
machines.

24. ilachiiies and apparatus for tJ^Je-raak-
ing, printing, lithographing, book and paper
making.

25. Motors and apparatus for the generation
and transmission of power (water, steam, air,
gas, electro-magnetic, &c.)

26. Railway plans, rolling stock and appur-
tenances ; serial, pneumatic, and water trans-
portation.

27. Agricultural and animal products.

28. Land and marine animal culture, and
apparatus for same ; living and preserved
specimens.

29. Agricultural machines, implements, and
processes.

30. Horticulture.

It will be seen that these thirty groups in-
clude nearly all the displays made at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, and as the very finest ex-
amples of each group have been secured for
the Permanent Exhibition, and as the whole,
with the exception of the fine arts, can be seen

under one roof, the general effect will be
infinitely more interesting and delightful than
when the vast quantities of each kind wearied
the eye before the sense was gratified.

For THK LANCASTF.n I'"AIlUKn.

SEED WHEAT.
There is nothing on record worthy of un-
qnalified belief, that wheat has ever changed
into any other plant tlirough neglect in clean-
ing or in cull ure, althiiugh some peoples have
alleged that it has been known to have
changed into chess, or cheat; and therefore,
all the woiid over, wheat is re(H)gni/,ed a.s
wheat, in tlu^ fullest senses of the term. It is
the great vt^getabli> staple from which fiour is
made, and bread, in its various forms elabi)-
rated ; which is the "statf of life" to the hu-
man family.

That a good variety of wheat cainiot degen-
erate into a bad oni^ nor a bail variety be im-
proved into a good one, I think, will he gen-
erally admitted; and also, that it caimot be so
mixed up as to be seiisilily deteriorated. (Jn-
I'avor.ible circumstances may diminish its
([uanlity and impair its <iuality, but such con-
tingencies will alike affect both good aud bad.
Out of the fifteen or twenty varieti(\s of wheat
that have bcM'ome the subjects of cultivation,
we look upon six or einht for our main supply;
but these 1 will not undertake to name, as
people will differ in tludr choice, and localities
liave much to do in the matter. We have
winter and summer wheat, red and white
wheat, smooth and bearded wheat, which
would make six varieties already, and these
have their sub-varieties.

There lias been wheat found in houses in
the "old country," built many long years
ago, which has been planted and has germi-
nated aud grown ; also, it is said, wheat that
has bci'U found in the hands of embalmed
Egytian mummies in catacombs, erected hun-
dreds— perhaps thousands of years ago, which,
on being planted, grew and produced seed,
and 1 presume wheat as siuular to ours as can
be conjectured.

Wheat may be changed to earh/ and late,
and perhaps .somewhat also in color ; but you
cannot change it from smooth to bearded, or
from white to red — at least not within a single
year. It may be changed to ripen earlier by
sowing it on rich, loo.se soil, and always .select-
ing for seed the earliest riiiened ears ; and by
reversing this rule, a later sub-variety may be
liroduced ; aud by a similar process, somewhat
of a change may be effected in its color.

As to the bulk, or the size of wheat grains,
I will only say, that sown thickly or densely
on the ground, wheat produces smaller grains
than when sown sparsely or scattering, all
other things being equal. An average grain
of perfect wheat measures \ to i",; of an inch
In length, f,; of an inch in diameter, and it
lakes about (130,000 grains to make a bushel,
which weighs, or ought to weigh, sixty pounds.
Whether that wheat sown by the farmer —
spoken of by our Saviour — some of which fell by
the wayside, aud some on good ground, yield-
ing thirty and sixty fold, was .similar to, or the
same as ours at the present time, is a question
that, I at least, am not able to answer. *Was
it white or red ? bearded or smooth ? But, to
come back to the main subject. Select the
best field, or the best portion of your wheat
field, before harvest, for your seed. Clean out
all the rye, cockle, cheat, or any other kinds
of inferior seeds it may contain ; keep it
separate from any other kind, and clean it as

•It is not at all germain to tUn BUbject that you shoulil be
able to answer. The Saviour was speaking in parablcj^, antl
used a corrcspondentiwl flpure of speech. "A sower weut
forth to sow;" and the record does uot say what kiud of
seed he sowed — whether wheat or cheat or rye or any other
klud. The parable is intended to illustrate rather the kind
of soil upon which the seed was sown, than what kind of
««(/ was sown, although, inferentially, wo may auppoae he
meant good seed. Iti' is now sowing, still sowing seeds; and
if we read the whole chajiter we cannot fail to have some
appreciation of the meaning of the parable. It is not essen-
tial to tlie moral effect of his teaching by parable, that a
sower should resUly have gone '-forth to mow" at all, any
more than that there should be real sheep and goats to "sep-
arate one from another," at his second ctuniiig. "It is
like" so and so — drawing spiritniU instruction from natural
imagery, which is only the shell or husk, that incloses the
moral aud si'iritual substance wlthiu it. — Ed.

thoroughly as you possibly can ; then blow all
the smutty and light grains out of it, as you
will then be able to calculate more correctly
the quantity to sow on an acre.

Following out these suggestions and induc-
tions of good farming, in connection with a
proper iireiiaratiou of the soil, it will always
"pay" the farmer to be particular.

Pkter S. Reist.

For The Lancastf.r Fabuek.
HOW SHALL WE KNOW HOW TO
PLANT FRUIT TREES.'

Some jilaces are not favorable for certain
kinds of fruit. Tluue is a vast dillerencc in
locality and soil, and it would be well for
some persons to have something to guide
them, so that they niay know what kinds of
fruit to i)lanl, and where to plant it. When I
first got possession of a home and a few acres
of land, I wanted fruit (for there was noue on
it) and 1 i)laute<l a great many trees t>f differ-
ent kinds, but many of them jiioved a failure
in after years ; such ne(;d not have been the
case if 1 had known where to plant each kind.
ItisntiW twenty years or more since 1 com-
menced to lilant trees where I now live, and
yet I never could get a crop of sweet cherries.
Out of dozens of cherry trees that I planted,
only one tree bears a crop, the others are
nearly all dead. 1 can grow the trees as thick
as a leg or stoveiiipe, but they always die, or
winter kill on the southwesl side first. The
tree that b(^ars fruit is a sweet cherry, grafted
on a red sour cherry seedling stem. I have
now several of them coming on. I think they
are more hardy and will stand the winter
better than the sweet cherry stem. But I
notice a few miles south of Lime Valley they
thrive and bear fruit well on the barren ridges
of land. The sweet cherry trees won't do
well here on limestone land.

I 'have lost hundreds of peach trees by
planting them too near the creek, or down in
low land— I don't mean at the edge of the
water. I had them from fifty to two hundred
yards from the creek, and from five to fifty
feet above its level. The land that lies the
highest will do for peaches— I think it is about
one hundred and fifty feet higher than the
level of the creek. But, from seventy-five feet
on down to the water's edge, scarcely any
blossoms are to be seen ; there seems a mist
that gathers in the valley and draws frost
to a certain height, which kills the blossom
buds.

There might be a great deal said on the
subject of location and soil best adapted to
our different kinds of fruit, &c., but I will
leave it for some one that is better posted in
the Matter. If I were to plant trees and vines
again, or berry bushes and plants, on the same
property, I think I conld raise more fruit with
less than half the plants and trees that I for-
merly had been planting. It may seem strange
to some persons that on a tract of seven acres
of land, more than the half of it won't do for
peaches, sweet cheiTies, nor blackberries, &c.
So, we learn by experience, but it costs us too
much to learn always by experience of our own ;
we may gain much sometimes by the experi-
ence of others, and I trust that some one will
"say on," for the benefit of those that are
anxious to learn. And we would also wi.sli to
know how to save our plums from the curcidio.
—John B. Erh, Lime Valley.

The experience of our contributor is no
doubt the experience of many others who are
equally unable to divine the causes of failure,
and we hope some of our horticultural and me-
teorological experts will essay a response
through the June number of the Farmer, for
our own personal experience is too insignifi-
cant to attempt it. In regard to "mist gath-
inss in valleys," however, as well as their fa-
cilitating frosts— we may say this much : that
while we resided on the Susquehanna, we well
remember several instances when all the
peaches along the valley were frozen, and yetj
those on the very tops of the hills that
bound the York county line, bore abun-
dant crops of peaches, as well as cherries and
apples. There cannot be a doubt, that hu-

70

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[May,

midity in connection witli cold, is more injur-
ious to fruit— as we knoiv it is to tlie vitality
of most insects— tliau even a colder Vnit drier
atmosphere, -whether on a hill or in a valley.
As to the CurcuUo, so much has been said
and written upon tlie subject, that we have
no heart to say anything more, at this time,
but— "catch 'em, choke 'em, and throw poi-
son down their throats."— ^d.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
BOOK-KEEPING BY FARMERS.

It has often been urged upon farmers to
keep accounts with their crops and farming
operations, and I have no doubt a great many
more would have begun to do so than did, but
for the dread that it required more education
than tliey possessed. On this head, they who
would like to keep such accounts need have
no fears, as keeping accounts is really simple,
if started in the right manner, and then kept
up punctually as there are entries to be made.

For this purpose two books are needed, a
ledger and memorandum book. In the former
are entered the regular accounts, the heading
of which should be in a large hand and put
into the index as soon as such heading is made ;
tlie latter is intended to jot down items as
they occur, and are then transferred to tlie
ledger at certain times, and which should be
at least once a week.

There are a few terms which must be made
clear. In all common ledgers there are two
sets of columns for dollars and cents. Above
the one is wi'itten the letters Dr., which stand
for debtor, and iu this column must be put all
amounts that cost an outlay for that particular
account ; and the entry is . commenced with
the word To. Above the other set is written
the letter.'; Or. {for creditor), and in such
column must be put all amounts that result as
income from that account, and the entry is
commenced with the word By.

Ledgers are of two forms, one is ruled and
kept as in Fig. A, viz. :

CORN.

1876 :

2 day plow'e

Di

«1|

. ,' 1876 1

Cr.

May |12 To 1

Al. Oct. |3a By 25 boa. Corn

aSOc

S12J50

The above style is mostly used by merchants
and I think is not quite so suitable as the sec-
ond form given in Fig. B, viz.:

1S76. 1 COUN.

Dr.

Cr.

11 50

1

121 60

I do hot advocate this form because I think
it more simple, but it shows the operations in
a more continuous form than the first would,
as each entry, whether "Dr." or "Cr." comes
in the regular order iu which the operation oc-
curred.

We will now give an account in detail at
Fig. C.

187C.

eoRN.

May

July
Sept.
Nov.

li To
12 To
■29 'To

3U|To
To

60 loads Mauiii-e at X of $2.00
haxiliug and spreadiug same..

plowing 10 acres, (^ $2.25

preparing 10 acres, @ 50c. . .

drilliug 10 acres, @ 40c

seed eoru

harrow'g with snioothiug bar.
harrow'g with smoothing har.

plowing corn

jinlliug suckers

cutting off corn

husk nig aud cribbing

hauling in corn lodder

1750 bun's corn fodder, @ 8c.

500 bus. corn, @ 50c ,

interest aud taxes on 10 acres,
profit

Dr.

60 1 00
13 1 50
22, 50

Cr.

390! 00 : 390 00

It is not to be presumed that the above is a
real bona fide account, or that it is in any de-
gree a correct representation of the operations
as they occurred, or the cost of the labor, &c.,
but it is merely to show the manner in which
all accounts should be kept.

The item of " interest and taxes" is dis-
puted by some, as to whether it should be
charged against the crop or to farming opera-
tions in general, but I think each crop should
be charged with the interest and the taxes for
the time such crop takes up the land, which is
generally a year ; for though a crop may be

only occupying theland for Ave or six months,
yet but one crop is usually all that can be ta-
ken off in a single year.

The charging of only one-half the value of
the manure also requires an explanation. It
is the custom, I believe, in keeping this kind
of accounts, to suppose that only one half of
the strength of barn yard manure is taken up
by the first crop, and therefore oue-haif of the
manure is charged to the first crop and the
remainder to the succeeding crop. In com-
mercial fertilizers the whole amount is
charged to the crop which receives the appli-
cation, as but very little effect is produced by
them on the succeeding crops. Lime, how-
ever, is not all cliarged to the first crop, but
should probably be charged to at least three
successive crops , one third of the cost each time.

The question may be asked :

How shall I charge my own labor ? Charge
it at the same rate as you would be charged
by another person to do the same work for
you; or what you would charge another per-
son for doing that work.

How many, and what accounts should be
kept 1* Start by keephig an account with each
crop ; and as you get more familiar with the
details, commence with the cows, pigs, teams,
&c. Also after awhile your farming opera-
tions,under wliich you insert profits and losses,
repairs, wear and tear of tools and imple-
ments, &c.

And last, but not least, keep a strict ac-
count with your workmen, not that they in-
tend to cheat you, but for the satisf^iction of
knowing at all times how you stand with your
men, and it is often the means of preventing
quarrels and ill feeling.

Keep their accounts in as orderly a manner
as for the crops, tfcc. A few years ago I saw
an account against a laborer by one of our
farmers, and as it was a jumbled up aflair, I
will here give the style :

Jonathan Pineknot, March 12. Spread
lime one-half day, 50 cents. March 14, set 10
panels pos fens at 14 cents, $1 and 40 cents.
March 18, plowd 3 quarters of a day, one dol-
lar and 12 cents. March 20, he got a bushels
corn, 2 dollars and 2.5 cents. April 2, plowed
one half a day, 75 cents. April 3, paid him
one dollar and fifty-two cents full.

Then there was a big cross marked on to
show that it was "put"out." I have no ob-
jection to the spelling, for the man had not
as much education as our farmers' boys now
receive, but the man might have done some
better as at Fig. D.

April

JONATHAN PINEKNOT. Dr. Cr.

To X day spreading lime

To setting lo panels fence, @ 14c.

To ijj day plowing, (g $1.60

By 3 burthels corn, (ni. 75c

To plowing X tl'^y

By cash iu full

B 37

It would not have taken any more educa-
tion to keep the above account in the form
given, than to keep it in the way it was done.

I think that keeping of accounts should be
taught in all ungraded schools, both to boys
and to girls; for girls when they grow up often
have as much need of keeping accounts as the
men, and I have known instances where the
younger girls of a family kept the accounts for
the father, whose eyes had become somewhat
dim.

Things to remember in keeping accounts :

Be punctual in making memoranda and then
to transfer them to the ledger at short inter-
vals.

What costs an outlay put in the "Dr" col-
umn.

What represents an income put in the "Cr"
column.

Put the date to each entry.— J.. B. K.

The Country Gentleman says : " An easy
way to destroy Canada thistles is to plow them
completely under, first before blossoming, as
afterwards as soon as the first green point ap-
pears at the surface. We have completely
killed large tracts in this way at a cost of six
or seven dollars per acre.

For The Lancaster Fakmek.
DOES THE WATER STRIKE THROUGH.

Many brick walls are so poorly built that when
a heavy rain storm occurs the water strikes
through them, and many a family, after going
to the labor and expense of building them-
selves a new brick house, have found that it
was in no wise the perfect shelter that they had
a right to expect. After the first equinoctial
and sometimes before, yellow streaks are on
the walls inside, and great patches of the same
color disfigure the whole surface, and though
the careful housekeeper makes haste to cover
them with her never-failing whitewash, yet
every dashing rain that follows, brings with it
a repetition of the same experience, and no
wonder if the sorely tried inmates in despair
exclaim, "better an old house than such anew
one."

But there is a remedy for every ill if we but
search for it, and to those who do not wish to
go to the expense of putting on a coat of paint
or plastering, or as some even have done, put
on a weather-boarding,making the house look
as if it were a frame one, we would sug-
gest a trial of Uncle Sam's Coating, as
used by the Government for painting
light houses, and which is said to ef-
fectually prevent moisture from striking
through. It is made of fresh Rosendale ce-
ment three parts, clean fine sand one part ;
mix with fresh water thoroughly. This gives
a gray or granite color, dark or light, accord-
ing to the color of the cement. If brick color
is desired, add enough Venetian red to the
mixture to produce the color. If a very light
color is desired, lime may be used with the
cement and sand. Care must be taken to have
all the ingredients well mixed together. ^_

In applying the wash, the wall must be wet ^M
with clean, fresh water ; then follow immedia- ^^
tely with the cement wash. This prevents
the bricks from absorbing the water from the
wash too rapidly, and gives the cement time
to set. Tlie wash must be stirred during the
application. The mixture is to be made as
thick as can be applied conveniently with a
whitewash brush. This wash can also be
applied to fences, etc., but cannot be used to
advantage over paint or whitewash. — JE.

For Tbe Lancaster Farmer.

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI.

Editor Farmer : Having examined most
of the many great farming, grazing and fruit-
growing regions of the Great West, I do not
hesitate to pronounce Southwest Missouri
superior to any other portion for its vast ag-
ricultural, mineral and timljer resources,
stock-raising, bee-keeping, fruit-growing,
manufacturing and railway facilities, mild-
ness and healthfulness of climate and entire
absence of grasshoppers.

Agricultural Resources,

To insure luxuriant vegetation three things
are necessary, viz.: rich soil, sufficient moist-
ure and plenty of sunshine ; all of which
exist iu Southwest Missouri. Every variety
of soil is found here that can be needed in farm-
ing, fruit-growing or stock-raising, as is shown
bjT the large crops of all kinds of grain,
grasses, vegetables and fruits produced.
Apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries,
grapes and all kinds of berries flourish and
never entirely fail. The wild grapes are
almost equal in size and quality to some cul-
tivated varieties in the Eastern States.

Blue grass, timothy and clover do well ;
and old bee-keepers say tliat wherever clover
grows bees will succeed ; and if this is cor-
rect, Southwest Missouri will soon be a great
honey country.

Water — Winter — Timber.

Water is of the best quality and abundant.
It is found in clear, sparkling springs and
rapid streams innumerable. The average an-
nual rainfall is about forty-two inches, most
of which falls during the growing season.

The winters are mild and short, the ground
never frozen more than two or three weeks,

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

71

and the liglit snows remaining only a few
(lavs. Tlic altituile is about two tlioiisaiul
fef"t ubovi' the sea, eiisunnf; (leliiihtriiUy enol
summci-.s and warmer winters than in tlie
same latitude, either east or west ; and as tlie
peueral sIoik^ of the country is south and east,
tliere are no hijili winds as in the nortliwest.
The rapid descent of tlie luunerous large
streams alVonls excellent water-power for
nianufaeturinc tlie vast forests of wahiut,
oak, ash, hickory, maple, i>ine, etc., into
luniher, ears, carriages, wagons, furniture
and agricultural implements, and for driving
the niacliincry of the llouring, cotton and
woolen mills, which nnist lu-rcafter largely in-
crease in number, as the grain, cotton aiul
wool are all produced in the vicinity.
The Healthfulness

of this region is remarkable, owing to the
abundance of bright and genial sunshine,
pure water, excellent bread and beef, few
sudden atmospheric changes, and no swamp
lands within hinulred of miles. Ague is un-
known, and there are no grasshoppers.

Tlie St. Louis and .San Francisco Uaihvay
extending entirely across the State, and the
rich eoal, iron, lead, zinc and other mines,
and to the great plains region west, insure a
ready market and good prices for all farm,
garden, orchard ami dairy products for all
time to come.

By settling in colonies here, good society,
schools, churches, daily mails, telegraph, mills
and other advantages may be secured from the
beginning, and land bought at from two to six
dollars per acre, of the Railway Company, on
long credit. — Exninincr, ISl. Louis, March 2S,
1877.

For The Lancaster Faiemek,
INCIDENTAL SUGGESTION.

Mn. EiJiTOii. — 1 congratulate the Fanners
of our county on the re-appearance, or con-
tinuanee, of your valuable journal. It would
do no credit to the intelligence of this grand
agricultural garden if it could not sustain
one jieriodieal devoted to its greatest interest.

I have often iiotid your re(iuests to your
readers to furnish memoranda of their expe-
rience in farming, and observations on modes
of culture — items of every kind likely to be
of interest, or to awaken incpiiry among
neighboring farmers. And I have blamed
myself that I have not asked questions
through your journal, even if it would not
furnish answers worth occupying your pages.

ily excuse for my own remissness is, that
though I am much interested in agriculture
and the farm, I have other occupations and
interests than the farm : (which I do not per-
sonally cullivate) and that my experiments
can hardly be called experiences or exampU'S
to copy. A plausible hint I may have eager-
ly adopted and pursued to apparent or prom-
ised success, without wat<hing closely tiiial re-
sults. The spirit of Girard, "if 1 thought I
■ should die to-morrow, I would jilant a tree to-
day." I have carried out, however — every
year for thirty years — planting trees, vines,
something with each returning spring. Read-
ing agricultural papers, I could select the
choicest kinds of fruit from the catalogues of
the nurseryman and have bought and planted
fruit trees every year.

Plum trees in the garden — "Golden Drop"
to tumble like little leaden bullets, and yellow
gages that fell while they were green, and so
with other.s— all sacrificed to the Curculio, ex-
cept one fine Gei-man Prune, which matured
fruit, owing I think to this treatment: round
the trunk of the tree I wrapped a piece of
Strong iron mongers' papera foot or more wide
— the lower edge resting in the earth, the
paper tied with twine to the tree, and coated
with a thick coat of coal tar — a few strips of
lath, and some corn cobs saturated in this
black paint were suspended from twigs of the
tree— this before the buds began to swell. It
happened that this tree was near an open win-
dow from which as soon as the first blossoms
appeared the whole top could be dusted with
fine slaked lime, which was plentifully show-

ered over it every day or two while the blos-
soms Lasted— the fruit did not fall. Peach
trees have had shiu't lives with me, in spite of
trials of lime, at the roots, hot water, lie, oil
&(■.., &c., in adilitiou to examinations; spring
and fall, for worms in the roots— eating tliein
hollow or gridling them. Observing the fresh,
green appearance of trees in the garden of a
friend, near to his house, full of fruit, while
the neigliborbood was a failure, I learned that
the slop from the chambers were distributed
at the roots of three dozen trees, daily— thus
they were fertilized and somelliiiig olTeiisive
enough to drive the worms from the roots sup-
plied—this should be done where, it could bo
followed oil a small scale near th(^ house ; and
the chemist woulil assist tin; fruit grower
would furnish a recipie that
substitute for this Uric acid,
be applied wholesale to the

greatly win
would be a
that could
orchard.

MILLIONS FOR MIDDLEMEN— PEN-
NIES FOR PRODUCERS.

Bv reipicst of the Conimittecion Agriculture
of the House of Uepreseiitatives, at a hearing
to consider the absurd iiisulllciency of appro-
priation for statistical investigation and com-
pilation, and the preparation of material for
"reports," the following communication was
made :

Depahtmkxt of Aoricultuke, \
Washington, Feb. 1, 1S77. )

Sill : In response to the request of your
committee for a showing of the inadequacy of
the proposed appropriation for the statistical
division of this Department, allow me to pre-
sent the following considerations :

The appropriation is for the entire expenses,
including clerical service of this division, the
current work of which includes —

1. Statistical investigation in more than
twenty-five hundred counties of the United
States.

2. The cro|)-reporting system now including
our organized corjis of corres]ioiulents in seven-
teen hundred of the iirincipal counties.

;!. Investigations for furnishing advanced
and practical original material for the annual
volume.

4. Record and tabulation of such statistics,
with current data from ofiicial statistics of
States, boards of agriculture and of trade.

5. Translation and compilation of foreign,
official and other statistics of agriculture.

('). Writing and editing fifteen hundred
luinted pages, aiiinially, of regular and special
reiMirts, and preparing an equivalent of one
thousand pages more for industri.al, commer-
cial and other organizatiinis ; in all an annual
average of seventy-five hundred manuscript
pages.

For this work, at its initiation thirteen
years ago, $'iO,U(ll) was ai)|)ropriated in addi-
tion to the salary of the statistician. AVitli
the decrease of appropriations a few years
later, as the war-begotten labors of other
branches of the civil service declined, thejjro
)-n(a system of reduction was applied to this
new work, when its importance and usefulness
demanded increase, and theapiiropriatiou was
cut down to $1."),()II0. Last year it was re-
duced to $10,00(1 for all these purposes, when
the salaries of the regular finre of clerks em-
ployed in tabulating ami recording amounted
to $10,600, leaving nothing for collecting
statistics, statistical investigations, or the pre-
paration of material for the annual volume or
other work. This staggering blow might have
lieen regarded as a vote of censure but for the
fact that on the day before an appropriation
of 8130,000 was voted for the jn-inting for
ccnigressional distribution of .'JOOjOOO copies of
the annual, for which uo future provision was
apparently desired. But it was evidently an
accident of the conference committee, as it
was less than provision made in the House
bill, which was enlarged by a Senate amend-
ment.

The appropriation proposed in the present
bill, $5,000, if all applied to the collection of
statistics, will not give twenty cents for each
monthly county return, or pay the postage be-

tween our county correspondents. If applied
to the routine office work exclusively, it wou'd
not pay $"i each per day for the smallest force
f(n' its possible accomplishment. If used for
investigations and writing for the annual, all
other work lieing discarded, it could not pro-
duce a volume worthy an edition of 200,000
coi)ies, or even 10,000. In fact, it wovild be
far better to blot out the $5,000 and the divi-
sion and its work together, and with it the
Department, rather than to degrade and
dwarf to utter inefficiency a branch of the
service which has possibilities of eminent use-
fulness and needed protection to both jiro-
ducers and (V)usuiners, who have already been
saved the iiluiider oi' millions liy heartless
speculators through its instrumentality.

Voii know well the history of agricultural
appropriations ; that a hundi-ed dollars has
been given in the aid of commerce to every
dollar appropriated for the promotion or pro-
tection of agriculture. There is no lack of
provision for investigation in aid of other in-
dustries. One of the geologic^al explorations
of the Rocky Mountains in ISTO obtained
5:75,000 ; another SlO,000 ; a third .S25,000, and
.'if40,0U0 more were given for illustrations of
two of them. In the same year the appro-
priation for the observation and report of
storms was $470,000, for the benefit of com-
merce. There was apin'opriated for clerical
service in compiling commercial statistics,
during the same year, ff5i»_4l0, and an addi-
tional fimdof $20,000 for special investigation.
There was also as large a sum appropriated
for the prejiaration of a single annual of min-
ing statistics, in the same year, as was given
for all the operations of the statistical division.
And yet there is no government publication
for which the popular demand is so imperative,
and public appreciation so marked as for the
reports of agriculture.

We have at least the value of SI 50,000 per
annum in gratuitous service of luiblic-spirited
citizens. We need .$.50,000 per annum to sup-
plement this work and render it truly efficient.
But for the present year *2O,000 is as small a
sum as should be given for jiresent imrposes.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient ser-
vant, J. R. DODGE,
StutiMiri'in Department of AtjricuUure.
Hon. John II. Cai^dwell,

Chairman Committee on Agriculture.

BKIEF NOTES OF DEliATE IN THE IIOL'SE.

On the motion of the Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Agriculture, jMr. Caldwell of Ala-
bama, the amendment to increase the appro-
priation to 115, OOy was agreed to.

During the discussion, Mr. Townsend of
\ew Y(uk said he was prepared to vote for
S20,000, regretting that "every interest in
this country can obtain appropriations more
readily than the agricultural interest."

Mr.' Townsend, of Pennsylvania, said the
increase would be repaid "ten times over,
probably a hundred times over, to the people
of the country in the information brought
before them."

Mr. Harris, of Georgia, said " the trouble is
we are appropriating too much to commerce,
and too little to agriculture." "There are
thousand of reports of the Agricultural De-
partment called for annually by our constitu-
ents, to one single copy called for of the
reports of the Treasury Department."

Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, thought " the small
amount asked for by the Chairman of the
Agricultural Committee ought to be given,
and that we ought either to do something with
this Department of Agriculture, and not
hamper it in its operation, or else abolish it
altogether. No country in the world does so
little to spread agricultural information as
ours."

Mr. Davis, of Xorth Carolina, said, " the
amount of information collected by this De-
partment cannot be procured from any other
source at a cost of ten times as much as is
asked for by the Committee on Agriculture."

The Chairman of the Committee on Agri-
culture, in moving an amendment increasing
the salary of the Statistician S200, under in-
struction from the Committee, said :

72

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[May,

" In support of this amendment I desire to
say tliat there is no officer comiected witli the
Department of Agriculture who renders more
efficient service tlian the statistician. All the
statistics in the agricultural reports connected
with the agricultural interests of tliis country
are compiled by this officer or under his im-
mediate supervision ; and I venture the asser-
tion that there is not an officer having the
same qualifications to be found in any em-
ployment, either private or public, who is so
poorly compensated as the statistician in the
Agricultural Department. The salary attach-
ed to this office was originally $2,500 ; and in
the anxiety of the Committee on Appropria-
tions to make reductions, I think they have
made a serious mistake in reducing the salary
of this officer to f 1,800. I therefore ofter the
amendment, and I trust it will be adopted.
The question being taken, the amendment was
adopted.

COMMERCE vs. AGRICULTURE.

It may not be known to agriculturists that
while the Agricultural Division of Statistics,
involving the preparation of two series of
reports issued in larger numbers than all other
ofBcial reports combined, has for the present
year appropriationsamounting to only $11,800,
the Treasurj' Bureau of Statistics of Commerce
has $47,35.3, besides $12,978 for work of ex-
perts for Senator Windom's Transportation
Committee Report relative to inland com-
merce ; and this is little more than half the
appropriation for commercial statistics in pre-
vious years. Not that this provision is too
large ; but the former is utterly inadequate.

Yet this is but a drop in the ocean of ap-
propriations in aid of commerce. In the
present year of pinching economy, there was
appropriated for Rivers and Harbors .$5,016,-
000 ; and for the Light-house establishment
S!2,.375,800. For Custom Houses and other
public works appropriations have averaged
$12,000,000 annually for the past five years.

The amount appropriated to the Treasury
Department for postage in 1877, exceeds the
expenditures of the Department of Agriculture
in six months of the present year.

The mere "continuation" of the building
of the custom hou.se in Evansville, Indiana,
(acknowledged to be of greater importance
than that of Hull, Massachusetts) receives
four times as much as Agricultural Statistics
and the Reports of Agriculture for the current
year.

The amount appropriated for fuel, lights
and water for the buildings under the control
of the Treasury Department,^s nearly double
that of the present appropriation for the De-
partment of Agriculture.

Half the Ugal interest on the amount annually
appropriated for Commerce would suffice for tlie
customary annual dole to Agriculture.

Even the interest on the cost of supplies to
Indians for fulfillment of treaties woidd more
than equal the current appropriations for the
current year.

For this state of things there is|a remedy ;
it is suggested by the fact that the rural classes
of the United States hold in their hands four
MILLIONS OF VOTES.— J^rom the Congressional
Record.

LANDSCAPE GARDENING FOR FARM-
ERS.*

It is such an easy thing to talk of beauty
and beautiful things, in a sort of general way,
without giving any real genuine instruction,
that I hesitate at the very outset, for the sake
of making a resolution that my aim in this
short address shall not be to say pretty words
about pretty possibilities, but the rather to
suggest and point out a popular want among
the formers of Michigan, and state some prac-
tical methods of answering it.

The popular opinion too often would sneer
at placing in so intimate a relationship the
two extremes of my title— for the term Land-
scape Gardening brings up a picture of some
grand old place upon which the income of a

*Read before the Michigau State Pomological Society, at
Pontiac, by Prof. C. W. Garfield, of Michigan Agrionltural
College.

fortune has been expended, or a beautiful
park like those in our large cities, supported
by a general tax which private means can ill
afford to expend. While on the other hand
farmers are men of muscle, who follow the
plow and handle the spade from early morn
till dark, to raise the grain and vegetables for
the world to live upon, whose ideal of beauty
is supposed to culminate in a clover blossom
or a straight row of corn. I trust that these
ideas may be modified in time so tliat the
close relationship of the two will not only be
considered compatible, but will be a fact of
existence.

The Landscape Gardening that I wish to
talk about is not a grand or expensive affair,
involving the necessity of a professional man
to conduct, or a large bank account to sup-
l)ort it. Far from this. It is a matter of very
little outlay ; it is a miserably cheap affair.
But water is cheap, and so is sunshine. What
among the most costly things you have would
you exchange for tliese !

Then the landscape gardening of which we
shall talk, has to do with such yearly, month-
ly, yes, daily modifications of our present
coimtry premises as shall transform them into
beautiful and attractive homes, render them
more valuable as property, and while we do
this, hint at the general principles of land-
scape art, upon which these details are found-
ed.

WHY SHALL WE BEAUTIFY ?

The first question that arises, the answer to
which is our incentive to the adornment of
our homes, is, why shall we beautify ? And
I answer first, for the beauty itself, and sec-
ondly for the inlluence that beauty has in
completing a rounded manhood and woman-
hood. Accompanying the development of a
tasty home, beautiful grounds, attractive
shrubbery, or delicate flower borders, is an-
other growth on the inside of the person de-
vising these embellishments, that is more
lasting and valuable than the outside modifica-
tions that seem so bbautifully transformed.
This is the growth of refinement; sometliing
that we can not measure by dollars and cents,
any more than we can measure faith and love.
But it has far more to do with tlie i>rogress of
civilization than the opening of the richest
silver lead, or the discovery of the largest dia-
mond held. These go up and down with the
supply, but the more retiuement we have the
greater premium there is on its acquirement.
We all see the necessity for more of it among
our farming people; from their isolation, there
comes a tendency to neglect the schooling of
the heart, in the channel of refinement, and
there is notliing that can so perfectly take the
place of society, and knowledge of its best
moulds, as close companionship with nature's
beautifid life forms, and the profuse employ-
ment of them in the adornment of a home.
There may be just as good a heart in the man
who in answer to a favor says : "That's a
good 'un, old fellow; if you want a lift call
around," as in the breast of another who
says : "Thank you kindly. I trust I can re-
turn the favor some time. " But while we ad-
mire the generous impulse of the one, we are
doubly pleased with the impulse and its deli-
cate expression in the other. We can not
come in contact with refined people without
unconsciously following in their wake, and
smoothing down the rough corners of our own
habits. So it is in the development of beau-
tiful grounds and attractive surroundings;
every new creation has its effect for good
upon the one that devised and moulded* it.
This in itself is a great reason for the adorn-
ment of our homes. Need I give others ? I
will suggest them. Secondly theu, I shall
name satisfaction of piossession. This I admit
is of much less consequence than the other,
still we are so constituted that the satisfac-
tion of having things is a stimulus to get
them. Of course the value of the acquisition
has much to do with the weight of this incen-
tive. The man who has a beautiful wife,
aside from all the pleasures she may bring to
his home, takes a great deal of comfort in the
thought that she is his own. (This instance

is for my bachelor auditors). The woman
who grows a beautiful house plant, and by
her .skill succeeds in making it amodel of sym-
metry and floral wealth, has a little pleasure
in the fact of possession. The value of this
pleasure does not usually depend upon what
the acquisition will bring in ttie market, but
rather in om- interest and effort in the getting
of it.

Again, there is the greatest good comes to
us through the development of all our facul-
ties, and it the germs are given us, why not
give them opportunity to grow, and thus fit
us for a wider field of work and appreciation
of what is created ? In the work of land.scap-
ing the farmer brings into use a new set of
faculties, and he is given opportunity to make
himself a broader man. A few years ago,
while land prospecting with a friend, in Kent
county, after passing across the fields for some
distance we came ;into a tangled woodland
undergrowth. We pushed our way through
this for some distance, and to make a bad
matter worse, we were obliged to cross a long
stretch of mire and sphagnum, which tested
our powers of endurance to the ntnio.st. .Inst
before we emerged from our difficulties we as-
cenrZedjin more open woodland, quite an eleva-
titm, and at its summit came upon the most
beautiful landscape I had then ever seen. In
the distance hill overtopped hill, until the
wavy outlines of blue only indicated the char-
acter of the country. Nearer to us, in a quiet
valley, lay the Grand river, pursuing a wind-
ing cour.se, and reflecting to us the sun's rays
iu such a manner as to convey the impression
of a river of silver. Here and there in the
valley and on the hillside new farmhouses,
and tile alternations of woodland and cleared
fields gave a beautiful variety to the distant
view. But best of all, at the foot of the hill
upon which we stood, snuggled into a quiet
retreat, almost surrounded by natural groves
of oaks, silver maples, and aspens, lay a calm
little sheet of water. It was the embodiment
of quiet, modest beauty. I had but just taken
in the outline of the.se beautiful views when
the rough salutation of a Teuton brought me
to a realization of the ground upon which
I stood. I was unconsciously treading
out a few heads of clover seed in my en-
deavor to grasp the grandeur of the scene be-
fore me. He unceremoniously reminded me
of the fact, and to mollify him I spoke of the
favored position he occupied in commanding
such a view. " Yaas, it was purty nice, but I
can show you somedings dat is better as all
dat, right by mine house." Glad that he was
turned from the cloverseed matter, I followed j
him to find, first, that his house, which was
very cleverly built, and indicated a thrifty j
farmer, was so placed as to have the barn be-
tween it and all this loveliness I had admired, ]
and imagine my disgust when I found "his]
ting dat vas so nice," was nothing more than
a pen full of fat pigs, evidently the pride of
the farm and the joy of the household. The
front porch where my new friend sat and
smoked, looked out upon this yard of swine,
and his ultimatum of the beautiful lay in their
fat sides. What this man lacked I would
have every farmer cultivate, and it is for the
development of the faculty which enables us
to appreciate the finer beauties of the world,
that I submit this answer to the question —
why shall we beautify ?

Simply as a matter of benevolence we should
beautify our premises. I would not have you
think that I mean by this that we should
make our places tasty and attractive for the
sake of showing off to other people our ability
in this direction, but for the same reason we
would assist our neighbor in taking off his
wagon box. He is not able to do it alone,
and we can help him. There are hundreds
who pass your doors that can not fix up a
home and yard because they have none, but
who can keenly appreciate the neatness and
attractiveness of yours.

Only a few days ago a man said to me, " I
passed your mother's yard a great many times
last summer, and never once without stopping
to admire a magnificent bunch of Magenta

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

73

phlox, and I have seen dozens of iicoiile doint;
the same lliiu};." This is a siniide instanco
of liow mncii pleasure wo can gvaut others by
tlie adoinnient of our premises. The peoi'le
did not know that the l)eaiity of tliis phlox
was largely due to a jiriuciple in landscape art
tliat WIS there exiiihitcd, viz.: contrast of
color, for a dark green stood near that height-
ened the effect.

Lastly, there is money valno in the making
of a heantiful home that will pay a large inte-
rest upon the outlay, if tin: labor he reckoned
at its higl-.est value. Vou may iiot want to
sell, but if you are a thrifty fanner, a busi-
ness farmer, you wish to know at the end of
each year vvliii t are tlie profits of your business,
and iif you fmd there i.s not a very large bank
account, there is great satisfaction in knowing
that your place has been enhanced in .selling
value through the exiiibition of tact and taste
in making the premises attractive. If the
worst comes, and it is found necessary or
desirable to change location, tin; enhanced
value, tludugh tlic exhibition of taste in
adornment, pays in the cash receipts. Hean-
tiful situations are always more marketable
at advanced rates than poorly-kept farms are
at a discount. It pays, then, liberally to make
a home beautiful.

In the outset of lixing \\]> a place, one thing
must be borne in mind eonspicuonely— that
utility and beauty are not antagonistic ele-
ments. The path that leads to places of work
would not he beautiful if it were not direct,
while the one that leads to the tlow(U- beds or
the grove may be tilled with delicate curves,
and we follow admiringly, appreciating the
nicety of the turns, because when we go there
we arc walking for jdea-sure, not Inisiness, and
a little matter of added distance takes nothing
from the charm of the promenade.

Anything loses or acciuires beauty through
association, and we should care for this scru-
pulously. The weeping branches of the elm
in the hollow make it a beautiful object in the
landscape, and when we observe the tops of
the weeping limbs almost or quite sweeping
the surface of the brook beneath, we enjoy the
tleiusion that it droops to bathe its branches
in cool water. But were that elm [ilaced
midway lietwcen our house and barn, when
uponevery occasion of ]iassing we must make a
detour to avoid the limbs, or by passing under
have our hat knocked off and hair pulled every
time, the beauty of the weeping branches is
lost, and we dub it a nuisan{!e. Another point
to be considered is that unceasing care and
attention is necessary to the development of
beauty. If by the cultivation of taste this be-
comes a delight, the care is only an added en-
chaiitment to the pleasure of devclo]iment.

In the arrang<ment of ground there must be
unity of ac'tion on the i>art of the whole family
in order to accomplish what is most desirable,
viz. :congruity of jiarts. To illustrate : A place
I have in mind, and no imaginary one, either,
has a delightful frontage ; the lawn is smooth
and green ; the evergreens tastily grouped ;
climbers are delicately turned about the ve-
randa posts, and flower beds just at one side
neatly kept, give an air of loveliness to the
whole yard. But every day as I pass the
place, when just beyond the yard fence, I can
not help but catch a view of the lane that
leads to the barns. It is tilled with an aggre-
gation of indescribable odds and ends, sucii as
could accumulate nowhere Init on a farm in a
generation of time. At best it is muddy,
filthy, slovenly, ill-kept alli^y. Wc lose all the
effect of the beautiful yard in that lane, and
its loathsomeness, rather than the preceding
beauty, haunts us. The story is told when
we say that the mother and children have
charge of the first part of the home, while the
head of the family believes in having every-
thing handy in the l;uie. ]?ut unity of action
nmst move in the right direction, for I know an-
other farm where the whole family are actuated
by the desire to have everything handy, and
everything upon the place bears the impress of
a total lack of taste or order. They spend
enough money in trees, plants, trellises and or-
naments, but somehow each new one adds
another to a most unfortunate combination.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul
tural and Horticultural Society.

Tlic rf'i^iilar slatrtl nin-tiii^ of tlm T.ancafiter
County .\uTiciiltural :iinl Horticultural Soriety, was
iK^ld ill tlicii' romiiB in I lie. City Hail on Monday after-
noon, May 7. Tlic following named incniliers were
pi-e.scnt :

Simon P. Kliy, JonaB BucUwalter, Jacob B. f!or-
b.'r, .M. n. Kciidiu', Honry (J. Hcrr, Levi W. (liotr,
Oasper Tlillor, .loliii Hoover, .loliiisoii Miller, Levi
I'ownall, Ilcniv M. Knuir, Levi S. Kcist, .lac'ob (iar-
Ikt, ('111-. F. Iliiiisr.'ker, Walter L. lliTsluy, KM
HiTsliry, .larob Ili-rr, lleubcn Weaver, l)avid Wolf,
.lolin C. LinvilU',15. Kiank Landis, I'. «. Iteist, .la-
eob S. Witrner, Jacob liolliiiifcr, .rolin Miller, Henry
Kurtz, Jacob lloyer, ."^iiuou IloBlctter, 8. 8. Rallivon,
(ieo. S. ficlKcr.

In llic absiiiee of tlie President, Vice Prcsidout
Henry M. Knijlc was called to tlie cliair.

On motion, the reading of llie minutes was diBpeu-
Bl-ll Willi.

C'loji report."! ticiiis; called for, Mr. Enirle, of Mari-
etta, said the wheat in Donejijal hac preatly improved
and tlie prospect of a (;'«)d crop ie now very llalter-
iiii;. Tlie peach trees look well and a i;ood yield
may he expected. The ;;rass lias also improved, the
cold weather we have had heini; I'avorahle for lioth
grass and grain.

Mr. Linvii.m:, of Salisbury, reported the wheat as
about average — the clover yery poor and the timothy
rather better — apples in his section will be a failure
— oats is well started — cherries look well.

Mk. Kenuk* said the wheat looked wvM in Iiis
ncii;hborhood; the f;rass very lliiii — apples pr,-seuted
a pretty fair show of blossoms — pears and peaches
very tfood.

Mr. W. L. IIershey, of Ilempfield, said much of
the wheat looked very poor — except in gravel land —
fruit trees are backward in blooming. About one-
half the corn crop has been planted.

Johnson MiM.nit said wheat would probaldy tie a
short crop; he sowed last fall 1'^, and 2 bushels per
aer(^: some of the new varieties look well; about one-
half the corn crop has lieen planted. The fruit and
Krain proB]ieet is encouraging. tlrasses in many
places will be a failure.

Mk. Iln.LEK beini; called on to report on the fruit
prospe<'t in t'onestou:a, said he never took much ac-
count of the blossoms; he can tell tietter what the
crop will l)e about tlie time the fruit bei^ins to ripen.

Levi S. Ukist read an essay on wheat, whieli he
reijarded as one of the most valuable of ai;riexiltural
productions. It follows in the course of civilization
in all jiarts of the world. Altlioufrli its origin is un-
known, it has been used from the earliest historic
era. It is spoken of in the Bible, where the patriarch
.lacob in a dream saw Joseph's sheaf standing, sur-
rounded by his brothers' sheafs, which made obeis-
ance to it. Of over :iOO varieties of wheat which had
been introduced, Mr. Reist thought the old red .Medi-
terranean best stood the test of cultivation. He
believed that in this section our own native wheat
would do the best, and he recommended farmers to
examine their fields and search out new varieties.
He thought it would be well for the society to otl'er a
reward for the best varieties of native wheat thus
discovered. Mr. Reiat next referred to the diseases
to which wheat is subject. Rust in the straw and an
imperfect tilling of the grain was caused by excessive-
ly low temfierature. Tlie greatest destroyer was the
Hessian fly, wliich made its appearance in this coun-
try in 177('i, and is 6iippo,sed to have been introduced
anionij the straw imported by the Hessian soldiers
duiiu;;- the revolution. Since that time it has spead
throughout the country and has destroyed an im-
mense amount of iirain. In 18S0 all wheat planted
from August to the middle of Oetolier was destroyed.
The seed sown after the 'iOtli of October turned out
well. The wheat that was sown early last year also
turned out poorly — that wtiieh was sown later looks
well, and will yield from i;0 to .10 tmshels per acre.
Mr. lieist added that on tlic .5th of September last a
ueiijhbor of his sowed 12 acres of wheat, and on the
11th he sowed 6 acres more. Early in the season
that sowed first looked very well, but has been
almost entirely destroyed by the fly ; while that
sown on the lltli has almost entirely escaped, and
now looks very thrifty and will yield a !;ood croi).

Mk W. L. IIekbuey menticmed a ease in which
two fields of wheat were sown on the same day, and
one of them was entirely destroyed by the fly and
the other escaped.

Mr. Linvii.i.e said it was a maxim of agricultural
writers to "cultivate, cultivute, cultivate." The
maxim was a ;,'ood one in many respects, but his own
experience had been that wheat should not be too
highly cultivated ; but doubtless the ijuality of the
soil and the condition of the season has much to do
with the production.

Mr.Kendig suggested that the fly breeds more
rapidly and creates greater havoc where the ground
has been early plowed.

Mr. Enole said there was no rule that would
hold good in all cases. There are startling cxcep-
tioDS to all theories ; the only thing the farmer can

do is to observe results from year to year closely and

intelll!;ently and be governed accordinf;ly.

I.Evi W. (Iicoer said that early last fall he sowed
Ave acres of wheat on fjnmnd that was last year in
lobaeeo ; at the same time he sowed five acres more
in erounil that had tieen in corn. That wliich was
sown on the corn irrouiid was almoht entirely de-
htrnyed by Ibf lly, while that on t be tottaeco land was
untouched. Hi' tliou;;lit that about two-thirds of the
tobacco crop of West Earl is better tlian It has been
for five years.

Mr. Knoi.k said we are apt to treat tobaiw) to a
more liberal supply of mamire than we icive^i corn,
and this perhaps made the wheat on .Mr. firott's to-
bacco land more thrifty aini belter alile to withstand
tlii^ lly tJian thai on tlie corn land.

.Mu. (iRorr replied thai his com land was as highly
manured as his tfiliacco land.

.Mr. I,i;vi Ui.ist said his essay on wheat was writ-
ten with a view to iiiducim,' farmers to search throui;li
their own fields for new varieties of wheat. He lie-
lieved that they would siii'i-ecil lieltcr than in si'U-el-
inir variclicB from the a;^rieultiiral department or
elsewhere, mosl of which he liacl found to be almost
worthless. His favorilc was the old Medilcrrauean.

Mu. fiRori' re|Kirtcd very favorable results from
the CUauFon wheal.

The fincKi ion proposed at last meeting for discus-
sion, namely, " Is the frrowth of Hunjjarian grass
fftr hay a desinible crop for fanners to cni^ai^e in ?"
was answcrci! liy Mr. Pownall, who said that if it
were projiosed lo make it take the place id' clover,
liiuoUiy or other ^'rasscs il would be unprofitalilc ;
but if it were sown lo supplement these crops when
they partly failed, it woiilil be found profitable.
When cut youn;; it makes a >;ood Iiay.

Mr. Hersiiiv, of Manor, rcfjardcd it as worthless ;
his horses and cattle would ijot cat it.

Johnson .Mili.ek, of Warwick, had ijuile a ditfer-
ent experience. His cattle ale it with avidity. He
had fed his milch cows on it since last November,
and they had never produced more butter or of a
better rpiality.

Mr. Linvii.i.e, of Salisliury, had once planted 11
acres of Huiiirarian u'rass. His cattle ate it readily
anil thrived on il, tint it was hard on the soil and lie
had concluded to plant no more of it; but as his tim-
othy and clover had almost entirely failed, he would
this year try it ayain. Il is liest to cut il early, and
not let il ijel wet, as rain burls the quality of liay.

Mr Knoi.e coincided with .Mr. Liiiville's views.

Mr. tiROEK sowed ten acres, and in sixty days
thereafter had the liay in his liarn. It was a iroort
crop and made good feed, especially to supplement
other kiuils of hay.

.Mk. Witmkr, of Manor, had never had any ditli-
riilty in get ting his cattle to eat Hnnfrarian ^rass.
He cut il before it bloomed. Did not think it ex-
hausted the soil. He planted wheat after it and the
eroji was as irood as wlien he planted after corn. It
was no harder on the soil ttian oats.

Casper Hii.lek said a neicht>or of his had sown C>
or 0 acres of Hungarian firass lo plow down as greeu
manure. He would like to hear wtiat members
thoug^ht alioul it.

Mr. Linvii.i.e answered that a neigliliorof his had
sown oats and Hunirarian irrass for hay, but having
enough hay from oltier i^rasses he plowed down the
oats and liuiisrarian grass and sowed the ground in
wheat. He manured the ground on which the oats
had been plowed down, and not that on which Iho
Hungariangrass was plowed down, and yet the wheat
was as good on the one as on the other. In conclu-
sion Mr. Linville asked what crop was the best to be
plowed down for green manure.

Mr. Enoi.e said "liuckwheat."

Mr. (tkoi'F said "clover."

Mr. Enoi.e said clover was the best, but it could
not tie grown in a single season, and buckwheat
could.

Mr. p. S. Reist was in favor of cutting off the
clover for hay and plowing; down the sod.

Mr. Enoi.e said that clover certainly extracted
from the soil and absorlied from the air certain in-
gredients tlial enriched the ground when the clover
was plowed down.

Mr. (jKopf said it was his intention to sow corn
and Hungarian grass together and plow them both
down as a green manure.

"How can the fertility and productiveness of our
farms he maintained under our present system of
cropping ?" was next discussed.

Mr. Keiidig said to accomplish the desired result,
he would stand by stable manure and lime. He did
not have much' faith in manufactured fertilizers.
To secure the full tienefil of stable manure it was
necessary to prevent the cattle from running at large.
He would keep them' housed and well fed, and not
keep too many during the summer, .\fter lliey liave
fed in the jiasture field lie them up during the rest
of the day; it will protect them from flies and save
the manure. The manure should be draw n at least
three times a year — in the spring, after harvest and
in the fall. He thought that a farm of lOU acres
might safely grow ten acres of tobacco without de-
teriorating the soil.

Mr. EN()I.e agreed with Mr. Kendig as to the
management of the stock, but was not so sure about
the tobacco, which leaves no straw for manure to

74

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ May,

supply the strength it has taken from the soil.
Heavy manuring makes the straw heavy but not
strong. We shoulk try and get something to
strengthen the straw and prevent it Jrom lodging.

Mk. Herf hey suggested an increase of silica to
strengthen the straw.

Mr. GiioFF believed that farms in his neighbor-
hood were going down for want of manure. He ad-
vised the growing of less wheat and less tobacco and
more rye. He favored tying up cattle, as the man-
ure could be better secured by so doing and the cat-
tle thrived better. He instanced a case in which the
straw of very heavy wheat (40 bushels to the acre)
grown on new ground stood straight up, while the
crop on old and heavily manured ground was not
nearly so large and yet the straw lodged and I'cll
down.

Mr. Linvii.i.e thought that most of our farms
.needed jiotash. He noticed that wheat grew better
on ground that had been burned over, the ashes sup-
plying the potash. A friend of his argued that farm-
ers should keep more cattle and let them run at
large in the pasturage. The farmer is thus saved
the trouble of spreading the manure. He had him-
self noticed that a good crop of corn always follows
in ground on which sheep have been pastured.

Mr, p. S. liEisT thought it good policy to keep
only a few cows in the summer and buy stock cattle
for winter from the west, where they can be kept
during summer at much less cost. Fatten the stock
cattle and put the manure on the farm, and its fer-
tility will be kept up.

Mr. Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, said he be-
lieved in the plan advanced by Mr. Kendig: to keep
oniv a few cows through the summer, feed stock
dnrlng the winter, and keep the cattle tied up. He
had one season fed three hundred head of cattle and
had lost money on them, but had in the end been
well paid by the value of the manure. He spreads
the manure on corn stubbles, and plows it up for to-
bacco. The tobacco crop he follows with wheat.
He manures to the extent of six wagon loads per
acre, adding the ashes made under the boiler in his
tannery. By this alternation of crops ten acres out
of a hundred may be each year planted in tobacco
without impoverishing the land. He thought farm-
ers paid too much for their cattle and might 'get
them for less if they refused to pay the high prices
demanded.

Johnson Mii.i.er said that Mr. Kendig had stated
the true theory — keep only six or eight head of cattle
during the summer to every thirty or forty during
the winter.

Mr. Encile said from the remarks made it was
evident that there were many varieties of soil, and
that they require different modes of cultivation.
There can be no uniform rule for soiling ; Mr. Grotf's
ground being too rich, contains too much vegetalile
matter. This is probably the reason his wheat
loilges. Farms may become too rich, though many
mure no doubt are too poor. A fertilizer that is suit-
able for one may do the otlier no good. We must
endeavor to find out just what our land requires and
then apply it. He had not much faith in commer-
cial fertilizers, but they will in time become a neces-
sity. The mamifacturers should be compelled by
law to state what chemical ingredients their fertilizers
contain. Then we could buy the one that contained
the ingredients our land needed for the crop we pro-
j)0Scd to grow. It will not do to take a fertilizer
simply because our neighbor had good results from
it. He favored the soiling system for small farms,
but believed there may be found a better system of
keeping up the fertility of our farms than any now
in use.

The question was further discussed by Messrs.
Grolf, Engle, Kurtz and Ueist, during which Mr.
Grotf said it was his intention to sow rye and plow it
down green for tobacco; and Mr, P. S. Reist reolied
that a neiglibor of his had done the same thing and
had a perfect failure. In alluding to concentrated
manures he stated that one farmer had said to an-
other that the time would come when he could carry
in his coat pocket enough manure to supply a five
acre field ; to which the other replied that when that
time arrived he could carry home the crop from the
field in his vest pocket. Mr. Keist maintained that
the manure that comes from animals, birds, Ac, is
the only true manure. In using still-house manure
he had found that it left the land hard and compact,
and it required stable manure to loosen it up again.
The use of guano has the same bad effect, and prob
ably is one cause of wheat lodging. He advised that
only three or four good cows should be kept in sum-
mer instead of eight or ten .

Mr. Kurtz thought farmers sow too much seed
per acre, and that this makes tjie straw weak and
the heads small because there is not room for it to
grow.

Mr. HnNSEOKER spoke of the good results that
followed the use of plaster on poor land, and the
question was further discussed at some length by
Messrs. Groff, Engle and Eby.

Mr. Engi.e distributed to members circulars
issued by the State Board of Agriculture, relative to
their meeting on the ll-'d inst., the substance of
which paper will be found on page 66.

The following questions were proposed for discus-
sion at next meeting :

By P. S. Reist — " Will sub-soiling pay?"
By Mb. Engle— "Are county fairs beneficial to
farmers and fruit growers ?"

Several packages of seed received from the Agri-
cultural Department, were distributed among mem-
bers, and the society adjourned.

Proceedings of the Tobacco Growers' Asso-
ciation.

A meeting of the Tobacco Growers' Association
was held in the Athenaeum room, Monday afternoon,
April 16, at S'^ o clock . The following members
were present : M. D. Kendig, I. L. Landis, Peter S.
Reist, Jacob Frantz, W. L. Hershey, J. W. Johnson,
A. L. Landis, Andrew Lane, E. Hoover, H. Mayer.

Visitors : A. Bard, .John Stauffer, N. Hostetter,
Christian Hunseckcr, Messrs. Shifi'ner and Kennedy.

Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting
was dispensed with.

The following persons made reports on the crops :
Crop Reports.

Mr. Frantz said that so far as his neighborhood
was concerned thei'e was no tobacco on hand ; the
preparations for the coming crop are extensive.
There is an unusual area of ground prepared for
plants, some of which are up ; upon the w hole, we
have reason to believe the crop will be put out on an
improved basis ; cultivators have learned to plant in
the right kind of ground, and this was owing partly
to the experience obtained by attending the meetings
of the association. A few lots of tobacco, he said,
had been sold lately in his section at an advanced
price. This was of an inferior quality.

Mr. Reist said that he did not know that there
would be more planted than usual. A great number
of those who are raising plants with whom he has
spoken say they are up. The price in his section for
tobacco has varied from S to 10, and from 30 to '15
cents. Nearly all are trying to improve on the
quality. He then spoke of the good the association
is doing for tobacco culture.

Mr. SniFFNER then spoke of some of the mistakes
made in preparing tobacco. One was that too much
is topped too high ; it is length the buyers want.
When stripping you ought to have a standard length.
In his section (Upper Leacock) prices have been
better, and a quantity is not sold.

Mk. Kennedy, of Salisbury, said about one-fourth
,of the crop is on hand. Tobacco plants are coming
up very well. There will be at least one-half more
planted than heretofore. He believed it was im-
portant to plant early.

Israel L. Landis said there may be a few lots to
sell in bis section, otherwise he agreed with the
former speaker.

Mr. Stauffer, of Salunga, said there were a few
lots to sell yet in his section.

Mr. Kendig said in regard to Manor township
that the same amount would be planted as hereto-
fore ; the object is to raise the standard of the
quality ; there is still some on hand. In regard to
plants, he said, fair weather will bring plants in good
condition.

Mr. Hershey, of Rapho, said that prices vary
from 8 to 20 cents ; there is a feeling to raise better
tobacco ; not more than half is sold.

Mr. Lane, of Neffsville, said the tobacco is pretty
well sold in that section ; there is still some on hand,
but it is of an inferior quality. There is an eflbrt to
raise better tobacco.

Mr. Hershey, of East Hempfield, said there is
some on hand yet. The same spirit prevails to raise
better tobacco. Preparations are made to begin to
plant. Some are using ashes aa a fertilizer.

Mr. HunskCker, of Hempfield, said that fine to-
bacco is raised in his section, and that preparations
are being made to plant.

Essay by Mr, Landis.

Mr. Israel L. Landis then read an essay sub-
stantially as follows :

He commenced with a statement of the magnitude
of the tobacco crop of Lancaster county, (being
valued at ?i;,.500,000,) and the great wealth this adds
to the community at large. He spoke of the magni-
ficent warehouses built, and being built, in the city
and county, and feared the growers did not realize or
appreciate the opportunities they have of raising
their crops and handling them, preparatory for
market, as the dealers do in searching suitable ware-
houses and shipping facilities. He advised that great
care should be exercised in the selection of seeds and
in propagating plants, and recommended early plant-
jug — say from the i;5th of May to the 10th of June —
as thej have a better chance of escaping the worms.
Mr. Landis next referred to the artificial fertilizers,
and warned growers to be careful and use nothing
that would have a tendency to impair the fertility of
the soil. He pointed to Connecticut, which some
years ago stood first in growing fine leaf, but now
stood second, this result being brought about by
over-production. It is to be feared, too, that our
grain crops may sutler by supplying the tobacco fields
too heavily with the manure essential to its growth.
Mr. Landis continued as follows : ^

The inducements for sub-dividing large farms were
never greater in our county than now, The plan is

usually to secure a good tract of land and erect
buildings for a home. On a tract of say ten acres,
which may cost from 8200 to $:i00 per acre, accord-
ing to location and quality, there may be raised
fi-om ?200 to .SfiOO worth of tobacco per acre, good
crop and season; so that one crop from an acre clears
the land, sometimes doubles it, and in a few years
the purchaser has his land paid wilh the crops" that
it produces. There are no less than half a dozen
such properties now bordering on the Lancaster and
Petersburg pike running north of Lancaster, of
tracts varying in size from six to thirty acres, and
within three miles of the city. There is in all direc-
tions building going on. There will be many a new
tobacco barn erected this summer that is now in con-
templation, and the discussion 'of this subject of
building tobacco barns to-day, it is hoped, will throw
out some valuable hints and suggestions for the ben-
efit of those persons interested; so that with each
succeeding season we may improve all that pertains
to raising and caring for the crops and securing the
best rewards for the honest labor and toil that pro-
duce them.

There seems to be a considerable portion of the
present crop of 1876 in the county unsold, the offers
of buyers not suiting the views of holders. There is
some left over of nearly every crop each year till next
year following. The quality of this year's crop is
admitted to be fully as good if not superior to any
raised for years, and it would not seem much of a
risk to put such crops into cases and take the
chances of the market with them. This might be
the true course to pursue for the farmers with their
tobiicco; for when they sell their crop it is not ready
for market. It must go through the process of fer-
mentation, or sweating. The best sweating and col
oi ng is secured by casing, and it only becomes ready
for the cigar maker after this process. While at
the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia last sum-
mer, Bucks county farmers called and saw my ex-
hibit of Lancaster county tobacco at my place in Ag-
ricultural Hall and stated that they received from 37
to 4:i cents per pound for their crop of 1875, average
no better than mine. When asked how they man-
aged to sell it so high they said they cased and
sweated it, and that plan is generally pursued there.
They have a warehouse among themselves.

Different packers have stated that some of the best
selections of our crops may and will bring from 50
cents to 75 cents per pound. It would hardly be
considered good farming for the farmer to send his
corn green to the merchant from the fields or to the
mill green by large quantity. He would not get full
price, for his crop would not be in a merchantable con-
dition, and so, too, with tobacco; it is not fit for market
until it is sweated and cured. In conclusion, it may not
be out of place to throw out a suggestion in regard to
our superior tobacco crops. The amount of annual
sales aggregate millions of dollars of the crop in a
raw unmanufactured state. The peculiar flavor and
good cjuality is established beyond a question. In
evidence we offer the fact that dealers come from
great tobacco States to purchase our crop — from
California, the South and Southwest, the Eastern and
Northern States; all come to buy our crop. They
raise it in Wisconsin for three cents and yet come
and pay us thirty. They raise it in Maryland, Ken-
tucky, Ohio and other States, for from S to 12 cents,
and yet they come to purchase our crops at high
rates. And why ? Because of its superior quality;
it makes money andis good. Now if these undisput-
ed facts stare us in the face, why cannot some of our
enterprising capitalists establ sh a cigar factory on a
lar<re scale, on the plan of Kerbs it Spiess, oi' New
York, and employ hundreds of idle hands here, in-
stead of sending away our good raw material to
make profit and market elsewhere with what we
should manufacture here and give employment
to home labor and industry ? It would be an
easy matter probably to establish as good a
market for the Lancaster cigar as its leaf tobacco
now enjoys. In Lancaster there are now some un-
used buildings that could in all probability be secured
that are well adapted for the purpose. Lancaster
would not be now what it is if the able and skillful
management at the head of our cotton mills had not
had business tact and foresight enough to keep them
running and give employment to such large numbers
of people, if it is a good thing to import cotton
from the far South to give employment to our worthy
and willing labor, why is it not good to let them have
a chance at our own productions from our own farms,
and manufacture a good Lancaster cigar? Let us
have a cigar factory and manufacture at least some
of our vast crops that go to enrich other sections.

Mr. Honsecker remarked that the gentleman
said tobacco brought a great deal of money into the
county, which is true ; farmers will cultivate that
which brings in the most money ; the question is
whether we cultivate the best tobacco ? Should mid-
dlemen come in and reap the benefits ? He argued
that we should keep the benefit derived from its cul-
ture in our midst. The culture of tobacco would be
more profitable by having manufacturers in our
midst.

Mr. Frantz said the difficulty was in getting the
proper quantity of manure. He had purchased two
tons of Pacific soluble guano, and was ordered to

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

75

U6C half a ton to the acre. In answer to questions
he said tliat the uultivation of toliacco had not in his
observation exliausted I lie soil ; he look good care to
keep the fjround in good eondition by applying tlie
proper f.-rtilizers.

Mil. KKNiiiii said that in resard to the guano, it
Rives a i;ood healthy start lotohaeeo, but at the time
of euttine saw uo d'ill'erenee. We must learn to ease
tobaeeo ; we lietler learn to eulllvate it, however, be-
fore we undertake to ease it. A man shouhl not ease
it unless he has a pretty fjood qiianlity. It Is not
worth while to bepn with a few eases.

Mr. Siiii-i-NBii said that in the use of Peruvian
guano lie had not observed any dlHerence from the
use of manure.

Tobacco Houses.

The (luestlon of the conBtrucliou of tobacco houses
was then diseussed.

.Mit. IloovEK said it was a very imiiortant thingto
think about. All tobaeeo houses, he thought, should
have a good cellar under the whole house. A great
mistake is often made in stripping an<l preparing to-
liacco for market. Tobacco of a ecrlain grade should
he classed by Itself. This was not exactly on the
subject, huthe would throw out this liint anyway.
You might construct houses in a profitable way by
constructing them for grain bouses as well as for
tobaeeo houses. He would not use it for these two
puriMises at the same time. It could be constructed
ill such a way that all the timbers could be |;enioved,
with few exceptions. You could use your cellar for
storini: turnips, potatoes, &c.

Mh. Kendio would prefer for the site of a tobacco
house a southeru slope. He would partition off the
Btripping and storing room convenient to each other.
He would avoid as much as jiossible all cross beams,
so that you can walk without stooping. There is an
advantage in having the doors hor.zontal instead of
vertical.

Mii. M.vTEit said he had cellar under only part of
hisliouse; experience taught him to have a cellar
under the entire building. A cellar should be no less
than U feet deep. If we want a building for tobacco
we must construct it for that purix>se alone. If you
keep the tobacco in the dark, it will cure dark.
Splitting the stock in drying, he thought, should be
avoided .

Referred Questions.

The following questions were then referred :

" What are the best methods for destroying cut
worms !"

"What are the best methods for setting out to-
bacco plants !''

The former was referred to Harry Mayer, and the
latter to Jacob Frantz.

Proceedings of the Bee Keepers' Association.
The regular meeting of the Lancaster County Bee
Keepers' Society was held at 2 o'clock on Saturday,
May 5th — Peter S. Keist, President, in the chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read by the Sec-
retary, H. H. Myers, and adopted.
The following reports were then delivered :
Mk. a. H. ScilocH made a statement that he bad
very poor success in wintering his swarms, having
lost six out of eighteen. They were, however, the
weakest hives.

J. T. HrBsiiEY reported that although he gave his
hives all the attention possible, be lust fifty out of
one hundred swarms. He .attribuled the trouble to
living in a low situation on the Conestoga, but per-
haps the cold weather was to blame principally for
the great los.s. His bees are well wintered, covered
and sheltered.

E. Hersuey reported a better state of things.
Out of thirty-four he lost but one swarm. Kept
them ou a sunimer stand. Had plenty of honey,
and are all strong now.

L. Fleckensteis lost four out of sixteen. Were
kept on summer stand, without unusual shelter, on
the north side of the house.

H. Hi'BER started into the winter with seven hives,
and still has them all. Tliey are strong, and were so
in the fall. Keeps them on a summer stand. They
are now busy laying up their usual store.

D. KuioEK has five stands — the same number he
had in the fall. They are strong, but he has fed
them all winter. A swarm that came late iu the fall
eat 20 [xiunds of sugar.

Mr. G. E. Mextzer related that he has one hun-
dred and twenty swarms iu Fulton county, which
have all stood the winter remarkably well. In
August he transferred ten swarms and lost them all.
He is not in thehabitof sheltering his hives in winter.
Being blooilless he does not believe bees freeze so
soon as is generally supposed. This gentleman had
a patent hive for exhibition, which was carefully ex-
amined by the members present.

A discussion followed this gentleman's remarks on
bees freezing. It was held by several members that
It was common for bees to become so numb by ex-
posure, that although the hives were full of honey
they virtually starved from not being able to reach
their food. Some held that bees were easily frozen
to death, while others believed the contrary.

John Dk kki. reported his single hive as having
wintered well in the garret.
Mr. H. H. Mters, the Secretary, reported his

hives as having done reasonably well, as he lost two
out of twelve. He fed them abundantly during the
cold weather.

Mr. Heist, the President, said he bad finyswarnis
in the fall, but lost ten swarms, which he attriliutcd
more to neglect than anything else. His bees were
flying about on nearly every fair day during the cold
season.

W. H. Detweii.er's success was not very good-
he having lost about 40 per cent, of his swarms, but
he hopes to builil tlieni up If the year is favorable.
Keferred iiucstioiis were called up. The first was :
" What are the advantages of the movable comb
hive over the box liive^'

Mr. H(!Beii gave a number of reasons why the
former were superior. The Secretary had both kinds;
he had one box hive, and the swarm that lives in it is
the vcrv best he owns.

The next question was, " What is the advantage
of the Italian over the Black bees ?"

Mr. Fi.eikknstein eonld not see much difference
between the two, except that the former are more
peaceable.

Mil. Myers was entirely in favor of the Italians —
was in favor of getting rid of the black ones by ban-
ishmtMit.

Mu. E. Hkrsiiky thought the only advantage of
the Italians was their ability to extract honey from
red cliiver blossoms.

.Mii. .1. F. Hersiiev said mist.akes were often made
in coiilbuiiding pure and hybrid queens. Italians
stored honey faster than the others— often the for-
mer gathered a large surplus while the others lould
not gather enough to sustain themselves. The Ital-
ians were, besides, cleaner than the blacks and could
whip them.
The third cpiestion was, " Can bees bear?"
On this point Mr. Hershey gave an atllrmative
opinion, founded on certain noises made by the queen
at certaiu times. If the (lueeii is laid ajiart from the
hive the peculiar humming made by her is at ouce
noticed, and they seek her.

Mr. Myers also believed bees hear; if a bee is
taken up in the hanii and held, (its wings being al-
lowed to vibrate,) it at once attracts the attention of
the rest.

.Mr. Fleokenstein was also of this opinion, which
he sujiported by various arguments.

The Iburth question was, " Which is the quickest
and best way to hive a natural swarm of bees?"

Mr. Fleckenstein and others participated in the
discussion.

Mr. Hobkr was of the opinion that the bees should
be emptied in front of the hive and allowed to go into
it themselves. If put into the hive they often come
out again.

Mk. J. F. Hershey described several modes of
securing natural swarms.

Mr. Mextzer thought natural swarming was a
humbug. He believed in the artificial process ; you
can in this way produce artificial swarming or pre-
vent swarming altogether.

Mr. Hershey wished to know whether, if a hive
swarmed naturally, we were to let them go! Some-
times a hive will swarm while it has ample room aud
ventilation.

Mr. Fleckenstein also believed there was no
way to prevent swarming.

The President interrupted the regular course of
business by calling upon Mr. .Mculzer to give his
views on tiie question of bees attacking fruit. The
latter gentleman related how he h.id walcheil bees in
their visits to vineyards and graperies, but found that
thev invariably went to Iruit which had already liecn
attacked, but never did any damage to perfect fruit.
.\lR. J. F. Hershey coniirmed .Mr. .Mentzer's \icvi .
Never knew bees (o attack sound fruit — they always
go to such as is already injured.

Mr. Huber agreed with the above ; his experience
was similar.

Mr. Fi.eckexstein has grapes all around his
bees, but the bees have never injured them; the
bunches hang all around the hives.

E. Hersuey also spoke in favor of the bees; in

fact, the opinion of the members was unanimous in

rejecting the the theory of bees attacking sound fruit.

The 5th question was, "Which is the best way to

introduce a strange queeu nto a colony of bees i"

Mr. .1. F. Hershey gave his experience on this in-
teresting question at length. His plan is to put the
stranger queen into a wire cage and hang it into the
hive lor several days until she acijuircs the scent
cominou to the bees in the hive, when she may be
liberated. If honey is plenty the danger to the
queen is not so great; but i( it is scarce this is not
the ease, and the (lucen is likely to lie stung.

Qnestion (Itli and last was, "Which is the best way
to transfer from box to luovalilc frame hives i"

Mr. J. F. IlERsnEV gave an elaborate description
of his method, which was very interesting, but too
technical for any reporter to follow or to attempt to
report correctly.

Mr. Fleckensteik also- related his experience,
which agreed in most particulars with that of the
last speaker.

The question whether brood can be successfully
produced in March was also taken up. J. F.
Hershey's opinion was that occasionally it could be
done, but succesa was exceptional.

A special question was taken up.

"How near the ground ought a hive to be placed
during the summer?"

Mr. Hershky thought the hives ought to be ele-
vated very little above the ground; in this way the
bees are removed from the higher currents of air,
and reach their hives more easily.

Mr. .Myers thought they should he nearly If not
quite on the ground. He means so to place his hives
iic.vt spring. Wlien too near the ground the bees
furnish toads with many hearty meals.

The President suggested to the members that they
observe the comparative elfei'ts of natural and arti-
ficial swarming, to find out which process gives the-
bcst results.

There lieing no other business before the society,
it adjourned until the second Monday In October.

The Linnxan Society.

The Linii'.i'an Soeietv held their stated meeting on
Saturday, April '^s, Isfr. President, Itcv. . I. S. Stahr,
in the chair, and nine mcmliers present. The pre-
liminary business heingaltciided to, the few donations
to the museum were found to consist of a fine mount-
ed specimen of the coot or nunl-hen ( FuUra Atncri-
cum,) shot on the 'Jlst iiisl., by Mr. II. 11. Kohrer,
near Paradise, in this countv, who left It In the care
of S. S. P.athvon. Mr. K. fearing it might spoil if
longer ke)it, had it skinned and mounted at a cost of
$J.50, without consulting Mr. Uohrcr, supfiosing 11
was intended for the society, and so paiil for it. A
specimen of oxide of iron fouml by .Mr. .Julius Shu-
nian, near the borough of Washington, who talks of
sinking a shaft, that possibly an out-crop of the
Chestuut Hill ore bank might" be unearthed in that
place. A charred "bracket," rescued from the fire
that consumed the Market street bridge, of Phlladel-
pliia, a short time ago, per Mr. Andrew Meixel.
This bracket a hundred years hence of the renowned
structure called the "permanent bridge" may be-
come valuable as a historical relic. To the historical
section wen' added, also, two envelopes containing
27 clippings from papers per S. S. Kathvon. Our
library was improved by having liU volumes Ixiund of
various works received in numbers. Through the
kindness of .Mr. Stone, librarian of the Pennsylvania
Historical Society, we received 14 numbers, a series
of reports of the regents of the New York university
of natural history. Also, from Mr. Win. Saunders,
editor of the r'anadian KiiUiiiiolngint, No. 12, of the
volume for ISTfi, containing an illustrated list and de-
scription of the Canthariilir. On motion a vote of
thanks was given to both gentlemen for their dona-
tions. Catalogues of publishing houses and book
notices were also received, and the April number of
The Laxi aster Farmer.

Papers were then read from corresponding mem-
bers. No. .504, on the albinism found in various
species ami genera of birds that came under the
notice of W.J. Hoffman, M. D., of Keading, who
describes the abnormal appearance in plumage such
as white or partially white blackbirds, itows, robins,
itc, both interesting and curious to the naturalist.
No. .5fi5, written by Mr. A. F. Kirlin, of Heading,
was a highly interesting document on archneological
research an*l dis^-overias made. The members pres-
ent express their thanks to their worthy correspond-
ents of Keading, and assun- them that their conimu-
nieatioiis were gratefully received. This being chiefly
a business meeting, the secretary reiiorted that in
compliance with the request of the society at the
meetings previous, he had 11)0 circulars printed and
tilled out, enclosed in envelopes, addressed to delin-
quent members ami queried as to getting them dis-
tributed. When the following resolutions were
otfered and adopted :

Jlemlved, That the secretary be authorized to send
them to the parties addressed by mail, at the expense
of the society, and that those who receive them will
please call and pay the same to the treasurer of the
society, S. S. Hathvon, 101 .\orth Queeu street, who
is authorized to receive the same.

Hrxolfnl, That as the funds of the treasury are
more than exhausted, in the necessity of meeting bills
due, for binding many valuable volumes, as ordered
by the society to improve their library, it is hoped
that the members will feel it a pleasure, as well as
their duly, to respond prom[itly and make payment.
Mrs. Zell laid on the table tlie early saxifrage and
tooth wart, culled in the vicinity. The Saiifraga
riri/lniensis, so naineil by Micheaux, is common on
exposed rocks. JThe other is the Denlaria, first
found aud described by our fellow-citizen of Njtanlc
fame, Ur. .Muhlenberg", as the D. laciniata, grows in
rich soil. Under scicutifle gossip, various topics
were discussed. Mr. A. F. Hostetter suggested the
propriety of Inciting the address of .Mr. Bear on the
Pennsylvania Germans, and a sketch lately publish-
ed in reference to Ephrata, to file away among our
historical archives. After some pleasant interchange
of thought and opinions, the bills for binding books
J25.14, for printing blanks $1.15, and j»stage ;10
cents, were presented and ordered to be paid. A
motion to adjourn, and make room for the bound
books, was then made, and a lock and key ordered
to be provided, when the society adjourned to meet
on Saturday, the :i6th day of May, 1877.

76

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ May,

THE TOBACCO TRADE.

How Lancaster County Forced to the Front.

For many, many years past the St.ate of Councoti-
cut possessed a reputation as tlie best tobaeco raisins^
State of the Union. Its tobaceo was celebrated all
over the world for quality and texture; ITartford be-
came the Mekka of tobacco dealers; from thenee
they spread over the adjacent country in winter and
in early spring, in breathless chase after the luxuri-
ous weed; rapidly it left the farmers' possession in
exchange for lartje sums of money, and prosperity,
joy and satisfaction reigned supreme. Up to the
year 1S70 this ever-returning spectacle continued.
The Connecticut tobaeco crop of that year was
blighted by some atmospheric influence or other un-
known cause, and enormous losses to the purchasers
of the tobacco, when yet in a green state, were not
the only consequence, but the reputation of Connec-
ticut tobaccos received a severe and lasting shock.
The years intervening 1870 and 1874 produced tobac-
co crops in that State which somewhat restored the
shattered reputation. But 1S74 tore up the almost
healed wound and the Connecticut tobacco crop of
that year was like a curse upon the dealers, and the
growers of that State. Timidly the buyers invested
in the following year (187.5) Connecticut tobacco crop.
They «ould not forget the soil that once yielded up such
rich and munilicent treasures. The crop contained a
goodly jiortion of the swarthy, sound and lively in-
gredients, combined with silky, spongy texture, that
which once brought golden fruits to the raisers and
dealers in Connecticut tobaccos — but a most power-
ful competition had grown up during the dark years
of misfortune to Conned icut tobacco. Pennsylvania,
with her vast acreage of fertile soil, has long been
one of the lobaceo rajping states, especially in the
Lancaster county district and the blows that struck
down the several Connecticut tobaeco crops, lifted
up into notoriety those of this state. But not before
the year of 187:i this notoriety assumed a formidable
shape. The Pennsylvania tobacco crop of that year
was a most excellent one , it developed ingredients in
the leaf which make it most desirable to the manu-
facturer of segars and the consumer of the article.
A harvest of money rewarded the investors iu this
crop.

The following year (1874) was not a fortunate
one to the Pennsylvania tobacco crop. It turned out
a heavy gummy plant, adapted only for the manu-
facture of low grade segars. But just this gummy
substance contained in the leaf helped to raise the
reputation of the Pennsylvania tobaeco crops in
general, and imbued buyers with tenfold confidence
in future ; because it permitted a successful rehand-
ling and resweating by which losses to investors
were avoided, while the thin, flimsy Connecticut to-
bacco of that year's growth did not permit any such
-procedure. When, therefore, another Pennsylvania
^crop (1875) made its appearance, a few shrewd
operators took advantage of the general apathy
among business men, and quickly secured the whole
of the crop at very reasonable figures. The resultof
this venture is too well known to be further dwelled
upon ; suffice it to say, that those investors made
fortunes out of their venture, and that this '75 Penn-
sylvania is, at this early season nf the year, nearly
exhausted, ami the remnants are fast disappearing
from the market. This last drift of the fortunes of
the Pennsylvania tobaceo crop has settled its reputa-
tion in the trade. Another unexpected accessory to
its growing popularity has been the overwhelming
demand for very dark tobaccos, a color Connecticut
tobacco unfortunately is almost destitute of, and
which to a great extent, at least, has been found in
the other tobaeco in question.

The ITarrislmrg Palriot, of the 7th ult., contains
the following "omments about the " weed," which
will he of interest to many of our readers who liave
had more or less experience :

" Considerable tobacco is produced in this county,
but Lancaster lays over any county in the State in
the quantity of the article raised. In Lancaster city
alone there are nineteen tobacco warehouses. The
whole number in the county reaches about forty.
The city is the headquarters of the trade, and from
it the hulk of the tobaeco is shipped. The tobaeco
firms who buy in Lancaster county spend annually
therefrom $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. The buyers or
packers run all the risk of purchasing the tobaceo,
and either make large or moderate profits or sustain
great losses. The consumers or raisers run no risk
at all, except it may be in the failure of the crop or
the gathering of a poor one, which seldom occurs.
They receive their pay as soon as the tobaceo is de-
livered and weighed in the warehouse, whereas the
buyers or packers pay all insurance, the expense of
storage and shipment, and must sustain the loss by
shrinkage which is occasioned by the process of fer-
mentation or sweating. The buyers or packers are
also required to keep a record of the names of the
farmers or Taisers from whom the tobacco is pur-
chased, together with the number of pounds bought,
for the use of the internal revenue officers of the
government.

" There are conflicting opinions as to the effect of
tobacco planting on the soil. Some farmers contend

that it will work injury to the ground, whilst others
just as strenuously assert that it will not. The
former say that as the tobacco requires the greatest
Cjuantity of richness, it will eventually impoverish
the land, while the latter hold that a crop of tobaceo
does not do as much injury as a crop of corn ; that
the latter has a dry root and hollow stock. and leaves
nothing behind, whilst the tobacco has a solid stalk
and leaves a glutinous pulp which sinks deeper and
deeper in the soil, and is therefore constantly en-
riching it. A man living on the Columbia turnpike,
a short distance from Lancaster, for nine successive
years has raised suiierior crops of tobaceo on one
tract, and his land is in as good, if not better condi-
tion now, than when he first planted the seed. Some
persons even grow a crop of potatoes and one of
tobacco on the same piece of land during the .same
season. The potatoes are of the early rose variety,
and when they are taken out of the ground in the
month of June, then the tobacco is planted."

The following is from the pen of a correspondent
from Lancaster, published in the Tobatro Leaf:

Notwithstanding the cry that the cream of the 1876
croi> of tobacco was long ago bought, it is still an-
swered by sales of leaf, showing conclusively by the
prices paid that thei-e are some very fine crops re-
maining imsold, for instance : Messrs. E. Springarn
& Co., of New York city, bought last week in East
Ilempfleld township a lot of leaf at '27 cents, and
another farmer of the same township sold at 23 cents
through. I might enumerate others the same as
above. At the same time a large amount is sold at
prices from 12@1S and 20c. for wrappers and 5(a'8c.
for seconds, and S(5i5c, for fillers. I have been
through the "Donegal" townships and a large
amount of tobaeco remains unsold, but the greater
portion of it is very poor, and no doubt could be
bought fi-om 8(aii:^c for wrappers and .S@5 for
seconds and fillers. This township is perfectly
scoured of good tobacco and on the whole but
few lots remain unsold. Old tobacco remnants
of 1S74, are eagerly bought at fair prices.
One sale was recently etTected which brought,
through, $1.1.05 per hundred, for which was bid last
Deceniljcr !)c. through, the above being a small lot
of 47 cases. The 1875 crop is inquired after; but
few lots remain in hands of local dealers. Inquiries
are made by large dealers in leaf from those packing
on a small scale, say from 100 to 300 eases, at wh.at
prices the tob.acco is held, etc., showing that there is
a market for all tobaccos if not held above current

quotations.

^

The New York Tobacco Trade.

The current number of the U. S. Tobacco Journal
sums up the New York seed leaf tobaeco sales for
the week ending April 29, at 872 cases, of which
New England furnished 2.50 and Pennsylvania 290
eases, of the crop of 1875. The balance of the
transactions comprise small lots of Ohio, Wisconsin
and New York leaf. The Journal continues :

In 1876 Pennsylvania, the reign of jobbing trade
seems to have already fairly opened; outside of some
transactions in the country previously reported, we
now hear of a sale in Lancaster of 400 cases (an en-
tire packing) to one of our large segar manufactur-
ing firms. With the approach of the close of the
packing season in Pennsylvania, the tide of buyers
takes its course towards Connecticut and Massachu-
setts, where farmers at last evince decided desire to
sell, and thereby lowering their figures to such an[ex-
tent as to make investments by packers prospectively
profitable. In Ohio things remaindull, while Wiscon-
sin is doing a brisk trade in disposing of 1876 stock at,
if not excellent, but at least paying figures. The Ha-
vana market can be called fairly active. Sales during
the week may be summed up to 750 bales, of which
one-fourth were of the fine grades of the '70 crop.

Exports of Tobacco From New York From
April I to 30, Inclusive.

Great Britain 334 hhds.

France i'ii hhdB.

North of Europe 71'2 hhds.

North of Europe, Stems 398 hhds.

.South of Europe 480 hhds.

Weyt Indies, South America and Mexico y5 hhds

Other Foreign Porte 360 hhds.

Total 2,803 hhds.

From the circular of Mr. Fred. Fischer we eollate
the following synopsis of exports from New York and
New Orleans, from January 1 to date.

1875. 187B. 187T.
Ebds. Ehds. Hhds

OreatBritaiu 1,633 3,794 1,249

France 5 2,773 3,174

Bremen and Hamburg 1,061 3,468 4,629

Antwerp and Holland 596 2.081 9'2'2

.Spaiu and Portugal 2,708 8,124 2,948

Mediterranean 140 617 361

Italy and Austria 4,325 3,416 4,343

Sundry Eiports 667 909 1,547

Totals 11,125 20,242 19,173

Consumption, asd on ships not

cleared 6,737 9,079 t,440

Disap'd from N.Tork and N.Orleans.. 16,862 29,321 26,613

AGRICULTURAL.

Pennsylvania Wheat Crop.

The April statement of the condition of crops has
been completed at the Agricultural Department.
The following is that portion referring to the wheat
crop in the different counties of this State :

Lehigh. — Wheat looks pale in some localities;
badly winter killed. Rye appears remarkably well.

Cameron. — Winter wheat and rye in good condi-
tion.

Delaware. — Wlieat and rye present an unusually
healthful appearance.

Indiana. — Wlieat and rye promise unusually well.
The most trying time on our winter grain is from
the 20th of March to the 20th of April.

Perry. — Plenty of wheat on the ground, but short.
We are having weather now that may make a short
crop.

Wyoming. — Wheat and rye wintered good.

Clearfield. — Wheat and rye looking well, as far as
the snow will let us judge.

Clinton. — Early, some fine; late wheat and rye,
some backward and much injured by the winter.

Union.— Wheat and rye, about two-thirds of a
crop.

Cambria. — Winter wheat 25 per cent, better than
last year.

Bradford. — Wheat and rye in promising condition.

Cumberland. — Comparative condition of wheat and
rye good.

Westmorland.^Winter wheat and rye look good;
blades brown, but roots appear uninjured.

Adams.— Wheat is short, though healthy; some late.

Berks. — Early, some winter grain suffered from
Hessian fly; late, some healthy and promising.

Snyder. — Great deal of winter wheat destroyed
by the fly; what remains looks well. Rye about
average .

Fulton. — Wheat and rye stand well, and with fa-
vorable spring may have good crops, although some
late.

Sullivan. — Wheat and rye never better.

Chester. — Wheat and rye in average condition.

York. — Wheat and rye good with fine prospects.

Tioga.— Wheat and rye looking first-rate.

Somerset. — Wheat and rye in good condition.

Luzerne. — Good, five per cent, above average.

Montgomery. — The comparative condition of both
good .

Monros. — Wheat and rye never looked better.

Juniata. — Condition of wheat, 90.

Wayne. — Not looking as well as laat year.

Mitliin.— Early, some wheat in good condition ;
late, does not look so well, but with favorable
weather may make a good crop.

McKean. — Injured by freezing.

Forest. — Winter whesit and rye in excellent condi-
tion.

Dauphin. — Winter grain in fair average condition.

Butler. — Everything is backward ; winter grain,
however, looks encouraging.

Blair. — In about average conditicm.

Armstrong. — Looks well ; above average.

Columbia. — Wheat looking good ; rye same.

Warren. — Very good.

Mercer. — Good ; much above the average.

Northumberland. — Winter grain looks remarkably
good.

Erie. — Wheat and rye came out of the snow very
fine.

Beaver. — Never had a^better appearance than this
spring.

Montour. — Wheat and rye a full average.

Lancaster. — Looks well over the whole county.

Crawford. — Wheat and rye in the very best condi-
tion.

Is Wheat Culture Declining?
Oue of the questions which presents itself to mil-
lers, and others interested iu wheat, is whether there
is a decline in the wheat crops of the past few years
as compared with the crops of the earlier periods in
the history of our agriculture. Many have asserted,
on what apparently seem good grounds, that while
the aggregate amount of wheat is greater now than
formerly, the relative quantity, or number of bushels
per capita^ is decreasing, and will soon be adquate to
supply only the home demand. The method by which
these conclusions have been reached is fallacious in
the extreme, and consists in taking the best crops of
former years and comparing them with the poorer
ones, or the "failures" of later times. Of course
the only correct way is to take the average of two
series of years, and compare each average with the
number of inhabitants. On such a basis of calcula-
tion it is easily demonstrated that our wheat produc-
tion is constantly and steadily increasing. In 1849
the whole crop amounted to 100,000,000 bushels ; in
1859 it reached 173,000,000 bushels; and in 1869 it
was 387,000,000 bushels. According to the popula-
tion, 4.:i bushels were produced per capita in 1849,
5.5 in 18.59, and 7.46 in 1869. This last crop was an
exceptional one. Since then the average has been
about 200,000,000 bushels a year, or nearly 7 bushels
per capita. Our exports furnish another means of
arriving at the same general conclusion that our sup-
ply of wheat i* Increasing, for the past fifty years

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

77

our exports in crain and flour have been ctiuivalent
to l.OtL'.nOO.nOO busliele. Of this imnieTisc quantity
only 178,000,000 bushels were exporteil up to the
year ISrM, while in the year 1874 alone 91,000,000
bushels were shipped to ibrciern countries. In what-
ever w:iy wo view the question we seo the same re-
sult— a lar(;e absolute, a.* well as relative increuf-c
In our supply of breadstult's. When we take into
consideration" the fact that population increases in
the United States more rapiiily than elsewhere, and
lind that nevertheless more wheat is niised for each
person now than formerly, we can well .say that this
is the most convincins; arixtiment yet addiicoil to
prove the correctness of Henry C. Carey's theory,
that sustenance increases faster than population. —
Atiiffican Miller.

Culture of Broom Corn.

The Jowiial of ,-l,7riVi(/(ii)-« describes the culture of
broom corn in this wise : " Broom corn recpiires rich
soil ; bottom land is the best, and it shouM be as free
from irrass as |)osfiblc. The ri'ason for choosinsr
clean land will appi'ar plain to a man who has raised
a crop. The irround should be well plouj;hed ami
made perfectly line with the harrow, tlien marked
out with shallow nuirks as if to be planted by hanil,
so as not to e;et the seed too deep in the ground ; but
the best plan is to plant with a drill. Thi' stalks
must be as close as live or six inches, to prevent the
straw from bccominirtoo heavy. Of course it cannot
be drilled with much rc!,'ularity, but must be cut out
with the hoe to the risrht distance when small. It is
like sorehuiu, ffrows slow when small, and on most
land it is positively necessary to hoe the grass out,
which ijivcs a gooil opportunity for cuttini; out to the
right distance." After this is done tlic enltivatiou is
similar to that of corn. When the seed begins to fill,
the straw will bend over from the weight, ami to pre-
vent this the full force of the hands must be put to
break the italks over, say ten or twelve inches from
wlierc the straw grows out, or more properly the
head. The weight of the seed will then, by hanging
down, keep the straw straight. Now conies the
busy season and t he time when labor and carii will
add much to the value of the crop. The green straw
being altogether the most valuable, it is important
that it should be cut before it turns red, and dried in
the shade. To do this a shed is necessary, with
shelves on which to lay it, say six inches deep ; and
enough hands must be cm]iloycd to cut the crop be-
fore any or m\ich of it turns red. The seed is strip-
ped by means of a machine made for the purpose,
with two cylinders between which the corn is held in
handfuls. The process is very rapid, only an instant
being necessary to knoc*k the seed all olT. The coru
is baled before being sent, to market . The price is
very lluetualing, running from $(iO to 8S50 per ton."

A Farm that Ruined the Owner and made his
Fortune Afterwards.

■ Years ago, says one of our New York exchanges —
papers that, like Washington, never tell a lie — a New-
Yorker took into his head that he would try farming
on Long Island, and set out b) find a desirable farm.
He went on a tour carrying a shovel with which he
dug up ground and had it analyzc<l. However, not
finding aught to his taste on Long Island, he deter-
minded to go to Rhode Island, and there purchaseil
a farm for t:0,000 on which he expended ?l:0,000
more, anil then apiiarently tired of it, rentcil the
ground for a few hundred a year, witli the small
remnant of his fortune went to California; there he
• made a lucky hit, and not long since returned to the
Kast to make the agreeable discovery that during his
absence the city of f rovidence had providentially for
him been speedily advancing towards his farm,
which had become immensely valuable. Pi-esently
he sold ofl" ?8O,OO0 worth, then arriving at the con-
elusion that be let it go too cheap, he had the rest
surveyed and laid out in streets and lots. He has
now sold §900,000 worth.

Measuring Corn in Bulk.

Multiply the length, width an?l height together by
Inches, and divide that product by :i,8.88. This will
give the number of bushels in the crib or wagon box.
For example, the crib that is twenty feet long, four
feet wide, and eight feet high, holds i;S+ 4-9 bushels.
And such a crib is '240 inches long, 4S inches wide,
and !>fi inches high, containing I,10.'),920 inches.
Divide that by S.SS-*, and it will give '284 4-9 bushels.
Again, if your wagon bed is II feet long, '1 feet wide,
and 17 inches deep, multiply V-^l Inches long, lifi
inches wide, :itj inches deep, togetlier, and it will
make 80,784 inches. l>iv de by :i,888, and the bed
will hold 20 7-9 bushels.

-^

Haying.

Clover, as well as grass, should be cut before the
bloom is past. Some of Professor Atwater's articles
have clearly shown the extra feeding value of early
cut hay. Prepare everything for haying, that there
may be nodelay when the work commences. In the
Northern States orcharii grass and clover must be
cut near the end of the month, and timothy soon
after. Hay, for sale, may be cut somewhat later, as
it will be heavier, though coarser, than that cut early.

Farm Profits in America.

Under this head " A Western Farmer," whose lo-
cation is not given, writes to the London Fidil :

Before leaving England, some ten years ago, I held
for a length of time a farm undiTone of the greatest
of Knglish landlords ; but what with high rent, dear
and bad labor, bad seasons, and disease among cat-
tle, I found at the end of that time that 1 was tliOU
poorer than when I commenced ; so I cleared out and
came West, where I have been farming nine years,
and where, with less capital than 1 commenced with
in England, I have made some .*'.'0,000, entirely from
farming. A man who underslamls his business and
possesses some capital, must do well in the West —
there is every element of success naturally.

The Time to Spread Manure.

For some years we have sprca^l manurt^ dui'ing the
winter upon meadows, clover, sod to be plowed for
corn, and ground plowed for spring crops. The
pra('tiee is econondcal of labor, and convenient, :ii]d
we have no reason to helicvr that the manure loses
any \aluable constituent. 'I'he ammonia of frc.'>h
manure is in a nascent or inactive condition, :ind is
not Wiisted during the cold weather. Those who may
lind it conveniint to use manure in this manner, can
do no harm by nniking the experiment. Dairy
farmers cannot do better than sprea^I manure upon
their meadows and pastures as fast as it is made.

Manure on Frozen Ground.

The Americ'in Ai/rieulhtyixt says : We are asked
what advantage tliere is in spreading manure on
frozen ground. If it is covered with grass, either a
pasture or meadow, there is a great advantage in
more than one respect. The surface is protected
Irom sudden changes during winter, ami the first
thaw carrii'S the manure to the roots, where it causes
a vigorous growth early in t he spring. If the ground
is ploughed for a spring crop, it is also benefited by
having the manure ready to be absorbed liy the soil
whenever the ground thaws ; tin' seed, as soon as it
sprouts, finds what it needs close at hand.

Profit in a Good Soil.

The Pniiric Farmer s.ays on this point : " The
idea that the number of acres in crops indicates the
farmer's inctune must be abandoned, and the num-
ber of bushels per acre must be looked for instead.
There is certainly less profit in ploughing fifty acres
to raise one thousand bushels of grain than in plough-
ing but twenty-five two grow the same amount, and
trusting to good seasons for fair crops will not be
thought of by the improved farmer. A rich and
well-cultivated soil will usually make fair returns in
what we call bad or unfavorable seasons. What the
farmer on a poor soil would call a good season sel-
dom comes."

Wheat and Chess.

J. J. Bassart, of Kansas, asked some time ago
whether wheat pastured in fall and winter would
produce chess? A. Falconer answers as follows:
" I have been raising wheat for 50 years and my ex-
perience is that it will. You may run a fence
through a wheat field, uniformly good, and pasture
one side, not disturbing the other, and the part
pastured will have the most chess. The main root
is disturbed or broken ott' and chess is the result. 1
am aware that this is opposed to scientific explana-
tions, but. that does not alter the facts. I never had
rye injured and have pastured till April."

-^

Oats and Peas.

Oats and peas sown together produce a very nutri-
tions fodder. The two crops together, upon one acre
of good soil, will yield nearly if not quiet, as much
fodder as would an acre of each sown separately.
We have sown two bushels of o.ats and six pecks of
peas to the acre. If sown early, the fodder may be
cut for soiling cows or horses in May ^>r June, and a
succcession for continuous use may be sown every
two weeks until early in May. Roll the ground after
sowing, so that the crop may be cut with a mower,
which may easily be done, as the oats support the
peas and prevent lodging.

Clean Out the Weeds.

It is in every way desirable to clear the weeds from
the by-places, the corners of the fence and gardens,
and not cast them to the rubliish pile to remain and
blow about all winter ; not in the compost heap in
the hope that they will rot and make manure ; but
to a heap where they may be burned and every
ves^go of seed destroyed. It is a nice thing to sec
flocks of snow-liirds in winter, but it is not a good
method of indulgence to raise weed seed to induce
their i)resence.

Liquid Manure.
The sewage system of fertilizing land or using
li(piid manure is scarcely known in the United States,
but as the country grows older more will be done in
that direction, lu England town sewage has been
extensively employed to increase the fertdity of the
farming land adjacent, and it has proved so beneficial
and profitable in many instances that farmers are to
some extent adopting a similar system in the use of
the manure made in their stables and yards.

HORTICULTURAL.

Raising Onion Sets.
W. C. Pclham, Mayville, Ky., w rites to the Amer-
ican A(/ricutlurKt of his method of raising onion sets :
He selects a level and dry piece of ground. His
ground is ricli alluvial loam, but the character ofthe
soil is of no special importance. Reds are formed
two feet wide, with a path of one foot between. The
" beds" are excavated to tliedepth of twoiucbes — or,
in other words, the path or alley between is two
inches higher than the beils ; the bottom of the beds
is nicely smoothed with the back of a spade, so as to
present a level surface whereon to sow the seed.
The sct'd is sown so that frf)m fifteen to twenty sce<ls
will cover a square inch. If the surface of the beds
was sprin'Kled with plaster or white sand, the seeds,
which are black, could be sown more evenly. After
sowing, the seeils are covered with two inches of
pure clean sand, which brings the beds and paths to
the same level. The whole is then rolled with a light
I'oller, or patted down with a spade. The ailvan-
tages of this plan are, that there being no seeds of
weeds in the sand, the labor of weeding is entirely
saved, and the sets when matured are far more easily
liarvestcd from the clean, soft sand, than from tho
hard-bakeil surface which most soils present after a
season's rains ami sun on a surface that cannot be
stirred.

Cherries.

Those who are old enough to renieniljcr thirty. five
years ago, know that the .Morello and Pie cherries
were at thattimegrown in abundance on nearlyeVery
farm. " Black Knot " has left but few of those va-
rieties in existence in Lancaster c^'Uiity. The Mo-
rellowas first attacked and destroyed ; tile Pie cherry
more recently. Pomologisls were not able to agree
as to the jiriniary cause ofthe disease ; neither were
t hey able to give a remedy to check its ravages. The
disease started east of this locality, and spread in a
westerly direction.

The object of this short article is to remind the
farmers of this county that those old and similar va-
rieties of cheri'ies can again be grown. The few
trees that were saved by cutting olftlie knots when-
ever noticed, during the time of the prevalence ofthe
disease, have been clear of the knots the last four
years, aud the last two have borne good crops of
cherries. Young trees of the Early Uichmond, Eng-
lish Morello, and the old Pie cherries, idanlied two
years ago, show no sign ofthe knf)t.

Cherries rec(uire lull little care to .grow them, and
are less liable to be injured by insect enemies than
any other i'rnit ; and a few dollars invested in cherry
trees to plant in vacant spaces mar our farm buildings
will repay the outlay. — 1'., LancaKlcr linjuirer.

Small Fruits in Gardens.
But few people seem to know the value of small
fruits to a family when grown in their own gardens.
You commence with strawberries; they continue
about a month. You i)ick, perhaps, from six to
twelve quarts a day. You have them on your table
as a dessert, if you please at noon, and your tea-table
is loaded with them at evening, and you want little
else tint your bread and tiutter. Your family con-
sume in one w.ay or another about eight quarts a day,
and while they last no medicines for bodily ailments
are required, as a quart of strawberries daily gene-
rally dispel all ordinary diseases not settled perma-
nenily inthesysteni. .\fter strawberries, rasplierriei
come, to continue al)out three weeks ; then we have
blackljerries where the climate is not too cold for the
cultivated varieties ; then the currants ripen, which
I'cmain till the early grapes mature ; and taking the
season through any family with a half acre of land
in a garden can grow small fruits that makes coun-
try life delightful, and at the same lime hundreds of
dollars can lie saved in the supply at the table.

Look to your Orchards.

Before commencing the regular spring work on
the farm, the orchard should receive some attention.

The larva of the apple tree borer, from eggs laid
last year, can now be found umler tlu' bark at the
base of the tree. Its castings will indicate the pb'e,
and il can be dislodged with tlic knife wiliiout much
injury to the tree.

Many of the clirysalida of the codling moth can
be fouml under the rough bark on the trunks.

Tluir destruction now, followed by the capture of
the next brood in bay bands tied around the trunks,
will aild to the quantity and quality ofthe next fruit
crop.

The eggs of the tent caterpillar moth can also be
destroyed at this time. They will be found in clus-
ters on twigs, and are easily seen before the leaves
are formed. — Iwjuirer,

Japanese Persimmon.

The .lapanese persimmon tree is being introduced
by the horticulturists of California. The fruit differs
somewhat from the persimmon of the Southern
Slates, as it ripens without frost, and is free from

78

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[May,

the acrid taste when green which characterizes
them. The tree is hishly ornamental, a prolific
bearer, hardy as the pear, and ripens its Iruit early.
The fruit is solid and can be shipped across the con-
tinent. The season is from October to January,
when fine fruits arc scarce. The fruit is of a brifjiit
yellow, orange or vermilion color, is unsurpassed for
the table, being thought by some to Vie equal to the
peach or strawberry. Its average weight is from one-
half pound to over a pound. When dried it is equal
to figs, and is extensively used for preserving in
China. The wood of the .Japanese persimmon is
valuable for manufacturing, it being a species of the
ebony.

The Peach Crop.

What is the matter with the peach growers? They
are entirely too derelict this year in furnishing the
customary information as to the failure of the com-
ing crop. It is high time to be informed that three-
fourths of the peach-buds were killed by the low
temperature in January, and an unusually light
crop will be the consequence. Perhaps the trees have
not yet been examined, and producers have delayed
this task and reserved their steam for a dreadful ex-
plosion'-full of sound and fury," that will create
alarm even among the canning establishments, but
"will in the end amount to nothing. Ilowever, we
shall abide our time and "by their fruits shall ye

judge them."

^

Potatoes.
The scarcity of potatoes, which has been growing
more and more m.nrked as the season advanced, is
due not to any desire to "corner" the market, but to
the fact that the crop was a light one, and the larger
share of those on hand are held back fiir the spring
planting. The potato bug first and the drought
afterward played sad havoc with tlie crop, and the
excessively cold weather of the winter has done much
to injure the stock on hand. But the crop in Canada
was excellent, and shipments from that place have
commenced. The main trouble will be that they
will be higher all the season, and until a new croj),
but beyond this advance there need be no fear.

Pears ih MisEouri.
A writer in Cohman'x Rural World says that more
than fifty thousand pear trees are annually set out in
Missouri, not one in ten of which survives the ninth
year in the orchard. They grow vigorously at first,
and afterwards gratlually perish imder a modifica-
tion of the blight. Yet here and there a tree is found
that has remained sound for more than half acentury,
yielding annually wagon loads of fruit. It would be
worth a good deal of investigation to find out the
reason of the difference, so as to protil by it in plant-
ing.

«

Profits in Almonds.

Tlie Los Angeles (Cal.) I/epnlilican, speaking of
the profits of almond culture ill that locality, says:
"Trees eight years old will produce from two hun-
dred to three hundred iiounds per annum, and they
are worth in the markets of the United States from
22 to 32 cents per pound. It is absolutely safe to as-
sert trees of that age and upward will pay an annual
net profit of 5>'in per tree above all expenses of at-
tending orchard, gathering and marketing produce.
As two hundred trees are planted on an acre of land
it would give a net income of S(5,00U per acre.

-^

Twenty -Ounce Apples.

At the discussions of the Western New York
Farmers' club, it was remarked by several members
that the codling nifith had been much more destruc-
tive the past season than usual to the apple crop.
Wm. Otis, of Rochester, said he had not seen a per-
fect apple this year. But the fairest fruit and the
best annual bearer was the twenty-ounce ajiple. The
fact therefore that it has proved tender in some parts
of the country should not induce planters to reject it
without further trial.

Large Strawberries.
A correspondent of the Loiiilon (Tnrtlm describes
the manner in whicli he obtains Iruit from str.aw-
bcrry beds, many of the berries measuring eight
inches in circumference, and sixteen placed in a row
have measured tiirce feet — an average of two and a
quarter inches in diameter. His practice is to plant
often, and manure well, on an excellent soil. We
sometimes have as large strawberries in this country,
but the moist climate of Kngland more particularly
favors a large growth.

Fruit Prospects.

The annual prophet conies to the front with ihe
following prediction : The prospects of-tlie fruit sea-
son are encouraging in some regards and the oppo-
site in others. So far as reported the apple and
pear trees are all right, the frost not having affected
them to any degree, although the wonderful yield of
last year in.ay not be expected this season. The
peach and cherry crop does not promise so well, the
frost having damaged the trees.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Preserving Eggs.

A writer in the English Mechanic says: "In the
year 1871-72, 1 preserved eggs so perfectly that, after
a lapse of six months, they were mistaken when
brought to the table for fresh-laid eggs, and I believe
they would have kept equally good for twelve months.
My mode of preservation was to varnish the eggs as
soon after they were laid as possible with a thin co-
pal varnish , taking care that the whole of the shell was
covered with varnish. I subsequently found that by
painting'theeggs with fresh albumen, beaten up with a
little salt, they were preserved equally well, and as for
loner a period. After varnishing or painting with al-
bumen, I lay the eggs upon rough blotting paper,
as I found that when allowed to rest till dry upon a
plate or an the table, the albumen stuck so fast to
the table or plate as to take away a chip out of the
shell. This is entirely obviated by the use of the
blotting paper. I pack the eggs in boxes of dry
bran.

Lemonade for an Invalid.

This is too often made by simply squeezing a lemon
into a tumbler, picking the pips out with a Spoon,
and then adding sugar and cold water. The best
method of making lemonade is to peel the lemons,
or otherwise the lemonade will be bitter; cut them
into slices, taking away the pips, and then pouring
boiling water on the slices, adding, of course, suffl-
cient sugar to sweeten. This after being well stirred
and the pulp pressed with a spoon, must be carefully
strained through a piece of fine muslin, and allowed
to get cold. When cold, a piece of ice i^ a great im-
provement. Cold, weak lemonade made this way,
not too sweet, is one of the most refreshing drinks
possible for hot weather ; and in eases where there
is a tendency to take fluids too often — a tendency we
fear rather of the age in which we live — a large jug
of lemonade made in the manner we have described,
will often prove a harmless substitute for a glass of
sherry, or a little drop of cold brandy-and- water, or a
glass of beer, as the case may be.

Beef Extract.

Take a pound of good juicy beef, from which all
the 2kin and fat has been cut away, chop it up like
sausage-meat ; mix it thoroughly with a pint of cold
water, place it on the side of the stove to lieat very
slowly, and give an occasional stir. It may stand
two or three hours before it is allowed to simmer,
and will then require but fifteen minutes of gentle
lioiling. Salt should be added when the boiling first
commences, and this, for invalids, in general, is the
only seasoning required. When the extract is thus
I'ar prepared, it may be poured from the meat into a
basin, and allowed to stand until any particles of fat
on the surface can be skimmed off, and the sediment
has subsided and left the soup quite clear, when it
may be poured off gently, heated in a clean ssiuce-
pan, and served. The scum should be well cleared
as it accumulates.

Barn Wash.

Colemanh Rnral World gives the following as a
good wash for barns and out-buildings :

Procure a barrel of crude petroleum of any oil
dealer or manufacturer; apply a heavy coat to the
outside of the building, with a whitewash brush,
which is done rapidly by any common laborer ; let it
dry and soak for a few weeks, and give tliC surface a
coat of Averill jiaint. This paint dries more rapidly,
adheres better, and makes a more durable coating
than any other which we have trieil, and is cheaper
than white lead. We have buildings made of un-
planed boards which were thus treated several years
ago, having received but one coat of the paint over
the oiled wood, that appear to be uninjured by lime.
On planed surfaces two coats of the paint would be
necessary. A light brown or ash color would be
suitable.

• Painting Buildings.

For the first coat or piiming, there appears to be
nothing better than the old method of using white
lead in oil ; a thin mixture fills the jiorcsof the wood
better than a thick one. For a second coat, if three
are used, a mixture of white lead and zinc is good.
For the final eo.at, whether it be the second or tliird,
we prefer the zinc paint for white; though costing
more per pound it goes further, and is on the whole
quite as cheap as lead, while it retains its clear, white
color much better than lead, which is tarnished by
sulphurous gases arising from the manure around
barns and stables, and from the sink drains and
other sources arfiund the house. There is always
enough of sulphuretcd hydrogen in the air to gradu-
ally darken any surface paint containing lead.

a cup ammonia, and Uapint tepid soft water. Sponge
the silk with this on both sides, especially the soiled
spots. Having flnished sponging, roll it on a round
stick like a broom handle, being careful not to have
any wrinkles. Silk thus washed, and thoroughly
dried, needs no ironing, and has a lustre like new
silk. Not only silk but merino, barege, or any woolen
goods, may be thus treated with the best results.

Cleaning Silk

The following mode of cleaning silk garmsnts has
been successfully tested. The garment must first be
ripped and dusted. Have a large Hat board ; over it
spread an old sheet. Take half a cup ox gall, half

Household Receipts.

Soft Sweet Bread.— Take one-half cake of com-
pressed dry hop yeast, dissolve in half pint of warm
water, taking care not to scald it, thicken with Hour,
and let stand until perfectly light ; or use one-half
pint of soft baker's yeast ; this will be enough yeast
for two loaves ; when the yeast is light and ready
boil two quarts of sweet milk ; put in it one table-
spoonful salt, one of butter, and one of white sugar ;
sift three quarts of flour ; stir into a thick batter
while the milk is hot enough to scald the flour ; then
let it stand to cool before the yeast is added ; then
beat into a sponge, and set in a warm place until
perfectly bght ; then b.ave sifted flour, and mold up
your bread well, but not too stiff; cover warm, and
let rise very light ; then mold carefully, not adding
any flour except what is necessary to keep it from
sticking to your tray or board ; place in pans, and, in
half an hour bake in an oven. Place your hand in
the oven and count twenty ; if the heat should be too
great on your hand before you get twenty counted,
and you have to withdraw it, the oven is too hot,
and must be regulated to an even temperature of
heat. The time of baking is one hour. This receipt
will make two medium-sized loaves. If sweet milk
or butter cannot be had, use warm water and sweet
lard.

To TAKE grease spots out of carpets, mix a little
soap in a gallon of warm, soft water, then add half
an ounce of borax; wash the part well with a cloth,
and the grease or dirt spot will soon disappear.

To PREVENT the smoking of a lamp, soak the
wick in strong vinegar and dry it well before using it.
It will then burn both sweet and pleasant, and give
much satisfaction for the trouble in preparing it.

New-Enpland Baked Beans.— Put a quart of
good white beans in three or four quarts of soft wa-
tei ; let them stand where they will get hot but not
boil for 12 hours at least, then drain them thoroughly
and rinse through several waters; place in a deep
pot, score the rind of a jiound of nice fat pork deeply,
and place it in the beans so that it will be all covered
except the rind, and cover with water; place in hot
oven and bake 10 or 12 hours at least — more is bet-
ter, as the water dries away fill it up again, and some
time put a teaspoonful of molasses in the water ; the
rind should be crisp and craekly, and the beans red-
dish-brown and soft, but whole when done. — .M. M.

New-England Baked Beans. — II. — The follow-
ing an old-fashioned New-England receipt from a
Boston lady: One quart of beans, soak in cold water
all night, pour off water in the morning and add
fresh supply of water enough to cover them. Boil
slowly for 15 minutes, drain oil water through collcn-
der; put beans into deep iron dish with water enough
to cover them, add a small piece of pork and a table-
spoonful of molasses; bake slowly for five hours.

Terrapin. — Put the tcrrajiin, after you cut it up,
into a saucepan, with any liquor that comes from it
in cutting, but not any water; rub flour and butter
together according tu the quantity of meat you have
— a quarter of a pound of butter usually is sulticient
— and add it to the meat, with one glass of .Madeira
wine; cover it very tightly; set it where it will sim-
mer very slowly until tender. When just ready to
serve stir in the yolks of two eggs, well beaten.
Send to table very hot. — AtLtd Addit\

MooK TERRAPiN.-Have a calf s liver cut in half in
slices; dip them in flour in which you have added salt
and pepper, and fry brown in boiling lard, turning
very often; when cold chop it rather fine, also, two
hard-boiled eggs; season with one teas|)oonful mixed
mustanl, a pinch of cayenne ])epper, the same of
cloves, a piece of butter the size of an <^)^iZi one table-
spoonful of flour, and one tcacupful of hot water;
let simmer together five minutes; just before serv-
ing add a wine glassful of wine. Cold veal is also
nice prepared in this style. — Annt Addir.

Prepauino Spinac II KOR Table. — A lady writes
as follows : Carefully examine each bunch or head
and cut off all leaves that arc wilted, leaving none
but those that are fresh ; cut olf the steins so that
the leaves m.ay be separated. This will make sure
of getting out all the sand. Throw them into a pail
of cold water. After all the spinacli is thus pre-
pared wash it in .at least four waters. Do not drain
the water off', but take out the spinach and put it
into another vessel with fresh water, as the sand
remains at the bottom and you can thus get rid of it.
When it is well washed put it in boiling water and
let it boil -0 minutes, or longer, according to its
tenderness ; when done pour into a colander to drain.
Cut it up slightly with a common table knife. Sea-
son with salt and a small tablespoonful of butter;
garnish with hard-boiled eggs cut in slices.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

79

LIVE STOCK.

Ayrshire Cows.

The report of the Ayrshire Agricultural Associa-
tion pivcB the followinu' points of tile stamliiig of su-
periority in .Vyrsliireeons :

Ileiidsliort,' forelieail wiile, nose fine lictween the
muzzle anil eyes, muzzle nioJeralely large, eyes full
and lively, horns wide set on, inelining upward and
curving slightly upward.

Neck long and straight from the head to the top
of I he shonlilcr, free from Ioom- e-kin on the under side,
line at its junction with the head, and the muscles
syninietrical, enlarging t()ward the shoulders.

Shoulders thin at the top, brisket light, the whole
forequarters thin in front, and gradually increasing
in depth and width backward.

Back short and straight, spine well defined, espe-
cially at the shoulder, the short ribs arched, the body
deep at the Hanks, and the milk veins well developed.

I'elvis long, broad and straight, hock bones (ill-
inin) wide apart and not much overlaid with fat,
thighs deep and broad, tail long and slender, and
set on level with the back.

Milk vessels capacious and extending well forward,
hinder part broad an<l firmly attached to the body,
the sole or under surface nearly level, the teats from
two to two and a-half inches in length, equal in
thickness, and hanging perpendicularly; their dis-
tance apart at the sides should be equal to about one-
third of the length of the vessel, and acro.ssto about
one-half of the breadth.

Legs short, the bones fine and the joints firm.

Skin soft and clastic, and covered with soft, close,
vrooly hair.

The colors preferred are brown, or brown and
■white, the colors being distinctly defined.

(ircat value is attached to the above form and
points by the dairy farmer, and he quickly takes
them iu when effecting a purcliasc, so that a mistake
is rarely made.

Does Buckwheat Poison Sheep?
A fanner of Kent county, Englantl, at the close of
the dry, hot summer of INTO had UTS lambs on his
farm, which, in consequenci^ of the drought and fail-
ure of the grass crop, was heavily overstocked.
These lambs were at the close of the season in very
poor condition, and, to bring Uxgm up again, were
placed upon a field of buckwheat. They soon began
to show signs of dizzii»ess, and even intoxication,
lighting and butting each other in a very unlamblike
manner. Soon their faces, heads, and especially their
ears, were covereil with ulcers. The eyelids swelled
in many eases, causing total blindness, and in <itbers
the eyes were totally destroyed by ulceration. A
copious discharge of pulveruent mucus from the
nose, swollen lips, and cessation of appetite marked
the course of the disease. The sun ami the flics began
to terrify the alHicted animals, and several deaths
occurred. That the disease was not variola was
shown by the fact that there was no eruption inside
the thighs or no other ha'rless spots. Of .57 lambs not
placed in the buckwheat fiehl not one was aflected,
all were perfectly healthy. To test the contagious-
ness of the disease several alTected rams were turned
into the same inclosure with i)erfeclly sound ewes,
and though they copulated and landts werethe result,
no trace of disease was found upon cither the mothers
or the offspring. The farmer is fully convinced that
the disease was caused by the poisonous quality of
the buckwheat, which had greater power in conse-
quence of the low vitality of the animals. The ulcer-
' ations were drcs.'sed with a weak solution of carbolic
acid, and small doses of ferri sulpb., gentian, and
spirits of terebinith were administered. The buck-
wheat was probably nearly i^\k, or at least in full
flower, at which ])eriod it is known to contain an ele-
ment of an intoxicating character. It is said also to
produce erysipelatous eruptions in different kinds
of animals, with symptoms of cerebral eongestion.

Care of Dairy Cows.
John B. Tomlinson, of F'onntain Farm, near New-
town, Bucks county, writes as follows to the Doyles-
town ItitfUifferrry: '*! have seen in your paper a
good deal al>out gilt-edged butter and cleanliuess and
other things about dairying, but nothing about keep-
ing cows clean. My method is to grade the stable
tlotir a little sloping l>aek from the manger ; jiut one
planklenglhwi.se undtT the himi feet of the cows, one
foot wide, and fill with clay up to the manger, having
a drop of five inches at the plank. Then plank the
n-mainder to the back wall, having the rear a little
highest so as to throw all the wet to the drop plank.
Then you have a dry walk behind the cows and the
stables are easily cleaned. My cattle iu the yard do
not look as if they were ever stabled at all. In very
cold weather 1 do not let them out at all, but keep
them in the stable. In the morniugs as soon as we
can see we give all milkers and dry cows, a little
meal; a little hay and sheaf of corn-fodder after
breakfast ; and at night hay and meal again. The
milkers have tbiu' quarts of meal twice a day. When
the weather is mild they pick the chaff, straw and
fodder in the barn yard and go into the stables as
full as ticks. "I stable all my stock and I think it
pays."

Mild Diet for Cattle.
Kxperienee, says the Atiwricmi Cultivator^ teaches
us that cattle thrive best on a mixed diet ; all hay or
all grain will produce less beef than hay and grain.
The animal structure of the ox also demands bulk in
food as well as richness ; the feeding of concent i*ated
fooil being oidy profitable so far as the animal assim-
ilates it, beyond that increasing the manure heap at
a cost far beyond its value. The ox has approxi-
mately eleven pounds of .stomach with only two and
one half pounils of intestines to each one hundred
jtonnds of live weight ; the sheep has less stomach
and more intestines, giving a snuiUer percentage of
digestive apparatus ; while the pig, for evi'ry hund-
red iioutuls of his live weight, has only one and a
third pounds of stomach to six iiounds intestines. A
steer would thrive well on a liulk of straw, with a
little oil meal, that would shrink a sheep and starve
a pig. I'ork can be [iroduced from clear corn meal,
while mutton re(|uires greater variety of food, and
beef cattle would become cloyed and diseased with
its exclusive use. A thoughtful attention to these
broad facts will change much injudicious feeding
into cheaper meat production.

Water Your Cattle.

Mr. Pfeifl'er, of Padonia, who called .Mf)nday, in-
forms us that he once lost seven head of cattle in
one day, and accounts for the loss in the following
way : ile turned his cattle into a fresb-huskcd field
of corn, they eat to excess, became toriiid, refused
to go and drink, fever ensued ami they die<l.
lie says it will not do turn cattle into a field as soon
as the corn is husked, even when there is water in it,
and expect them to drink of their own accord, espe-
cially if it should turn cold, but says cattle must be
driven to water ; this will help to circulate the blood
and the water will help to digest the food. That if
allowed to drink or refuse water they will always
refuse if there is a sudden change of weather, as
they huddle together and become lifeless. I'feiffer
says drive your cattle to water, and allow them but
two or three hours in the field each day, and you will
lose DO cattle. And we believe he is right. — Jirown
County Herald.

^

Safety from Rats and Mice.

A. J. Willard, of San Mateo county, California,
gives a very simple, and, in his experience, a very
eflcctive safeguard against rats and mice. He takes
two round pieces of tin, like the bottom of a fruit
can, punches a hole in the center of each piece, and
strings them on a strong wire, one near each end.
Then he stretches the wire from side to side of a
rotim and fastens each end firmly. Anything w hich
is hung upon the wire between the plates of tin is
safe from the rats, for if they walk out upon the
wire, every time they try to mount the circle of tin
it revolves and they cannot pass over it. Mr. Willard
has found the simple contrivance very useful in
saving meat, grain, &c., and advises all farmers to
try it.

Advice to Drivers.

When a horse falls w hilst drawing a vehicle —
1. .Tump down and hold the animal's head, to
prevent his dashing it aliout to his own injury.

3. Loosen the check-rein (if you are so foolish as
to use one) and the parts of the harness which fasten
on the vehicle.

.'i. Steady and support the horse's head, and excite
him with hand an<l voice to rise.

4. Let him stand still a short time and recover
himself, and then proceed gently and with greater
caution than before.

.•i. When you get him up, pat and encourage him,
and see if he. is wounded or otherwise injureil.

ti. B.aek the carriage, so as to get the shafts and
traces clear.

Hay Attention to Live Stock.

Regular attention to all live stock is very impor-
tatit. If an animal is only half fed, it is better that
it be half fed regularly, as it will suller less injury
then if attended to one day and neglected the next.
But it is poor economy to stint food. *'Tho liberal
soul shall be made fat." To see one's stock eon-
tented, comfortable, and happy, is not only a hap-
I)iness to a good farmer, l)Ut monc^y iu his pocket.
Regular hours of feeding, regular watering, regular
rations, and regular rest, ate conducive to comfort.
With regularity there is no haste, no waste, nothing
is forgotten, and nothing done twice over. Animals
then digest what they eat, and thrive.

Wm. K. Lincoln's herd of SO grade Durham cows

furnish 47 of the 400 cans of milk daily shipped from
Warren to Boston. Mr. Lincoln's farm produces for
fodder for his cows 400 bushels of oats and i:00
bushels of corn, with which ilO tons f>f shorts arc fed.
Warm hot food is given the cows twice daily. Just
after drinking cold water. Kach cow in the herd is
carded twice daily, and two men constantly care for
them. The money product from the herd in Decem-
ber was f-Hl. The cows were imported from Canada.

THE POULTRY YARD.

Look to the Chicks in Klay.

Young birds that have been hatched in .March anil
April need especial attention in the still chilly month
of May. If we can get the early chicks safely
thiough this jieriod, the chanees arc greatly in favor
of their coming up beautifully ami thriftily du;ing
the summer, and making the best average fowls for
fall or for the early winter exhibitions.

I''or marketing purposes such chickens, of any
good variety, are the best; for at four to live months
old tiny make adndrable broilers, aud command the
highest poultry prices in the city markets, If well-
kept and tended.

They should not be exposed to the cold night air
now, ni>r should I hey be let out of their ernjps in the
morning while the heavy dews are ou the grass.
This careless habit destroys many a good early
brood. They get chilled, wet, and take cold easily,
If perndticd thus to roam about until the sun is well
up and the cold night-dew is dried off. Kspecially
aftiT a rain in the night shoulil we look out that
they be not in this way exposed.

If they are eight or ten weeks old, and la good
condition, you may feed them more heartily than
hitherto. Boil or steam two-thirds of their food;
vary it also. (Jive them cracked corn and broken
wheat, and occasionally shorts, made into a mash
with cooked potatoes aud tunnps. They are fond of
this diet; and after a few days try a liitle cooked
meat chopped fine; and any green stuff you can s|]are
or provide easily is very desirable.

Keep them free from vermin. This is more than
half the battle, be it rcmcinbered. Chii'kcns will noi
thrive if they are infested with lice. Apply a littfe
flour of sulphur, dry, to their necks and through the
under part of their little bodies. Serve the mother
sindlarly; but do not use too much of this, or iudulgo
in it too often.

Once a week, if powdered sulphur and crushed
charcoal is mixed with soft food for young chickens,
this serves as an admirable cleanser of the stomach ;
it saves them from becoming "crop-bound," it aids
the digestion very materially, aud serves to ki:cp
away lice ; for the sulphur works outwardly through
the skin-pores, and very eflTectually in this respect.

The most important things to consider during this
month, with advanced chickens, is their shelter by
night and their regular feeding during the day.
They will not bear to be neglected during the period
now referred to, if we are desirous to have them do
well by and by. A little special care when the
vounglings are coming forward from six weeks to
three months old, tells amazingly U|ion their future,
as all fanciers may satisfy themselves who now de-
vote due attention to their little wants as we have
herein jiointcd out.

If you can afford them milk for partial drink, they
will improve wondrously ui)on it. No matter
whether it be sweet or sour, new or old, they will
drink it freely at all times, if i)erndttcd to enjoy this
luxury ; upon the ordinary farm, the expense of this
indulgence is not felt by the jiroprieior among a
common-sized Hock and it is a grand thing for them.

For laying-hens this is excellent ; but it is far more
valuable, proportionably, for your young chickens.
The "Imperial Kirg-Food," mamifactured by Allen
it Sherwood, of Hartford, is a very good thing to
have about the chieken-i)rcmiscs. We have used ft
this spring to very good advantage, and find it an
excellent appetizer, a valuable tonic and a very
desirable coiuliment to mix with the food given to
th(! young stock. Up to this season we had jire-
viously used this i)re)iaratiou only lor adult laying-
fowls ; but we have fouial it an excellent thing to
mix with the soft food for younglings, and recom-
mend it as really valuable in the rearing of chicks,
when properly used. — J'uullnj Wurhl, Hartford, VI.

To keep a Fowl House.

1. Clean out every day, and sprinkle dry earth or
coal ashes over the floor and under the roosts.

:;. Change the material the nests are made of once
every month, and white-wash the nest-boxes with
fntt whitewash.

'.'.. Taint the roost ing-poles every week with kero-
sene, and w hitewash the whole inferior of the hennery
every two months during spring and summer.

4. Provide a dusting-bin, into which throw a [)int
or so of Stoddard's Carbolated Powder. Persian
Insect Powder is too costly for common use. — Poultry
IVorhl.

Our readers will observe, that if they want good,
healthy and tbrilty poultry, they must work as they
do in seeming healthy and thrifty horses, cattle,
sheep and swine.— /.li.

Chickens Fit to Eat.

Don't imagine that it makes no difference howyour
chickens have been brought up. — Don't sujiiKise that
they will be good anyhow. Chickens have been
carefully dressed, deliciously stuffed, assiduously
basted, and tenderly roasted, and yet they were not
fit to cat. There was a flavor about them that no
soda rinsings could cleanse, and no seasonings con-

80

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ May, 1877.

ceal. These were chickens that had picked up their
living arouni pig-sties and other unclean places.

A chicken may be spoiled in dressing it to cook. If
killed with a full crop, and allowed to He four hours
before it is "drawn," (or relieved of its internal or-
gans), it gets an unpleasant flavor. Fowls should be
caught and shut up without food for twelve hours or
more before they are beheaded. Then the crop and
intestines will be empty, and the task of picking and
dressing will be greatly lessened. Old fowls are not
necessarily tough — only cook them long enough.
They are more tender twenty-four hours after they
are killed, than if eaten immediately.

Lice on Poultry.

There is nothing that will so thoroughly eradicate
those parasites known iis roost lice as cleanl ness,
and this is brought about by spreading a thick paste
of lime whitewash, after the filth is removed, over the
roosting poles and about the building wherever these
minute insects can claim a foothold; and they will
claim a foothold in every crack and crevice, where
they lodge during the day, always seeking lurking
places where they hiile from the light in the daytime,
and come forth at night to prey on the bodies of the
fowls. You need never look for thcra on the upjter
sides of the roosting poles, which are worn smooth
by the feet of the birds, but examine the under part
where there is some roughness, and look sharp and
close, or perhaps j'ou will overlook the mites.
>^

Cure for Chicken Cholera.

Mr. Joseph Stout, of Westminister, Maryland, who
keeps from .500 to 1,000 fowls, and who sells large
quantities of eggs and chickens in the Baltimore
markets, gives the following remedy for chicken
cholera, which he considers a t)erfect cure : " Take
a handful of white oak bark and boil it in a qnart
of water to make a strong decoction. After it cools
mix with the liquid corn meal to the proper consist-
ency to make a dough for feeding, and give to the
fowls. Mix a teaspoonful of Cayenne pepper to two
quarts of the feed. The fowls will eat this mixture
readily." His theory is that tht; cholera is a species
of diarrha;a, and the bark and pepper acting as
astringents cure the complaint.

Can fowls l)e assisted in the process of changing
the feathers? The moulting season is really a most
trying one to them.

During the moulting season the blood is drawn
from the materials which compose the feathers, and
this drain is often so great as to weaken the fowls;
the remedy is to give as feed elements which will
most quickly replace the exhausted blood. Fish, re-
fuse ground lione and powdered oyster shells are re
commended for feed ; and for di-ink, water supplied
with rusty iron ; also a little milk each day is good
for them. In place of rusty iron, tincture of iron can
be put in their drinking water ; a tablcsiioonful of
tincture to a quart of water is the rule.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

The PotLTHY Would, an elegant illustrated
quarto monthly magazine " for the Fancier, Family
and Market Poulterer," edited and published by H.
H. .'Stoddard, Hartford, Conn., at §i.'J5 per annum.
The April number of this journal is now before us,
and we question whether there is another publication
devoted exclusively to poultry on this continent, or
perhaps the entire globe, that equals it in quantity,
quality, mechanical execution and literary ability.
This number contains three full paged elegant chromo-
lithographic plates, illustrating, in six colored figures,
male and female, " Light Brahma," "Dark Brah-
ma," and " Black Spanish Fowls," and 18 wood cut
figures, besides portraits of .J. H. Di<kerman and
Isaac N. Baker. In reference to the former we ap-
pend the editor's own graphic description from the
May number for 1877.

Our New Enterpiuse. — The announcement made
in the March number, of our purpose to supply the
subscribers and patrons of The Poultry World, at a
nominal figure, with twelve magnificent colored plates
of modern varieties of fowls, has met, as we antici-
pated, with a most generous response from all quar-
ters, and our orders for these beautii'ul jiiclures liavc
come in " with a rush " in the last thirty days.

It is a satisfaction to us to note that our etlbrts in
thisdirection areai>prcciated, and that our subscribers
are of the class who so generally understand that we
intend this to be really a good thing, in its way, and
have confidence in our promise, as evinced by the
pouring in of orders in advance during the past
month.

With the April issue of our magazine, we sent out
the first instulbneut, or specimen plates. Those to
come with I'uture issues of our monthly will be of
the same excellent ijiiality, in artistic execution, as
are those sent out th.at month, and we feel confident
that our readers will agree with us that these fulfill
all expectations. This agreeable noeelty in poultry
journalixm is adding large numbers of new subscri-
bers to our monthly, at )f3 for the year— including
the full set of twelve pictures we shall give with
Vol. VI., 1877. No such enterprise has ever before
been attempted in any country with a poultry maga-

zine, the heavy cost of this undertaking preventing
publishers from assuming the necessary expense and
risk in carrying out so important a project.

But we are satisfied that we have " hit thepopular
taste" decidedly in this matter; which we shall carry
through in a style that will reflect credit upon the
artists and colorists who get up these stylish and life
like specimens of the domestic feathered kingdom,
whatever its first cost may be.

We have received enough congratulatory and com-
mendatory communications from our friends to fill
an entire number with fine type ; and nil agree with
us that our eleyaut ehronio-lithoyrapldc plate project
is the thing, and everybody seems to be delighted
with the opportunity to procure these pictures, for
the trivial cost we have placed the series at. — Poultry
World, Ifartford.

CoNKAD Wetser. A ncglccted chapter in colonial
history, by F. K. Diffenderft'er. We have just been
put in possession of '..'1 octavo pages, being the sixth
article of the April number of the Mercersbury Re-
view, giving an interesting biographical sketch of
this remarkable citizen of Pennsylvania, of the col-
onial times, by our talented and worthy fellow
townsman.

Perhaps many of our younger readers will be ask-
ing— "Who is Conrad Weiser?" and, before we read
this sketch of his life — although we had often heard
his name mcntitmed in connectiou with the early his-
tory of our State, and also saw it frequently referred
to in books and journals — if any one had asked the
above question, we could not have answered it intel-
ligently. From about 1744 to 17(il, Conrad Weiser
was an active interpreter, commissioner, missionary,
and peacemaker between the Indians and
colonists of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylva-
nia, Maryland and Virginia. An energetic, but at the
same time, a humane diplomatist of the "William
Penn school," who had the unboimded confidence of
the chiefs and the people of both races, ami who felt
no labor too anluous, when he could thereby secure
the blessings of peace and prosperity to his adopted
country, and her aboriginal and foreign citizens. He
was one of those sturdy palatinates who had fled
their countrj' to escai'e those cruel persecutions
which intolerance and religious bigotr}' had inflicted
upon his race. After suft'ering many hardships, im-
positions and frauds, he setted in Pennsylvania, and
after -0 years of a transccndantly useful life, he was
"gathered to his fathers," and his ashes now repose
near Womelsdorf, Lebanon county, if not "unwept,"
at least "unhonored," and almost "unsung." Ex-
cept the record left by his distinguished son-in-law.
Rev. Henry Melchon Muhlenberg, perbajis nothing
has since appeared illustrating more fully the ster-
ling character of the man, than the paper of F. R. D.

The VEOETAnLE Garoen : A complete guide to
the cultivation of vegetables ; being one of the series
of" Dick's Garden Hand-Books," published by Dick
& Fitzgerald, New York, Price, SO cents, in paper
covers, and .*)() cents in full cloth. We acknowledge
the receipt of this handsome little Ifi mo. volume of
140 pages, containing thorough instructions for the
sowing, phinting, and cultivating of some 70 different
kinds of those i>optilar esculents that form the ordi-
nary stock of a kitchen, garden and truck farm, con-
cise, plain and practical, by that prince of gardeners,
James Hogo. And when you tire of the labors of
the garden, and need a little light mental recreation,
we suggest a look into "Dick's Recitations and Read-
ings," being No. 4 of the series, and a volume of the
same size and style of the above, a copy of which
accompanied the " Gardener," containing "character
sketches, dialect pieces, humorous, sentimental,
serious, pathetic, eloquent and patriotic selections in
poetry and prose," from the best and most popular
authors.

On the Hth of April last we attained the sixty
fifth year of our affe, and to illustrate that there is
at least a bond of fi ial affection that binds our "kith
and kin," we were the recipient of a spacious edi-
torial waste-basket, an article we much needeil, but
felt too poor to invest in. "Well, John, what are
you doing now, and where is your house?" inquireii
a missionary of an exceedingly "seedy" convert,
who had left hie flock about a year before and gone
off to preach on his own account. "Well, I'm
preaching among the Seminoles in Florida for my
victuals and clothes." " But, jiidging from your
appearance, John, that seems to be poor pay." "Yes,
brother," sadly responded John, " it is jmor pay, but
it i» poor preach, too." Perhaps we are like the In-
dian, and arc paid according to the quality of our
work. Be that as it may, we are the joyful recipient
of a new waste-basket, the filial birthday offering of
our youngest D.

The Farm Journal, (a new paper with an old
name) a spicy and remarkably well executed 8 page
quarto monthly, Nos. 2 and o of the first volume of
which have been laid upon our table. The paper is
good, the tyiiographical impress faultless, and the
price is the very insignificant sum of l5 cents a year
— within the financial aljility of "all whom it may
concern." Wiliner Atkinson, editor, publisher and
proprietor. No. 71^0 Sansom street, Philadelphia.

Its literary quality is A. No. 1, and more than
compensates the lack of quantity. We respectfully
"doff our beaver," extend our editorial "paw," and

hail it with a friendly greeting — welcoming it to the
long rank of agricultural journalism. Finally, we
wish for it a greater pecuniary success than the
man who bought gingerbreads at twelve and a-half
cents a dozen and sold them for a penny a piece,
claiming that he was only able to sustain hyuself
from the fact that "he sold so many." The Journal
will be a useful ally.

We call the attention of our readers to the various
advertisements in this number of the Farmbk, and
feel that in claiming for them the confidence of the
community we only accord to them what they amply
deserve. Without intending to distinguish between
them invidiously, or to underestimate the qualities of '
the articles they advertise, still, there is at least one
which we cannot admit on account of its novelty, its
entire newness, its utility, but above all, its simplicity
and its usefulness. We refer specifically to the novel
" Butler Carrier," patented by Mr. E. D. Resh, of
Bird-iu-Hand, and for sale at No. 1.57 North Queen
street, Lancaster, Pa. A want has long been felt by
those who bring butter to our markets, for a cheap
refrigerating process for that purpose, all of which
may be realized by calling on the proprietor, as above
named.

" The Galaxy"— .S7ieZ(?<)« <f- Co., New YorA-.— The
June number of this excellent magazine has already
been placed upon our editorial table — too widely and
too favorably known to need any praise from us — for
which we " herein and hereon " tender our acknowl-
edgments. It is entirely loo full, and we are too
empty to notice its contents in detail ; but, our readers
can judge of its merits when we mention such names
as S. F. Hopkins, Justin McCarthy, Henry James, jr.,
J. W. De Forest, George Dawson, Richard Grant
White, J. L. M. Curry, Emma Lazarus, Clara G.
Doliver, Ella Wheeler, Mary Ainge De Vere, and
other writers of note, as among its literary and scien-
tific contributors. Volume 'li begins with the July
number. $4.00 a year in advance and postage paid
by publishers. A volume comprises nearly 900 pages,
8 vo., of rare reading matter.

The Journal of Forestry and Estate Manage-
ment, for Alay 1877. A royal 8 vo. magazine of 72
pages, published by J. & W. Rider, No. 14 Bartholo-
mew Close, E. C. London, England. This is a new
enterprise, being No. 1, Vol. 1, and is remarkably
well gotten up — in quality, composition and execu-
tion— and will till a v.acuum in rural jourualisra that
has been heretofore but iHsnfficiently supplied. We
cheerfully extend the hand of fellowship and place it
upon our exchange list, thus commending it to the
special notice of our readers.

The Colorado Springs Gazette, San Juan
edition ; a handsome folio, published every Saturday
morning, at the Colorado Springs, by the Gazette
Publishing Company,'' at §i'J.O0 per annum, in ad-
vance. " The ofHcial paper of El Paso county and
of the City of Colorado Si>rings." Devoted almost
exclusivel)' to the mining interests of the State of
Colorado, its land claims, itS' railroads and its mar-
kets, a very essential auxiliary to those who propose
to visit or locate in that far off territory.

Lloyd's Maps, anil especially his " Military Map
of Europe," for lN77,said to be the greatest war map
of Europe ever made ; free by mail to any part of
the world for 30 cents, or mounted $1.00, will, no
doubt, now be consulted with an interest commensu-
rate with the occasion. A " piece " of their great
railroad and shipping map of the United States, for
1877, is now before us, 40 by 50, colored and var-
nished, for 30 ceHts. Lloyd Map Co., Cincinnati,
Ohio.

U. S. Land Bureau: T. W. Moore, N. Y.,
Agent, 109 Chatham street : A northern colony for
West Virginia. Any active and resi)onsible person
wishing to engage in an enterprise of this kind, can
obtain further information by applying to the above
address, or the editor of this paper, 101 North Queen
street, Lancaster, Pa.

Circular of The American Fence M.anufac- J
turing Company of New York, Wm. H. M.ann, gene- fl
ral agent, 417 Walnut street, Philadelphia. "Im-
portant to Farmers;" "The best Churn yet;" "The
great secret discovered at last." Attention is called
to Campbell's Oscillalinq Monitor Churn. Address
3o8 State street, Albany j N. Y.

War in Europe. — We call the attention of our
readers to the advertisement of J. B. Ford & Co.,
New York, which will be found .at the usual place in
this number of our paper, in relation to the profusely
illustrated biography of Bi.-*marck, the greatest gen-
eral, diplomat and statesman of Europe.

Catalooue and Price List opStreeter's Fan-
cy Stociv Farm. — Devoted to the breeding of high-
class land and water fowls, Suffolk swine and Jersey
cattle. Youngstown, Ohio.

Twenty-Seventh Annual Wholesale Catalogue
of Nursery Stock, for Spring of 1877, for sale by
Thos. Jackson, Portland, Maine, formerly 50 and 53
Vcsey street, N. Y.

A Treatise on the Human Hair, with sugges-
tions for its preservation. Published by R. P. Hall
& Co., Nashua, N. H., 1877. 12 mo.

We call the special attention of our readers to our
list of Good Books, in another colunmof this paper.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

IIT.

E. F. Kunkel's Bitter "Win© of Iron.

Tbis tnilv VHluiiliit^ touic has b«cn ho thoroughly tented
by all claHMt's of the eoniiuuuitj thut it is now defiiuMl iudia-
penaiible n<* u Tonic niodicine. It coats but litrlo, purifies the
blood, KivcH tone io tho stomach, retiovates thu eystem uud
prolongs life. Everyboily Hhouhi have it.

For the cure of weak slomuchs, Clenerul Debility, I udigea-
tion. Diaeaaes of the Stomach, and lor uU caHt-a reiiuiriug
ft tonic.

ThiBwlne iucludes the most aKreeabhi and cfHcieut SMt of
iron we i»08schb— Citrate of MaRiietic Oxide conibiued with
tbo nioHt ouerRetic of vet'ttublc touica— Yellow Peruvliiu
Bark.

Do you want aomelhiug to Htrengtheu you ?

Do you want u gt»od oj'petito ?

Do you w.iiit to jjet i d of uerTOUhucne ?

Do you waHt energy ?

Do you waul to sleep well ?

Do you wiiut to build up jour const it nt ion ?

Do you want to fcol w«'Il '!

Do you wuut 11 brink and vigorous feeling I

If you do try KUNKEL'S IlITTKU WINK OF IRON.

I ouly Hdk a trial of tbia vulvmble ionic !

Beware of counterfeits, as Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron
l8 the only sure and effectual remedy in the known world
for the 'permanont cure of Dyspepwia and Debility,
and aa there are a number of imttationa offered to the ii»b-
lic, I would caution the community to purchase none but
the genuina article mauufactured by K. I'\ Kunkel, and
having his etamp on the cork of every bottle. The\ery
fact that otheri* are attempting to imitate thia valuable
remedy, proves ita worth and speaks vulumea in its favor.
Get the genuine. K. F. Kunkel'a.

Sold only in $1 bottles. Hold »)y Druggists nud dealers
everywhere. E. F. Kunkel, Piopridtor, 259 North Ninth
Street, Piiiladelphla, Pa.

Tape Worm Removed Alive,
Head and all complete, in two hours. No fee till head pasa-
es. Seat, l*iu aud Stomach Worms removed by Dr. Kuukel,
969 North Ninth Stre«'t, Philadelphia, Pa. Seni for circu-
lar or ask your dru^Kist for u bottle of KuuUel'a Worm
Sjrrup. It iiever fails. Price $1.

To llie M'orkliitr C'ln**!*.— We are now prepared to

furuieu all classes with constant employment at home, the
whole of ihe time, t'r for their spare momenta. Business
new, light jind profitable. Persons of either sex easily earn
from 5u cents to $5 per evening, and a )»roi'ortional sum by
devoting their whole time to the business, boys and girls
earn nearly as much as men. That all who see this notice
may send their adkress, and test the business we make thia
unparalleled offer: To such as are not well satisfied we will
Bend oue dollar to pay for the trouble of writing. Full par-
ticulars, samples worth several dollars to commence work
on, and a copy of Home and Fireside, one of the largest and
beat Illustrated Publications, all sent free by mail. Header,
if you want permanent, protitable work, address,

9_."i-*m Geougk Stinson 3: ( n., Portlaud, Maine

War in Europe.

DICft/I A DPl^ '^^'' ^''"^^"'''^ Biography, Private Letters
DIOlVlrtnUN.and Memoranda. Introduction by Bay -
arti Thj' lor. Graphic uud entertaining. Full of anec-
dote, wit, romantic incident, and great histor cil events.
Profnsely IlliiNtral*>cl with actual sketches from Bia-
raark's life — home, student, political and battle scenes, por-
trait*, landscapes, etc. Ttiis Life of Europe's greatest
etateaman is just the book for the times, delineating i:8 it
doea all the famous Kulers, (lenerals, and Diplomats — co-
actors with Bismarck. Special Canvassers wanted to sup-
ply the urgent demand for this live book. Good pay. Circu-
lar, fie.\ Write to J, B. FOKD & CO , Few York. 9-5-t;m.

^^ ^VP^pa* '*• '^**^ caaily earned iu these times,but it can be
■piyiyiy made in tiiree months by auy one of either
^4k / / / '^*^*. in »Dy ptvrt of the'country who is willing
fVj III tt>work steadily at the employment that we
^^ furnish. $GiJ per week iu jour own town. You

need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and £5 Outfit free.
Adilress ut oucc^ U. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-3-1 y

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

I.liieu Hn<l Pnper (oIIarH anil CnlfN

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

E. J. EEISI/IAIT'S,

No. no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Hotel.

Genuine Peruvian Guano.

N?l.
IPERUVIAN

1 GUANO

LWARRAKTEDj

As received direct from PeniTian Gov-
ernment .\genls.

Ri'»sp:l & Cos. AMMONIATED SV-
PERPHOSPHATK (IF LIMB, the beat in
ttie market. GROUND BONE— the (air-
est and best. F.\RM IMRLEMENT8—
the latei^t improved.
The above acid at very low prices,
meet the demands of Habd Times.
Send for 2iil Annual PamrUlet.

H. B ORIFFING,
to CortUndt St., New York Citj.

to

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877

CASSIMERES,

COATISIUN, WOKNTEKUN,

VESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviots and T^weeds,

Plain, barred, striped and diagonal, for Spring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and (Mothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Eatabliahtd in the year 1840),

Corner ef North Queen and Orange-St8t,
LANCASTER, PA.

Kxtra finished and trimmed. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEIvT AND BOYS,

and clothing cut or made to order in the most satisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ljr Practlritl Tailors.

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. G. RHOADS.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANaFACTUUEU OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

.S.VDI>L,F.N,

COLLARS, "WHIPS, &c.,

AI,>iO DKAl.ER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO KOBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-1-lj LANCASTER, PA.

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IMPROVE YOUR POULTRY,

Dark Brahma, Brown Leghorn, PlymouthUftock, S. H.
Hamburg and Houdau

EGGS jrOK SALE.

M7 fowls are of the best and eggs warranted fresh.
Address HAYDN H. TSHUDT,

;^-t-2a3 Lititz, I'a.

FOB DIfiTRICT ATTORNKT.

THOMi^S J. DA. VIS,

6tti WASD, UHCA3TSS 8117,
Sabject to Republican Rnle*.

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

WhoIeHale and Retail Dealeri In

EUMONDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVERWARE, SPEOTAOLES,

Bronzes, Cloch and Watckakers' If atemk

Jobbers in Amei^ican WATCii[ES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

9-1 -iji

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

SUBSCKIBE FOK THE

THE LANCASTER FARMER,

The cheapest ami hest Agricultural Paper
iu tlie couutry.

300 Canvassers Wanted. Send for Terms, &o.

1760. ESTABLISHED l^SO.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDIl^G HARDWARE.

GLASS,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TERBACiTTA.IEONaMLEABPIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

AgreutB for tbe

'• Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank'e Scales,
Dupont'B Pow^der,
Harrisburg Nails, &o., <Sfcc.

We h&TO tbe largest stock of general Hardmro In the
State, and our prices are as low aud terms as liberal ae can
be found eisewbere, 8-1-tf .

FOR OLSTBICT ATTORNET.

Subject to Republican Rules.

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[ May, 1877.

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

HTORE,

A HEW LOT OF

HAMEGEMBBOniEREDEBGIHGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT THB VERY LOWEST PRICES. Alio,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid GIOTes,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CRAPE VZCXZ.S.

CEAPE BOiN'NETS & HATS,

RUCHING8,
all BtylM and widths, and everytlmig elBO in

LADIES' A.ND CSILDREN'S WSAB,
that iB good, desirable and cheap.
Give us a call at

So8. 142 k 144 NortkQneen-st, Lancaster., Fa.

9-1-1 y

ESTABLISHED 1817.

MRS. DANNER'S MILLINERY,

No. 30 WEST KIKG STREET,

This ia the oldest and most reliable establishment in the
county. All ou»* work gives entire satisfaction. Goods of
ALL grades kept in great variety and in prices to suit all.
The latest styles always on hand. New goods received every
day. Do not forget SO West King; Street, for best
work and best goods, at lowest price.

German spoken by attendants. 9-5-lt

^CC +« <^'7^ » yieA to Agfuts. $10 Outjit Free.
WwO to ^ / / p. O. VICKERY, Augusta, Maine,

8-8-1 y

A NEW BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRUIT CULTURE,

BEING A GUIDE TO THE PROPER

Cultivation and Maiuigement of Fruii Trees, and

of Grapes and Small Fruits,
with condensed depcriptioue of many of the best and most
popular varieties, vrith upwards of one hundred engvaviugs.
By Thomab Gbkog. Price $1 .00.

A book wqich shoxild be owned by every pereon who owns
a rod of available land, and it will st_'rve to secure sUcceaH
whpT-e now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fully, withoiit technicalities, cud ie a work on

Fruit Culture for the Million.

It tells of the <;oBt, how to plant, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, soil, sslectiou, diseases, insects, borers,
blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering,
budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such US Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is
a most complete

Guide to Small-Fruit Culture.

with many illuetratious and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries,
Gooseberries, Cui rants, etc.

The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Bent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmeb and How
to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,T6. Address

L, RATHVON.
22 South Queen-st., liancaster. Pa.

SE

EDS

.^:i>TiD :e=l:e]i_.i.!^:bXjS

For tbe FI.UWER and TEOETABEE «ARDE1V and the FARM.

Our 1877 Combined priced Catalogue of Seeds, Plants and Blooded Live Stock and Fancy

Ponltry Free to all.

The Philadelphia Practical Farmer of Dec. 30, notices our Catalogue as follows : "We have received an illustrated man-
ual and de8cri]>tive catalogue of imported and thoroughbred live stock. Alderuey, Ayrshire aud Short horned Cattle, Ches-
ter White, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland China Hogs, Cotswold and Southdown Sheep, land and water Fowla,
fancy Pigeons and Dogs, owned, bred and for sale by Benson k Burpee, of Philadelphia.

This is emphatically the best and most complete live stock Catalogue we have received. It contains not only illustrations
and price lists of stock, but givfs in addition a large amount of valuable practical information on the breeding and man-
agement of different varieties and is very useful as a reference book. Messrs, Benson d- Burpee have now on hand a very
fine lot of breeding stock, and we feel confident that customers will be well pleased with purchases made from them.

Price 20 cents.

JUST OUT I THE POULTRY YARD. How to Fcbnish akd Manage It. Sy W. AtUc Burpee. A new and prac-
tical treatise, at a popular price, for every farmer and amateur in poultry breeding. It treats of Poultry Houses an d
fixtures, nests, yards, &o., poultry at liberty and in confinement, the best breeds for various purposes, seleclion of stock,
mating for breeding, feeding of adult fowls and young chicks, condiments and general care and attentionjrequisite to suc-
cess in this often neglected branch of rural industry.
It also contains practical hints on the raisingand management of Tarkeys. Geese, Ducks and Guineas.

Beautifnl Colored Frontispiece of a trio of Fo-wls. Prioe 60 cts., post free.

EGGS FOB HATCHING of all choice Tarieties. LAND AND WATER FOWLS. Also very fine Chester White,
Yorkshire, Berkshire, Bssei aad Poland China Pigs; Cotawold and Southdown Sheep, Aldemey and Ayrshire Oattle
and calves now for sale.

A..i.B«« BENSON & BURPEE,

Seed 'Waxehouse, 223 Chiircli St., Philadelphia, Pa.

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Prize Medal Awarded by tbe Centennial
CoinluiMKion to

IMPROVED BUTTER T0B3 AND COOLERS.

With movable Ice Cham-
bers, Patented Jan. 12,
1875. Best in the market.
Are made of white cedar,
bound with galvanized
irou or brat^s hoops.
Within the tub is fitted a
tin Cooler, having a
movable Chamber for
ice at each end. On the
tin is constructed a se-
ries of ledges, on which
rest the shelves for sup-
porting the butter (Print
Butier); are used without shelves for Roll Butter. Can be
locked lor shipping. Hinges, Hasps, and Fixtures, are tinned
to render tbe<n rust proof. J. G. HOKUL.ER.

fft'BOVED

BU

1 ■ 1

aUsB

i

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1

9-3-3ra

Manufacturer, No. 503 N, Second-st., PhOa.

MAMMOTH CORN.

Every farmer send for package of Mammoth Corn, which
in ordinary ground will yield 125 bushel per acre, besidea
ripens much sooner. It ia perfect flour corn, grows three
ears on each stalk. Club together and send for one dozen
packages. It is put up in packages at tbe following price :

One paokag'e 35 cts.

Two ** 50

Six " 1.40

One doseu packag:cB 2.30

Two '• " 3.70

Send at once to

CASEY'S SEED CO.,

9-3-3m Harrison \i lie, Meigs co,, Ohio.

EZRA F. BOWMAIT,

Practical Watchmaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 106
EaKt Ming: Street, a new and well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

Amejican Watches from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver Cases, in weights to suit purchasers. American and
imported Clocki in over fifty different styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their
quality. Watches and Clocks carefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
all. 9-4-6m

ESTABLISHED 1882.

SENER

SONS,

Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

X^UIVEBlSFt,

Also Saeb,

fimfz.es.

I will mail (Free; the receipt for preparing a simple Veg-
etable Balm that will remove Tan, Freckles, *PIMPLES
and BLOTCHES, leaving the skin soft, clear and beautiful;
also instructions for prodncing a luxuriant growth of hair
on a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vandelf &
Co.. Box Mil, No. 5 Wooster St., N. Y. ;[9-l-6m

The beet Sawed SHIIVGrES in the country.
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c,

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far enperior to any
other. Also best I'OAL ccuBtautly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnut-stfl.,

9-1-Iy

CI 1 cell ^^ the county

( To subBcrit>er5 iu

SINGLE COPIES 10 CEITTS

To RubscriberB

J"""} $1.25.

Prof. S. S. SATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER. JUNE 15, i877.

The Farmer's Grimietone, . ... 94

Hanging an Axe, --.... fl4

Ke-cookiDg Meat, ...... m

LIVE STOCK.

Healthy Cattle, 94

Value of Salt, - . . . . . 94

Sweet Potatoes for Hogs, ----- iM

Ao;ain6t the World, ----- 95

Half-Brcd Buflaloes in the Dairy, - . . 95

Garget in Cowe, - 95

THE POULTRY YARD.

To Exterminate Parasites, ----- 95

.\ Word of Caution, 95

Poultry-Keeping by Bove, ----- 95

'• Plymouth Rock"' Fowls, - . - - 95

Gapes and Chickens, 96

Raising Geese, ------- 96

The First Food for Chickens, - - - - 96

Literary and Personal, ----- 96

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

LINNa;US EATHVON, Publisher.

CONTENTS OF THIS MUMBER.

This Paratrraph, ......

Monthly Reminder — June, -----

A Wonderful Book, -.-..-
The Hopper, -....-.

Tlie Seventeen Year Locusts, - . - -

More About the Locusts,

Cress,

A New Insecticide, .--.-.

A Lesson Worth Learning,

Horse H.ay Fork— Patent Infringements, -

A Cholera Cure,

How to Ease a Cough, - - - .

Protection of Useful Animals, ...

About Frogs, -

Tobacco Pests, - -

Correction,

Birds vs. Hoppers, ------

CORRESPONDENCE.

Strawberry Culture,

Qiitries and Answers, ------

Nebraska Notes — 'iidnty .1. Guylor,

Essay on Wheat — Leni S. Heist, - - - -

Toulouse Geese — Ilbcxlrallon, . . .

Archaeological Communications— No. 565, -

The Best Method for Destroying Cut Worms-
. H. .V. Muyer. - - ' .

Strawberries— if. .V. Engle, - - - -

Fencing and Soiling—.!. li. K., . . . .

The Garden of Pennsylvania, - - . -

Prospects for Farmeis, . . . . .

At the Head of his Class, . - . .
OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Agricultural and Horticultural Society,

Tobacco Growers' Association, ...
UnfiniBhed Business— Crop Renorts— Referred Ques-
tions.

The Linnaean Society, ......

Coutributions to tUe Society— Parers Read— Miscel-
laneuue Bueiuess.

State Board of Argiculture, ....

Questions and Answers, .....

AGRICULTURAL

A Good Fertilizer,

Tobacco Culture,

Working Crops Early, .....

Effects of Climate on Soil,

Hungarian Millet, -. - /.

Compost for Corn, ......

More Pollen Needed,

Stacking and Feeding,

HORTICULTURAL.

Blackberry Culture,

Changing the Bearing Year, ....

The Egg Plant, ."

Don't timit the Turnips, - . . . -
Potatoes to be a Protitable Crop for 1877,
Hot-Beds, . . ... . .

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
Household Recipes, . - - .
Dried Potatoes, ...--.
Enjovment of Work, - . - .
About Milk,

90
90

01

92
92

92
92
92
9;;
9:^
9.3
93
93

93
93
93
93
93
93

94
94
94
94

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a promiuen! feature, with special reference to the
■wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
.Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited Ij Prof. S. S. RATHVON.

TEEMS:

To subscribers residing within the county —

One Copy, one year, $1.00

Six Copies, one year, - - - - . . c,oo

Ten Copies, one ye.-*!. ---.... y'cQ

To subscrilwrs outside of I^ncasler county, including
ixistage pre-paid by the publishers:

One Copy, one year, - ..... $1.2^

Five Copies, one year, ... . . . -'p^

All Bubecriptions will commence with the January num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

.\U commuDications intended for publication should be
addressed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
in his hands by the first of the month of publication.

.^11 bueluees letters, containing subscrii'tious and adver-
tisements, should be addressed to the publisher.

LINN^US RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DEALKIt IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN ^

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY STABLE CUTLERY.

Sole .Agent for the Aruodel Tintetl

SPECTACLES.

Kej^airiug t^trictly attended.to,

North Queen-st. acd Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa.

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ELIZABETH STOCK FARMS.

RATES or ADVERTISIXO — Ten Cents ■
line for encta Insertion. Twelve lines to the isoh

Registered Pure-Bred and High Grade

Jersey Bull^ Cows and Calves,

ConHlantlj on Hand and
I'«>r Sale.

BERKSHIRES BRED WITH CARE.
COLIN CAMERON,

*-*-ly] Brlekerrllle, Lancaster CO., Pa.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

A CpVASSER WpTED

IN

EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY

TO TAKE

SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

FARMER.

Rates of Advertising: in tlio Farmer.

Farmers' Sons and other

Young Men during their

leisure hours

CAN MAKE

GOOD WAGES,

We want a thorough canvass of every

district, and will pay canvassers

Hberally.

Address,

L. KATHVON, Putlislier,

LANCASTER, PA.

1 nio I $1.0(1 $ 2.001$ 3.0il;$ 4,00

3 mo..

3 III4I

4 mo

6 mo....

5 nio

I year .

00
2.50
S.OOi
4.50
6.00
9, 00 1

4

4.50
6.00
9.00
1-2.00
18.00

6.00
6.75
9.00
13. .50
18.00
27.00

S.OO
10.00
12.00
IS. 00
24.00
36.00

D lU. I S ID.

$ 6.00l$ 3.00
12.00; 16.00

13.50J

is.ool

27.001
36.0):
o4.00i

18.00
24.60
36.00

48.00
72 00

S^'Sl^ecial aud bu.siueris iinticee 15 eeuts per line

GOOD BOOKS

FOR THE

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The foUowiuj^ is :i list of ValuLibltj Bu*>ks. whic-ti will be
supiilied by the Editor of the Lakcastek Fakmeu, No.
101 North Queen St. Auy cue or more of these books will
be 3eut 2'Oft paid to auy of o\ir readers ou receipt of the
regular price whinh is uamed agaiust aach book.

Alleu's (R. L. St L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50

Allen's (L. F.) American Cuttle." 2 50

Atwood'a Country aud Suburban Houses 150

Bommer's method of Making Manures 25

Breck's New Book of !• lowers 1 75

Brill's Fai-m-Gardeuing and Heed-Growing 100

Dadd's Modern Horse Doftor. J2nio I 50

Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, 12 nio 1 50

Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Ensaygby practical growers,) 30

Fuller's Grape Culturist 150

Fullei'*8 Small Fruit Culturist 1 oh

Fulton's Peach Culture 1 50

Gregory on Squashes paper.. 30

Harris on the Pig 1 50

Henderson's Gardening for Pleasure 150

Heuderson'a Gardening for Profit 1 50

Henderso n's Practical Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers , 175

Hop Culture. By nine experieuced cultivators 30

Hxmteraud Trapper 100

Onions— How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acraa. Pa., 30c.; Cio., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00

Parsons on the Ro.se 1 50

Quinby's Mysteries ol Bee-Keeping 1 50

Quincy (Hon. Josiah) on Soiling Cattle 1 25

Quitiu's Money in the Garden 1 50

Quinn's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 <*0

Riley's Potato Pests Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 75

Roe's Play and Profit in my Garden 1 50

Stewart's Irrigatou for the Farm, Garden ^nd Orchard I 50

Stewart's Stable Book 1 50

Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 150

Stoddard's Ann Egg Farm . , paper, 50 cts.; cloth 75

Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 150

Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 150

Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25

Waring's Draining for Profit and Health 1 50

Waring's Elements of Agriculture 1 OO

White's Cranberry Ciilture 1 25

Wright's Practical Poultry-Keeper* 2 00

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTURF.R OP

FRENCH CALF BOOTS

FOR

GESTTLEMESr.

FRENCH KID BOOTS

FOR

I.ADIES.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.

9-l-ly _^

TO CONSUMPTIVES.

The advertiser having been permanently cured of that
dread disease, Cousumptiom, by a simple remedv, is anxious
to make known to his fellow suflFerere the means of cure.
To all who desire it. he will send a copy of the prescription
used, (free of charge), with the directions for preparing aud
using the same, which they will find a sure Cube for Con-
sumption, Asthma, Bronchitis, &c.

Parties wishing the prescription will please address,

Rev. E. A, WILSON, 194 Penu St.. Williamsburg. N. Y.
9-l-f>m]

ERRORS OF YOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who sutiered lor years from Nervous
Debility, Premature Decay, and all the effects of youth-
ful indiscretion will, for the sake of eufl'ering humanity,
seud free to all who need it, the receipt and direction for
making the simple remedy by which he was cured. Sufi'er-
ers wishing to profit by the advertiser's experience can do
so by addressing in perfect confidence,
9-l-6m] JOHN B. OGDEN, 42 Cedar St., New Vork.

J. STAUFFER,

LANCASTER, i-ENN'A.
23§ EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CAN-I-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, aud COPYRIGHTS,
promptly attended to. His experience, success aufl faithful
atention to the interests of those who engage his services
are fully acknowledged aud appreciated.

Preliminary examinations made for htm by a rehable As
Bistant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing
or description. [0-1-tf

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

— ^THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCIt,

JOURNAL,

Published at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THIS GREAT MONTHLY is universally acknowl-
ledged to be wi-hout a rival in its depjirtment of
Journaiirira. Each number coutaiua 4>^ large pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover,
aud is Beautifully Illustrated with elc;^ant double-
plate enguavingH. It is the only i-aper in the world
devoted exclusively to live-stock and the dairy. It
discusses the science of breeding, the merits of the
various breeds, the most ap}iroved methods of feed-
ing aud handling, and everything pertaining to the
successful nsanagement of live stock on the farm.
During the year 1877, Prof. James Law, the eminent
veterinary of C-'truell University, will contribute a
series of articles upou the laws of health and disease
as api'lied to Domestic Animals, that cannot fail to
be of great value to Farmers aud Stock Breeders
every where. It contains separate Departments,
devoted to HORSES. CATTLE. SHEEP.SWINE aud
the DAIRY, snd its corps of editors are recognized
throughout the eutire country as the Mo.st Thob-
ouGH. Able and Practical writers in the separate
departments, that can be found in America. No ex-
pense is spared on the i)art of its publishers, to
make it a hi'jh-toned, reliable, practical aud int^truc-
tive Journal, just such as every intelligent farmer
and stock breeder will find worth leu times its coat
each year,

TERMS. — Siflgle copies, one year, postage paid,
1^2.15 : Clubs of five, postage paid, S1'90: Clubs
of ten, with an extra copy free to jierson making up
club, postage pre-paid, $11. 65. HandHowehj lifun-
trated pouters mailed to all ivho will ijet up clubs. Ad-
dress letters, registering those containing money,
unless in shape of Po.stal Order or Draft, to

STOCK JOURNAL COMPANY. Publishers.
Lakeside Building, CHICAGO, ILLS.
E^".Sbnd 20 Cents for Specimen Copy. [9-;J-3m

FITS AUD EPILEPSY,
FALLING SICKNESS

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montSi'M usMtfe ol' »r. Cioulard's Celebrated
Infallilbe Fil l*ow<lers. To convince suflerers that
these powders will do all we claim for them, we will send
them by mail, poNt paid, a free Trial box. As Dr.
Goulard is the only physician that has ever made this dis-
ease a special study, aud iis to our knowledge thousauda
have been pariiiaiieiitly t'tired by the use of these
Powders, Tie will ^iiai-antee a. permanent
cure in every case, or refnnd yon all money ex-
pende<l. All sufferers should give these Powders an
■sarly trial, aud be couviuced of their curative powers.

Price for large box $3,U0, or 4 boxes for Slu.Oi), aeut by
mail to any part of United States or Canada on receipt of
price, or bv express, C. O. D. Address,

ASH Sc ROBBINS, •

9-5-ly ;~.r>n Fulton Street, Bkooklyn. N Y.

CONSUMPTION

All sufferers from this disease that are anxious to be
cured should try Dr. Kissner's Celebrated Con-
sumptive Powders. These Powders are the only
preparation kuown that will cure Consainption and all
diseases of the Throat aiKl f.iUn^.« — indeed, so strong
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no humbug, we will forward to every sufferer, by mail, poat
paid, a free Trial Box.

We don't want your money until you are perfectly satis-
fied of their curative powers. If your life is worth sa\-iug,
don't delay in giving these Powders a trial, as they will
surely cure you.

Price, for large box, ?3,00, sent to auy part of the United
States or Canada by mail on receipt of price.

Address,

ASH & ROBBINS.

36(1 Fullou Street, Bronklyn. N. Y.

TH[ LMMSTER BUTTER CARRIER

9-5-1 y

^Vill enable you to
market your but-
ter in the best pos-
8 i b le condition.
Competent judges
who have handled
butter shipped in
it to the Philadel-
phia market, pro-
nounce it the beat
arrangement for
carrying print but-
ter they ever saw.
Each print or pat
is carried iu a sep-
arate cup that can-
not be broken, up-
set, nor get out of
place.

All Bizes and
forms of cups aud
box will be made.

Circulars with
full description
and price liat free.

L. RESH,

149 North Queeu-at., Lancaster, Pa.

■A

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., JUNE, 1877.

Vol. IZ. No. 6.

THIS PARAGRAPH!!!
Iiiiinecliati'ly after you have nail tliis iiara-
gi'upli, \i\v:\n(' look tor the httle coloivil
laliel iiasteil soiiicwhei-e on this paiier, with
your own uanu; pnnled on it ; .ami, if you
find " 1.S77," or simply "77 "on it, tlicndcar,
considerate and appreciative reader, it iiuli-
cates that your suhscription is only paid up
to the finst of January, 1S77, and thai, con-
sequently, you owe u.s for the present year ;
and which wt- wnv need so budli/ — uxmtd receive
so (jladUj, and the tmmt of tckicli affects us so
sadly. But if, on the contrary, you find
"1878," or simply "7S," printed on it, you
may feel assured that yovn- suliscription is
paid up to January, 1S7S, and you will nut
feel at all otlbnded at our importunity, but
will experience a soothing traiupiillity located
under the left breast facing of your vest, such
as we ardently desire all may realize in their
pecuniary relations to Tiik b'AUMiii;. Our
subsistence — yea, our very existence — is inti-
mately bound ui) with such stubborn facts as
printer's ink, paper, compositor's work, post-
age and other unavoidable incidentals, besides
our own arduous an<l self-denying labor, and
these require «(.«/(. Bear it in mind, dear
patrons, there is avast differeiicRin the mean-
ings of desire and require. "Wc desire the
prompt payment of the amounts due us, but
our creditors reiyMirc the amounts due tlicm ;
and how shall we be able to realize and satisl'y
these meanings, excei)t by your generous aid
if it so be that you are under the ban of "77y"
If, however, any of our subscribers should
lind the lable marked "1S77" or "77" on
their papers, and at the same time feel confi-
dent that they have paid up to 1S78 to some
one of our canvassers, if they iuforni us to
whom they have paid, the correction can
easily be made, and as there may po.ssibly
have been errors made iu this respect, we
hope no offense will be taken. Although we
mean that all shoidd pay, yet wo do not mean
that any one should jiay twice for the same
year. Owing to a want of certainty as to the
continuance of Tuk FAiiiiEit iu the early
part of the pre.sent year, there may have been
some errors made in the retmiis of our can-
vassing friends.- I'lT.ijsi IKK.

MONTHLY REMINDER— JUNE.

Early crops, such as lettuce, radi.she.s, s])in-
aeh, iV:e., when gathered, may be succeeded
by late lieets and carrots. Sow them, and
also bush beans, cucumbers, endive, sweet
corn, pnuqikin, s(iuash andokra. Transplant
cablwge and celery for sununer use ; also,
leeks and *car<lnons ; and plant common and
sweet potatoes. AVater canlillowers as they
begin to head. Iloe and thin out all standing
crops, and keep an eye on caterpillars, cut^
worms, and ('(doradi") potato beetles, for a
crop might almost as well go by dcfaidt as to
be left a sacrifice to these enemies of tlic lield
and garden.

•This i.lant Ix-louga to lli« siiine Renue as the " artii-Uoke "
(ry/wrn,) lUe Rl.'ins of the leiives, whicU are thitk ami cimi.,
bfing used wbsu blaiu^heil an aaparaguHor celerv, for noups
•leivB, or aa a salad. It ih iu aoasoii in autllliMi .Mid i^arly
*'.''.''■■. *■""' '"»•'*'". liowovi-i-, will jilrase uot oufouud Ibo
articUoke abovi- mentioue.l with the " Joruaaleiu arlioliokf "
which belongs to the geuus Ueliuiilhun. '

A WONDKRFUL BOOK.

(Jeo. P. Howell & C'o.'s American Newn-
p((pcr Dirccliirii^ contiiining accurate lists of
all th(^ newspapers and periodicals pul>lishc(l
in the I'liilcd Slates, Tcrritoiii's, tin; Domi-
nion of ( 'aiiada and Newfoundland, together
with a description of the towns an<l cities in
which they artt publishetl ; a Uoyal octavo of
lol:! p;iges, for 1S77: i.ssued by the above-
named company, and edittid by t)scar (J.
jMoses.

Perhaps some of our leaders on their visits
to the late Centennial Kxposition, at Pair-
mount Park, may have wautlered into the
department where there were placed on ex-
hibition spe.ciinensof i)Vi_:v i iijhtlkousand news-
papers and periodicals iiublished on the conti-
nent of North America. As thert^ were .so
many attractions there, it is more than likt^ly
that few availed tlu'inselVesof a sight of these
publications. l!e that as it may, the superb
volume under consideration contains lists and
notices of them all, and many more, including
regular advertisements of most of them,
printed iu fair type and on line ('alendereil
paper, and substantially bound. To those
who desire to advertise abroad, and wish to
become acquainted with the facilities to elfect
that end, this vohnne is an invaluable aid ;
and, as the publishers are among the most
extensive and reliable advertisi)i(j wjfncies in
the country, they are able to negotiate ad-
vertisements in any of the jiapers noticed in
their liook, at as low rates as can be obtained
from the pulilishers themselves, and with
more luompt attention. This is the ilth
annual issue of this Directory, and has nearly
reachi'd perfection. It is progressive, and
will ultimately attain that end.

THE HOPPER.

" It will be interesting to our readers to
learn the following fads iu regard to the grass-
hoppers, and the prospects for crops in what has
been known as the grasshopper country, which
The Jlau'keije has gathered from parties who
have made personal observations in Nebraska
and Ivansas.

"Professors Riley and Thomas, of the ento-
mological commi.ssion, for the in(iuiry into
this question, have visited Kansas anil Ne-
braska, and have just issued tluur reiiort,
showing that we are at the end of this trouble.
The egg of this insect was laid in the fall of
lS7i;, in what may be called the ISlissouri
region, consisting of western Iowa, north-
western Alissouri, portions of Kansas, Ne-
braska, Minnesota and Dakota.

" This egg comes to perfection only in the
sandy, arid regions of the far west. The rich,
moist soil of the Missom-i valley, and the
snows and rains, wrought havoc amongst the
eggs during the winter and spring, and tbt^
young insects which hatched out during Aiiril
have been rapidly destroyed by the elements,
by liarasitesand by birds, and thesi; inlluences,
with the work of the farmers themselves, have
at this (late brought to destruction nine-tenths
of the young "hoppers.

" The outlook in southern Nebraska may be
stated thus : West of a line drawn from Crete,
the eggs are all batcheil and nearly all the
yomig 'bopiiers annibilaled. Between Crete
and the Missouri river they are all hatched
out and annihilated, and as" fast as they ap-
pear they are being destroyed by the various
inlluences brought to bear Upon them.

"Th(! prospect for crops is as good as it pos-
sibly can be, and the people are jubilant over
the outlook for good crops, good prices, and
the fact that the grasshoi>per scare is now
practically at an end. The condition of south-
ern Nebraska was never better; there is a
larger area of ground planted than ever before.

The increase in stock has lieeu enormous, and
business generally is lirisk.

"The (Jovernor of the State has just pub-
lished the ri^sult of an examination into the
surplus iiroiluce shipped out of southern Ne-
braska during the ' grassbop]ier year,' lS7fi.
It is nuide iq) from the freiglit department re-
turns of llu^ four railroads, and shows that
during the 'grasshopper year,' l.S7(i, this lit-
tle region of the south I'latte country uot
only raised enough for lioiiie consumption, Init
actually shipped out over 4.')O,U0O,Ot)0 pounds
of wheat, oats, rye, barley. Corn, cattle,
sheep, hogs, etc.,- a quantity of bread anil
meat sulUciently large to feed over half .a mil-
lion of peoiile for a whole year.

" These are .sterling fads which spe.ak for
themselves, and refute entirely the gross ex-
aggerated statements so frecify circulated in
regard to southern Ncliraska. "

The above article, on the prospective status
of the " llopiicr," during the i)resent season,
we extract from the columns of a late num-
l)er of the Diiibj BiiriiiKjton (foWa) Ilaukene,
as a matter of interest to tho.se who live iu the
"inl'ested regions"— tho.se who have friends
living there — or those who have in contem-
plation the removal there themselves, but who
liave hesitated, on account of the depreda-
tions of an insect that science has failed to
dignify by a respectable cognomen; but which,
by common consent and common contenq)t
has won for itself the signilicant name of
"llascal (irasshopper," now pretty generally
designated by the slang abbreviation of " Hop-
per." We are in entire sympathy with the
rejoicing of the people over the happy pros-
pect, Ibr no two men in the Union are more
capable of uttering a prophecy on this subject,
than those who have been referred to in the
article quoted ; and, moreover, it may stimu-
late that ronjidem-e which has been so long
abs(>nt from our inilustrial and linancial insti-
tutions, and without which there cannot be a
return of permanent prosperity. Whatever
may have been our api)rehen.sions, under a
combination of favorable circumstances, in
reference to the pestilential increase of our
local grasshoppers, for some years, we h.ave
entertained no fears aliout the Kocky Moun-
tain species visiting I'eunsylvania. Like boys,
iu a game of ball, who venture loo far from
"base," they would lie apt to be overtaken by
climatic disaster, even if they should happen
to reach our State in time to deposit their eggs
here.

Nor do we think the people of the West have
had as miU'h to fear from the linxjils that bred
there, as from those hungry hordes that come
sweeping down from British America, Mon-
tana and Dakota; and, if the same contin-
gencies which inlliicnced their migrations on
l)revions occasions should exist there the pre.s-
ent season, this proclamation of immunity
Iroin grasshoppers this year may liave been
premature.

* THE SEVENTEEN YEAR LOCUSTS.

" Notices to the elTeet that the .seventeen
year locust has made its aiipearance in dilfer-
ent sections of the country, have recently
been i)ul)lished,an(l have raised the inquiry as
to what is the character of the pest which
travels under that name. AVe sui)pose the
most of oiu' readers who have heard the
seventeen year locust spoken of have had the
idea that the name was an arbitrary one, and
that a locust which makes its re-appearance
at regular intervals of .seventeen years each
was a jiure liction, but there is positive proof
that such an insect does exist and that its
character was so well understood by entomolo-
gists several years ago as to enable them to
predict its appearance this year with the ut-
most coulideuce. Iu his lirst rei)ort, Prof.

82

THEILANCASTERIFARMER

[June,

Eiley, State Entomologist of Missouri, wrote
as follows :

" ' In the year 1877, and at intervals of
seventeen years thereafter, they will, in all
probability, appear in the vicinity of Schuy-
lerville and Fort Miller, in New York. From
thence along both sides of tlie Hudson to its
mouth, where they extend at least to New
Haven, in Connecticut, and west across the
north pait of New Jersey and into Pennsyl-
vania. Also, in Dearborn county, Ind. ; Kal-
amazoo, Mich.; iu Pennsylvania, North
Carolina, Virgiaia and Maryland. '

"'This brood is recorded by Prof Potter
as having occurred at Nortli Haven, Conn.,
iu 1724, 1741, 1758, 1792, 1808 and 1820. It
was also recorded by the same writer us hav-
ing occurred in 1826 in Middlesex county, N.
J., and by Dr. Fitch as having occurred in
1843 tliroughout the whole country mentioned
above. In 1800, agaui, it was siioken of iu
the old series of the Pmirie Farmer (Vol. 22,
p. 110), as havuig occurred that year in New
Jersey, and Dr. Smith records it throughout
tlie whole State in 1775, 1792, 1800, 1820 and
1843. Mr. James Angus, of West Farms,
Westchester countj', N. Y., has himself wit-
nessed its recurrence in the years 1843 and
I860.'

" 'In Pennsylvania, Mr. Rathvon, found a
few individuals in 1800, and Dr. Smith says
it extends from the Susquehanna to tlie Dela-
ware river, bounded by Peter's momitain on
the south. In Virginia it occurred from the
soutli part of Loudon county to the Roanoke
river, and from the Blue Ridge to the Potomac
in 1820, 1843 and 1860. In Maryland from
Ami Arundel county to the north part of St.
Mary's and from the Potomac to Chesapeake
Bay, in 1809, 1820, 1843 and 1800. Iu Rock-
ingham, Stokes, Guilford, Rowan, Surry and
adjacent counties. North Carolina, in 1792,
1809, 1820 and 1843. In Dearborn county,
Ind., in 1843 and iu 1800, and iu Kalamazoo,
Mich. , during the same years. '

' 'Tliis year the locusts have put iu an appear-
ance in the exact localities predicted by Prof
Riley, and will doubtless spread into others
before the season is over. We know very
little about this chap, who, it seems, comes of
age but once iu seventeen years, as he has
never troubled New England much, but we
take it that he does not stop loug enough to
prove very destructive. He seems to be a rare
and curious bird, but our farmers will be
willing to Inive him coutmue to pass us by
while they rely on Prof Eiley aud their news-
papers for iirformatiou concerning him."

The above, from the columns of the Mirror
and Farmer, New Hampshire, was sent to us
"marked," and we feel an interest in it, as
well as others, althougli perhaps, on a differ-
ent ground ; for, althougli we have a distinct
recollectiou of having witnessed four appear-
ances of the above-named insect, in Lancaster
county, yet tlie consequences which followed
their visits, would hardly entitle them to the
name of "pests" — indeed it is on record tliat
in some instances they have done .some service
to trees that were sadly in need of pruning.
As this l)rood of 1877 (on account of only
recent and imperfect observation, and the
long intervals between their aiipearings) is not
.so well defined in its geographical limits, and
its general history, as the one we witnessed iu
1817, 1834, 1851 aud 1808, we hope our pa-
trons and our exchanges, in the localities
where it appears, will make a careful record
of its presence and its doings. Tliis insect,
under the influence of numbers, posse.s.ses the
possibilities of being exceedingly injuiious to
the branches (and even the small trunks) of
young fruit trees, but large trees are usually
never very seriously affected by tliem, or only
temporarily so. But between their appear-
ances, a new generation of human beings
spring up and occupy the places of the past
one, and tlierefore at every recurrence the
same old stories are revamped, aud there is
much misapprehension in reference to them
that is altogether unfounded and unnecessary.

Send iu your subscriptions.

MORE ABOUT THE LOCUSTS.

"Richmond county, N. Y., swarms with
locusts, the trees and shrubbery are covered
with them, and the monotonous singing of
the insects is lieard all day long. Some of the
locusts are two inches in length and have
large ijink eyes. The letter V is on their
backs."

Of course, our readers will understand that
the " letter V" alluded to in the extract
above, means Var! What else could it meanV
It cannot possibly mean Wictory, for Wictory
begins with a W.

" Such portents met tlie eye
When CaeBar fell,
And cautioned him in vain ;
Aud who can tell, whether
These artful notices of fate,
Are meant for kings or ministers of state."

AVe cannot but admire tlie penetration and
tlie commendable industry of the paragrapliic
scribbler, who not only records a/aci in natural
history, but who also so succinctly indicates
the siynijicance of that fact.

Time was when locusts were content to
display a W near tlie ends of their forewings,
but now, forsooth, (as if there was not enougli
of terror in a IF, ) they must defiantly flaunt
a ''letter V on their backs." W^e wonder if
ever a seventeen-year locust was born, upon
whose back and wings a fertile imagination
could not decipher a portentous W or V .'
We wonder also, wlietlier ever a period will
arrive in tlie history of this insect, when an
ominous allusion will not be made to these
cabalistic letters.

CRESS.

We have been frequently surprised to find
persons whom we should have supposed, iu
their rural experience, would be perfectly
familiar with this plant, aud yet, who have
confessed that tliey know notliiug at all about
it — nothing aboiit its quality — notliing about
its uses — who had never tasted it, and who
could not even recognize it when then saw it
— and this, too, among persons wlio were
professionally engaged in Horticulture, Flori-
culture and gardening. There are, however,
tliree or four kinds of plants that are recog-
nized under the name of Cress in books on
the culture of garden vegetation, and one of
these, at least, we have been familiar with
from our very boyliood — more familiar with
it then than now — and liad eaten of, as a
salad, very frequently, although we do not
know that there had been made a general use
of it for tliat purpose, even at that time ; but
there were some persons who manifested a
special partiality for it, and gatliered it eveiy
Summer in abundance. This kind was the
common " Wild Cress, " perhaps better known
under the name of "Wild Mustard," or
" Pepper Grass. " These different kinds of
Cress do not belong to the same geims of
plants, although, with the exception of the
" Indian Cress," they all belong to the Crucif-
erous family of plants, to which, also, belong
the different kinds of cabliages, radishes,
turnips, mustard and others. "Common
Cress (Lepidiurn sativtim) has been a subject
of garden culture iu England and on the con-
tinent of Europe, for more than three hun-
dred years. It has also been cultivated in
the vicinity of New York for many years,and,
we believe, also in the vicinity of Philadel-
phia, and we do not see why it should not be
so in I^ancaster county. It is far preferable
to Dandelion as a spring salad, or to mix with
lettuce salad, and adds to its flavor. Some
people also claim that it is a better diuretic,
and, tlierefore, more healthful than dande-
lion ; and, tliat it is more pleasant and pala-
table to the taste, we tliink will be acknow-
ledged by any one who makes a trial of it.

The most common species in tliis country is
Lepidiurn inrgijmum, which, in some localities,
is very plentiful, and, in fact, by those wlio do
not know its use, is regarded as little better
than a common weed. There is another spe-
cies {Lepidiurn intermedium) more abundant
farther southward, than it is in Pennsylvania;
and two others, which are supjiosed to have
been Introduced from Europe.

Our native species thrives best in shaded, or
moderately moist localities, but, under culti-
vation, the seed may be sowed on open ground
in March, or the early part of April, and
when once allowed to bed well, it will come
up every Spring from seeds dropped the pre-
vious season. An early crop may, however,
be .secured by sowing the seeds in a bed, under
glass, on loose, finely powdered soil, and cov-
ering them shghtly, removing the paues to
give them sun and air, during such days as
are warm and genial. By "cropping" a sup-
ply may be liad all Summer and late in the
Autumn.

But, by far the best kind is the ''Water
Cress," (Sisymhrimu nasturliinn) of the En-
glish gardeners, of which our native species is
Sisymbrium ojficinale, sometimes also called
"Scm-vy Grass." An ancient proverb was,
"Eat cress and learn more wit," applied spe-
cially to this kind of cress. This is mildly
stimulating, and its medicinal properties are
said to be antiscorbutic, and a pmifier of the
blood; we know it is very perceptibly benefi-
cial as a diuretic; and we really think it ought
to be more extensively a subject of cultivation
and use than it now is. There are three or
four species of it in this country, but they are
generally supposed to have been introduced
from Europe. Of course, as its name implies,
this kind of cress can only be grown success-
fully in fresh spring water. There are seve-
ral localities near the city of Lancaster where
it grows in profusion, in the flow from springs
and where we have obtained it in abundance,
of a most excellent quality; and also where it
may may be obtained all summer, and until
late in winter.

"Indian Cress" {Trop<xo1ium majus) is not a
cruciferous plant, but belongs to a family, or
is the type of a group, between the balsam
and the geranium families. It is that climb-
ing plant, which grows easily in almost any
soil, popularly known under the name of
"Nasturtion," sometimes abbreviated into
the vulgar name of "stertion." Although
its spicy aud pleasantly pungent fruit enters
largely into pickles and other condiments, yet
it is not so well known that its leaves and
flowers make an excellent salad, or add an
excellent flavor to other less pronounced sal-
ads. This plant is said to have been intro-
duced here from South America, where it is
found growing in a wild State.

There is a striking similarity in the taste of
all these different kinds of cress, but there are,
perhaps, none of them that is so tender, so
crisp, and so edible as the " Water Cre.ss. "
This grows best, as before intimated, Ln a
clear, moderately swift stream, and loves a
clean sandy or gravely bottom, where the
water is from one inch and a-lialf to two
inches deep, and the nearer the source of the
stream, the better it will grow. Where the
bottom is naturally muddy, it .should be cov-
ered with a coat of gravel. It ma^' also be
cultivated on low ground that can be irri-
gated. If the seeds are thrown on the water,
they will sink to the bottom, germinate, root,
and grow. — Ed.

A NEW INSECTICIDE.

A fruit-grower iu Valparaiso, South Amer-
ica, writes to his local paper that he has dis-
covered a singular jn'operty in tomato leaves.
It appears that, having cut down some
tomato vines, he used them as a "mulch"
around his peach trees. He soon discovered
that the curctdio, which had been destroying
his fiTiit, had abandoned the trees surrounded
by tomato vines. Following up this accidental
discovery, he found that a free use of tomato
vines proved a perfect protection, not only
against the ctircidio, but against other noxious
insects. He found, also, that by steeping in
water some fresh leaves of the tomato, and
sprinkling the infusion upon the plants, such
as roses and orange trees, the innumerable
insects which covered them were driven
away. We commend this to our Horticultu-
ral friends." — Midland Farmer.

The above was sent to us, coiisjiicuously
marked, in the June number of the Nebraska

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

83

Fanner, and, (in account of it.s siiuiilicity, we
republish it for what it may be worth. What-
ever effect it may have on the cureulio and on
those "otlier noxious insects," we confess wo
have not much faitli in it as ajxcneral remedy.
We certainly could not ('.xpect it to "drive
olf " the fiireen tomato worm or the "Colorado
potato beetle," for both these insects feed vo-
raciously on the tomato vines. Theexpressed
juii'e, or an infusion of tomato leaves, woidd,
no doubt, repel .some insects, but we don't
know what etlect " imdchinj; " could have
u|ion any in.sects we know of. tJesides, the
authority is too far away, and too little known,
to elicit any special conlideiice in it. Still we
call the attention of our readers to it, and
hope they will make a practical test of it
during the current season. An infusion of
tomato vines is exitecdinf^ly ollensive to the
genus Umnu, and it may, pread venture, be
so to some of the subjects of the insect realm.
— El).

A LESSON WORTH LEARNING.

" The possibility of a >;reat change being in-
troduced by very sliijlit beginnings may be
iUustratecl l)y a tale which Lockman tells of a
vizier, who, having oll'ended his master, was
condemned to perpetual captivity in a lofty
lower. At night his wife came to wecj) below
his window. '( 'ea.se your grief,' said ihc .sage ;
'go home for the present, and return hither
wlien you have procured a live black beetle,
together with a little ijinv [or bidliUo's butter,]
tliree clews, one of the linest silk, another of
stout pack thread, and another of whip cord ;
finally, a stout coil of rope.' When she again
came to the foot of the tower, in'ovidetl ac-
cording to her husband's demands, he dire<'ted
her to touch the liead of the insect with a little
of- tlie ijlue, to tie one end of the silk thread
around him and to place him on the wall of
the tower. Attracted by the smell of the
butter, which he conceived to be in store
somewhere above him, the beetle etmtinued to
ascend till he reached the top, aiul thus put
tlie vizier in possession of the end i)f silk
thread, who drew up the pack thread by means
of the silk, the small cord by means of the
pack thread, anil, by means of the cord, a
stout rope, capable of sustaining his own
weight, and so at last escapeif from the place
of his duress."

Miuiy enterprises in life ; many reformations
in morals ; many individual labons might be
coaxed along gently in their incipient and pro-
gressive stages, by such a gentle, thoughtful,
and hopeful procedure as is portrayed in the
foregoing extract. 15e careful, be gentle, or
you may snap the thread and never be alile to
get possession of the cord that leads to the
possession of the "stout rop(^" which leads to
success, even after you have secured the beetle
that convoys to you the silken fdin?. In suc-
cessful farming, the same gentle manipula-
tions of the soil is neccs.sary. Wlu^i the plant
is young, weak and feeble, we nuist guide it
and nurture it by the silken Ho.ss, before we
can apply the stronger culture tliat corresponds
to the pack thread. Atany a plant is destroyed
in our eagerness to apply the pack thread to a
hasty advance to the cord, and thence to full
maturity. But Viefore we can jiossibly avail
ourselves of the feeble tenure of the silken
liber, it must lie directed towards the desired
end, by the operation of a will-power that lies
back of threads, cords and ropes— an exercise
of tlie immortal mind.

^

HORSE HAY FORK -PATENT IN-

P'RINGEMENTS.
In the case of A. J. Nellis vs. The Ashland
Fork ilaiiufacturiug Company, in the Uidted
States Circuit Court for the Northern District
of Ohio, a decree has lieen entered in favor of
the patents, and an injunction issued against
the defendants enjoining them from niaking
and .selling the Harris Double Harpoon Horse
Hay Fork. AVe notice from the (.'ourt records
that there are over one hundred sints now
pending for the infringement of these patents,
against jiarties in the Slate of Ohio. Evi-
dently the owners of the patents are deter-
imued to protect their rights.

A CHOLERA CURE.

"Tincture Opii.

Tinctin-e Capsici.

Tincture Khci Co.

Tinctun^ Menth pip.

Tincture Cam|ihor.
Mix the above in eipial iiarts, etc."
Among the many renu'dies published last
smnmer for cholera, diarrha'a, bowel com-
plaints and other similar forms of dis.scase in-
cident to suuuner season, we believe none
received a more authoritative endorsement
than the above, which is the "corrected
formida. " We have been cariying it in our
pocketbook for nearly a year, and as it had
g<in(^ into pieces the above was all we were
able to rescue from the wreck, but that con-
tains all the essentials of the mixture. Any
intelligent druggist will be able to interpret
and furnish the ingredients, and if he cannot
it will be an indication that he is not the man
to be trusted in the case. Every family should
have a bottle of this cholera meilicine in their
possession, diuing thesunnuer.sea.son at least.
We were not able to preserve the size of the
dos(% for that fragment was entirely lost, but
we think it was a teaspoonfull ; of course
this should be adapted to the ag(^ of the
patient, the violence of the disease, and other
things contingent thereto. The same circum-
stances should al.so govei-n the frecpiency of
its repetition. It is generally conceded to be
safest to apply remedies in cases of these dis-
eases when the first symptoms become mani-
fest. In many cases a single dose has been
all-sudicient to arrest the disease.

HOW TO EASE A COUGH.

A medical work of high authority gives the
following advice to invalids and others :
" The best method of easing a cough is to re-
sist it with all the force of will possible, until
accumulation of phlegm becomes greater, thcMi
there is something to cough against, and it
comes V(u'y nuich easier, and with half tin;
coughing. A great deal of hacking and liem-
ming and coughing in invalids is purely ner-
vous, or the result of mere habit, as is showu
liy the freiiuency with which it occurs wlnle
the patient is thinking about it, and its com-
paritive rarity when he is so much engaged
that there is no time to think, or wheu the
attention is impelled in another direction."

We feel that we are able to testify, from
long experience, that^there is "sound wLsdom
and discretion" iu the above. We do not
presume to say that every one can oppose the
power of his or her will, successfully, in re-
sisting a cough, or that it will be successful at
all times, nor yet, with all coughs even by
the same individuals. Coughs generally pro-
ceed from an inflamed conilition of the bron-
chial organs ; from the inhalation of foreign
irritating atoms; from inhaling cold draughts
of air; and often from a violent or impulsive
exercise of the vocal organs, but, perhaps,
more freipiently from an inflamed condition
of the lungs — their decay, their laceration (ir
their collapse ; fiut even in these latter cases,
it has been manifest that a cough may be re-
sisted, or at least palliated. In our younger
days we were intimately acquainted with an
intelligent physician predisposed to consimip-
fioii, who understood his own case so well,
and also his feelile tenure of life,tliat heobsti-
nately refused to (ujugh, often under the most
violent provocation, and he succeeded in pro-
longing that (eiU(r« for ten or fifteen years, if
not longer ; and, although he eventually died
of that fell disease, yet he never did much
coughing. There are many coughs that proceed
from bronchial inllannnatiou, and not from a
diseased condition of the lungs, as is evident
from their long coidinuance — often twenty or
thirty years — and if these coughs were re-
sisted by the power of the human will, the
life of the patient, in many instances, would
be prolonged ; lint even in these cases, injudi-
cious or impulsive yieldings, only increase
the irritation, and inflammatiou may Hnally
be driven down into the lungs and end f'atall\".
Reader, if you have any will power at all, tri/ it.

PROTECTION OF USEFUL ANIMALS.

The following notice, says the JiitUetin X*'
yl r/iorieuWwrc, is conspicuously set up in the
State forests of France. It would lie well to
havesimilar notices posted iu our imblic parks :

" Hedge Hog — Feeds on niice, small ro-
deids, slugs and grubs. Do not kill a hedge
bog.

Toad — A farmer's frii^iid ; destroys '20 to :iO
insects pei- hour. Do not kill a toad.

" Mole — Destroys incessantly grubs, mole
crickets, and insects injurious to agriciiture ;
no trace of vegetable matter is evei- found in
its stomach ; does more good than harm. Do
not kill a mole.

"Cockchafer (bameaton) and his grid) (ver-
blanc)— Each insect lays 70 to lUO eggs. Kill
the cockchafV^rs.

" Each deiiartmentof France loses annually
thousands of francs by the injuries of insects.
Birds are thi^ oidy enemies capable of contend-
ing with them. Chililren, do not rob the
birds' nests."

Then follows a list of rewards ofl'ered for
the destruction of cockchafers.

Without deeming it necessary to insert the
" list " in this jilace, it is sutficient to know
that the French Government expends large
sums evei-y year in paying bounties for the
gathering and destroying of noxious insects —
and especially for the yrtibs of the "cock-
chafers," (better known is this ins(U't in its
larva state as the " White (muI).") The litrvm
of all the E.\MKi,r,i(X)i:x Beetles are white
"grub-worms," with black, brown or yellow-
ish and glossy heads and feet, and they are
usually founci in the earth, or in much de-
cayed old wood. They walk very indifferently
on a plain surface, liaving but six feet, at-
tached to the first three segments of the body,
and the hinder parts by far the largest portion
of the yrub. Indeed, some of them move on
their backs, but the larger part of them move
on their sides, and they are always found bent
like a crescent, and lying on their sides; and
pia'haps there is no kind of iu.sect food that is
more grateful to the palate of animals tlian
the.se white " grub- worms. " It is said that
skunks are very fond of them ; therefore,
whatever other adverse qualities skuid<s may
]iossess, we should also say — "Don't kill the
skunks." The economy of nature is so elabo-
rate iu its details, in reference to the insect
world, that we hardly know what wild animals
we ought to spare or what to kill, lest we
might be killing our friends and sparing our
enemies. Perhaps, in a larger sense, all the
subjects of the animal kinrjilom are necessary
to each other's existence, and hence, also, an-
tagonistic to each other; and, the legitimate
residls of this antagonism is the normal cqui-
libriiiin of that kingdom, and to di.sturb that,
is to produc* a redundancy of the one or the
other ; wid that is what civilization and the
march of improvement have tieeii interposing,
iu various ways, from a very early period iu
human history. And that is not all ; for, the
effects of this distm-bance of the normal equi-
librium is likely to continue initil we can dis-
cover how to economize the natural, means, or
apply the arlifu-ial means, to keep the relations
of the animal world intact.

We question very much whether all the arti-
ficial insecticides yet discovered possess a
tithe of the .saving potency that exists normal-
ly in the domain of nature itself; and even in
some of our frantic eflbrls to circmnvent the
evils of redundancy we may be but faciUtat-
ing its progress.

Take, for instance, by way of analogy, the
construction of a clock — a clock, by way of
eminence, that measm'es the seconds, the
niiiuif(«, the hours, the ilays, the weeks, the
months and the years of time ; that indicates
the risings and the settings of the sun and
moon ; the ebb and How of the tides ; the
meteorological conditions of the weather ; the
teniperalure and the humidify of the atmos-
phere, and sundry other mechanical compli-
cations ; and notice how all the movements
necessary to the successful operation of the
whole nmst act in universal harmony and be
directed towards a legitimate end ; and re-

84

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[June,

Uect that this mechanical coutrivance is but au
imperfect reflex of the system tliat exists iu
the operation of nature's laws ; and from tliis
we may form some idea of what we have yet
to learn, and what yet to do, before we can
hope for an immunity from a redundancy of
pestiferous insects. If the mechanic "who
constructed such a clock as we alluded to was
to make one wheel too large and another
wheel too small ; one spring too strong and
another spring too weak ; one lever too long
and another lever to short, or one cord too
tense and another cord too lax, the result
would be a disturliauce of the equilibrium of
the whole and the destructive acceleration of
some of the parts, and the damaging retarda-
tion of other parts ; and general disorganiza-
tion would follow, as sure as domestic and
economic disorganization produces the destroy-
ing visitations of the "Rocky Mountain Lo-
cust," the "Colorado Potato-Beetle," or the
" Western Chinch-Bug."

The processes of husbandry and tlie cultiva-
tion of the soil, iu the early history of the
country, were somewhat different from what
they are at the present period. Our ancestors
brought over from the "fatherland" the sim-
ple methods that obtained there up to the
time of their departure, and on their arrival
in the New World, and on manipulating the
virgin soil, they found that under the opera-
tion of those rules and routines it yielded
abundantly ; and, as long as tliis result fol-
lowed the waving of their industrial wands,
they continued the old processes, and never
■ dreamed of the innovations that were to fol-
low under altered circumstances— the natural
depletion, the local exhaustion, and the advent
of destructive animals. It became manifest
to them that wolves destroyed their flocks,
foxes their poultry, and squirrels their corn,
but beyond these prominent contingencies
they entertained but few iears, and made Ijut
little or no provision. But now, apprehen-
sions are looming up, mvolving the grave
question as to whether a time is not arriving
in the liistory ot practical agriculture, when
farming will have to be done scientifically, if
it is done at all ; when not only the composi-
tion of the various soils must bo imderstood,
but also the modes of their recuperation — the
means by which the destruction of the far-
mer's crops may be prevented, and what
auxiliaries may exist in the economy of nature
itself, as helps, in the accomplishnient of the
desired end.

It is not sufficient to know " which and
what" animals are noxiems, but also those
that are beneficial, in order that an intelli-
gent discrimiuati(jn may be made between
them ; and this question must become as
famihar, as simple, and as practical, as that
wliich involves " demand and supply."

Inasmuch as the masses of the people will
not — or, perhaps more charitaljly .sfeaking,
cannot— give sufficient attention to natural
science to make it of practical value to them,
it has long been our cherislied opinion tliat
government— either National, State, district
or municipal, or perhaps within their respec-
tive spheres, each of them— should create
functions, and endow compensated function-
aries, whose continuous duties should be to
study and make provision for all such con-
tingencies as may be involved in the increase
of destructive animals. Such an establish-
ment might be kept in peruia]ient and succes-
fnl operation at an outlay of the very smallest
moiety of the many millions of dollars lost to
the country every year by the ravages of de-
structive insects and other noxious animals.

The great help which vegetation, and hence
the hmnan family, sustains through tlie jn-o-
tection of insect-eating animals is difficult to
make manifest to the common apprcliension.
Take, for instance, an animal that lives on in-
sects alone— that never has been seen or known
to partake of any other kind of food ; and,
like tlie swallow, that only remains in such
locality as it visits so long as it abounds in
insects, and when, through a change of season,
the.se become exhausted, it migrates to a more
congenial locality, and who can calculate the

number of insects it destroys in its lifetime,
and how many millions more are prevented
from ever coming into being. Let it also l)e
rememljcrod that purely insect devouring ani-
mals are not spasmodic, capricious, or period-
ical in their pursuit of insect food, but are at
it "early and often." " From early morn to
dewy eve," and, when nature is enveloped in
the "mantle of night," like well appointed
sentinels, a night-watch sallies fortli on its
friendly mission and continues the benevolent
work imtil they are driven to their accus-
tomed haunts by the garish light of day.
Artificial remedies are at best but spasmodic,
transient, imperfect, and only partially
eftectual.

^

ABOUT FROGS.

" Timmy Droo-oo-oo-oo-oo,
I can make a shoe-oo-oo,
As good as you-oo-oo-oo,
Aud better too-oo-oo-oo."

The season is now here, when " Tlie song of
the turtle is heard iu the land," and tlie.se
persecuted reptiles will fall a prey to the in-
satiate maw of epicurean man. A humane
and thoughtful coteinporary has recently been
putting in an eloquent plea in behalf of the
frog, ranking bun with other "game," and
asking from our legislators the same protec-
tion that is accorded to other " game ani-
mals ;" and we think, with a good show of
wisdom, as viewed from the selfish side of the
question. When we are captured by a tribe
of cannibals ; confined in a sheltering crib,
allowing us only to look upon the fair face of
nature through "chinks" in the wall ; kindly
cared for and sumptuously fed on fattening
viands ; daily visited aud our health and con-
dition anxiously inquired into ; punched in
the ribs, caressed down the back as we would
a favorite dog, and our upper and nether
limbs kneaded as we would a mellowing peach
or pear, to ascertahi its edible condition ; and
finally and affectionately released from our
confinement in order to be "spitted" and
furnish a central dish for " grim and greedy "
monsters to " wipe their jaws " upon ; can we
claim that the interest manifested iu our be-
half, is of a lower order than tliat proposed in
behalf of the frog V How carefully, liow kind-
ly, how providentially and how sympatheti-
cally we treat our pigs, and yet tlie ultimate
of all our tender regard culminates in "boiled
ham and sausages. "

Since, however, people will c:it frogs, (and
we can attest that they ara a generously
flavored aud toothsome morceau) it is meet,
perhaps, that they should be included under
the protection of the game laws. They (frogs)
in common with other animals, have tlieir
breeding season, during which time they
should be allowed to "multiply and replenish"
the ponds, and that season is just now ; and
this is especially the case witli our common
" bull-frog," [Runa pijiiens. Lair.) whose nup-
tial song was many long years ago so beauti-
fully paraphrased by frightened "Timmy
JJrew." Very closidy related to this bull-frog
is another species [Itaiia liorironensis) of the
northern lakes, and the deep croaking of these
two species— their "more rum" aud tlieir
"blood and nouns" — may be heard, under
favorable circumstances, for half a mile or
more. This latter individual is tlie subject of
a quasi culture and protection, in aud about
some of the ponds or lakelets in the State of
New York, and it is said that at the proper
season large numbers of them are sent to the
markets of Buffalo, Albany and New York
city. Their protection is exceedingly simple
and consists merely in their noii-destruction
duriug tlie mating season. It is questionable
whether it ought to be allowable to shoot or
otherwise capture frogs before the 1st of July ;
or perhaps if the mantle of the squirrel law
was extended over them it would afford all the
protection they needed. But, in the protec-
tion and cultivation of frogs effectively, it re-
quires also the cultivation of the "soul of
lionor" among their human captors, as tvellas
the protection of their " polliwogs" from the
carnivorous attacks of aquatic birds and the
still more destructive fishes.

A smaller species than the two already
named, is the "green frog" {Rana damitans)
conspicuously tinged with yellow about the
posterior portion of the abdomen. Allied to
this species, and about the same size, is the
"leopard frog," (liana halecina) so named
from being spotted like a leopard. This last
named species is a most extraordinary leaper,
sometimes making ten feet at a single bound.
In the absence of the larger species, these two
last named animals are sought with as much
eagerness as the former ; for what they lack in
size they more than make up in delicacy of
flavor. They often come out and sit and bask
in tlie sun a considerable distance froui the
margin of tlie pond or stream, and at tlie ap-
proacli of danger — long before tliey are seen —
they make a sudden spring and often reach
the water at a single bound ; all you hear or
see is a "squeak," a "streak" and a "plunge."
These are the individuals that utter that very
peculiar "/ed-(?ej/i" like noise, which sounds
much like a " cracked" G violin string- sdine-
thing like the musical manipulations nf a class
of boys taking their first instructimis on the
violin, when requested by the master to
"sound." This sound, however, is not as
frequent now as it was when we were a boy.
Since then frogs have been cultivating cantion
and are loth to let their where.abouts be known,
either by " sight or sound. " As an illustra-
tion of the progressive character of frotrs, in
relation to their self-preservation at least, we
would respectfidly refer the reader to the
March number of The Lancaster Fakmer,
third column of page 40, (for 1877,) as an
emphatic case in point.

Six frogs are enough for a person to talk
aliout at one time, (and perhaps, also, enough
for any person to appropriate at one meal, )
and therefore, in order to reach that maxi-
luinii, Me are privileged to mention two more
species that are occasionally to be found,
especially in the Northern States. The first
of these is the " pickerel frog," (Kana Puh(.<i-
tris)- pale brown, marked with dark brown
above, and bright yellow mottled with black
beneath, especially the thighs. Its flesh is
delicate, and is used extensively as a pickerel
Ijait, and also as a trout-bait. As its call is a
singularly prolonged utterance, as it floats on
the water, in tliis we realize the nursery lines :

** Slug aud float, sing aud float in my little boat."

The smallest of the six is the " wood frog,"
(J?(ma sulvatira) pale reddish above, and j'el-
lowish, white beneath, ^\ith a dark brown
stripe on each side. Tliis little batrachian is
only about two inches in length, and, singu-
larly enough, is found only iu the woods,
except in early spring, when, like the common
toad, it frequents the water to lay its eggs.
Tliis little sul)ject must, however, not be con-
founded with those little members of the
Hyloid family, known as "tree toads," for
they difler from them as much as a leopard
differs from a tabby-cat.

The young of frogs arc reared in ponds or
streams of water, and in their immature state
are sometimes called "polliwogs," to distin-
guish tliem from the young of toads, which
are usually called ' 'tadpoles. ' ' Frogs are very
prolific, but most of tlieir young fiill a prey to
fishes and ducks, or wading-birds, and here is
where their protection primarily comes in, to
make the raising of them a success and profit-
able.

A cotemporary thinks it would be a very
nice thing to be a frog during the heated sum-
mer time. "A frog," he says, "neither tpils
nor spins ; goes in swimming whenever he
feels like it, without taking off his shirt ;
plunges to the bottom of a cool pond wiien the
sun grows fierce aud vindictive, and doesn't
Wear uncomfortable shirt collars, nor sit iu a
barber shop waiting for his turn." But there
is another side to the picture. "A frog can't
stick his head out of the water to surve}' the
beauties of nature and listen to the baud play-
ing, without incurring the risk of having it
shot off by a man with a gun and a duty
shirt ; nor percli himself upon a cool stone to
enjoy the sunlight aud let his thoughts wander
back to childhood, without running the risk of

1R77.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER

85

being swallowed by a slimy snako ; nor Pnjdy
a 'hop' a few yards from shore without Iwini;
captured l>y ;v 'small hoy, 'and 'whiptto make
him cry,' if nothing worse is instoj'c for him."
Even those persons who inc. snpjtosed to ex-
perience the most roalizins sense of the hard-
shi|)S imposed upon the frog, arc sometimes
compelled to saerilice him to their zeal in a
collateral specialty ; and to this we ourself
rannot deny the "soft impeachment."

In the snnnnerof IStl, whilst out frog-lumt-
ing, we shot a large, subject, which was brought
to us and laid at our feet. Although it was
cpiite dead, yet there .seemed to he something
inside of it ihat tcssed it about, "like a bear
in a blanket." On opening it, we found its
stomacli contained a large male .s|^ecimen of
the "American Rhinoceros l)eetle," {Xi/hri/r-
(«.< antyniit) still alive and vigorously kicking,
besides other dead and fragmentary speeinKMis.

This was the first male subject of this
species we had ever seen, althongh when wc
know when and where to look for them they
are by no means rare, and of course,- we
secured it and took it home. It afterwards
became the central nucleus of our colropteroui
collection, and is still there, around which
cluster many hundred species. If wc subse-
quently bore down too severely on the frogs,
it was more in the hope of .securing rare ento-
mological specimens than to gratify any gas-
Ironomical craving.

In conclusion, at the present prices, to enter
iutoKana-culture ought to be a paying business.
We have .seen thc^ day when they were sold as
low as ten and twelve cents a down, but now,
when served up in a restaurant, they cost (ifty
cents a [lair. Any person who has a piece of
swampy ground that no other use can be made
of, and lias a constant suiiply of running
water, could easily construct a frog pond.
Here they woidd multiply and replenish — re-
plenish the tables of epicures — if they were
protected against carnivorous fishes, ducks
aiul wading birds, but most especially from
"crack shots," who destroy them promiscu-
ously and out of sea.son. Of course if they
were inimi'rous they would have to be fed, for
they have been known to swallow the young
<<( their own species, as well as young fishes
and insects. Tlii.s latter is suggestive, and if
the pond was margined with flowering .shrub-
bery to attract insects, it would furnish a
furiher sui'ply of food. "Some things can be
done as well as others." Who will try ? —

. Polly-woy.

^

TOBACCO PESTS.

"W. A. S.,"of Henderson county, Kentucky,
writes as follows to the Coimtrtj (h'ntirman :

"Noticing the remedy for ilies on t<ihaceo
plants, ]iagi^ -JUV, I will give your readers a
more simpler remedy, and one that is always
at hand. It is common .soot and ashes, or
lime, apiilied when the plants arc damp. In
additiciii ti) proving a safeguard against the
ravages of insects, this is a s])lcndid fertilizer.
.Vn .■Hldition of manure from the hen-house
makes it the best thing I have ever seen to
push iilants forward. Farmers who raise to-
bacco will also tind it advantageous to kill the
tobacco hawk-moth, Marrosila {sphinx) Caro-
lina, which lays the eggs luoducing the worms
so troulilesoniB to this crop. The (ly comes
out at twilight to feed and deposit its eggs.
Its food is sucked from tlowers by mcansof
its long (iexible piobo.scis, commonly called a
horn (hence its name in many sections '•horn-
blower.") It seems especially partial to the
.Taiueslowii weed. Datura Slrnmoniiwi, and
if cobalt be dis.solved in water and a drop or
two put in the llower of this weed, or any
(lower they feed on, it is sure death to them.
Some farnin-; plant this weed about the field
for the purji'se, and every evening or two put
in a suppl\ of poison. As the moth docs not
roani far Ihey can be greatly diminislicd if
this is kept up, and consequently the worms
are visibly Ics.sened.

"Another aid to the tobacco raiser is a
minute four-winged fiy, known to entomolo-
gists as the Microfjaster congrajala. It has
become quite numerous in tobacco growing

sections. ;The entomologist in the agricul-
tural department report for lS7:i, gives the
following account of it: "The eggs of this
parasite, to the number of one hundred or
more, are deposited in the back and sides of
the caterpillar (the worm), in small luuictures
maile by the ovijiositor of the lly. The larvie,
when hatched, feed upon tlu' fatty sulistaiice,
and when fully grown eat a hoU^ in the skin,
and each maggot spins for itself a small, white
oval cocoon, one end of which is fastened to
the skin of the worm. Eighty-four files were
obtained from one worm by Say, and Fitch
counted one hundred and twenty-four cocoons
on another worm." It can bo.sec^n that these
dies multiiily very fast, and must kill a great
numlier of worms, as they soon kill every
worm they infest. The same authority says
that this parasite has also an enemy, tiie
I'tcromahis tahanmi, which deposits its eggs in
the cocoon of the microgaster. If farmers
will not disturb worms that are infested with
the cocoons of the microgaster, they will soon
prove a great and effectual help to them."

The above substantially refiects what wc
.said in our essay, read before our local .society
in March last, and which will lie found com-
mencing on page "37 of the present volume of
the Far:\[er ; and we commend it to the
special attention of our tobacco growing
readers the present season. — Ed.

CORRECTION.

In " Book-keeping by Farmers," in May
numlipr of The Lancaster Farjiek, Fig.
D was incorrectly given. If it was taken as
the account of a laborer against Jonathan
Piueknot, farmer, then it would be right ; but
for a farmer's account against Jonathan Pine-
knot, laborer, as it was intended, it should be
in as follows :

1874. JONATHAN PINEKNOT. Dr. Or

March 1 12
U
IS
20

April 2
3

By J,j day fiprejuUuR lime

By setting ill iianels feiiee, (Si, 14c.

By '., ilay jilnwiliK, («, $1.50

To 3 bHBhcIs corn, @ 75o

By >i (lay plowiug

To cash in full

3 77 3 77

BIRDS VS. HOPPERS.

An old pasture field upon the farm of
Charles L. Stoking, bounded on the south and
West by the Walioo Creek, and wliicli was
closely fed last season, proved very acceptable
to the hopper as a laying ground. Millions of
eggs were deposited therein last fall, from
wliieh the warm weather of the last two
weeks has evolved million.'* of the live young
hojipcrs. Inspired by the instincts of a
IJrennus for plunder, the hardy fellows soon
organizeil into Si|uadrons, and marched to the
attack of a timothy field on the north, and of
a field of barley on the east, each of which
soon exliiliited decided evidence of their ra-
pacity. But on Tuesday, the 24th inst., a
change came over the spirit of their hapjiy
dreams of luxurious living, for on that day
a Hock of two or three thousand black birds
appeared upon the scene, and instantly taking
in the situati<in, they commenced operations
upon the frisky liopjiers.

We watched the scene with absorbing inter-
est, and soon found that wherever the'winged
warriors made a descent, the myriads of nim-
ble hoppers which covered the ground disap-
peared in a remarkalily short space of time.
In one instance, we saw the birds alight upon
the road, at a point where, one hour previous-
ly, the ground was literally covered with
young lioiiper.s. In ten minutes we ap-
proached, when the birds retired to the trees
near by. We looked for the pests" which had
been there, but they were not. Of the many
dark and moving masses which had .so re-
cently occupied the place, scarcely a hopper
was now to be found.

What stronger proof can one desire of the
great value of insectivorous birds in destroy-
ing noxious insects than the above example
liresents V or what better evidence of the
wisdom of la.st winter's legislature, in enact-
ing the law for the protccliou of these birds
from the sportsman's deadly gun 'i* All hail

to the bird law, the dog law, and the tree law
of Xebraska— a trinity of measures, destined
to advance her in a few years to the front rank
of States— to plant her prairies with beautiful
trees, to fill these with useful birds, and to
clear her fields and gardens, orchards and
groves, of in.sects, noxious to the farmer's
varied crops. — M. 6'., Nebraska Farmer.

CORRESPONDENCE.

KniTon OF " Lancaster Farmer"—
Dfar Sir : To all interested in "Strawberry
Culture" an invitation is extended to visit the
grounds of E. W. Durand, in the strawberry
season, about the middle of June. lie has
nearly three thousand varieties under cultiva-
tion, originated by himself, and mostly ap-
proved selections of his seedlings of the last
twenty years. Having taken the first premium
at the Centennial Fxhibition, he gives the in-
vitation that peoiilc may see for themselves
what progress has been made in this direction.
Piespectfully.— J5. IF. Durand, Irviwjton,
Eaacx coimti/, New Jersci/.

If we cannot possibly go to the "mountain,"
wo should not at all object if the mountain
were to come to us. —Ed.

QUERIES AND ANSWERS.

Mr. II. B., Landis FaHry.— The pale, buff-
colored, powdered mineral substance you sent
us, appears to- be a kind of luwlin, or decom-
posed FiMspar, and proliably might be used
for making delf-ware, or common porcelain,
if it oC(-urs in sullicient quantity and purity,
or, perhaps, this substance inay be more
properly termed a kind of " fire-clay," and
might be converted into crucibles, fire-brick,
vases, and many other articles of use to the
human fiimily.

Mr. G. S. , Lancaster Cotton Mills. — The 6t-
caudatcd, or "doulile-tailed " worm you .sent
us through Mr. G., is a m.alformcd specimen
of the common earthworm, angleworm or
fishworm, {Liimhriais tcrreslris) and is not a
normal species, but a Ltmis natura, a freak of
nature, or an animal monstrosity.

Mr. J. B. A., Lancaster cili/. — Tlie "queer
fish" you sent us, and which you say you took
out of the stomach of a " black sea bass,"
CetUrojiri.'ites nigrirans) is a specimen of the
"common s(iuid" [Loliejo Bartramii) of our
Atlantic coast, and the bays contiguous there-
to, and was in a very good state of preserva-
tion. It belongs to the order Bihrandiiuta,
and is allied to the "cuttle-fish" family.

Mr. J. M. /., Lancaster, Pa. — Vour insect
is a " AVhitc Miller Moth,"(.lrc<({i Virg(ni<'.a,.)
I have said «, because I cannot apply the def-
inite article the, becau.se there are several
species that go by the common name of
"Miller Moth." The larva is A yellowi.sh, or
light brownish, hairy caterpillar, .sometimes
called the "wooly bear" or " yellow bear,"
and is a promiseuous feeder on all kinds of
vegetation that comes conveniently to hand,
but especially garden vegetation.

S. P. K, -&V/., Lancaster City. — Tlie hick-
ory branch which you brought us some days
ago, invested with a number of leaf and stem
galls,of irregular forins,on examination proved
to be those of a species of I'hylloxtra, generi-
cally allied to the famous I'hylloxcra vastatrix
of the graiie vine. There are quite a large num-
ber of species belonging to the genus P/ii/Ztecra
ill the United States, and some six or eight of
them arc known to infest the hickory trees.
Several are found on the oak.s, either on the ten-
der branches, the leaf-stem.s, or the leaves. In
the ab.sence of other species of hickory phyl-
loxera to compare with them, wc cannot be
positive as to the species, but it appears to be
the iVt//H().i< r«p'>rcat((,of Slieimer. There need,
however, not be any serious anxieties about
them because they belong to the phylloxeras,
for we have noticed these galls on the oaks and
hickories from our very boyhood. In some of
the cavities wo also found a whitish grul), with
a large brown head. This, according to Prof.
riiley,is the larva of Antkononmscrut<rgionc. of
the large family of Curculios'; but it is only a
"tenant at will," and not necessarily confined
to these galls.

86

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ June,

For The Lancaster Farmer.
NEBRASKA NOTES.

Cheyenne, W. T., May 28, 1877.

Mr. Editor : — Between Cheyenne and
Kearney Junction there are tliousands of
cattle, slieep and liorse.s, and excellent pas-
turage for at least "six hundred thousand
more." The grasses here are greater in
variety and quantity, and of better quality,
than along either of the more southern routes
from the Mi.ssouri Kiver to the Kooky Moun-
tains— and this would seem to l)e necessary to
adapt it to stock raising, as the winters are
more sevei'e, and stock require more nourish-
ment ; yet not lialf as many cattle, horses and
.sheep perished last winter in the Platte as in
the Arkansas Valley ; probably for two rea-
sons : First, the superior quality of the
grasses along the I'latte, and second, because
the Platte stock men provide botli winter feed
and shelter for their stock, while the average
Arkansas "Cow-boy" is "Arkansas Traveler"
style and provides neither feed uor shelter for
winter use.

The stock all along the Platte are in good
order, and very few dead cattle wei'c seen
during my recent trip from Denver to Omaha
and return to my Rijcky Mountain home.

At Cheyenne there are four live churches,
to whicli have been added about one hundred
members by profession of faith, during the
last three months. The pastor .of the Presby-
terian church. Rev. ISIr. Corwick, is also
County Superintendent of Education, and
very etlicient in both positions. About half
of the children attend some Sabliath scliool.

There are over fifty liquor store.s and saloons
here, and an active temperance society.

Tliere is one business firm here comjiosed of
a Presbyterian, a Methodist, and a Congrega-
tionalist, who never sell goods on the Sabbatli,
and prosper.

Sidney, one hundred and fourteen miles
east of Cheyenne, is a great out-fitting point
for the Black Hills. It lias more new build-
ings and business activities than any other
town of its size in the Union, but religious
enterprise does not keep i^ace with them.

North Platte, near the confiucnce of the
North and South Platters, is surrounded by a
rich agricultural region, and from this point
east to Omaha, about .3()(t miles, the fertility
of the soil and tin; rain-fall increases, which,
with the genial and almost constant sunshine,
and general southeastern .slope of tlie valley,
constitiUes it a superior farming country, in
which land is being rapidly .sold by the Union
Pacific at from two to eight dollars per acre,
on long credit, witli only six percent, interest.

From Nortli I'latte going east we pass
tlirough tlie comparatively new county of
Dawson, which is watered l)y the Platte and
Wood Rivers, Plum Creek and other smaller
streams.

Plum Creek is the ca])ital, and is a promis-
ing point 2:i() miles west of Omaha. The
people of the town and county are principally
from Pennsylvania and Oliio.

Dawsou county has f oi ty-two miles of U. P.
Railroad, six thousand feet of bridges, thir-
teen good .school houses, well furnished, and
about as many churches — all built during the
last five years.

The altitude is 2, .370 feet above the level of
the sea. There have been only eight deaths
in the county during the last year, of those
who came Iiere well.

The crop prospects are excellent, and no
grasslioppers.

During the construction of the Union Pacific
road, when every train bad to cari-y soldiers
and arms for their men and passengers, near
the mouth of Plum Creek a band of Indians
tied some wire to a telegraph pole, al)out four
feet from the ground, and about fifty of them
stretched it across the ]'oad in front of an ap-
proaching train. The engineer put on full
steam, and wlien the engine struck tlie wire
the Indians all had a rougli time, and especi-
ally the leader, who had the end of the wire
wrapped around his liand, was terribly muti-
lated. So it will ever be with the poor infi-
dels wlio are trying to stop tlie train of

Christianity, which has fmnided and sustains
all the charitable institutions for the relief of
the thousands of sick, blind, deaf, dumb,
insane and helpless in our own and other
lands. — Sidney A. Gaylor.

^

ESSAY ON WHEAT.*

Wheat is one of the most valuable of our
cereal productions, and invariably follows
civilization — if it may not be regarded as the
most universal .liijn of civilization. Its origin,
unlike that of the origin of the Irish potato,
is almost, if not entirely, unknown. Its
antiquity, however, seems to be unquestion-
able, as by reading the Book of Genesis, we
find that when the sons of .Jacob were working
in the harvest field, .Joseph had a dream —
"For behold we were binding sheaves in the
field, and lo, my sheaf arose and also
stood upright ; and behold your sheaves stood
round about, and made obiesance to my
sheaf. " By that we may infer that v)h(at was
meant, and when the Egyptians stored up
"corn" it also meant wheat.

fCorn is a general term whicli includes all
kinds of grain used as breadstufls, and when
we .sjieak of the "Corn E.xchange" we mean
the Ijuying and selling of wheat, rye, barley
and oats, as well as corn, or maize. So we
may jierceive tliat wheat was cultivated in
Asia and Africa full3- foiu- thousand years ago,
(4,000) according to Bible hi.story. Wheat
will grow in all .soils in the same latitude ; but
even in the same latitude it will thrU-e better
ill some soils than in others, although it in-
variably does well in virgin soils. But in
from fifteen to thirty years many of the
Western States cease to be good wheat grow-
ing districts, and many less acres are under
cultivation than in former times, in conse-
quence of the deterioration of the crop. In-
stead of raising wheat, the farmers go into
stock raisiug — .such as blooded cattle, sheep,
swine and Norman horses ; the latter of which
command from .f 1..50 to .f200 ai)icce. Many
varieties of wheat were cultivated in the
American Colonies — afterwards the United
States — at least three hundred in all.
More than one hundred and fifty varieties
were cultivated at dilTerent times in Oliio and
other AVestern States. Nearly all those early
vaiieties have been long since discarded.
Very few varieties imiiortcd from Europe,
ever .succeed well in tlie UnitcMl States, except
the "Old ISIediterraneaii," which originally
came from the shores of the sea of that name.
After the great wheat fiiilure of ISSfi and 18:57
— when flour brought $U per barrel — the Hes-
sian fly was the tmiversal destroyer of the
wheat crop in Lancaster county. The Medi-
terranean variety seemed to have withstood
the attacks of the fly. At first its farinaceous
cliaracter was somewhat similar to rye, but it
imjiroved in the course of time. Some twenty
years ago, a farmer in Paradise township
]iicked out a stalk of wheat from a field of the
Old Mediterranean, which, when planted,
proved a great improvement on the old, and
did much better. It was afterwards known
as the "Red Mediterranean," and was the
principal wheat afterwards cultivated, down
to the introduction of tlic Foltz variety. The
Foltz was introduced from the valley of the
Susqnelianiia. Many other varieties have
been introduced through the National Agri-
cultural Department at Washington, and
elsewhere, and have since been nearly all
abandoned. Most wheat will soon degene-
rate, and new varieties from our native soil
will do better tlian others. We even can
raise the best of fruit from seedlings of our
native soil.

I believe that if fai iners would every year
search their fields, when the grain is fully
ri])e, that tliey might lierc and there find
heads, or clusters of heads, that would jiro-
ducc distinct varieties of wheat which would
be an improvement on the old kinds. By such
a course of culture, by "n.atural selection,"
we might develop varieties that would yield

•Kead before the Lancaster County Agricultural anfl Hor-
ticultural Society, May 7, 1877, hy Levi S. Rei8t,
I " The SpriiiK is waning fast,
Tlie cnyii in iu the ear."

from 20 to 40 bushels per acre. How few
farmers ever search, or try to discover new
varieties of wlieat or other grains. I would
suggest that the society should offer a premi-
um of five dollars (15), for the best variety of
wheat selected from the fields of Lancaster
county. The diseases and enemies of wheat
art! numerous, conspicuously among which
are bUght, mildew, rust, midges, weevils and
tlie Hessian fly.

We have had very few good wheat harvests
in this county for the last ten years. About
eight or tten years ago the wheat looked
very promising until harvest time, when it
was discovered that the heads would not fill ;
it was rank enough in the straw, but had not
enough of weight in the grain to bend the
lieads over, and they stood erect and empty.
It was generally thought, at the time, that it
was infested liy a new kind of u^eeril, hut my
opinion was that the cause was in the condi-
tion of the atmosjihere when it was in bloom ;
or, not in the right temperature when the
graiji was maturing. It was something new
then, but beyond the farmer's ken. Four or
five years ago we had a cold open winter —
dry, and without snow, and the thermometer
sometimes 30'-' below zero, and this was the
occasion of a failure iu the wheat crop. Two
years ago the southeastern part of Jjancaster
county, from the range of hills extending from
New I3erlin to Kissel Hill, or New Haven to
Manheim, was overlaid with solid ice, and
many farmers diil not raise more than from
fir to ten bushels of wheat to the acre, and
those failures afi'orded new researches, rela-
ting to their cause, among the farmers.

The Hessian fly is only an occasional visitor ;
and, as before indicated, seems to have been
an emigrant from Eurojie, where it had been
known and described long before it commenced
its ravages in this country. According to tlie
best authorities on the siiliject, its first ap-
pearance in Amei'ica was noticed in 1776, and
it is supposed to have been brought over from
the continent of Europe in the straw-litter
used by the Hessian soldiers, and from this
circumstance its common name has been
derived. AVhether this assumption is correct
or not, it is on record that it was first no-
ticed on Long Island one hundred years ago,
and traveled inland at the rate of twenty
miles a year, until it is now known all oveV
the Eastern, Middle and Western States. It
exists always in certain localities, and varies
its attacks of the wheat crop from the begin-
ning to the end of September. In 1836 this
fly destroyed all the wheat sown from the .5th
of August to the 1st of October. A farmer in
Rajiho townsliip, who was always a late sower,
sowed his wheat on the 20th of October, and
his wheat crop totally escaped the ravages of
this insect that year, and he realized <a good
crop, and sold to other farmers at 53 per
bushel.

In the year 1876, all the wheat sown on or
before the .5th of September, will be almost an
entire failure. The present prosjiects are that
the yield will only be from iiN to ten bushels
per acre. After the •'ith of September a "wet
siiell" succeeded, and farmers could resume
their sowing, until after the 11th or 12th, and
wliat was sown aftei- that period looks very
promising ; and if nothing like hail, mildew
or midges intervene — or other contingency at
present unseen and unknown occurs — we may
expect a yielil of from twenty to thirty bu.shels
per acre. About one-fourth of the crop in
Lancaster county was sown before the 5th of
September, and .about throe-fourths after the
11th, and from this data, all other thing.s
being eipial, we may at least conjecture what
the crop the present season may lie.

tVNlieu we say "ahnut" ten years ago, we may mean a year
more, or a year less. If Mr. R. alludes to 18fi^ — which was
alxnit ten years ago — we would respectfully refer hint to the
/.rtji''n.s7('r IvtcUitjnu-fr Un June 3(1, of that year ; to the
ftixih/ HzpTctii for Jiiue 20, IH(17; and to the Exainin^r nntt
Ili'iaf'l foi- July 10, of the same year, in wliii^h he will tind
that i''c entertained a djtierent opinion from his, on the
causes of the wheat failure of those yrai-s. We made a series
of investigations, both in the closet and in the field, and
came to'the conclusion that the damage to the wheat crop
in those yc'ars was caused by the " midge," or " wheat-fly,"
iCeriilninifia tritici,) sometimes wrongly called the " Red-
\\'eevil." There was plenty of good strong straw, but the
heads stood erect and with little or nothing In them. — }kL

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

87

TOULOUSE GEESE.

Those geese, of which the cut hclnw is a
faithful represontalidii, arc in stock by Heu-
soii Si Hurpco. of Philadelphia, an.l won the
first uiul s|)ccial prizes at L'hiladelphia in
January, I'^iO. . ^ ,

The Toulouse are the largest variety ot
geese known to the poultry world, and have
been appropriately styled "the (ioo.soof the
period." They arc very hardy, produce an
abundance of feathers, grow raiiiilly, and
fatten readily at any age. In color, they are
of an even shaded gray, with the posterior
vend-al portion of a lighter color, and short in
their pedal limbs. They are just phlegmatic
enough to become a savory roast by Christmas
time, and yield a sutliciency of surplus "goose-
grease" to alleviate the sore throats of the
children of a large family for an entire year.
If ancient Rome was saved by a goose, surely
the salvation of our country cannot be in
jeoi>ardy as Ioiil' as wc cultivate, or tolerate,
the presence of this magiiilicent specimen of
the AnatUlan family amongst us— either by
"war, pestilence or famine."

ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMUNICA-
TIONS—No. 565*

I give for the eililieatioii of the members of
the lyiniKcan Society present,' extracts from
interesting and valuable
letters of which I was the
recipient several weeks
ago. The jicrsons who
were the writers have
taken an intense interest
in Archa'ological matters,
and one of them is very
favorably mentioned by
the late C:ol.,I. W. Foster,
author of the Prehistoric
Races ofthethiitcd States,
in this manner : " To Mr.
Silas ^FcDnwell, a gentle-
man who has resided in
this region (Franklin, Ma-
con coinity, X.C.) for more
than half a century, I am
indebted tor the subjoined
information. Up to 1811),
theC'heidkres lield posses-
sion of this region, when,
in pursuance of a treaty,
tbcy vacalid a portion of
tlie'laiids lying in the val-
ley of the I, i I lie Tennessee
k'iver. In 1S21, Mr. Mc-
Dowell ciinimenced farm-
ing;, liiiring the first sea-
sons the « plowshare, in
lia.ssing over a certain por-
tion of .a field, )iroduced a
hollow, rumbling sound, and, in exploring for
the cause, the lirsl object met with was a shal-
low layer of eharcoal, beneath which was a slab
of Vmrnt clay, about seven feet in length and
four feet broad, which, in the attempt to re-
move, broke into .several fragments. Nothing
teneath this slab was found ; but, on exam-
ining its under side, to his great surjirise,
there was the mould of a naked human
figure. Three of these burned clay sepul-
chres were thus raised and examined during
the first year of his occupancy, since which
time none have been found until recently.
These fragments were so little api)reciated
that they were suffered to remain in the field,
subject to the disintegrating agency of the
elements and the tramping of the" cattle.
During the past .season (lS7'2),the i)low brought
niianother fragment of one of these moulds, re-
vealing the inijiress of a plump human arm."

Col. McDowell writes me thus: "In my
twenty-fifth year, to wit, in 1820, I came
among the Cherokee tribe of Indians, and
the country was purchased and settled by the
white man shortly afterward. This is the
upper valley of the Tennes.see River, which
was then only settled or populated by In-
dians. On the low gro\mds of the river were

mixed with the soil were fragments of pot-
tery, arrow-heads, spear-heads !Uid axes. T
became intensely interested, and whished to
know the traditions of the the tribes. These
traditions were all in the brain ot an old In-
dian woman whom they had selected, and her
otlicial name was " Sensekeepcr." AVith an
interpreter I called on the old woman
and propounded many questions. How many
years since your tribe built these mounds V
"My tribe "did not build them, but found
them here, when they drove out another tribci
of Indians." TIow many years since this
happened ? " Don't know ; we can't count
back only by moons and snows, and \vc soon
lose count." I propounded many other
questions, and the answers convinced me that
the Cherokee tribe was without any tradition
that could be of service to the anti(piarian.
* * * * I infer from the diirerent styles
of pottery, cutting instruments and offensive
weapons, as well as different modes of sejnil-
ture, that many difTerent tribes, for thousands
of years back, at different periods have, for
the" time, been the lords of these beautiful
mountain valleys; but I cannot vent uni to
gue.ss which of them built the mounds, nor
cremated their dead. But it is a strange fact
that the mode of cremation was precisely
that of the Greeks in the Homeric Age, and

many large Indian earth mounds, and inter

'Read before the Linnteau Society

TOULOUSE GEESE— Bred by Benson & Burpee, Philadelphia
an exhumation of one of the.se Indian graves
and a Greek grave near Ilion presents
precisely the same result. First, a bed
of charcoal, then a layer of clay burned like a
brick, and then, in the case of the Greek,
jewels, trinkets and coin ; but no bones in
the graves of either. * * * * Among
the stone relics are found, cut out of the
hardest quartz rock, the most exquisite speci-
mens of stone work that I ever beheld ;
the form being two plain surfaces and then
formed to a circle, and the upper plain cut
into a STiccession of disks, one within the
other, and the centre one three inches in
diameter and one inch deep, in which tits ii
stone cut out of the same material. Until
recently, the problem was, how did the In-
dians cut these hard implements ? That
problem is now solved since Col. .1. N. .lenks
opened the finest Corundum mines found in
the United States, and as that stone is next to
the diamond in hardness, and obtained where
these fine quartz relics arc found, there is no
question but that some Indians of brain
carved them out of the bard quartz rock."
Col. McDowell refers to the beautiful " Dis-
coidal stones" which I had the pleasure of
describing to you in my paper read liefore
your society.

The other interesting letter speaks in this
manner : "I was acquainted with a number

of the Potawatomic Indians, and traveled
over a portion of the Korthern part of the
State (Illinois) in company with Shabona and
his attendants. He was the Chief of the
Potawatomics, and, in conversing with them
in regard to many of the stone implements
found, they believed them to have been made
by some people that lived before they came— -
tiio Potawatomics— and evidently, they never
belonged to the present race of Indians, but
are true relics of the Stone Age." The writer
of this communication. Dr. Roardman, an
old settler of Illinois, who left for that State,
from Pennsylvania, many years ago, has care-
fully studicil the relics of an extinct race,
and one which is fast disappearing.— yl. F.
IStrlin, Reading, Pa.

^

For Thk Lanoartfh I-'ARMEn.
THE BEST METHOD FOR DESTROY-
ING CUT WORMS.*
The best method that I have founil for de-
stroying this little destructive worm to to-
bacco iilants, was mixing some of the best
"Paris Green" with gypsum, and sprinkling
it over the plants with a tin box, made like a
pepper box, with a wooden handle about
thi-ec feet in length. Care must Vie exercised,
however, not to have too much Paris Green,
as it will be fatal to both plant and worm.
Mix oneiif)inid l'ari»(Trcen
to three peeks gypsum. 1
applied lielleliore to some
of my plants last year,
which proved a success to
destroy the worm for a
short time of about two
days. As time and ex-
posure deteriorates its pro-
perties, it is nec'cssary to
apply it fie(iuently, and
thereby it becomes an ex-
pensive article to use, as it
cannot be obtained for less
than about (iO or 70 cents
■ per iiotmd. Another ob-
\^=^i" jection I have to its use is,
--^'-- it contains salts, which is
4^3- T! „r) benefit to the tobacco
ants.

Bran is use<l t o ' 'eoncen-
trate" the cut-womi, with
great success. They are
very fond of it, and will
feed upon it in preference
to tob;icco plants. A small
portion of bran is placed
aside of each plant, and
when the worms are con-
tent with their fill, they
will hide below the bran,
where they may l)e read-
ily found and destroyed.

'\V'here poultry have no access to tobacco
fields, and birds can be prevented to feed upon
bran, I would recommend bran mixed with
Paris Green, and a small iwrtion placed
aside of each plant, which will destioy the
cut worms without doing injury to the tobac-
co plants.

^ ,-. pi

STRAWBERRIES.!

While in the seasonof enjoying this luscious

fruit, a little consideration in reference^ to its

1 cultivation, may not be out of place. Nature

J seems to offer a" bountiful supply for all. Our

I climate being adapted, and our soils having

1 capacity to produce a sufiiciency for every

one, not only as a luxury, but as an article of

; food, at reasonable cost "to the consumer, and

1 at fairly remunerative prices to the in-oducer.

The (picstion will here arise : "Why then is

this want not filled ? Why continue this

achii)'.; void between anxious, craving mouths,

and ample resources to both gratify and satisfy

them V

The answer is simple. The people! are not
educated up to such a standard 1 There are

•Ri'iid Ixfnrt- the Tobacco Orowers' AKSocialioii, of Lan-
CiistiT county, iit the Miiy mcolini;, hold at the Athenmnm,
oil the 21st u'lt.. by H. M. Mayer.

tUoad before the Laucanf^-r County Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Sooiely, by n. M. Engle.

88

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ June,

compaiatively f<-'W who know llie value of
fruit as food, but esjiecially tlie strawberry,
wbicli is the first of the season, and conies at
a time when the system requires food of a
more succulent and cooliiii; nature, than that
which may be ]iartakcn of with imimnity du-
ring cold weather. The nutritive value of
fruits as food will be made part of another
essay, as the strawberry is made the topic for
tins paper.

It seems strange that many families in
towns and cities are fiir better supplied with
berries, in tlieir season, than the majority of
farmers' families are. Some farmers' wives
will, in season, buy a few quarts from the
market gardener for preserving, while at the
same time a full supply for home consumption
could be grown on a few rods (jf ground as
easily, and more certain, than j)otatoe,s are
grown now-a-days. If tliis assertion is sus-
tained, is it not criminal neglect on the part
of heads of families, wlio have plenty of land,
and fail to supply their children with this
health-giving enjoyment ?

The farmer wlio declined purchasing straw-
lierry i)laiits, for the reason that llie children
would eat the berries anyhow, deserves not
only censure, but contempt also. The law of
demand and supply, as a rule, governs all
trade, but in many cases the demand must be
created, when the supply will be sure to follow.
!More has been realized per acre for straw-
berries than for tobacco, and yet only the few
raise the former, while the best methods are
employed to produce the latter in large quan-
tities ; and still the demand seems to keep
pace with the supiily, simply because the con-
sumer of tobacco is a certain customer, while
the consumer of berries is not ; hence there is
not that reliable inducement to produce the
latter as there is for tlie former.

"Were the value of berries (and fruits gene-
rally) better understood, their consumption
would necessarily increase. On the other
hand, if the owners of land knew how cheaply
they could grow them, they would produce
such a supply as would induce greater eon-
sumption. If, by the agitation of this subject,
such a result can be produced, we may have
the satisfaction that our community will be
benefited, and that the time and labors oi
this society are sjient to some good purpose.
If he who causes two blades of grass to grow
where but one grew before, is a benefactor to
his race ; how much more then is he who
causes bushels of berries to grow where none
grew before. Iluriug the heated season of
summer wc often hear resolves to have a sup-
ply of ice next winter, but during tlie cold
weather this anxious desire for ice lies dor-
mant until the warm season revives the former
feelings, and so these annual spasms bee(nue
hal)itual. We often see similar attacks of
strawVierry fever during their season. At
this time there is generally a great demand
I'or strawberry jdants, while there are none to
1)0 had ; Imt this demand ceases generally
about the middle of .lune, and i.s only revived
again about the last of May, the following
year ; in short, the strawberry plant fever
lasts only from two to three weeks, while the
ice fever lasts as many months.

The (juickest way to prevent a recurrence
of the plant fever, will be to ])rocure good
young plants in August or early in September,
plant in well prepared ground, "about one by
two feet for garden cuHure, and further apart
for field culture, esi)e(;ially where left to
siiread all they will. The former distance is
sullicient for hill culture, where the runners
are kept down, which will produce the finest
berries, but requires more labor than the run-
ning system. Cultivate well, and as they
will make few runners the same season, they
should be kept off, which will allow the main
stock to spread more. ISIidch with straw
manure or fodder, not too heavy, before hard
freezing weather. This plan will generally
bring a good half crop of the finest berries the
next season, liy planting in the spring we
cannot expect a crop before next season, but
which should be a, fall one. The fall plant-
ing will require special care, unless wc have

rainy weather. In order to get the best re-
sults, not too many runners should be allowed
to grow, as each runner will make a bearing
plant which should have amjile room to be-
come strong. The value of the coming crop
will depend very much upon the vigor of
stocks of the previous season. The straw-
berry is no doubt the most certain of all fruit
crops. Who has ever heard of a total failure
of this fruit ? The ^\■riter has not had a total
failure since his first jilanting, which is over
twenty years, and hardly a day during this
period, in strawberry sea.son, that his family
had not berries as part of their meals from
one to three times.

The question has often recurred to my mind,
what would be the proper method to bring
about a change that would supply all, lioth
rich and poor, with a sufliciency of strawl>er-
ries in their season V Could wo bring aliout
such a .state of things we might claim the
honor of being benefactors to our race.

For The Lancaster Fahmer.
FENCING AND SOILING.

The subject of farm fences is being discuss-
ed more and more by agricultural journals
and agricultural societies, and it is indeed be-
coming a subject which the farmer can no
longer pass liy, on account of its heavy drain
on the profits of the farm. This is the m(.)re
severely felt in the northern and eastern
States, where there are no etiicient cattle laws;
as here, outside as well as inside fences are
required, and fencing materials very high in
price.

For this part of the country the cost of a
panel of good five-rail post fence varies from
.$1.50 to .fl.tlO, viz : rails, 10 to 12 cents each;
best loenst posts, 7.5 to 80 cents each; setting,
1.5 to 18 cents per pannel; hauling, according
to distance. A panel measures froiu lOiV to
11 feet.

The cost of fencing farms is as follows, al-
lowing $1.. 50 to set a panel that measures 11
feet:

Acres

Bound
Eoail

aries on
FarmB

Number of Fields.

Inside
fences t)ike

1

2
432

3

514

6

036

7

up acres.

20

1-5

4-5

305

723

1-8 to 2-5

30

1-5

4-5

.^74

.530

633

779

880

1-7 to 8-15

40

1-4

3-4

400

030

750

918

1041

2-11 to 3-5

(id

1-4

3-4

550

770

918

1124

1310

2-9 to 8-11

80

1-3

2-3

67T

933

1102

1350

1551

3-11 to 5-6

100

2-5

3-5

un

1082

1271

153"

1772

2-7 to 20-21

120

1-2

1-2

1)35

1244

1434

1 745

2004

1-3 to 1 1-21

The above calculations are for pretty level
farms, lying in a square, and not fronting
more on the road than indicated. Where
the country is hilly, or where the farm is
longer than wide, or where there is more than
the above proportion offences along the pub-
lic highway, eitherof these will increase the
amount offences that must be made and kept
up on such farms.

Now supposing that the fence lasts 20 yeai's,
and that we have the old wood as an offset
against repairs, &c., wc have as the cost per
year the interest on money invested, (5 per
cent., and wear .5 per cent., or 11 per cent, on
investment in fences. As the law stands now
we are required to keep up boundary fences,
and we could therefore dispense with the in-
side fences only. These in the case of the 100
acre farm divided into 7 fields would cost
about §1,0(1(1, which at 11 per cent, would
amount to fllO per year — a nice little pile to
deposit in bank or invest in improved ma-
chinery.

But how could we get along without inside
fences ? How are we to pa.sture our cattle ?
The answer is— do not pasture the cattle at
all, but "soil" them.

How the term ".soiling" came to be ai)plied
to feeding cattle with green food, fed in the
stalls, [ do not know, .'is it seems a very inap-
projiriate term.

It ni.ay Vie urged as an objection to soiling,
that it would take one hand more on the
farm and that this would cost too much. As
one offset against the cost of the additional
hand we have .IfllO.OO saved in fences;' we
have also the benefit of the ground that had
before been taken up with fences — and which

in the form supposed would not fall far short
of one acre; we have also the extra labor that
could bo done, as it would not take the whole
time of a man to attend to the herd of cows
usually kept on a farm of the above size. In
the smaller farms there is usually not work
enough to keep the owner employed all the
time, and in this case the soiling would ju.st
fill the gap of unemjiloyed time.

Among the advantages claimed for soiliii'T
are : It disjienses with fences and their re-
pairs; it saves land; more cattle can be kept;
the cattle can be kept in better condition and
produce more milk.

The manure is saved for the places where it
is most needed, and there is more of it made.

To carry on soiling pro))erly requires some
jilanning to keeji up the supply of green feed
from early sining till late in autumn, and a
good book on the subject would be a great
iielj). Such a book is published liy (Jrange
.)udd & Co., under the title of "Soiling of
Cattle," by Josiah (^hiincy, and it will give
good hints, though the book is not quite so full
of detail as it might be. A book is not neces-
sarily improved liy a mass of detail, and, in
fact, sometimes is really hurt by it ; what is
wanted are the iirinciiiles governing a thing
of this kind, and the smaller items can be
studied out and fitted to the wants of the
person interested. Such, I believe the book
mentioned to be.

Mr. (iuiiicy, after some trials, settled on
grass, oats, corn (sowed), and cabbage, as
being the four best crops to raise for soiling.
He tried rye, but it did not turn out very
satisfactory. But why, he iloes not state. I
thuik he did not commence cutting until it
was too tough.

(There is one thing to be borne in mind, in
soiling, and that is that manure must be used
to force the crops, particularly those intended
for early in the' season. This can be very
well done, for the num tha.t soils properly will
have plenty of manure for all purposes.)

He depended on grass from the 20th of May
until the 1st of July. Had he got along with
his rye, I think he could have commenced
soiling on the 1st of May.

Ill April he sowed oats for cutting through
July, though in the latter j)art of tliis month
he sometimes commenced on earn-stalk.s. The
oats he cut uj) to the time it began ripening
until it was beyond the milky state.

Corn he sowed in latter part of April, in
drill three feet apart, using from two to three
busb.els to the acre. He found that by cutting
the corn pretty early the stubbles would sprout
out and grow very fast, so that he could cut
another tiinc^ before frost. This htyilso found
to be the case with oafs.

Besides the early sowing, he also put out
corn in the mitldle of May, beginning and
middle of June, and even as late as the 1st of
August, aiul thus prolonged the corn season
to the middle of October. His reason for
continuing corn so long was, that it produced
so large an amount of fodder to the acre.

In fore part of October he sometimes cut
.second growth of grass cut in May and June,
and second growth of oats and corn cut in
July.

After the middle of October he depended on
cabbage to see him out, until the time to put
cattle in winter quarters. Sometimes he
raised crops of roots, such as carrots, beets
and turnips, and then he fed the tops of these
in place of cabbage.

For late feeding, I suppose, cabbage is better
than nearly anything else, because it will stand
a frost that' would make other things unfit to
give to cattle. It can also be pulled and put
under cover so that it will remain fre.sh and
palatable to the cattle for a long time. Rye
•sowed very early and thick makes good fall
pasture, and in rich soil I have no doubt
could lie cut for soiling.

Of course, the above plan would n<it suit in
every case, but the farmer would soon see how
to manage it. If there is rough land to a
farm, of course, it is economy to pasture that,
and a fence would have to be made to enclose
such rough land ; in case there is pasturing

d

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

89

(lone, it is policy to partially soil from middle
of July until tli'e Isl ofSi'iilrnilx'r. Tlirrcarc
oflpn ilrv spells in wliicli tlie pMSdn'c becomes
very shdrt, ;nul in such a time as lliis sowed
corn comes in vi'ry liandy.

There may be (>lher crops (hat would be
profitable to .sow for entlini;, such as peas and
the new ''prickly coinl'rey." .\i many places
thev are now sowing oats and peas toL;etlier,
for I lie jinrpose of laisin;;' winter fodder, and
it is <laimed tliat each of these will give ni'arly
as large a cro|> as either would .sow<'d alone.
Pea vines are, I believe, ranked nearly as
high in ndlk production as red clover. I
should think that peas and oats would make a
splenilid soiling crop.

Mr. (Juiniy's experience was, that the fewei-
croi)S depended on — that would keep up a con-
tinuous supply — the moresimpleand beilei- be
found it.

Wliat is wanted now is, that persons who
have tried .-^oiling should give their experience
and management, and if not successfid, to
what they attribute tlie failm-e. This would
soon give an idea of what should be done and
what should be avoided, and matter like this
would give an additional value to agricultural
journals. — A. J!. K.

N(itk: I see the publisherof TiikFahmkic
lias conunenced the sale of agricultural books,
and the " Soiling of Cattle" is in the list ; so
that any in want of such a work, can get it In
a short time ; either by calling on him or send-
ing the regular price, lie will mail it free to
the post otticc designated.

THE GARDEN OF PENNSYLVANIA.

A correspondent of the riiiladelpliia P/r.s.s-
writes thus plea.saiitly of our city and its
beautiful snrronndings :

The rival charms of tin' Laiieaslerian and
Yorkshire roses may set \\\\ a combined claim
in this new world, Lancaster garden, where
the landscape to-day rejoices in a wealth of
blossoms both ruddy and white. Congregated
spires among shade trees form no mean mid-
dle ground in a picture that boasts r>f such a
perspective of distant blue mountains with a
foreground of peach and cherry blooms beiul-
iug over meadows full of violets. If Hwere
not for the brown cows and consecpient
dairies, the plough and fallow grounds, one
might dream of Kdeii unbroken. But look at
the buttercups and think of the butter, and
fancy those old kings of apjile trees having
their crowns shaken in September. At
present, however, the bees are holding court
in the branches, ami the way fhe shining hour
is being improved suggests the Lancaster
farmer, who can generally boast of ■Afnin who
can make her kitchen (|uite habitalile for tlie
legendary iineen to sit in, "eating bread and
honey," wliicli brings to mind among the
sweets of life that the most famous mint
candy in all the country is made daily in a
little shop on a certain .street in the town of
.I/ancaster, and disposed of at a penny a stick,
wholesale and retail. To the pure candy
taste it is delicious, with a llavor as cool as
iniimdence.

^lany (inaint histories lie back of homely
old-fashioned walls within the town that are
nearly forgotten in the sup|ilaiiling of modern
residences, ample and eUgant, one of the latter
of .some years' standing having been built
within nineteen hours, piastcred, painted and
habited in time for supper. Here aiul there
the spring grass is creeping along the wall of
some old church that holds mural tablets "in
memory of" many recognizable names, and
among the ipiiet sleepers in the cemeteries we
read of Huclianan and Steven.s. It is west of
the city thai Wheatland lies, the homestead

Wif President Buchanan, where in the midst of
rees and tlowering shrubs, stands a capaciou.s,
line old liou.se, still fragrant with associations
of hospitality; the lawn conitnands iileasant
vistas of the mountains, nearer woodland, and
rich farm lands, but it is back of the house
and to the side that the heavily-laden currant
bushes define the well-trimmed garden of
homely shrubs and vejietables, prim llower-
beds and clustered fruit trees reaching to the

fine old woods beyond. The lilacs are jnirple

and fragrant again jnst without the library

windows, and one likes to fancy a past May

day when the statesman may have )iau.sed

from book or pen to take in the subtle jier-

fumes or gather quiet fri>ni the sight of the

strong-armed oaks. It is through tlinsc woods

that you can see clearly, in th(^ midst of its

willows and larches, C:ernarvon, the home of

the great Dr. Xevin, and the awakening life

outside this morning suggested the silent

wm-kings of that master-mind within, sending

from the, hush of his study those results of an

intrrior life which govern so many minds of

the present day.

* * » * *

Yesterday morning the horse stepped pretty
briskly outEasl King strcf^t into the country
S(Uith"of the city, where among umber willows
an old mill and old-fashioned house had
awakened an interest some days i)reviously
that was repaid by a recital of some incidents
connected with the place. It seems that here
in the substantial country house, then a pub-
lic one. Major Andre spent a part of his jiarole
in lT7.")-l77Vi, and it was In good Cent('nnial
spirit on the Idth of May that a grand-daugh-
ter of one ot the " fayre inaydens of ye olden
time" sat near the willows and told me of the
fascinations of that .sadly fated life. Mary,
the grandma, knew him well, and many were
the dances and coquetterles they tilted on the
May days long ago. The Major, it seems,
wa.s stylish, graceful and witty, and withal
played the flute with no small grace— no won-
der then that Mary's sympathies were awak-
ened in the young prisoner, and that when he
spoke she listened ; "but there wa.s a Delia In
the case." "And did j\[iss Mary fi^ar ?"
" Well, no, not precisely ; you see there was
the ocean between, and she well knew that
only a man's fancy crosses that, when it lies
between him and his sweetheart," and so she
dwelt at ease and even sang with him his
ditty to his Delia ; and now a century after-
wards, while a voice overhead started on a
venturing solo, the great-grand-daughli'r,
while wrapping willow withes about her hat
began to sing a quaint, meandering sort of
tuue that had been transmitte<l through the
intervening generations in connection with
the ditty itself, and it was through many an
apjiogiature that the name " Delia" struggled,
in this old love song of the young English
ollicer. Mary used to say that Major Andre
never indulged In vituperation against the
colonists, like his lirother oliicers. AVe ap-
pend fragments of this love song, which he
used to sing in his captivity along the lianks
of the Concstoga ;

Return, enrapturrd hours

When Delia's heart waH niiue,
Aud she with wreaths of flowers

My tomples did entwine.

No jealously or care

Corroded iu my breast ;
But visions light as air

Presided o'er my rest.

Far, far from these sad plains

My lovely Delia flies,
Whilst raeited with jealous pains

Her wretched lover dies.

The above, and much more, may be trnth-
fiilly "said or sung " of (Mir beautiful city ami
county, and in speaking of one W'e include
also the other, for they are as in.separablc as
the Simiicsi: Tioiiis. Nature has done much
for r>ancast-er county (the city Is a ])articular
frienil, on the whole, of the county). What
the correspondent of the /'/-m.s says is true or
otherwise, and as he has said it, it relieves us
from the necessity of .saying it, and also from
the imputation of egotism. The allusions to
Andre, to Buchanan and to Stevens are chari-
table, even liberal. How wonderfully time
.Softens human aspi'ritles and permits us to
talk of those that are "gone, but not forgot-
ten," in a s|iirit of toleration. Andre was
said to have been br.ave, accomplished and
genial, but still a " spy " and the enemy of
our country. Buchanan and Stevens never
could meet on one political plane in life — they
were opposite extremes in iiriiieiples anil in
practices — yet now we can talk of them leni-
ently, forgetting the evil then and remember-

ing only the good ; leaving them In the hands
of Ilim who madi! them, and Invoking "peace"
and prosperity to them and oiu' great old
(tounty— onr Kinplre — our natal realm. " Rc-
(luicscai in ^hicc."

PROSPECTS FOR FARMERS.

The reports of the growing wheat crop are
generally favorable. A large majority declare
the condition of the crop to indicate a full
average, and more than half speak of a pro-
mise of above an average yield. A compara-
tively small number of places are threatened
with a jiartial loss of crop ; California pre-
senting the least hopeful condition, on ac-
count of a serious drouth. So far as (uir own
obser\ at ion and iulbrmation extends, we con-
sider the |ironiise of the crop to be very favor-
able, and if dry weather should not Interfere,
a fair harvest may be expected. At tli(!Same
time, the country is bare of wheat, and the
foreign demand Is larger than usn.al. The
experience of the (last few years goes to .show,
that there will be no danger of "over produc-
tion" in the future. We need iiot fear to
raise as large croi>s as we can. The foreign
market is large and steady, and will need all
we can produce iu the way of grains, meats,
provision and dairy produce, to snjiply it.
Tlie low ]irices of the past few years have
brought this aliout, and therefore have not
been by any means an unmitigated evil.
While we liavt; been depres.sed and troubled
by a reduced income from our farms, which
has sorely embarrassed those who li.ave been
in debt, this has been the means of stimula-
ting farmers generally to do better by their
farms than they had formerly done. In no
previous condition has stock been so much
improved as during thi; few years just past,
and we have, in conscfiuence, found a market
iu Knglaud for meat, which has saved our
home market from demoralization. At no
time before the present, has there been so
much artificial fertilizing, and never before so
anxious inquiry about the jiossibllity of en-
larging the croiis, and using the most elTectivii
economy in farming operations. In the mean
time thousands of persons arc entering into
agriculture from other industries ; the wave
of western Inimigratioii has broken upon a
.shore, where the land, although valuable for
jiaslure. Is not arable, .and it now flows back
again upon the neglected lands of the Kast,
which are being restored again to their former
frnitfulne.ss, by means of more skillful culti-
vation. There is now a closing up of scat-
tered ranks, and the farming interest is
becoming consolidated. As ]iopulation may
increase, duiingthe next twenty-five years, to
ilouble its jiresent limit, and we have a hun-
dred million months to feed in our own coun-
try alone, all the resources and skill of the
farmer will be taxed to meet the demand for
his proilucts. The value of farms can hardly
fail to increase year by year, on these ac-
counts, and it will b(^ the farmer's interest to
see that be neglects no means of making his
more valuable property pay a higher Interest
than now. This can only be done by making
it more productive. — Amerirun A<jncHlturist.

AT THE HEAD OF HIS CLASS.

On Saturday, .Iiine "^d, we gave an aeconni
of thtUobacco sheds of .lames Duffy, of Mari-
etta, one of which was ! 15 feet and the other
KI'.M'eet in length and lilt feet in width. It was
also stated that Mr. Dully intended plan ling 47
acres of tobacco. We suiiposed then that Mr.
Diilfy wasatthe lieadof hiscla.ss, buthe is not.
.Jacolili. Landis, of Manor Iwp., has one tobac-
co shed '.iS7 feet long and 40 feet wide, and
another l.'iO feet long, 4ofeet wide and '20 feet
high. This yearhe will iilautri.'iacresof tobacco.
Last year he planted •"iliacresjand realized prices
ranging from IS to '20 cents round. There are a
numberof othei' farmers in the same sectifni of
AManor who have set from.'! to 1(1 acres of plants,
among them being Abraham Leonard, esi].,
of the Doner farm, who has 10 acres of as
fine tobacco land as there is iu the county. —
Examiner and Express.

90

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[June,

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

Tlie society met in the Athctiiifum at 2 o'clock
Monriay afternoon, June 4th, President Calvin Cooper
in the cliair.

The followinfj members were present : Messrs.
Calvin Cooper, Johnson Miller, Casper Hiller, Henry
M. F.ngle, Levi W. (iroff, P. S. Reist, Simon P. Eby,
John Miller, W. J. Kafroth, John Eby, Henry Kurtz,
Jacob Bollinger, John Hubcr, Abraham Summy,
Jonas Buckwalter, Isaac Busliong, Joseph F. Wit-
mer, Levi Pownall, Wm. A. Ilaskill, Levi S. Reist,
Abraham F. Hostctter, Prof. S. S. Rathvon, Jacob
B. Garlier, David fi. Swartz, Wm. McComsey, Henrv
Erb.

The Secretary read the minutes of last meetin?.

The foUowins new members were elected : John
Keneagy, Georsje Ehy, Isaac Bushong, Wm. A. Ilas-
kill, Joseph Witmcr.

The crop reports being called for, Mr.H.M. Engle,
of Marietta, made an explanation to the efl'ect that
he did not say at last meeting as he was reported to
liave said, that the apple crop would be as large this
year as it was last year. What he did say was the
apjile crop would be as large as could be e.tpected
considering the unusually large crop of last year.
He now reported the prospects of the apple as fair ;
peaches promise a good crop ; pears looli well ;
cherries a medium crop; most kinds of snuill fruit
abundant: few Iruits have been winter killed. Wheat
looks well, though the extreme heat has somewhat
atlected it. (Jra.ss is quite good along the river bot-
toms, but. inland is not so well advanced. Corn
looked a little yellow a week or two ago on account
of the eold weather; but the recent warm weather
and the rain of Sunday has given it a fresh start.
More jiotatoes have been planted in Mr. E.'s neigh-
borhood this year tlian in any other year witliin bis
recollection. Early in the sea.son it was feared that
tlie ravages of the potato beetle would deter farmers
from planting. Butwheneverpotatoes are high priced
farmers plant heavily. He thought the beetle would
have but little chance this year. Paris green was
being freely ai)plied and would prevent their ravages.
Mr. Engle concluded by jiresenting the following
meteorological rejiort for the past three months:
Rainfall during March, .5 2 16 inches; lowest tem-
perature ti degrees above zero, on the 18th ; highest
temperature 72 degrees on the 24tb . Rainfall during
April, o 10-lfi inches ; lowest temperature SO degrees,
on the 3d ; highest temperature 82 degrees, on the
^4th. Rainfall during May, 1 7-16 inches; lowest
temperature 40 degrees ; highest 92.

Mr. Johnson Mii.i.er, of Warwick, reported the
wheat crop as looking fine with a few exceptions,
where the early sown has sufl'cred from the Hessian
fly; rye is excellent, standing very high and giving
promise of full heads ; in some places the grass looks
very well, in others it is short, owing to the drouth.
Corn is tine, hut tin- early planted is somewhat baek-
/ ward, that planted later being much ahead of it.
Oats is short, and the crop will be a partial failure.
Orchard fruits do not promise verj well, but small
fruits will be abundant. Potatoes are plenty and so
are potato bug.s. Mr. .Miller use.s ashes to kill them
instead of Paris green, which depreciates the market
price of the potatoes on which it is used.

Mr. Levi Pownai.l, of Salisbury, had last year
raises! a fine crop of potatoes without the use of
Paris green. He deferred planting until the 24tli of
May. The first crop of potato bugs had disappeared
before the potatoes came up, and the plants were in
blossom before tlje second <-rop of bugs appeared.
Mr. Pownall believed that a crop of potatoes could be
slipped in and come to matiu-ity between the first and
second appearance of the bugs. In about a week
from the present time the old bugs will cease flying,
and the young ones will not appear until the potatoes
are in bloom. Mr. Pownall uses the Early Rose for
late planting, because it matures rapidly.

Mr. Simon P. Env read an interesting essay on
"sub-soiling," which he understood to be the process
of loosing the earth beneath the cultivated soil. One
plan adopted is to bring the sub-soil to the surface
and mingle it with the cultivated soil. Another plan
more generally in use is to loosen it with a sub-soil
plow and leave it beneath the cultivated soil. The
essayist believed that if the sub-soil was composed of
gravel or pebbles it should not be brought to the sur-
face, but if it was of the same nature as the surface
soil much good nnght result from intermixing them.
He instanced as an example the barren slaty ridges
in various parts of the county, which by judicious
sub-soiling and breaking u|) the hard-pan below the
surface, have come to be the most fertile farm
lands in the county. If the sub-soil be of clay it
should not be brought to the surfaee,but merely stir-
red up and looseneil. It is well known that a farm
with a deep soil is better than one with a shallow
soil , and sub-soiling tends to deepen the soil .

Mr. Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, believed in
sub-soiling if properly done. In mellow ground sub-
soiling is not of nuicli account, but where ground is
hard a breaking up of the hard-pan is valuable.

Mb. Levi S. Reist, said sub-soiling is a hobby of
his - especially when applied to the planting of trees.

It must b» remembered that there is a great difference
between sub-soiling and deep plowing, by the latter
the sub soil is brought to the surface, but by sub-
soiling, as he understood it, the surface soil was first
thrown out by the ordinary plow and the sub-soil
plow was run through the same furrow, loosening
but not throwing out the sub-soil, which was covered
by the surface soil thrown off from the next furrow
made by the ordinary plow. Mr. Reist mentioned
the case of a neighbor of his who cultivated a piece
of ground that was regarded as worthless. He
plowed deep early in the season, planted corn and
continued to cultivate constantly till haj'-making
and was rewarded with 90 bushels of corn per acre.
Mr. Reist said he did not believe in turning up to the
surface a bad sub-soil for ordinary crops, but for
orchards he believed the deeper the ground was
plowed the better. He had planted two orchards,
and kept the sub-soil plow running after the regular
plow for ten years, and he thought his orchard
would compare favorably with any in the county.
Loosening the soil enables the roots to spread and
penetrate the earth so that they are so thoroughly
protected that a hurricane would scarcely blow tlieiii
down.

President Cooper said he had used the sub-soil
plow in his nursery. He followed the regular plow
with a sub-soil plow, leaving in the furrow the dirt
loosened by the latter and plowing the surface soil
on top of it.

Mr. II. M. Engle believed in sub-soiling, but
thought in some cases it might prove injurious. In
the Jersey sands sub-soiling has been discarded, but
there is no doubt of its usefulness in loam or clay
lands. The deeper the soil the more easily it will
drain and permit surplus moisture to pass off; and
in time of drouth a loose soil will hold the moisture
much longer than a close, hard soil. Sub-soiling is
therefore beneficial in both wet and dry seasons. Mr.
Engle said his own practice had confirmed his belief
in its usefulness. He recommended those who doubted
its value to give it a trial and report the result.

In reference to .lobnson Miller's statement that
Paris green would depreciate the market price of
potatoes on which it was used, Mr. Engle thought
that tiugbear .should be set at rest. Chemists and
scientists declare that Paris green put upon imtato
vines cannot injure the tuber, and, as for himself, he
would not hesitate to eat a potato that had been
rolled in Paris green, if it were afterwards ]iroperly
cleaned. He did not agree with .Mr. Pownall that
the potato bug would not fly after the date men-
tioned by him. He had found the beetle injure his
late as well as his early potatoes.

Mr. p. S. Reist believed the usefulness of sub-
soiling depended on the kind of crop you wished to
])lant. To bring the suI>-soil to the sui-face in expec-
tation of improving corn or wheat, would be about
the same as if a man who had a half a glass of
whisky and wanted more, should fill his glass up
with watei'. Or likf^ a man who, wanting to fatten
his horse, should mix shavings with his feed. Mix-
ing the sub-.soil with a thin surface soil will weaken
and not strengthen it. On the other hand, if the
surface soil is too strong, sub-,soiIing may be advan-
tageous. Better wheat and eoj-n can be raised on
good mellow soil without snb-soil ng than with it.
He did not believe in sub-soiling orchards. Trees
require a hard-pan below the surface in which to
fasten their roots. If the soil is mellow and becomes
soaked with rain the least wind will blow them
down.

President Cooper .said he could not concur with
Mr. Reist that mellow ground was not good for
orchards. He knew from experience that sub-soiling
was of great value in tree planting.

Mr. S. p. Ehv asked " How deeeply do wheat
roots penetrate?" and .Mr. Reist answered from four
to six inches.

Mr. Engle said he did not believe with Mr. Reist
that trees should have hard-pan to support them.
They would root more firmly in mellow than in hard
ground. To prove this he described the formation
of the bracing and feed-roots of trees and other
plants, and demonstrated that roots would penetrate,
if necessary to the support of the tree, to a depth of
ten feet or more. In mellow ground wheat roots
will attain a length of twenty inches and perhaps
two feet. He believed that suli-soiling was almost
always useful and could never do any luirm.

Mr. Henry Kcrtz thought that if the soil was
too loose and mellow wheat was apt to freeze out.
He once planted wheat in very mellow soil and had
no crop, except along the fences where the ground
was hard.

The secretarv* read a note from Jacob Garber, in
which he disapproved sub-soiling.

Mr. Enoi.e, on the other hand, maintained that
ground mellowed and made porous by the sub-soil
plow will not freeze so easily or so deeply, or bake so
badly, as hard ground.

Mr. Reist replied and gave sc^veral examples of
orchai'ds which had been greatly injured by being
planted in sub-soiled ground. Lemon trees planted
in small ))Ots will fruit much earlier than if planted
in large boxes. As soon as the growth of the roots
is retarded they commence to Truit. So it is with corn
and other crops; they mature earlier if the plowing has

been shallow, preventing the roots from penetrating
too deeply. The best wheat is raised on rolling land,
where Jt is impossible to plow very deep.

Mr. .Tacob Boi.LiNiiER said that Jlr. Reist's the-
ory apiieared to be that plants would not friiit until
the roots struck hard-jjan. His own experience was
diflerent. On one occasion he dug out by the roots a
very large walnut tree, making a hole ten feet deep.
This he filled in with new earth and jjlanted coi'n,
and it grew to be longer in the stalk and longer and
fuller in the ear than any he had ever seen except in
the West. He favored deep plowing for all kinds of
farm crops and sub-soiling for trees.

Mr. H. M. Engle said that the reason that plants
in pots flowered and fruited earlier was because
their roots were cramped and they could not expand
as nature designed they should. But such plants
will not bear so much fruit nor live so long as those
that have a fair chance to root. Whatever detracts
fi-om wood-growth encourages early fruiting, and
whatever advances wood-growth retards fruiting.
But those that have the best wood-growth will yield
more abundantly and live much longer.

After some further discussion the subject was
dropped.

JIr. Henry M. Enole read an essay on " Straw-
berries." (See page 87.)

At the conclusion of his essay Mr. Engle presented
the society with several boxes of very fine berries,
and the President ai)pointed Messrs. S. P. Eby, Jacob
Bollinger and Peter S. Reist, a committee to test the
fruit and report to the society.

A recess was taken for social intercourse and a
general testing of the fruit.

The committee, after making a careful test of the
several varieties of Itcrries before them, reported that
where all were of such tine quality it is dilheult to
determine which is best; but that the " Boyden No.
:!0," and the "Jucumia," being of rather finer flavor
and as large as the otliers, were given the preference.

Johnson Miller suggested that the executive
committee be instructed to make a visit to such
farms in the county as tiiey choose to visit, as requii'ed
by the constitution.

A question having arisen as to who constituted the
executive committee, it was decided that under the
constitution the officers of the society were said com-
mittee.

Levi S. Reist suggested that the executive com-
mittee be sub-divided into four sub-eommittees, each
sub-committee to visit a diflerent section of the
county, and report to next meeting.

The suggestion was adopted by the society and the
President subdivided the committee as follows :

Henry M. Engle and Levi S. Reist to visit farms in
the west end of the county.

I. L. Landis and Johnson .Miller to visit farms in
the north.

President Calvin Coojjer and Levi Pownall to visit
farms in the east.

Casper Hiller and M. D. Kendig to visit farms in
the south.

Tlie f'ollowiug questions were proposed for discus-
sion at next meeting :

By S. P. Eby — " Should not our county roads be im-
proved '

By Levi W. Groff — " Will or will not wheat turn
into cheat and cheat into wheat T'

On motion adjourned.

Tobacco Growers' Association.

This association held its regular meeting Monday,
May 28th, in the Atheii;eum, in the City Hall. Tlie
meeting was called to oriler at two o'clock, p. m.,
M. D. Kendig in the chair. \

The following members and visitors wei*e present :
M. D. Kendig, A. Lane, I. S. Lane, J. M. Johnston,
Harry Mayer, Mr. Landis, W.L. llershey, Peter S.
Keist, Jacob Graybill, Air. Shiffner, N. Hostetter,
Levi S. Keist, Mr. Eshleman, A. Weidler Mr. Herr,
Peter Esbenshade, Mr. .Mommert, S. Hostetter, J. H.
Moore, Wm. McComsey, C. Hunsecker, A. Shenk,
Jacob Hcrr, John Herr and Mr. Lcfever. Calling of
the roll was dispensed with, and the minutes of the
previous meeting were I'cad and adopted.
Unfinished Business.

The President stated lliat under this head the
question of the construction of toljaceo buildings,
which was laid over from the last meeting, was in
order.

Mr. La.ndis said that many hardware merchants
had told him that hinges and other iron work used in
tlie const I'uction of tobacco buildings were selling
fast, and from this, and from his own observations,
he thought a great many buildings were being put
up. He fhougiit this was an important question.

Mr. I. L. Landis akw stated that he had Ijcen ii^^
formed by a C'onuccticut tobacco' grower that th^P
system of hanging the tobacco on lath was being
atiandoned in New England, and the plan of hanging
the leaf on twine was being generally adopted.

iVIu. Shiffner said there were a gi'cat many to-
bacco barns being built arountl his jilace, ami all the
builders seemed to thinic that they ought to have
cellars. In regard to building hehad not much to say.

M. D. Kendig said it w:is a point conceded that all
barns ought to have cellars, and also that they ought

1877.J

THE-LANCASTEK FARMER.

91

to liavo .a erniiml floor. Xow it could ho arranged
this way : liavp a rollar aii<l have plenty of trap iloors
t.hroiiirh I lie lldor.and n lien you want dampness from
the i;ii'""'l lli'iii' "l'<''i ■''I' I'"' •'■''I' doors.

IIakhv Mavkh ."aiil the olijcct was to kocp tlip
moislurc in toliacTo as lon«; a« possiMp, as it lii'lpnl
to i-ure it, and lie tliouclit luinftinir it on twine was a
pood way. He used iiati'nt hooks made in Conneeti-
eul, hut these were rather expensive, eoslini; aliiiul
?'i2 to the aere. A irooil way was to ilrive a live-
peiuiy nail tlirouirh a lath, and this was nine 1 1 elieaper,
us a ke;r of nails woulil hani^ a i-ouple ot' acres.

FvEVi 8. Kf.ist said tohaeeo Ituyei's from Connect i-
eut thoujjhl t<ihaeeo hulldin2:s ou^lit to have a tri'ound
floor. He tlM>n!;ht tlicre rniijlil he ft cellar placed
besi'le tiie house, liius securini; iioth a cellar and an
open i^i'iuind floor in the shcti

M-K. Laxiiis Miouirht huiidin!;s ouirht to he very
eloBP, so that in fair weatlier they miirhl he elo.sed
very tijrht, an<l made dark, as dark huildinjjs made
the richest colorln;:: in tobacco. In wet weathiT this
shoulil he ojiened.

Crop Reports.
Mk. Suiki'NKR said llie |ilanls were very slroni,' in
his section and seemid nuirli sironirer than usual.
There was a ureal deal in the <;round.

Mil. l.iNius also said plants were slr-oni; in his
township. Ill' only knew of two lots i>f old lohae<-o
that wei'c not sold. He Ihoui^ht tlnU. more was
planted this year than last.

Mu. Lane said jilants seemed to he a little hack;
farnu'rs in his section planted from June 1 to 1.5. He
would plant ahout that lime. No old tobacco on
hand.

Mk. Kshi, F.MAN, of Paradise, said a great many
plants were set out in his section but seemed very
backward ; some were plantint^ now, and others
woulii not plant unlil June ; thus they would have a
variety.

Hakkt Mayek said the plants were prosperins in
his nein;hborhooil. A f;;reat many plants would be
set out this week. His idea wastO!;et all Ihi'tcronnd
ready, and then set all his ["hints out at oni'c, so as
to he aide to top it all at once anil so get an oven
crop. There was no way of avoidin;; the cut worm
hy dift'ereuce in the time of planting.

P. S. Keist, of Manheim, said that some of his
noighhors have all their [ilants onl and are cultiva-
ting them ; he saw some of them hoeing. A better
crop is exi>ectetl this year.

The president thnngld this was premature.
Mn. Ksni.i-MAN said that in his township then'
was an impression that by planting early Ihcy would
avoid the cut worm.

W. S. Hersmev saiil hog bristles were very bene-
ficial in the I'aising of plants ; there being about two
weeks differejice between those on which they were
used anil those on ivhieh they were not. Plants in
this section are abundant , both early and late. Some
large lots of old tobacco were still on hand.

M. D. Kenhig said in his township jilanls were
very plenty, both early and late. As they did not
plant until about the first of .lune, they have plentv
of time. He thought that plants raised undergla.ss
had no adyanlage. They generally shot up with
large stalks and small roots ; they do not stand ,inv
exix)sure, and he was not in favor of them.

Mh. Moohf said that plants had a very good pros-
pect in his vicinity. He thought rye was gooil as a
green manure.

Referred Questions.
The first question that came up was " What are
best methods of destroying the cut worm.'" Keferred
to Harry Mayer.

He thought the best method was to mix Paris
green and gypsum together and sprinkle the mixture
on the plants, always takingcare not to cd looniiich
ou as it would kill "the jilanl as well as tlic worm.
His mixture was one jiound of the green to about
three pecks of gypsum. He also used hellebore, hut
this was objectionable as it was necessary to apply it
too frequently, and this was very expensive. Bran
was good, placed around the roots of the plant, as
the worm liked bran almost as well as the plant, and
when thus got amongit they could be caught. Where
poultry had not access to the field it was well to ap
ply bran and Paris green mixed, as the worm ate the
mixture.

Mb. Landis said he thought Mr. Mayer spoke
from experience, but he had never used Paris green,
and did not know whether it was good or not. He
used bran ami found it very gooil.as the worms filled
themselves and then were easily caught.

.Mr. Mooke thought plaster was good for the
plants, as it liotli killed the worm and manured the
plants.

Peteu Keist thought that Paris green was in-
jurious to the plants.

.Mr. Hersuev said It was reported that since
farmers limed so much gypsum was not as good as it
was at one time.

.Mr. Kexou; said that he had read an essay by a
professor in some college, proving that gypsum was
very hcnefitial to plants.

Mr. SniFFNER was in favor of gypsum. He
planted about a thousand plants, [ml ting gypsum on
them all and he only lost about fifty of them. He
manured tobacco about as heavily as he did com.

Mr. Esm.EMAN said it had a good effeet on the
plants, driving away both the worm and ants.

Mk. Lajjois thought bran was injurious, as it

attracted ants.

Mr. Hkrh, speaking of the dilTcrenee helweeu
lime and gyp.sum, said he had experimented on a
field of corn ; |iutling lime on one part, gypsum on
another, and nothing at all ou a third, and he saw no
dill'erence in the corn. He thought that limo was
just as good as gypsum.

The second (picstion was: "What is the best
method of setting out tobacco plants J" This has
been referred to .lacoh Frantz, hut he was not
present, so they proceeded to a general discussion of
the question.

.Mk. Kkndii; thought the best way was to have
the land thoroughly cultivated, and as fine as pos-
sible, not allowing any clods at all. If this is done
there is no trouble. This is his plan, and his tobacco
patches arc in a better condition tlian ever before.

Petek Heist said in his neighborhood they had a
half-do/.en ditlerent ways. .So far this season they
are ridging the field. He thought the nutin thing was
in being ready with the ground when the weather is
ready. If wc have the ground all prepared, when-
ever the wi-ather becomcR favorable we can plant.
When this is done it docs not matter much how you
plant. When (he weather is dry a hole should " be
made, water jiut in the hole, and then the plant set
in.

JIk. SiiiKFNEB thought that any small plant, no
nnitter what it is, could be started by making a
bole, filling it with water and then putting in the
plant.

Mr. Maver in dry weather used a small dipper
made especially lor tiie occasion. He made a small
hole, put in the plants, and then jiourcd in the
water, thus se|iarating the tillers of the roots; then
he filled the hole with mellow dirt. liy following
this nu'thod the ground did not liakc around the
plant. He thought that tobacco plants would stand
a great deal more drought than any one su|iposcd,
and all thai was necessary was right mellow soil.

.Mi;. Miiohe agreed witji Mr. .Mayer and thought
his plan was a good one. He knew of instances
when planters waited until after a heavy rain and
then got to work and set out all their tobacco. This
generany failed, as the ground was too wet.

Ifu. Kenthi; said iflherewas a large, strong plant
and idenly of mellow soil, it did not matter much
about the weather.

The third question was : " What are the best fer-
lili/crs.'" For general di.<e«ssion.

Mr. EsHt.EMAN thought gypsum was good as a
top dressing.

Peter Heist said one of his men used chicken
manure, putting about a handful in each hill, and it
was very beneficial. He Iboughl there was very little
difference between lime and gypsum, and that the
cfTcet was about the same.

Mk. Esmi.kman said he heard agreat many farmers
say gypsum was not beneficial. He thought it was
possible that those who think so might not have used
the pure article, but an adulteration. He knew of
mills in the large cities that ground in marble chips,
oyster shells, refuse of saiul used in making card
|ia|ier, and ocean sand.

Peter Keist said farmers were accused of diH"er-
ing on so many subjects. He would give one of the
subjects of their ditlering. How is it that if a shock
of grass is left stand in the field in warm weather I he
young grass would mature? In very warm wcivthcr
when all the grass in the field is dead, that under the
shock is green ; in wet weather when the grass in tlie
field is green, that under the shock is dead ; There
was much discussion of this question among fanners.
-Mk. I,ANnissaid Ibis subject was a very important
one,' but as the afternoon was wearing away he would
move that it be continued till next meeting.

Mr. Heist said he wanted to say a few wiu'ds
about the reporters. Uc thought they gave excellent
reports of the meetings and deserved to be thanked.
His friends came to him and told him that there was
no necessity for them to attend the meetiugs, as they
could read all that was satd in the papers.

Mk. Laniiis was of the same opinion and thought
they deserved the thanks of the society.

Mk. .Tohnston, of the /iilflliifciiiry, said that
here he thought it was necessary to say a word. For
his part ho did not and could not give as full reports
as he wished, as they did not have the room. He
thought that persons who only rcarl the reports in
the papers missed a great deal of what was said.

Mk. HrNSECKiCK also thought the reporters de-
served thanks. As to the quest ion in hand bethought
it ought to be continued, as much was yet to be said.
The proper application of manure was a very imixjrt-
aut question.

Levi S. Kkist said some years ago, when the
association was first started, the press did not take
much interest in it, and the jieoplc did not care what
they did. Now, thanks to the reporters, the jieople
were becoming used to reading the proceedings of
the society, and took great interest in them.

Ou motion the question was continued until next
meeting.

The following questions were presented and refer-
red to ditlerent members :

1st. Can fertilizers he properly applied to tobacco,
after the plants grow, and if so, what kinds, and
how should they be applied ( Keferred to Peter
S. Keist.

lid. What is the best method of cultivating to-
bacco, from the first working up to finishing; What
machines and utensils are best adapted for use in the
tobacco lands known ! Heferred to .F. Frantz.

:id. Dues the growing of tohiieco exhaust our soils
so as to alfect other crops ? For general discussion.

On motion, adjourneil.

The Linnaean Society.
The Linna'an .Society held their stated meeting on
Saturday, May lit) ; six members were present. In
the absence of the President and Vice I'residcnt , on
motion, I'rof. T. H. Kakcr took the chair. .Vftcr at-
tending to the collection of dues and reading of the
ndnutes, the follow iug donations were found added
to the museum.

Contributions to the Society.

The head and leet of a fireen Heron, Ihiloriiks
Vifenciiix, in alcohol, with a goodly-sized river bass
sticking half-way down the gullet, which it seems
this feeder ou fish could neither swallow nor eject
again, on account of the dorsal s|)iiie6 in the anterior
tin common to the perch family, and in the scnille the
bird was drowned and fell a victim to its greediness.
.Sent by S. Evans, esq., of Columbia, who was an eye
witness to the contest.

A singular sport in the common earthworm, hav-
ing the lower half separated into tw pial branches.

Sent by Mr. (_ieorgc Simmons, engineer at cotton
mills, per .Mr. Gill.

In alcohol, a speeimeu of the common squid,
" Liitii/'i fSiirti-iiiuU" taken from the stomach of a
common liass (black bass or sea'bass, we sujiposc)
usually sold on market. From Mr. .hihn H. .\lbright.
This is, indeed, a miniature representation of the Oc-
topus, so called from having eight arms, each of
which is six limes the length of its body, and fiir-
nihbeil wilb li;n pairs of suckers, a formidable mon-
ster (when fully grown) of great jiowcr. This has
long arms and suckers much like it in character,
and belongs to that class of t'cphaloiKids, and is quile
a curiosity.

Mrs. (;ini!ONs had a few of the dm beetle and a
wire worm.

Mr. Rathvon sent in a bulterfiy caught on the
wing in November last, the Divkuis' Arc/ii/irx, mil too
late or too early— and caged and preserved on that
account. Mr. Kathvon also put on special dejiosit
a cloth made out of the pulp of haik by the natives
of the Sandwich Islands, of a nniform, close texture,
about 2'„ yards sqiLire, called Tapa, or Kapa, which
he received about ten years ago from the laic L.
Zublin, a eorrcspiuident of this society.

A stalactite and slalactical coneretions from a small
cave recently discovwrcd near May town, in this county.
By Mr. Samuel Book. It may be .stated here, that'a
cave near Bainbridge, this "county, was explored
lately by Dr. Bean, of the Smithsonian Institution,
and Indian relics consisting of slonc implements,
pottery, darts, arrow lieads, etc., obtained.

A box containing very fine kaolin-iikc, decomposed
feldspar. From .Mr. Henry Braekbill, of Landis
Valley, which erojis out on a hillside, and was turned
out by the plow, of the uniform quality show n in the
sanqiic. It is like kaolin to the loiich and in fine-
ness, only it has an ochrous, yellow I ingc. It might
be valuable for manufacturing pur|)ose8 in delf or
porcelain ware. To Hie library and historical section
was aildcd a eojiy-of No. -tT, volume 7, of The fulcr-
(Icriin, issued May IS, 1S77, at Chicago, III. This
number contains 'JDl jiagcs, and has I'.lfi pages de-
voted to the delinquent tax advertiscmenls. The
compositors' work cost more thanS'<,l)((l).
The La.ncastek Farmer for May.
Two envelopes of sundry scraps, of historical
licaring.

("ireulars from |mblishing houses in the Tnited
Stales and Europe, addressed to the I,inna'an So-
ciety.

Blanchard's Historical Map of llie Inited States,
with a small descriptive pamphlet of it. Price $S.
Catalogue of Bolin's Libraries, etc.

Papers Read.
An illustrated paper. No. .Vili, was read by Prof. .1.
Stautfer, on a singular gall fiirmation on Ihe hickory,
presented by S. P. Eby, esq., of this city. The in-
sect is similar to the Phylloxera, first considered a
root insect only, but now fiiund to he of Ihe same
genus first deseribed by .\sa Fitch, in ls."ii'., as Ihe
I'finpliitjus Viti folia, if not identical with that found
so destructive to the grape vine roots in France, and
named by I'rfif. Planchoii, I'hyUorrra Vaxtrnlrir..
A parasile was also found in some of the cells, feast-
ing upon the hirv.i: and pupa crowded in each — all
accurately figured and colored.

Mr. S. S. Kathvon read a descriptive paper on the
deposits to the museum. No. .">fi7.

Notes and observations by Mrs. P. E. Gibbons, on
the elm tree beetle, found scattered within the dwell-
ing, i\:c.. No. ."jfiS.

A letter from Mr. Win. L. Gill was read. On
motion it was moved and agreed that the error of
society be corrected, and his name placed among the

92

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[.Tune,

correspondents. We slial! esteem him as a valuable
contrihutor.

Miscellaneous Business.

A resolution to allow the Treasurer to purcliase
alcohol, an<l a committee of three to be appointed to
replenish the specimens at an early day, was adopted,
and the chair appointed S. .S. liathvon, J. .Staufler
and S. M.Sener, said committee to perform the work.

A recess was taken, and Prof. T. K. Baker ex-
hibited the duration and power of a simple and
hiirhly iniiiroved iralvanic apparatus. This consists,
as in other cases, of a porous cup, in which the car-
bon slab is put, and i>ackcd with black oxide of man-
ganese ; this is set into a vessel made of zinc, havinir
a tightly-fitting lid, with a screw connection for a
copper wire, while the other is on the carbon and
passed through the lid, whichJ-id has a g\an claslic
band to seal it: in this condition an erticient, inexpen-
sive .and durable current can be generated that needs
no renewing with acjua ammonia for months, as
proved on trial and used daily at the Normal .School
to ring the bell or call by telcgrai>hic contact. It is
similar to a French invention, only more simple, by
the use of the gum baml, and less liable to evaporate
and become weaker when set aside; this keeps its
power tor an indefinite period. No further business
offering, the Society adjourned to meet on Saturday,
.Tune I'JO, 1877.

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Their Session in the Capital.
The State Board of Agriculture met in the Senate
Chamber on Tuesd.ay, May 22, and the members
were called to order at about two o'clock, p. m., by
the president thereof. His Excellency Governor John
F. Hartranft.

The roll of members was then called, when the
following gentlemen answered to their names :

Members ex-offlcio— His Excellency Governor John
F. Hartranft ; Rev. James Calder, president Pennsyl-
vania State College.

Members appointed by the Governor— Jno. P.
Edge, Chester ; -Jno. L. George, Allegheny.

Elected liy County Agricultural Societies — W. ti.
Moore, Berks ; Thadileiis Banks, Blair ; M. C. Beebe,
Venango; Prof. J. Hamilton, Centre; Thomas J.
Edge, Chester ; C. A. Mullen, Cumberland; H. .M.
Engle, Lancaster ; G. W. Hood, Indiana; John B.
Smith, Luzerne ; A. Hobinson, Mercer ; W. A. Ycakle,
Montgomery ; J. M'Farland, Northumberland ; J. S.
Keller, Schuylkill ; J. W. Shriner, Union ; VV. S.
Roland, York.

A committee on credentials was appointed by the
president, as follows : Messrs. Beebe, Venango,
Engle, Laiieaster, and Keller, of Schuylkill.

The committees on credentials ma<le report that
the folliiwing gentlemen be elcetcil members of the
State Board of Agriculture, they having presented
the proper credentials :

J.P.Barnes, Lehigh; Capt. C. fiilbert, Franklin;
L.J. Culver, Bradford; David Wilson, Juniata; J.
C. Morris, Su6i|uchaniia ; Eastburn Keeder, Bucks ;
C. L. Weitzel, Northampton ; D. H. Foresman,
Lycoming.

The report of the committee was adopted and the
committee discharged.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read
and approved.

The new members of the hoanl were vouched Uir
as representing eouTity agricultinal societies that
have received or are entitled to bonnty.

By instruction of the executive committee the fol-
lowing gentlemen were recommended for honorary
membership, as well as to occujiy the positions
designated : •

Professor of Vegetable Physiology and Botani.st—
Thomas Meehan, of Philadelphia.

Professorof Horticultural Science and Pomologist—
.Tosiah Iloopcs, of Chester county.

Chemist and Mineralogist— Dr. F. A . Genth, Pro-
fessor of Chemistry and Mineralogist University of
Pennsylvania.

Entomologist — Prof. W. A. Buckhout, Peimsylva-
nia State College.

Veterinary Surgeon- Chas. B. .Michener, V. S., of
Bucks county. ,

Mieroseopist — Dr. Henry Lefl'man, of Philadelphia,
(geologist- Prof. J. P. Lesley, State (ieulogist.
<.)n motion the f()rcgoing named gentlemen were
elected by acclamation to fill the positions designated,
and Hiat their term of service shall be one year.

Mr. E. (i. Fahnestock, of Adams, having entered,
his eredeutials were presented and he elected a mem-'
her of the board.

Upon drawing by lot, Messrs. Barnes, Reeder and
Weitzel were made inendiers for one year; Messrs.
Wilson (Juniata), Foresman and Fahnestock lor two
years, and Messrs. Barnes, Gilbert and Culver for
three years.

On motion of Mr. Engle, Prof. Heiges, of York,
was called upon and read an essay, " Tree Planting
for Shade, Shelter and Profit."

On motion of Mr. Keller, a vote of thanks was ae
corded to Prof. Heiges for his interesting essay. The
subject matter of the essay was discussed by Messrs.
Edge, Beebe, Heiges, Engle, Hamilton and Wilson.

On motion of M. C. Bebee, the credentials of S. F.
Wilson, of Tioga county, were submitted to the
secretary for approval.

Mr.S. F. Wilson drew for the intermediate term of
two vcars.

By invitation, Hon. J. S. Haldeman read an essay
on "Tree Planting, Fencing and Lime."

On motion of .Mr. Keller a vote of thanks was ten-
dered Mr. Haldeman for his essay.

Mr. M. C. Beebe offered the following resolution :

" That this association recommend that the Legis-
latiire take such action as may b'e necessary to en-
courage tree planting."

After a discussion by Messrs. Beebe, Edge, Wick-
ershani, Roland, Keller and Governor Hartranft, the
resolution was laid on the table, subject to be called
up at any future time.

EVKNINO SESSION.

The board met at S P. M., Governor Hartranft in
the chair.

The report of the Secretary was read, and on
motion of Mr. Barnes i-eferred to a committee ap-
pointed by the chair, consisting of Messrs. Barnes,
Fahnestock and Wilson, with instructions to repoit
at the next meeting of tlic board.

The report of the chemist was read and accepted.

A vote of thanks was unanimously tendered the
chemist for his able report.

On motion of Dr. Edge, John S. Carter, Superin-
tendent of the Eastern Experimental Farm, was re-
ijucsted to read his essay relative to teaching at the
Experimental Farm.

On motion of Dr. Edge the Secretary was instructed
to prepare a synopsis of the jn-occedings of this
board for publication in the agricultural papers of
the State.

On motion of the chair, a committee of three gen-
tlemen, consisting of Prof. Wickersham, Hon. J. B.
Smith and W. S.' Roland, was appointed to confer
with the proper authorities of the State Agricultural
Society with reference to the publication of their con-
densed report of this lioard in the tw-elfth volume of
the proceedings of the State society.

On motion of Mr. Keller, Dr. Edge was instructed
to read an essay upon "The Future of our Board of
Agriculture."

. On motion a vote of thanks was tendered Mr. John
J. Carter and Dr. Edge forable and interesting essays.

The question of the " Future of the State Board of
Agrii-ulturc," was discussed by tiov. Hartranft, Dr.
Edge, and Messrs. Keller, Beebe, Hamilton and
Forsemau.

Adjourned until Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock.

MORXINfi SESSION — WEIINESDAT.

The State Board of Agriculture met in the Senate
Chamlier this morning, ( Jovernor Hartranft presiding.

Prof. Wickersham reported from the Committee
on Publication that the secretary of State Agricul-
tural Society had cheerfully extended to the board
the use of one hundred pages of space in its regular
aniunil volume, which will be imhlished about the
1st of January next. The thanks of the board were
returned.

An elaborate progranuno for the next meeting was
presented by the committee on the subject, and
adopted.

Another meeting this year was agreed u]ion, time
•and place left to the executive committee.

Mr. Thomas MeehiMi, editor of the Gardcner'n
Moiithh/, delivered a very interesting and able ad-
dress on the inllucncc of forests on rainfall, taking
the griiiind that the presence or absence of trees had
no appreciable elfecl upon the fall of rain.

The address was discussed by Messrs. Smith, Cal-
der, Thomas J. Edge, Forsemau, Mahon, Wilson,
(Juniata), Wickersham, Beebe, Hamilton and Gov.
Hartranft.

Charles B. Michener, veterinary surgeon, read a
very able i)aper on pleuro-pneumonia, which was
discussed at Icngtii.

The matter of a law reguhating the sale of fertili-
zers referred to the e,xee\[tive committee with in
structioiis to report the draft of a law at the next
meeting of the board. •

Adjourned to meet at the call of the executive

committee.

^

Questions and Answers.

Wlii'n land has been reduced by cropping, which
is the best means of restoring its f'erlility ?

Clover furnishes a |)cipular nicajis. Fertility grows
by covering this kind of land with n thick sod and
filling the soil with roots.

Wiiat are the leading charaeteristies of the liox
elder '

It is easily grown, of quick growth, is hard, indi-
gcninis,and is equally gooil for wind breaks and for
timber.

C'an refn.sed hair from tanneries be utilized with
l)roHt on a farm i

Yes : it is a valuable fcMtilizer. The hair is usually
mixed with lime; when spread broadcast this |iro-
duees an immediate effect, though the action of the
hair is slow. The best results arc obtained from this
refuse when it is poured in or mixed with, the soil.
It greatly increa.ses the fertility of dairy farms, is
said to be preferable to barnyard manure forturni|)s,
and is an excellent fertilizer for cabbages.

AGRICULTURAL.

A Good Fertilizer.

A proper place for the fowls to roost, with a view
to save and compost the manure, is important. This
fertilizer is so strong and so fine that a large quantity
of swamp-muck should be adde<i. If only a small
quantity of such material be scattered uniicr the
roosts daily, we avoid the pungent odor, keep the
air pure, and retain all that is valuable in the mate-
rial. It has been said and written many times that
the fowl-house should be kept dean. Now, every
poultry-keeper cannot afford to sweep and garnish
things daily ; but, if an absorbent be used, the place
may be kept pure, and an execllciit compost formed.
Great sums are paiil for guano every year, and it
has lieen determined that three hundred pounds of
this substance is suflicient for an acre of corn-laml.
The manure of thirty fowls in one year, mixed with
four times its bulk of swamp-muck, is more valuable
than three hundred pounds of guano. The advantage
of this method of mixing is that the work is done
easily and effectually.

If the droppings are suffered to accumulate, they
become hard and compact. If applied to land with-
out mixture with other substances, they burn and
kill plants, and also prevent seeds frcnn germinating.
Besides, the compost crumbles readily, is easily
mixed with the soil, or applied in the drills before
]ilanting. This fertilizer is very quickly assimilated
by growing plants. It commences its work imme-
diately. The mill in which it is groiuid makes fine
work. Bone, meat and grain, when pa.ssed through
the gizzards of fowls become so thoroughly
disintegrated that, after nourishing them, the resi-
duum, with the waste material from their bodies,
makes a better fertilizer than any other made on the
farm. Any one cultivating a farm, or only a kitchen
garden, fruit yard and flower-borders, can make this
compost tdl, in the increased quantity and quality of
his products. We have in mind a man who carefully
saves the manure from two hundred fowls by using
plenty of earth, nuick and swamp-hay under the
roosts, and sells the compost in a fine dry state to the
proprietors of large gardens near by, getting therefor
nearly enough to pay for the food consumed by the
fowls". Some require a quick growth, in order to be
of the best quality, hence the value of this compost,
and the price paid for it as a garden fertilizer.— ^
PuiiUry World.

Tobacco Culture.

The following is clipped from the Hartford (.'unrant:
The early writers on tobacco were fond of extolling |
the rare virtues, remarkable qualities, and peculiar]
kind of soil required for this singular plant. Some j
writers gave curiovis accounts of the size of the weed, j
and in Lobel's " History of Pl.ants," printed at Ant-
werp (1.576) is a cut representing tlie weed as attain- J
ing the height of our largest trees, while the leaves
we should judge ndght measure at lea.st ten feet in
length. Dr. Liebault in his work entitled the
"Country Farm" (1(50(1) in speaking of tobacco,
says that it "craveth a fat soil." Physicians wrote
of its wonderful curative powers— that it could heal
the sick, was a certain cure for the gout, as well as
very useful in colds and fevers. Others still asserted
that its use improved one's manners. In Edward
Sliarpham's comedy, The Flclrr,{\ti\r,) one of the
characfci-s (who is a fashionable smoker) says to an-
other : " Before I took tobacco I was an arrant ass,"
and adds, "Faith these gentlemen have not long used
my company, yet you see how t<ibacco hath already
refined their spirits." We have no desire to em-oll
onr name with that of either class alluded to, yet the
honest grower of the plant may think so, after read-
ing the title of this article. At first thought it may
be supposed that s,(l(l(l pounds <if leaf tobaccocan not
be grown on a single acre of land, liut when the
mcthoil adopted is fully ex|)hnned it, can hiirdly he
doubted by even the most incredulous. Doubtless
some at least who read this article have grown 2,:'>0n
pounds, or even :i,.'J(IO pounds, of tobacco to the acre,
and we remember to have read several years ago of a
fol>acco grower in Massachusetts who raised 2,(i(l()
pounds of leaf tobacco on a single acre of ground.
These amounts are usually considered very large,
and when it is allirmed that one ton and a half of
tobacco lias lieen olifaiiied from a single acre, many
will regard it as simply a bar-room story or wholly a
myth.

Working Crops Early.

Clean culture is one of the first requirements of
good farming, a si/ir ijiia mtn of the best results in
farnnng operations. It is hardly necessary to repeat
here, what we have often said before, against tho
toleration of noxious weeds. The most anspicions
time to deal with thejn is when they first a|ipear.
They arc then easily di'stroyed by exposure to the sun
or covi'ring with the turning |>low at a depth which
is fatal to them. Let il lie borne in mind, that wlicn
a crop once gets in the grass, it takes double the
work to keep weeds down, that it does when they
arc' destroyed in the outset ; and besides whatever of
fertility in the soil is ab.stractcd by noxious growth
is just that much rolilicd from the crop planted on
that ground. Corn, ]iot.atocs, tobacco and vegeta-

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

93

Wos require early cultivation, auJ in uiiic cases out
of ten, ttiis (ourse ensures a crop, wliatever the na-
lure of tlie season may be. The younsr corn is Just
now eciniini;- inl.i notice, and it is in order to devote
proper atlenlicn loll, .-^lir llie ^'round and destroy
weeds lliat nniy have (jerndiialed, and l>eep ahead ol
them tlirou;;liont the season. If in any Idlls tlie
seed did not t;ernnnate, rejilant, and wliere lliere are
too muny plants, tliin out lieforc tin- roots liave thrown
so larfje that removal will loosen tlic reinaiuin"
stalks. ^_^

Effects of Climate on Plants.

An Ku'disli ai;rie\dtural iJa|ier says it has been
proved thai tlie se,-,ls of certain plants, if iralliere.l
ill one eliniate and sown in another, will Kernnnate
earlieror later and witli more or less viKor,aeeordini;
as the new climate is colder or warmer than the old,
and that a ditlerence of a lew de-nes only in lati-
tude will pro.luce these results, l-'or exani|ile, wheat
from Scotland .wwn in the south of Kn?;iand will
germina'c and ripen niucli earlier than wheat of ex-
aelly similar i|ualitv feathered in the .south and
planted in the same iatitndc in wbieh it was ffiown.
This fact is of the utmost importance to a,<;riciiltur.
iste. To secure early sri-owini;- i;rain crops it is only
necessary to lake care that the seed is leathered in a
colder climate than that in which it is to be .sown.
The same thins is noticeable amoiii; other plants,
and tlorists and horticulturists mifjlit take advant-
age of this circumstance to produce both earlier and
stronirer plants than they do now, without the appli-
ances of forciiiiif.

Hungarian Millet.

A treat divi'rsity of opinion exists ainona: praelical
farmers as to the value of the several annual yras.scs
commonly known as millet. This may be aeeounted
for iu part by the character of the soil where it is
{frown. All the varieties of millet are peculiarly
adapted to lii;ht, sandy or sandy loam soils, such as
will jiroducc- full crops of timothy and rcil-lop only
under the most favorable circumstanees. l.aud that
is excellent for ijrass is not the best for millet, and
the best millet land is not natural o-rass land. Millet
resembles the corn plant in its adaptation to warm
laud and hot weather, and for this reason we should
expect to find it a more jiopular cro]) on the dry,
sandy land borderinff our sea-coast than upon the
moist, •ircen hill-tops of Vermont, New Hampshire
and Western Massachusetls. And this we liml is the
ease — many farmers in the interior having scarcely
ever seen a patch of millet grow ing. Proti I able crops
of milli't presuppose land easily plowed anil capable
of being smoothed otf and laid down with little labor.

HORTICULTURAL.

Compost for Corn.

What is the best compost to ajiply to corn was
discussed at an agricultural club meeting over in
Bucks county. One member said be had received
the best result from a mixture of ashes, plaster and
hen niamire ; phosphates he said kept the corn back;
dry ashes ditto. Another Ihougbt leached ashesaiid
plaster valuable ; another tbougbt composts did not
pay for putting them on; it was better to fertilize
the groiiial first and then get it in good order, and it
would need no compost, lie wet his corn and rolled
it in plaster before dropping. Another thought the
compost did more good if dropped on top of the
corn; the corn would come up better. William II.
Kicc wanted to know the ell'ects of plaster put on
after the corn was up. The impression prevailed
th.at -it did little good where lime had been used.
The Berks citunly fai'iners, we believe, rely most
upon stable manure and good tillage, and they as a
rule always have excellent crops, unless the season is

unfavorable.

— ^

More Pollen Needed.
The Western Hiii'al tells of a man who plants,
two or three weeks after the corn is planted, a new
hill of corn every fifteenth row each way. And this
is the reason : 'If the weather becomes dry after till-
ing time the silk and the tassel both become dry and
dead. In this condition, if it become sea.sonable, the
silk revives and renews lis giowtli,but the tassels do
not recover. Then, for want of |jollen, the new silk
is unable to fill the ollice for which it was designed.
The pollen from the rcplant;*d corn is then n^ady to
sujiply the silk, and the filling is coin]ileted. He says
nearly all the aborli\'e eai's, so common in all corn
crops, are cased by the want of pollen, and be had
known ears to double their size in this second lilliiig.

Stacking and Feeding.
■ W. Doyle, of Uratiot, Wisconsin, writes, giving his
methml of earing for straw ;

Straw with us is the principal article of food for
cattle in winter, and it bceomes necessary as a
matter of e<'onomy to make the inost of it. As the
thrashing season comes some time before we feed,
the straw should be well slacked and picked U)i, as
iu Llie case of hay, and a good fence built about it
for its preservation. Many farmers allow swine to
get at the straw stack. This is a niLserable practice,
for the straw is wasted and made unwholesome lor
winter use. I feed it out with a great deal of care,
as 1 would hay, and thus utilize it all.

Blackberry Culture.

.As we are appioai'hing tlii^ blackberr-y season it
will do no harm to lellccl on bow great and bow
rapid has been the imprnvemeiil of Ibis fruit.
Thirty years ago there is no mention of it in any
nursery catalogue, and the wild fruit of the hedges
was all that was in use. These at best were dry,
seedy things; Iml they served some good purpose in
pudiiing-makiiiLS and now and then in pies and tarts.
This is about the position Hie blackberry occupies in
English fruil-ealing ; and to this day they, naturally
unaware of the rapid jirogress we have lu.ade,
wonder al our taste in admiring such things.

But the discovery of the " .New Kochidlc," a wild
sport from the. common high bush blackberry, at
New'Hocbclle, New York, gave the whole class a
start, (looil varieties are now "as plentiful as
lilackberries," and new ones are appearing every
vcar. It is singular, though, that aJI the new ones
arc chance seedlings, found wild, as the first good
one, the New Hoehelle was, and, indeed, few if any
are yet superior to it.

fiiit even Uiih and the best of them, whichever one's
taste may decide Hie best one to be, is very much
improved by good culture; and conversely, very
niueli injured by bad. Almost yearly we are told
that this or that variety is "not hardy," Just as if
we were speaking of some exotic plant, forgetting
that the original plant was perhaps found in our
neighborhood's neglected feneecorner, where it had
been growing many years, 'and never thought of
giving way to the liereest winter's wind. Why
should a plant, hardy in nature, become tender when
planted in our gardens^ There can be but one
answer: Our sysleins of culture are not favorable
to hardiness. In what |iarticular respect is our cul-
ture defective ?

There can be little doubt that the injury to the
roots, wbicli our system of culture entails, must be
injurious. In a wild state the blackberry has a few
ereeiiiiig roots that run near the surface and collect
the food. The hoeing and cleaning necessary iu
garden culture keeps these roots in continual dis-
turbance. It is well known to cultivators of peach
orchards that the slirrinir of the soil has to be aban-
doned iu summer, otherwise the disturbance of the
roots results in ill-ripened wood, and the peach buds
and even peach wood is easily destroyed. It is just
this way willi the blackberry ; and it is worse in field
culture than in t'ardcii culture, because theeultivator
goes ilee]ier, and by so much more is it an injury.
From New .lersey especially, the land of the blaek-
lierrics, comes the cry of blackberry disease and
blackberry winter-killing, andofkinds "dyingout ;''
and tbere'is no doubt the root injury is the cause of
it all. Some of us put blackberry plants near board
fences or other places where the roots can get a little
protection from hoc, spade or plow ; and in sucli
ca.scs no one ever hears of blackberry disease, or
winter-killed plants. They go on growing and bear-
ing year after year, as well as if they thought they
were in the old farmer's fence row, where they were
ouee found.

Hut, says some one, are we then to let our black-
berries grow up to grass and weeds, and have the
whole garden look like a wilderness '. By no means.
We must keep the garden and farm, blackberry
patch ineluded, neat and clean : but remembering
that it is an injury to cut olf the blackberry roots, we
must begin to keep dowu the v\'eeds early in the
spring, so that there shall be no trouble in the fall ;
and when we do clean, cut the surface as lightly as
we can. — f/friuuiitoii'n. TtiUyrajth,

Changing the Bearing Year.

Last year apples were so abundant that. In some
localities they would not pay lor handling, and large
ipiantilics were left to decay where they fell. In view
of the fact that a year of excess and "low prices, is
Ibllowcil by scarcity and h gh prices, in<iiiiries have
come to us in su< h uunibers as to show that many
ari^ considering the. practicability of changing this
state of alfairs. It is an encouraging sign that farmers
are induced to Hiiiik about their orchard at all, tol-
as a general thing there is no part id' 1 heir belongings
so neglected as tills. Trees are set, but it is looked
upcm rather as a waste of land, so the orchard must
be cropped, and while no other part of the farm is
expected to do it, that occii|iicd by the orchard must
yield two crops. The laiise of all trouble with fruit
trees, whether of failure .iltogether, or occasional
excessive bearing, and the rest may be summed up
in one word — neglect. Wc now confine our remarks
to the present trouble and to an.swering the various
imiuiries about alleriiate bearing. The ap|ile tree left
to itself will generally bear such an abundant crop
that requires anotlicr year, and sometimes longer, to re-
cujieratc, and accumulate sullieicnl nutriment to form
budsaiul noiirisli another crop. This tendency is very
marked in some leading varieties, and as it has been
going on for many years, tlie habit lias become fixed,
and when we propagate these varieties, the young
trees start with that as one of their peculiarities, in
which they have been educated, so to speak. It is
well known that this leudeuey is much more marked
iu gome varietiea than in others, and while some uat-

iirally fall into alternate bearing, others resist it, anil
will, if they have a fhir chance, give a crop of fruit
every year. This is a character to which little atten-
tion has been given by our pomologists ; they state
if a tree comes into bearing early, or If It is an
abundant or shy bearer, but its tendency to annual
or biennial bearing is rarely recorded, while it is one
of the most important i|iialilics. Variclics that nat-
urally bear anmially, may be converted into biennial
bearers by starvation ; planted, as they often arc' on
poor soil, and robbed of their nutriment by another
crop, the trees cannot get food enough to enable
tliem to carry eviMi a small crop every year, and they
are forced into alternate bearing. The praelical
question is, how can frees that now bear excessively
one year and nothing the next, be made to bear
moderately every year? So far as the alternate bear-
ing is due to the liovcrty of the soil, the remedy is
evident, and no doubt would be, with many varie-
ties, suflieient. — Aiiurieim AijribnUurM.

The Egg Plant.

People know what trouble Hicy have with the Co-
lorado potato beetle in tbeir potato grounds, and the
newspapers arc full of the story ; but notliinir is said
of the egg plant, which is troubled by the same in-
sect quite as much, and for which there is much less
remedy.

Tlie"iK)tato we can protect from the beetle well
enough by the use of Paris green. The tuber we eat,
and what we do to the stalks have little to do with
the parts under the ground. We jKiison the beetle
and there is no danger from such poisonous use. But
itis not safe to recomnicml Paris green for the de-
struction of the beetle on the egg plant, or on any
vegetable where the part used grows above the
ground, as the arsenic of the Paris green may attach
t^o it, and dangerous consequences ensue ; and thus
we are not able to use this remedy, so cheap and so
cIlecLual in the case of the jiotato. .SodifBcull has it
been to raise egg plants, on account of the beetle,
that large numbers of amateurs who generally have
a few for their own use had none last year. The only
remedy so far found is to iiick the pcntn from the
jilaiil ; but where (Uily a few are required it is found
elieaiier to buy what are needed than to grow them.
So far as we can learn the ebeajiest plan to iirotecl
them is to have frames made corerrd n'ith }uos:/nito
iifttiui). Tliis is'not lieavy enouv;h to exclude light
and air and interfere with the health of the plant,
but it is quite sullieient to keep olf the beetles. The
frames need not be costly— indeed liooiis from small
barrels or kegs will do around wbieh to tack the net.

As generally from six to a dozen [liants are enough
for ordinary gardens, it is no great task to make
tlie.se nets, and as no work is needed after the plants
are once covered, the work costs but very little more
than a lot of Paris green would do. To those who
like egg-plants well enough to be willing to go to a
little trouble to get them, this little hint may perhaps
be of some service. — Oernuintotnt Tdiyra^ih.

Don't Omit the Turnips.

Turnips arc a profitable crop, if grown on rich
land. Five hundred bushels to the acre are often
grown at a cost of about .^l.'>, including gathering
and putting tliem in a cellar, root house, or burying
them, niakin^- tlie co.st only three cents a bushel.
Some varieties may be sown in July, the flat variety
in particular, which is frequently sown among corn,
immeiliately after the la.-^t hoeing. Care should be
taken not to sow the seed too thick, as Hiinning out
is not generally practiced wlieii grown in this way ;
nor is any weeding done. Tliis is decidedly the
cheapest way that a crop of turnips can be grown.
Cover the seed by a brush drag drawn between the
rows of corn. Some farmers object to growing tur-
nips to feed to cows, on account id' giving the milk
an unpleasant flavor; but this is obviated by feeding
the turnips, either when milking in the morning, or
innfiediately after milking, and no bad tlaviu- is iin-
|iartcil to the evening's milk.

Potatoes to be a Profitable Crop for 1877.

This esculent has become by habit almost indispen-
sable. Few families fail to have it on tlic tabic al
least once a day, however lii!,'li the price. Last sum-
mer's drouth si) diminished the yield, that there is
now a scarcity In many iilaecs. The Colorailo Beetle
spread so widely, to the very edge of the Atlantic,
last season, that very many farmers are afraid to
plant largely this ytar, and the present prospect is
llial there will be a small crop, and consequently
high jn-ices. Those, thi'rcforc, who |iiodiicc a good
crop, will be likely to find it unusually profitable.
A little extra care will enable anyone to successfully
light oH'the beetle, no matter how abundant.— ,4me)'-
ii-ait Affricutturist.

. -^

Hot-Beds.

The Fruit Urci^rdcr thinks the best manure for
liot-beds Is a mixture of forest leaves and stable
manure; and that the best way to olitain this mix-
ture is to use leaves to litter the stables in winter.

94

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ June,

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Household Recipes.

CiiOf'Oi.ATE Cakamei.s. — One cup of milk ; t wo
i-ups of sugar ; two cupK of niolas-scs ; oue cake of
chocolate grated tine. Boil till it camlies. Pour out
on a Hat dish and cut in scpiares.

One ounce lemon juice mixed ^\'itll a quarter of a
drachm of sugar will remove freckles. Keep this
lotion in a glass bottle corked tightly a few days be-
fore using, and apply to the i'rccklcs oecasioually,
and it will soon remove ttiem.

One of the most gentle and useful kiuds of exer-
cise is friction of the body, either by the naked
hand, a piece of flannel, or, what is still better, a
flesli-brush. This was in great esteem among tlie
ancients, and is to-day a universal resort with the
people of the East Indies.

To Cleanse a Meehschaum. — We fear that the
husbands of some of our housekeepers will smoke ;
and, if so, tliey might as well be as clean as possible
about it, so we will tell tbem how to keep their
meerschaums wholesome. Wasli tljcm with alcohol.
Allow the alcohol to remain in the bowl for a few
moments, and then rub them gently with a sponge
attached to a small stick. — Cor. ^\'egtc)■)l Rural.

Soup ou Tomato Oysteks.— Five ripe tomatoes
cut fine, or the canned tomatoes will answer ; boil in
one pint of water with a small teaspoonful of soda ;
add one quart of milk ; butter and salt to taste ; oue
or two pounded crackers, as you like it thick or tliin.
— £vxto/tlun .

Oyster Plant. — Boil it well, then grate it, and
mix with it a little beateu-up egg, salt, and pepper.
Form in little cakes the size of a large oyster, and
fry in liot lard. — <S'. C.

Minced Veal. — Cut, liutdo not chop, cold veal in
small pieces ; rub some butter and flour together to a
cream, according to the quantity of your veal, and
stir it into a sufficient quantity of boiling milk ; also
the grated rind of a lemon ; let these boil together
until the consistency of cream ; sprinkle a little flour,
salt and white pepper over the cut veal and add it to
the cream ; stand it where it will keep up to the boil-
ing point, but not boil ; when thoroughly heated
through squeeze the juice of a lemon over it, and
serve quickly on bits of dry toast. — Amit Addie.

Ten drops of carbolic acid were put into a pint of
water and pots watered with tlie solution. It killed
the worms and the plants began to improve at once.
— rift's Floral Gaidt.

To THICKEN the hair and prevent it from turning
gray, pour Ijoiling water on a quantity of sage leaves,
and" let tliem remain some time in the oven, or near a
stove ; strain and apply to the roots of the hair daily.
If any pomade be needed, an equal mixture of cocoa-
nut and olive oils, with a lillle perfume, is very
efficacious.

BuTTEii Sauce fou Mackerel. — ITalf-cup of
flour mixed with cold water till a smooth paste ; stir
enough of this paste into a half-pint of boiling water
over tlie fire to form a thick cream ; add a little salt,
and stir steadily with an egg-whip for two minutes-;
then remove from the fire and stir in a quarter-pound
of butter, two tablespoonsful of chopped parsley
and the juice of half a lemon. Set it on the back
part of the stove to keep warm, but on no account
let it boil. (No sauce should be boiled after the
butter has been added, or it will have a rancid taste;
and to boil after lemon juice has been beaten in will
turn the lemon bitter.) Uaving broiled the fish, lay
it carefully into a hot pl.itter with parsley, water
cress, or a slice of lemon upon it, and serve. Do
not put the sauce over the fish, but send it to the
table in a sauce boat.

Grauam Suort-Cake. — One cup sour milk, one
half euj) cream, one teaspoonful soda, one teaspoon-
ful salt ; make a batter as thick as can be stirred
with a spoon, spread a layerof it in a baking-tin, put
bits of butter over it, then another layer of butter.
Bake in a moderate oven until well browned. When
cool enough to handle, open between the layers Ihid
put in berries, peaches, stewed apples or any kind of
juicy fruit ; let stand a few minutes and you will
have a "dainty dish to set before a king."

Grauam Tea-Cake. — One cup sugar, two eggs,
beaten together, one cup sour cream, two-thirds
teaspoonful soda, one teaspoonful salt, two slightly
heaped cups tirahani flour, one teaspoonful lemon
extract or half a nutmeg. Bake in a moderate oven.
To Phei'aue Sheep's Head. — Take a large sheejj's
head, cleanse, trim and wipe it well ; place it in a
well-buttered, oval, flat, well-tinned copper baking-
pan, with salt, grated nutmeg, two onions and a
green pepper chopped fine, two ladlefuls of stewed
tomatoes, a highly garnished bunch of parsley, a few-
bits of butter on tlie lop, and place a buttered paper
over all; set on tlie tire, start, slowly, let simmer
gently for about forty minutes, taking care
to occasionally sprinkle the fish with its gravy ; when
done, place the fish on a dish, and keep it warm ;
take out the parsley and transfer the tomato sauce,
etc., to a saucepan, with a pint of i'spUfinoU sauce ;
reduce to a proper consistency ; add tlie juice of a
lemon and a tablespoonful of chopped parsley ; serve
up the fish in a large dish ; pour the sauce over ; and
serve a dish of plain boiled rice with the fish.

Dried Potatoes.
A German journal thus describes the manufacture
of "dried potatoes,'' as conducted at Carsten's works
in Lubeck : The potatoes are peeled with the hand,
and cut into disks by a machine. Tliese are put into
a basket, and this into a lioiler, where the potatoes
are nearly but not quite boiled. The disks are then
put on wire frames in a dry oven, where they are
dried c|Hite hard. It is important to preserve the
color (if the potatoes, and to prevent them from
turning grey, as they would by the process alone.
The material, after slieing is treated with cold water,
to which has been added one per cent, of sulphuric
acid, or one or two per cent, of muriatic acid. The
preparation obtained, whieli has lost none of its
starch, is of a slightly citron-yellow tint, and ti-ans-
parent like gum. Boiled with water and a littleisalt,
it is said to resume the natural color and fibrous
structure of potatoes, and is not distiuguishable in
taste from the newly boiled vegetable.

Enjoyment of Work,

Farmers' wives, as a general thing, work entirely
too hard. Let tliem moderate their labors to the
proportion of their strength, and even if help lias to
be obtained to make up the deficit, it were surely
better than to wear out prematurely from exposure
and overwork, and leave your children at a tender
age without a mother's care. A good womau witli a
good husband, can be happier nowhere than on a
farm ; but let not a sense of duty in the one, nor a
false economy in the other, deprive the wife of all
heeded assistance. It is far better to enjoy life in old
age with your children than to have slaved througli
life to leave them a fortune, while you lie down in a
premature grave, ere life's great tasks be fully done.
Let tlie duties and responsibilities usually devolved
upon farmers' wives be lessened, and furnish abun-
dant help for the work to be done. — Southern Farmer.

LIVE STOCK.

About Milk.

To scald milk fresh from the cow and put it while
hot into a shallow vessel for the purpose of letting
the cream rise, makes it rich mucli more rapidly
than to set the same away without st-alding it : 1.
Cream rises faster when cream is hot than when it is
cold, all other considerations being the same. 3.
Notwithstanding the loss of water by evaporating,
heated milk is thinner or of more fluid than tliat
which is not scalded, o. Cream rises faster when
the temperature of milk is falling than when it is
stationary, and milk, set away hot, has a wider range
of temperature to fall through than that which is
not scalded. 4. The cream from scalded milk churns
easier than from not scalded, and hence churns more
completely, leaving less cream in the buttermilk.
Hence a little more butter is the result of scalding
and setting in a shallow vessel.

Healthy Cattle.

Notwithstanding the prevalence of rinderpest in
the cattle raising districts of the Old World and the
consternation produced thereby, our own country is
generally I'ree from this scourge. Reports relative
to farm animals, as received at the Department of
Agriculture, show general exemption from diseases
among cattle, with few exceptions, and a more than
average healtlifuluess and thrift, especially north of
the SCtli degree of latitude. In the milder region,
w-herc shelter is not provided, emaciation and
death are not unfrequeutly reported. In one countv
in Georgia (Taylor) one hundred and fifty of a herd
of five hundred were lost. From all the Alleghenies
to the great plains not exceeding seven per cent, of
the returns indicate low- condition. Cases of pleuro-
pneumonia have occurred iu Burlington, New Jersey;
Baltimore, Maryland, and Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
Cases of abortion are scattered througli the dairy
districts in no greater numbers than usual, and local
losess are reported in the Soutli from diseases i-esult-
ing from miasma and lack of nutr.tion. Such losses
vary from two to twenty per cent, iu the counties of
the Gulf States, and from five to twenty-five percent,
iu certain counties iu Texas. No prevalent disease is
reported among horses. Mild forms of catarrhal
diseases, with occasional cases of lung fever, are re-
ported I'rom Northern latitudes, and from the South
more frei|Uenl mention of similar diseases and local
losses from blind staggers, and less frequent loss from
glanders, and in the Mississippi valley a few cases of
cliarbon. Sheep are generally in good condition.
In Soutlieru California flocks are dying from
drouth, and in .some places are sold to go to Oregon
and Nevada for thirty-seven cents per head.
The losses of swine have been very heavy in the
West and South.

The Farmer's Grindstone.

There is no tool as essential on the farm as a good
grindstone ; it is therefore necessary that every
farmer should have one and know how to take proper
care of it. A grindstone should always be kept
under cover, as exposure to the sun's rays hardens
the grit and injuries the frame. The stone should
not stand in water when not in use, as this causes
soft places. The water should be allowed to drip
from some vessel jilaced above tlie stone, and the
drip should be stopped when the stone is not in u.<e.
All greasy or rusty tools should be cleaned before
sharpened, as grease or rust choke up the grit. The
stone should be kept perfectly round.

Hanging an Axe.

Get your blacksmilli to make an iron wedge to
fasten the handle iu with. It will cost but fifteen or
twenty cents. It sliould be about two and a half
inches long, aud about two in width, and the head
of the wedge should be large enough to cover the
eye of the axe. It is much better than the wooden
oue generally used for such purposes, as it can be
easily knocked out with a cold chisel and hammer.
Tlic usual method of burning out a helve after it has
been broken softeus the steel of the axe. Another
advantage is that sometimes an axe is broken, while
the handle remains good, then the iron wedge can be
knocked out, and as it is ready to be put in another
axe. — WeMern Ihiral.

Re-cooking Meat.

T.ake any kind of cold meat, cut into slices, taking
care to remove all gristle ; place in a stewpan with
sullicient cold water to cover it, and one or two
onions, according to the quantity of meat ; season
with salt, pepper, cloves and mace, according to
taste ; simmer gently until the meat is quite tender,
thicken it with flour and a small piece of butter.
Take an iron spoon, put a teaspoonful of sugar in it
and burn the sugar ; stir quickly into hash. Toast
slices of bread brown, cut in squares and lay ihem
round a flat dish ; then pour out the hash and serve
hot.

Value of Salt.

Not moretban twenty-five years ago a learned doe-
tor published an elaborate treatise to prove that salt
was the " forbidden fruit," through eating- which our
first parents fell, and has ever since been the cause of
all our diseases and ills, though only a lunatic would
deny that salt serves some important aud essential
uses in the animal economy. The desire for salt
seems an instinct implanted in the animal creation,
and there is a natural craving for it when it does not
exist in sufficient quantity in food.

Animals will travel long distances and brave great
dangers to get at saline earths, called salt licks;
horses and cows are most healthy when provided
with lumps of rock salt in their mangers or pastures,
and even bees will sip a solution of salt with avidity.
Men will barter gold for it in countries where it is
scarce, and for it husbands will sell their wives, aud
parents their children. In some districts of Africa
salt is far more expensive than the purest white sugar
in Eiirope, aud children will suck a lump of it in
prefe'reuee to sweetmeats. But the existence of a
greater or less appetite for salt in all individuals
shows that this substance serves more imijortaiit
functions than that of merely gratifying the palate.

Salt being a large constituent of the iiuman body,
and forming about half the total weight of the saline
matters of the blood, the constant loss of it by the
secretions, the bile, and even tears, requires to be
made up liy its employment as a condiment. The free
acid found in the stomach, and which forms an es-
sential constituent of the gastric juice, is obviously
derived from the salt taken with our food ; and tb
soda of the blood and in some of tlie secretions i
doubtless obtained from the decomposition in th
system of common salt, which is the only minera.
food of man aud the only saline eoudimeut es.sentia.
to health. — British Ma/mfacturer .

Sweet Potatoes for Hogs.

We doubt whether as firm pork could be mad« of
sweet potatoes, or of any other kind of vegetables, as
corn will make ; and while many kinds of food may
lie profitably used iu the commencement of fattening,
there is nothing like corn to solidify pork.

There is no better hog feed than sweet potatoes,
cither raw or cooked. IJogs will fatten rapidly on
them raw, and dig them themselves, but will do
much better on them if cooked. In this part of
Illinois, where the corn crop is uncertain, many far-
mers fatten their own pork ou sweet potatoes. Quite
a number have planted them the last season, and
turned their hogs into the patch, and they will not
touch an ear of corn while the potatoes last. But
that is not the best plan, as the hogs will waste them
more or less. It pays to dig the potatoes and cook
them in a large kettle, aud when nearly done mix in
a small quantity of corn meal or shipstutf ; mash and
stir well, and then cook awhile longer to cook the
meal. Feed cool, iu troughs, aud my word for it,
you will see hogs grow. It is the best feed for sows
and young pigs that can be given them.

I have never tested the relative value of corn and
sweet potatoes as a hog feed ; but here iu the fall of
the year, we often have sweet potatoes too large for
sale, and feed them to the hogs, as we always do the
very small ones.

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

95

Some may think It costly feed ; but take into con-
sideration tlie yield of sweet potatoes and corn, corn
yielding llilrly bushels per aere, swtwt potatoes 150
to 'iAd bushels per aere, and eorn sonu'linieB worth
twiee as much per bushel as potatoes. However, all
are not alike .situated. .Surne <-aii ({row eorn ami
sweet potatoes. When potatoes do well, thc'V innke
a jjikhI substitute lor coni.—l'ruirir Fiiniui-.

Against the World.

In February last Uiehard llarrisuii, living near
iteeklesstown. slaui^jhtered li8 hojis, wliieh wel^jhed
us follows ; .'iU.'j, 5T."», ^uh, .'i77, ;"i77, .")7it, 571», ■")7'.*, t}<l,

tM, 5h'5, sw, aw,, 6ii:i, (io.'i, tiu.'i, cm, uiii, ra.t, ivr.r,,

»B9, ti-O.'), fiCi.'i, (!77, 7U1I, Tl.'i, 7:1.5 and 74'.l— inakinir an
tt^^rei^ate of 17,:'.:i8 pounds — an averai^e of (Jl'.t ;vI4
pounds. This Is pretty bif; for liii;h. Mr. llarrihon
slaiitjhtered about S,."IUO pounds of pigs for market
with this famous lot of jHirkers.

But if any'eoinity in this State, or any other State,
can beat I hi' abovi' exhibit, we pr<-8ent for eonsidera-
tiou the erop of .lof-eph Carter, on the farm of
Anthony Hulloek, in the same neij^'liborhond. This
lot was killed on Monday, and was worth a journey
to see swinffini; on the •rallows. There «iTe '.'0 hfad
weifrhins as follows : .W.I, .5(11, ot;.';, .WI , .')07, lidl,

Oai, 1)49, (LIS, C.ll.'i, r.77, «!!.'>, 7(1.1,

ri:i, 721,7 i7

74, 8(15 anil 9(1.") pounds. Total weight, l:!,.'')t;.'i
ponnils. .\veraire, (17Si^ IHiunds. The live lieaviest
weiirhed over 4,U(IU pounds. We rest on these llyureB.
Mr. Carter also killed five hogs lor bis own use that
weighed about 2,(1110 pounds ; and about (i.llOO pounds
of pigs for market. Taking the whole 2.') hogs the
average is nearly (!4.S pounds.

Wi- have reeeivod the weights of these hogs from
the purchaser also, Nathan Folwell, stock dealer at
Bordeutown. The figures vary a few jwunds — (•ur
flirures giving the weights on the day of slauiihter,
Mr. l-'olwell the weights when ileli'vereil to him.
The total marketed crop of Mr. Harrison, hogs and
pigs, aggregated i5,4:!(> pounds, for which Mr. Fol-
well paid 8 cents per pound— $2,0.1.5.(i.S, cash on
delivery.

Several hundred people congregated on the killing
days at the aliovc places to witness the uuprecedented
spectacle. — Burlington county, iV, /., Paper.

Half-Bred Buffaloes in the Dairy.

The long mooted c|Ueslion whether the butfalo can
be successfully utilized for dairy purposes, says the
Turf, Fiehtaial fur in, is now in a fair way of being
Balisfactorily settled. The apprehension hitherto en-
tertained regarding the untamable nature of the
buffalo, and that the characteristics of this branch
of the bovine family would be certain to crop out
through indefinite crossings, appears to be totally
groundless. The bulfalo, or more properly the Ameri-
can bison, is being used extensively in portions of the
State of Nebraska, bordering on the wild plains of
the far West, for stock purposes, aud half aud quarter
bred females of the bison family yield an abundant
supply of rich milk. A remarkable feature coirtiected
with this cross of the bison with domestic cattle is
the fact that the color of the bison and the majority
of its distinguished characteristics disappear after
successive crossings. Its outward conformation is
also, in process of time, in a great degree lost sight
of. The hunch or lump of ilesii covering the long
spinous process of the dorsal vcrtebrip, becomes di-
minished with each successive cross, and will, doubt-
less, also disappear entirely as the origimil type be-
eoiues merged in the domestic animal.

Garget in Cows.

N. G. E. writes to the Western Farmer and says :
From inquiries made it appears that it is not gene-
rally known that saltpetre is a remedy for garget in
cows. Now to such as want information ou t he sub-
ject 1 would say that I have kept cows nearly forty
yearsjind the best and surest remedy for garget tha"t
I have found is, when the cow shows signs of gariret
by giving curdled ndlk, to pound up a table-spoonful
of saltpetre, put it into a quart or two of meal and
give it to her to eat. If she shoiiM object to eatin"
it you may mix a little line salt with it.

But I consider a preventive better than a remedy,
1 think every mau that keeps cattle and has drV,
sandy land, ought to jilaiit and grow the garget roo"t,
or as It IS more comniordv called, shoke root. It can
be raised in such land with but little trouble, ;ind if
fed Ircely in the 8|iring of the year it will prevent the
disease ellectually. The roots should be covered iu
winter with leaves or straw. But every one that
feeds it should be careful and not give it to horses,
as it was said in the lower part of New Hampshire to
be poison to horses, tint then' is no danger of feeding
it too freely to horned lattle or hogs, as it is very
beueticial to the health of both.

Manchestek, Iowa, has become famous as a but-
ler market. During the past year no less than
eeventy-eight ears of butter were shipped from that
place, making 1,'.>00,000 pounds, which, at twenty
cents per pound, would aggregate the nice little sum
of ?:U2,000. This only includes the full ear loads
aud not the scattering lots that belong to promiscu-
ous shipments.

THE POULTRY YARD.

To Exterminate Parasites.

"One ounce of prevention is better than a pound
of cure," says the old adage. In reiraril to parasitic
insects (d" poultry, this i.s particularly true. It is
much le.ss troulile to keep them down, so as to be al-
most entirely i-lear of them, than it is to tight a host
of vermin. 1 said almost, for there Is, no doubt, a
remnant always remaining of some lice, for no
sonrici- are the ordinary eleanliness and vigilance re-
laxed, lliaii they again show themselves. If fowls
are kept in a clamp placeS without dust or ilry earth,
thi'se insectK immediately appear in large numbers.

The methods of destroying most of them are very
easy. The poll-tick is prevented or got rid id' by
sligjjtly greasing the heads of the chicks as soon as
hatched. The same process, repeated once a week
foi- about two oi" there wei^ks, will carry them be-
yond further danger. I will not, on this suliject.give
the Latin names of insects, as 1 find so much \'aria-
bleness anil so few varieties desci'ibed that. It is well
to employ the terms in common use. Of the var-ie-
lies that still remain ou the fowl, there are two dis-
tinct classes; Lice that suck the blooil from the
fowl's body, all of whi(di havi' their mouths near tlu'
ends of their noses, and another chihs that live on
and eat the feathers. These latter have their mouths
ntider the middle of the bead, and of them there are
several varieties, ditl'eriug from >'aeb other in form,
color and size. Both kinds can be got rid of by
dusting sulphur well into the feathers of the birds.
If the ebickeus are young and under tlie ben, ilust
the hen tborouirhly with sulphur, and, provided tlie
usual dust bath be supplied, this treatment will keep
the fowls clean, if repeated about once a week.

Of the gape worm, it is ditlicult to say anything
positive, though, of eimrse, prevention is best. In
order to get rid of tills pest, the surest way, when a
yard is once infested, is to remove the fowls entirely
away from the contaminated ground. I know
of a yard that was once infested for many
years. One year the chickens were all taken across
a brook to another part of the farm and not allowed
to visit the old ground until too large to get the
disease. No trace of the gapes has been seen there
since tlien, although several years have elapsed.

.Some poultry authorities say that there is a con-
nection between the gape-worm and a kind of louse,
and that the latter either introduces or extends the
gape-worm ; but, after some experiments, I am
satisfied no such connection exists. Of the remedies
for gapes I cannot say much as there are as many
advanced with as much positiveness as there are
cures for the toothache. If attended to in time, the
worms can sometimes be drawn out with a horse
hair or a thin feather. Care must be taken that the
hair enters the windpipe, as the worms are lliere and
not in the throat. Details of this process would
make too long a cliaitter, so I simply generalize the
subject until properly treated. Carbolic aciils in-
haled by the chicks, either in a box or by holding
the chick oyer the acid, heated hot in a s]ioou over a
lamp, will also .sometimes dishnlge them ; but when
the worms get low down in the throat, where the
windpipe branches, there is not much hope for the
sutferer.

The honse-mite or spider, that lives in the wood-
work of dirty nests, is easily got rid of by cleanliness,
whitewash or petroleum, and fumigation. A good
way is to saturate all the insiiie wood work with
crude petroleum. For scaly-leg itch, soak the legs
with kerosene oil, holding the toes upward, so that
the oil will run well imder the scales. Two or three
applications generally eHeet a cure. Intestinal
worms are dislodged Ity a decoction of wormwood,
or the leaves may be cut up and given in food, or a
pill made of aloes may be admiuistereil ; but these
pests are rarely numerous enough to be of serious
consequence. — Henry Hales.

A Word of Caution.

We have ad\(.>cated in the jiages of T/ie Poultry
Wurhl, not iiifrei|uently, the use of kerosene for de-
stroying lice upon tlie fowl-house roosts, and have
advised the application of this pungent oil oceasion-
ally, witli a mixture of lard, to be used upon adult
fowls — under the wings and at the back of the neck
— for a similar purpose ; while, at the same time, we
know that its use in removing the scales upon the
lets of old fowls is an excellent remedy for that un-
sightly alfection so often complained of by |iouUry-
breedcrs.

But we have always intended to commeml due
lantion in the use of this powerful inseet-deslroying
agent, inasniuch as, though it is an admirable thing
if judieioualy usi'il. it is over-liarmful if not prf»perly
applied, and in moderate quantity.

At this season of the year, for example, vhen tre
are tleniruuit to hare the ei/tjK hutch iretl, little or no
kerosene should be made use of, where the laying
and brooding-bens come in contact with it. Iu hot
weather, when vermin germinate rapidly and nume-
rously, both ujxiu the body of fowls and in their
roosting-places, it is well to apply It, freely ; but
during cold weather it is not so necessary; and
where heua arc laying or hatching, the less kerosene

used that may reach the ci/ri» we wtn/i to hatch — either
in the laying or the sitting-nests — the better.

The penetrating qualities of this crude oil are so
strong, and tlie dcstrnctioii to Insect-life (where it
coincK in contact with these parasites) is so certain,
it is but reasonable to understand tliat its fumes,
when allowed to reach the porous shells of eggs, may
injure their yolks, or even destroy their vitality,
oftentimes.

For this reason we advise caution in a|iplying
kerosene directly upon the bodies of laying or sitting-
fowls duriny the Itrecdiriy xeatioH. For the few wt^eks
while they are laying and sitting it may well be dis-
penseil with alttigether, where there is danger of
their eggs lieeoniing smeared with it. We have no
doubt that the careless or too free usi* of this article,
at the period mentioned, has bad its inlliieiiee ujiou
many a hatebing nest, where the owners of fowls
have injudiciiMisly applied It.

It is all very well to kill lice with ; but you can
unipiestioiiably kill the genu In your eggs with it, If
you indulge in a reckless ap|dieation of it at a time
that it is not so much neediMl as it Is in the warm
moiitlis of the year, when you do not set the eggs
your hens lay. 'fhrough the months of March, .\pril
and .May, therefore, we hUggest that the use of kero-
sene be dis|>eiised with among the laying and breed-
ing fowls. — i'oultry 'Wurlit, J/url/orit.

Poultry-Keeping by Boys.

It is one of the most proniising indications of
character when a boy shows a disjiositiou to earn
something. Tills desire to hold something in fee-
simpb' is tlie very opisisite of truiupism. Among
boys, the enjoyment of owning, buyimr ami selling,
is very keen, and is often grajified in the getting of
knives, old watches and trinkets, and making ex-
changes with each other. Who iloes not remember
the wonderful dicker and trade of his boybooil / It
was only the begiiiiiiug ol' a develo|)meiit, or, rather,
a self-education. Tliis matter should not be per-
mitted to go without some guidance. Parents and
guardians should take an interest in it, not exer-
cising a meddling iiiterlereiice, but inspiring confi-
dence, so as to be able to co-operate, plan and watch
the results.

Now comes a scheme that is just right. How can
we teach a boy business habits belter than by giving
him an opportunity to "run" a hennery i The
accounts must be accurately kept ; there must be
buying and selling ; there must be bantering; there
ought to be profit ! A miniature huxintas springs
up ; and, inasmuch as it is real, why is it not as good
as a business college ? It may be better; for it may
prevent spending time in the streets, or away from
liome, perhaps among questionable companions. A
love of home is fostered by the ownership of fiowcre,
small fruits and poultry. A fondness for the finest
things produced in our climate — to cultivate them, if
belonging to the vegetable kingdom : to breed, foster
and pet them, if belonging to the animal — is not only
a source of keen enjoyment, but indicates good traits
and a certain elevation of character aliove that
which is brutish. Young people should be deftly
guided, step by stei), through pleasant paths, with
here and there a little job of eariust irork, maile easy
by social frolic and recreation, which come after iu
their proper place. With a little encouragement,
boys may become quite familiar with the jioints of
excellence in high-class jioullry, pigeons and other
pets, and learn the best methods of breeding ami
management .

They may learn when and where to purchase sup-
plies to the best advantage, and how to sell the sur-
plus products so as to give the most profit with the
least expense. A pleasant self-reliance and good
business habits may be growing, and, at the same
time, a love for nature, for refinement and hu-
manity.— The J'onttry World.

"Plymouth Rock" Fowls.

This fine breed of domestic poultry, w bicli has beeu
steadily growing in favor among farmers and small
poulterers, for a few years past, has now come to be
a general favorite witli fanciers and breeders in all
directions, if we can form an opinion from the niinier
oils letters we are constantly reeeiying, regarding tlie
iutriiisie merits of this popular moilern variety.

They have proved very hartly, easy to keep, are
excellent layers, they do not Incline to trouble the
keeper with the inclination to sit so persistently as
do the Asiatics, they are ample in size (when selected
from the best strains) and altogether they have
turned out a valuable accession to the list of Ameri-
can standard breeds.

A singular fact has been demonstrated in the in-
stance of the " I'lymouth Kocks." It is known that
this fowl is a cross of the Black Asiatic (or .lava)
with the Dominique variety. For. several years after
their original production, the color of these birds,
both male and female, was uncertain and irregular.
By a judicious method in mating and selecting, in the
haiid.s of the most careful manipulators of this stock,
the last year's birds were ou the average much better
in uuiformily of size, and much more even in general
color and marking of plumage, than hitherto.

This year's fowls, maturing this spring, are au

96

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[June, 1877

improvement in these respects upon all former liatch-
ings within our knowledge ; and we now know seve-
ral yards of these birds, where both coeks and hens
are really very fine, in 1877. The Plymouth Koeks
of the present day promise to erjual tlie best varieties
for all the desirable practical qualities sought aftei'
in a first-class variety — either lor fancy breeding or
for marketing. — Hlothlurd'x " Poultrij World."

Gapes and Chickens.

The more the naughty children of Mother Earth
try to put themselves in accord with her beneflcent
laws, the more pure, clear, few and simple they will
become, instead of being the complex, multifarious
and often contradictory beings they seem to be. For
instance, the simple little disease called gapes in
chickens is a strong case in point. Treated in the
light of natural laws (common sense), it yields
readily to the proper remedy — the same i-emedy for
the same disease that is indicated in the human being;
for we are all essentially the same tlcsh and blood,
from tlie tadiK)le to the President, anil what is good
for one is good for the other. Now, what do we use
salt for in almost everything we eat ; It not only fur-
nishes no nutriment, pleasure, or anything else, but
is absolutely a poison ; and that is the reason we
take it, to prevent undue germination of worms
within us. The old-time Hollanders used to punish
their criminals by giving them unsaUed food, and
they were thus soon literally devoured by the worms
engendered in their own stomachs. Now what causes
gapes in chickens ? Worms. What is given animals
to prevent this ? Salt. But all the books, etc., say
salt will kill chickens. So it would you, if you took
too much, as they often do through the habit of bolt-
ing their food without mastication ami tasting. In
brief, and in fact when the weather is damp and cool,
always put about as much salt in the chicks' feed as
you would in your own bread, and I will answer for
the life of every one. I never lost a chick by gapes
iu my life, and have raised thousands.

Raising Geese.

When a farmer has a tract of low, marshy land
near his house, where there is a running stream of
water, he might raise geese profitably by c«nflning
them to this tract during the day in summer, and
yarding them at night. When allowed to run on good
grass land their manure is so strong that it kills the
grass where dropped ; and for this reason many
farmers have given up raising them. But they are
certainly profitable, as they are subject to no disease,
always salable (dressed) at a fair price, and their
feathers will pay the expenses of keeping them.
VVith an extensive marshy range more money could
be made by raising geese than on any other kind of
domestic poultry.

The First Food for Chickens.
Just before the chick breaks from its narrow cell,
tlie last of the yolk is taken into the stomach, which
gives it the strengtli to make its own grand eflort for
freedom. This food will certainly last twelve, if not
twenty-four hours after it is free. During that time
no other food is needed ; only rest is required for the
little stranger, after its exhausting labor. — runllrij
Wo7-hl, May.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

The Semi-Tuopicai,.— The June number of this
excellent magazuie is unusually interesting. Ex-
(iovcrnor (ileason contributes a valuable paper on the
importance of "Southern Inland Navigation" be
tween the Mississippi Valley and the Atlantic sea-
board. C. Drew, State Comptroller of Florida, has
a carefully written .and scholarly article entitled,
" Making the Most of a Topic," in which he traces
the similarity between the sites of Tallahassee and
ancient Jerusalem. "The People and Language of
the Timucua," by A. S. (iatschet, is an interesting
historical and philological paper. William V. Browne
presents intei-esting facts relative to sugar-cane and
oranges, the two great staple crops of the Indian
Kiver section of Florida. Dr. D. H. Jac(|ues has an
interesting article on " Naming the Baliy." A valu-
able abstract of the report of the committee of the
Florida Fruit-(i rowers' Association on the " Nomen-
clature of the Orange " is given. " The Triumphs of
Peace," referring to the political condition of the
South, and "Is Florida the Poor Man's Home?" by
the editor, will be read with interest. Dr. D. II.
J.aeques continues his series of articles on "Garden-
ing all the Year Kound," which are regarded as in-
valuable by the Southern planter and gardener.
There are several other interesting articles. The
"Editorial Department" contains much instructive
original and selected matter on fruit culture, garden-
ing, stock growing, lioricidture, jioultry raising,
household alfairs, etc. Under the head of " Note,
Query and Incident" the editor will hereafter answer
a part of the. many inquiries received concerning the
State, its advantages, etc. All interested in Florida
should send 30 cents to the publisher, Chas. W. Blew,
Jacksonville, for a copy. Three dollars per annum.

A Song wortu its weight in Gold. — "Bless
the Badrjc of Heaven's Bhie." The above is the title
of a new and beautiful song and chorus that is worth
its weight in gold. It is composed by " Charlie
Bilker," America's famous song writer. Nothing
ever written contains such fine sentiments and beau-
tiful melody. It is really the advance guard of all
temperance songs, and is fully endorsed by all
leaders of the " Murjihy movement." We ask,
therefore, that every professing Christian, whose eye
may chance to fall on this article, to consider the
subject prayerfully, anil see if our assertions be not
true. 'Then we urge them in the name of that
Master whom they serve, to' prepare for the contest.
The work of saving the fallen must not cease while
there is one to save, and we know of no better way
than the introduction of the above beautiful song
into every family circle in the world. A copy should
be seen iu full view on every piano and organ in the
land. Each copy of the song contains a beautiful
cabinet-sized photograjih of Francis Murphy, origina-
tor of the jiresent prevailing Murphy movement.

Any music dealer in this country will mail you a
copy on receipt of fifty cents. Published by F. W.
Ilelmiek, .W West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bis.MABi-'K. — His authentic biography, including
many of his private letters and personal memoranda.
Giving curious researches into his ancestry ; lively
incidents of his youth and student life ; and a full
account of his social surroundings, and the growth
of his oflieial and public career. Translated from
the German of George Hesekill. With an intro-
ductory by Bayard Taylor. Profusely illustrated by
actual sketches from Bismarck's life — Home, Stu-
dent, Political and Battle Scenes, Portraits, Land-
scapes. Ornamental Vignettes, &e., by distinguished
German artists. 59(j pages. Royal S vo. J. B. Ford
& Co., Now York. " Mitt (Jott fur Koiuij mitl
Vaterland." As interesting as the most highly
wrought romance, and vastly more instructive. We
are not astonished at the greatness of Bismarck, he
had an illustrious line of ancestors, and what is
better still, a great mot/ier, in addition to circum-
stances, and personal merits.

Injuiuous Insects of Miouig.in, by A. J. Cook,
of the .Michigan State Agricultural College. From
report of the State Board of Agriculture for 1.S71.
This is a royal Svo. pamphlet of"4H pages, and from
beginning to end we recognize, in its illustrations at
least, the foot-prints of Prof. Riley, and it is therefore,
probably, more of a compilation" adapted to a local
district than an original work. Indeed, nearly all
that is published on practical entomology over the
whole country, bears the impress of Riley's brain and
handwork. This, however, does not detract from its
usefulness. If the same matters, .adapted to the
diflerent localities, were published in all the States of
the Union, it would be all the better, as it would
facilitate that dlH'usion which is so essential in getting
these works before the people. But what of the peo-
ple ? Do they read and heed as they ought, propor-
tioned to the interests involved '! We fear not. Real
diffusion cannot be without appropriation.

Kunkel's Bitter^Wine of Iron. — Many are the
medicinal remedies tllat find their way, by imposing
advertisements, into the columns of tlie newspapers
and magazines of the country, of wliicli it might be
admissible to characterize as ' ' good , bad and iiiditl'er-
ent," but we believe that time, circumstances and
experience will demonstrate, without a peradventure,
that E. /•'. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron, advertised
in the columns of this journal, will be entitled to a
position among the first named qualities. There is
hardly a respectable druggist in the country who
does not Sell it, and hardly a respectable periodical
that does not advertise it ; and these facts, together
with the rationale of its composition, and the increas-
ing demand for it as a reliable tonic, cannot be inter-
preted otherwise than favorable to the " virtues and
values " of this popular medicine. Our readers will
only consult their own interest by referring to the
advertisement and acting on its suggestions.

NiNTji ANNU.tL REI'OKT of the Noxlous, Beneficial
.and other In.sects of the State of Missouri. Made to
the Stale Board of Agriculture, "pnrsuaiU to an.
ajtjjrojjriation for this purpose, from the Jje</lslatare
of the State;" by Charles V. Riley, State Entomolo-
gi.st. For the yeftr 1870. A royal octavo, in pajicr
covers; 12',l pages, and a copious index ; accurately
illustrated, aiKl in. fair print, on white calendered
paper. Its i)ractieal character may be judged from
the subjects it discusses, among which we may in-
stance : The Gooseberry Span- Worm, the imported
Currant Worm, the native Currant Worm, the Straw-
berry Worm, Abljot's White Pine Worm, Le Coute's
Pine Worm, the Colorado Potatii-bcetle, the Army
Worm, the White-Head Army Worm, the Rocky
Mountain Locust and others. Like all of Prof. Riley's
former reports, it exhibits thoraugh labor, patient
and persevering research and skillful illustration, iu
a vast field of usefulness.

Great Fortunes in Gold and Silver are re-
ported daily from the Black Hills and San Juan
Mines. Thousands are flocking thither from all
parts of the country. The rush for Califorjiia, in
18-ttl, and Pike's Peak in 1858, was nothing compared
witli this new hegira. But all who are bound to go,
or who think of going to the Black Hills Gold Mines,

or the San Juan Silver Land, should get all the facts
they can before they start— such as the location of
the mines ; actual yield to this time ; the best routes ;
cost of getting there; cost of living; businessopenings';
population of the towns and camps ; character of the
country, &c., &e. Tlie Colorado State Birectory tor
1877—2.50 pages — contains all that the capitalist or
emigrant wants to know about the Colorado, San
Juan and Black Hills Mines. This directory, to-
gether with a supplement and a Map of l/te San .Juan
country and the Blaek Hills, will be' sent post-paid
for one dollar. • Address J. A. Blake, publisher,
Denver, Colorado.

Pennsylvania School Journal.— The June
number of this excellent educational magazine com-
pletes its tieenty-sixth iwlinne, and is annuallv rich in
the amount and quality of its school literature. We
can only estimate the vast amount of matter it con-
tains during the yf ar, on subjects relating to the in-
terests of our public schools, by a careful examina-
tion of the index accompanying this number. It is
saying just the least that can or ought to be said in
this connection, that every school director in the State,
every school teacher in the State, whether male or
female, and every board of school directors in the
State, ought to take one or more copies of this jour-
nal, and ought to thoroughly read and study it ; and
we don't see how there can be an intelligent discharge
of their school duties without doing so. J. P. Wiek-
ersham it Co., Lancaster, Pa. Ijfl .fiO a year.

Instructions in Strawuekry CtaTURE, by E.
W. DuRAND,of Irvington, Essex county, New .Jersey.
A concise and remarkably well arranged 12mo.
pamphlet of 03 pages, including a copious index, in
which the amateur strawberry cultivator may find
all that is necessary to know from theory alone. As
Mr. Durand is a cultivator of large experience, and
gives only the results of that experience, this little
volume will at all times be a reliable hand-book on
this subject, even if it should be demonstrated that
in some cases a modification should be deemed advisa-
ble in adapting it to special localities. Mr. Durand's
" invitation to all interested in strawberry culture "
to visit his farm when the fruit is in season, will be
found in another column of this paper, and we re-
gret that it came to hand after our last number had
already gone to press.

A Descriptive Catalogue of Homosopathic
Works on Domestic and Veterinary Practice, to-
gether with the prices of HouKepjithie medicines,
either by single vials or complete sets. From
Boericke and Tafel, Homrepathic Pharmaceutists and
Publishers, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
San Francisco. This is a royal 12 mo. pamphlet of
+'; pages, and contains within its covers not only lists
of books, medicines, sanitives, .fee., together with
their jirices, but also plain rules on diet for the sick,
and receipts for invalids, and many other domestic
matters relating to bodily health and personal mis-
cellany. Our Ilonueopathic readers can rely on our
endorsement of the above firm, as to perfect relia-
bility jii all that relates to their vocation.

Butter and Butter Making, with the best
methods for producing and marketing it, by Willis
P. Hazard, President of the Chadd's Ford Farmer's
Club, author of " The Jersey, Alderiiey and Guern-
sey Cow," &c., Philadelphia, Porter it Coates, No.
822 Chestnut street. A handsome 12 mo. of 48
pages in paper covers, and illustrated with four
figures of the best " Butler Cows," namely, import,
ed Jersey " Duchess;" " Tilearia" of Centennial
Premium Herd; "Improved Niobe," and "Milk-
maid." This little volume discusses the cliemistry
of butter, feeding, coloring, washing, milking, skim-
ming, working and many other necessary things to
secure good butter.

The Young Folks' Monthly. — Young people
read the June number of the Yoiini/ Folks' Monthly,
wliicli is brimful of good things for eutertaiument
and instruction. Should be read by every young
person in the east, west, north and south. Price
only ¥1.00 a year. Send lo cents for sample copy.
Address the YoTTNG I"oLKS' Monthly, No. 151
Fifth avenue, Chicago, 111.

What has "gang a'glbe?"— We have not
received a copy of the National Live Stock Journal
at this office since January last. This seems to us
somewhat extraordinary, especially as we have
cheerfully complied with all conditions of exchange.
We hope it is still aline. Will our hope be realized
in the future 'i

We call the .attention of our readers to the card of
W. C. Chatl'ee, in our advertising columns, as a mat-
ter of the greatest importance to those who desire
to obtain or to attain |)erfeetion in the art of pho-
nography, a qualification that is increasingly in de-
mand in this country.

Proceedings of the Fifth .\nnual Sessions of the
Naticmal Agricultural Congress, at Philadelphia,
Pa., September 12th, Kith and 14th, 1870. Chicago.
Prairie Fanner Co., Printers.

ToiiAcco In Virginia and North Carolina. Presen-
ted by the .Southern Fertilizing Company, Richmond,
Va.,'l877. Svo.

Monthly Reports of the Kansas State Board of
Agriculture for February and March, 1877. 8 vo.

THE LANCASTER FARMER

Il[.

Dyspepsia! Dyspepsia! Dyspepsia!

nvKiiM.iria i» llio most i^n.lpsiiig of all human ailniPuti.
Its ivmi>ton]» aif ulnioKt lullniee iu tlieir variety, ami the
forlorn and il«'«pon(l<-ul vi.-tima of the ilisn.ise often lancy
theni»elvf«tbi' prev. in turn, of every known malady. Ibia
is due in part, to t'he alose sympathy which •■x.Mn between
IhOBtomach and the l)raiu, and m port aluo to the fact that
any di»turtianei' of the digexlivo function noce»B»rlly dia-
orders the liver, the howeln and the nervous system, and
affecta, to some extent, the quality of the blood.

E V. Kuukela Bitter Wine of Iron a sure cure. This 19
not'n new preparation, to be tried and found wsntiUK, it has
been prescribed daily for many years in the practice of
emiuent phyeiciaus with unparalelled success. It is not ex-
pected or intended to cure all the diseases to which the
human family is subject, but is warranted to cure dyspepsia
in its most obstinate form. Kunkel's Bitter \V iiic ol Iron
uever fails to cure. Syni)iton8 of Dyspepsia are loss of
appetite, wind and risln((Of the food, dryness of the mouth,
beartburn, distenlion ol the storanch and bowels, constipa-
tion, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness and low spirits.
Try the ureat rcmedv and be convinced of its merits. Oet
the gonuine. Take only Runkels, which is put only iu one
dollai bottles. Depot, 'JS'.l North Ninth street, Philadelphia,
Pa. It never fails. For sale by all Drugxists and Dealers
•verywbere.

Ask for E. F. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron and take no
other. 8ix l>otlle8 for 6ve dollars, or one dollar per bottle.

Worms !

Worms

Worms

E. F. KuukePs Worm Syrup uever fails to destroy Pin,
Seat and .Stomach Worms. Dr. Kiinkel, the only successfnl
physician who removes Tape Worm in two hours alive with
bead, and no fee until removed. Common sense teaches if
Tape Worm be removeii, all other worms can be readily de-
fltroyed. Send for circular to E. F. Kuiikel, '2.59 North
Ninth street, Philadelphia, Pu., or call on your druggist for
a bottle of Kunkel's Worm Syrap, iirice $1. It never fails.

To the Worhllis i'lass.— We are now prepared to
furnish all classes with ct>witant employment at home, the
whole of the time, or for their spare moments. Business
new, light and profitable. Persons of either sex easily earn
from 511 cents to $5 ]ier evening, and a jiroportioiial sum by
devotiug their whole time to the business. Boys and girls
earn nearly as much as men. That all who see this notice
may send their adkress, and test the business we make this
unparalleled ofler : To such ;:s are not well satistied we will
send one dollar to pay for the trouble of writing. Full par-
ticulars, samples worth several dollars to connneuce work
on, and a copy of Home and Fireside, one of the largest and
best Illustrated Publications, all sent free by mail. Reader,
if you want permanent, profitable work, address,

9-3-4ni tiEoaoE Stinson & (.'O., Portland, Maiue

War in Europe.

DIC^/I A PP^'"^^^ '^"*^^"''^' Biof^'raiihy, Trivato Letters
DIoiVlnriuN.and Meiuorjindjt. lutroductiou by Bay -
nr4l 'i'nylor, (.irapbio and eutertainiug. Full of anec-
dote, wit, romautie iucident. and great historical eventy.
Profusely IlliiNtratocI with actual sketches from Bis-
murk 'b life— home, student, jioliticHl and battle scenes, por-
trsitB, landacapes, etc. This Life of Europe's greatest
sttttesman is jut*t the book for the times, deliueatiug aa it
does all the famous Uulers. Generals, and Diplomats — co-
actors with Bismarck. SpecialCanvasse«h wanted to sup-
ply the urgent demand for this live hook. Good pay. Circu-
lar, free. Write to J, B. FORD & CO , Few York. 9-;)-6m.

_^ ^wp^F^ '^ ^^^ easily earned in these times, but it can be
/ni /| /I/ made iu three months by any one of either
N^ / / / '^^^i '"^ °"y 1'^''* ^^ *^^ country who is willing
ClJ III ^o""**''^ steadily at the employment that we
^1^ ■ ■ • furuieh. $6t» per week iu jour own town. You
need not be aw«y from home over night. Yon can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare momenta. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and $5 Outfit free.
Address at once, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.

9-3-1 y

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

I

l.inen laud Paper Collars and CuITh

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

AT

E. J. ehisman'S,

No. no North Queen Street,
Second door from Shober's Hotel.

9-l-ly

Genuine Peruvian Guano.

As received direct from Peruvian Gov-
ernment .\gcnts.

Ris-KL & C'o's. AMMONIATED SC-
PEKPHOSPHATE OF LIMB, the best in
the market. GROUND BONE— the pur-
est and best. FARM IMKLEMENTS—
the latest improved.
The above sold at very low prices, to
meet the demands of Habd Times,
Send for 22d Annual Pamphlet.

H. B. GKIFFING,
60 Cortlandt SS., New York City.

PERUVIAN

GUANO.

WARRAMTEa

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877
CI-OTHS,

CASSIMERES,

COATIXOS, ^tVOK.S'l'KKDS,

VESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Ohiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, utriped .ind diaf^onal.lor .Sijring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Eatablished in the year 18*0),

Coruer of North tjiieeu and Oraiij;e-St8.,

LANCASTER, PA.

Extra finished and trimmed. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEK AND BOTS,

and clothing cut or made to order iu tho most satisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' FUUNISHINO GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ly Practical Tailors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANUFACTUREKOF

Plain and Fine Harness,

SADDLES,

COLLARS, "WHIPS, &c.,

AL.SO DEALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO ROBEH.

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

^-l-ly LANCASTER, PA.

H. Z. RHOAD3.

CHA3. G. RH0AD3.

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H.Z.RHOADS&BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wboleaale and Retail Dcalera io

DIAfflOmS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVERWARE. SPECTACLES,

Broiises, Clock: and Watchniaksrs' Iilaterials,

JOBBKI\_S IN i\MEI\.ICAN WATCIi[ES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR

Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

9-l-ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN,

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HARDWARE,

CLASS,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TEEBACOTTAJRONanclLEADPIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Agent!* for tbe

" Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, &c., <tec.

FA-RBIERS,

IMPROVE YOUR POULTRY,

D«rk. Brahma, Brown Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, S. 8.
Hamburg ami Houdan

EGGS FOR, SALE.

My fowls are of the best aud eygs wurrauted fresh.

Address HAYDN H. TSHUDY,

9-4-'2m Lititz, Pa.

AMOS MILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTUUBK OF ANI> DEALER n*

Saddles, Harness, Collars

Bridlea, Whips. &c. Alao a flue lot of Truuke. Valises,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired, j

9-1-17

We have tho largest Block of geueril Hardware in the
State, aud onr prices are as low aud teruiH as liberal as oaa
be found else.when*. 9-1-tf.

E. N. FRESHMAN & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,
186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are aotborizefl to contract for advertlHlnf
iu tbia paper.

EsliJiaies faniislieil free. send for a Cirenlar.

SlIWCRIBE FOU THE

THE LANCASTER FARMER,

The cheapest and best Agricultural Paper
in the country.

300 Canvassers Wantel Send for Terms, Ico,

lY.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[ June, 1877.

LADIES !

WK HAVE JUST OPENED

NEW CROP

GUNDAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STOKE,

A HEW LOT or

HAMEGEMBROIDEREBEDGIIGS

ANIJ

INSERTINGS,

AT THE VERY LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid GlOTes,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CEAPE B0:N^NETS & HATS,

BUCHINGS,

all Btylefi and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAS,

that is good, desirable and cheap.
Give UB a call at

108.142 & 144 XorthQufen-st, Lancaster., Fa.

9-1 -ly

ESTABLISHED 1817.

MRS. BANNER'S MILLINERY,

No, 30 M EST KING STREET,

This is the oldest and most reliable eatabliBhment in the
county. All our work gives entire satiBfaction. Goods of
ALL grades kept in great variety aurt in prieee to suit all.
The latest styles always ou hand. New goods received every
day. Do not forget SO West King Street, for best
■work and best goods, at lowest price.

German spoken by attendants, 9-5-lt

a Week to Agents. $10 Outfit Frcf.

P. O. VICEEKY, Augusta, Maine,

$55 to $77

8-8-1 y

A NE\A/' BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRXJIT CULTURE,

BEING A GUIDE TO THE PBOPER

CulHvation and Management of J^ruit Trees, and

of Grapes and Small Fruits,
■with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most
popular varieties, with upwards, of one hundred engravings.
.By Thomas Gregg. Price $1.00.

A book wiiich should be owned by every pereon who owns
a rod of available land, and it will serve to secure success
where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fully, without technicalities, and is a work on

Fruit Culture for the lAiilioxi.

It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, soil, fl«lection, diseases, injects, borers,
blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering,
budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is
a most complete

Guide to Small-Fruit Culture.

with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries,
Gooseberries, Cut rants, etc.

Th» work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmer and How
to raiBe Fruits, will be furnished at $1,76. Address

1., RATUVON.
SS.Sontta ^aeen*9t., Lancaster, Pa.

■NTEW AND ENLARGED EDITION OF OUR

EEEEDEE'S lAANUAL

IsjuBtout. Pr.ce, 23 cents. Eveiy farmer should have it.
It contains 56 large double-column pages of valuable reading
matter, besides 16 full-page cuts, from life,ofourstock.

BUEPEE^S INFALLIBLE

TuRNiP SeEdS

EXTRA FINE AND CHOICE SEED.

NEW CROP OF

Early White Flat Dutch, Red Top Strap

Leafj only 55 cents per lb, postpaid,

5 lbs, by Express for $2,00,

All other varieties of Turnips and other Seeds for sowing in
the Summer and Autumn, at LOWEST CASH PRICES.
SEED WHEAT, &c.,

BLOODED LIVE STOCZ.

THOROUGHBRED ALDERNEY,

AYRSHIRE AND SHORT-HORN

CATTLE AND CALVES.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD

AND LEICESTER SHEEP.

SWINE AND POULTRY A SPECIALTY.

ftf5,We have now fine GROWTHY PIGS for sale, in pairs,
not akin, of Chester Whites, Yorkshires, Berkshires, Essex
and Poland China.

BENSON & BURPEE'S Seed Warehouse. 223 Churph St., Philada-

ISSU) ■

Creepii:., 1 ;.-■
destroy^ Lii.
Mt:>t>i5, Ants
Meal Worms

,tll Flying or
. :,- i , _ . . tad cftectually
, t-lc.ts, l\.u.icinjs, Centipedes,
Files, Mosquitoes, Bed Bugs,
Spiders, Scorpions, and every

species of Insects.
It Contains No Poison ! It is harmless as water to
human and animal life, but sure death to Insects. It is strong-
ly recommended by air who have tried it. We have yet to
hear of a single complaint. We guarantee every box, and if it
does not do all we recommend, it can be returned (even if half
of the powder be used I and we will as cheerfully refund the
money. One trial will convince any one of its merits. It is
invaluable to Faimers, as it thoroughly kills all Hoe, fleas and
insects on animals without the slightest danger to the animal.
It destroys all troublesome insects on vegetables and plants.

PRICE, 25 & 50 CENTS PER BOX, POSTPAID.

Prize Medal Awarded by the Centcnaial
Com mission to

IMPROVED BUTTER TOBS AND COOLERS,

With movable Ice Cham-
bers, Patented Jan. 12,
1876. Best in the market.
Are made of white cedar,
bound with galvanized
iron or braes hoops.
Within the tub is fitted a
tin Cooler, having a
movable Chamber for
ice at each end. On the
tin is constructed a se-
ries of ledges, on which
rest the shelves for sup-
porting the butter (Print
Butier); are used without shelves for Roll Butter. Can be
locked for shipping. Hinges, Hasps, and Fixtures, are tinned
to render theoi rust proof. J. G. UOKIILER,

9-3-3m Msnufacturer, No. 503 N, 8econd-st., Phila.

FXMFZ.SS.

I will mail (Free") the receipt for preparing a simple Veg-
liABLE Balm that will remove Tam, Feeckles, PIMPLES
and BLOTCHES, leaving the skin soft, clear and beantiful;
also instructions for producing a luxuriAnt growth of hair
on a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vandelf &
Co., Box 6121, No. 6 Wooster St., H. T. l9-l-6m

CHAFFEE'S

PHONOGRAPHIC INSTITUT^

AND

Oswego BUSINESS College,

OSWEOO, N. Y.

«S=SEND STAMP FOR (.■IKCDL.iB AND FREE
LESSON IN PHONOGRAPHY.

EZRA F. BOWMAN",

Practical Watciimaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 10ft
East Kin^f Street, a new and well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

MA^TKRI^LS, &:c.

Ameaican Watches from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver (?ases, in weights to suit purchasers. American and
imported Clocks in over fifty different styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their
quality. W^atches and Clocks carefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
all. 9-4-6m

ESTABLISHED 1832.

-^"B^W

G. SENER & SOISrS,

Mauafacturera and dealers in all kinds of rough' and
finished

X-XTIMEBSR,

Also Sashy

The beet Sawed SUINtiLES iu the country.
Doors, Blinds, MoxUdings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best COAL, constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Kortiieast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts.,

LANC-A^SXER, FA..

9-1-ly

I

$1 a Year

t To fcub^cribere m
'( the L'oiinty.

SINGLE COPIES 10 CEITTS.

To lubecribfrfl otit of )
tbecouDty. (

$1.26

EATHVON, Editor.

UNN51US EATHVON, Publisher.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

97'
97
98

A Better Civilization, - . - .

Late Potato Planting, . . . .

Trees Killed by Salt, ....

The Elm Tree Beetle, - . - . . 98

Reminder for July, --.-.- 98

Unit«d Stales CommisBioner of Agrieulture, - 98

Meeting of the American Pomological Soeiety, 98

Explanation, --98

Making; Wine from Native Grapee, - - 99

The Seventeen Year Locusts, - - - - 99

What is a Practical Farmer ? - - - 99

Patrons of Husbandry, - .... 99

Echoes from the Public Press, . - . 100

Correspondence, 100

• Queries and Answers, 101

Crops in North Carolina. M. Richvine, • lOli
From Nebraska. Suiney A. Gnylor, ■ 102
Abies — Spruce Fir. -/. Stanfftr, - - - 102
Large Farms and Small Farms— Their Advanta-
ges and Disadvantages. A. S. Kise, - - 102
Practical Contributions from Leollne, - - 103

The Horse. L. S. Reist, 10;o

Thoroughbred >Southdo\vns, . - - . 104

Legal Rates of Interest, - - - . 104

Tobacco 104

■ A iievr Pest for Tobacco Growere— Three Thou-
eftod Pouuds to the Acre — Tobacco in Berks.

Cutting and Curing Tobacco, - - - 105

Culture of Tobacco, - . . . . 105

A few Practical Hints — Danger of Overdoing it

— Shedding, Storing, &c.

The Turnip Crop, 105

The Origin of Prairies, . . - - . 105
Why they are not Encroached Upon by Border-
ing Woods.

How to Keep Our Boys at Home, - - - 106

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Agricultural and Horticultural Society, . 106

Tobacco Growers' Association, . . - . 107

■ The Linnsan Society, - - - . . 108
The Duuatioue — Historical Collection — Library
— Papers Read.

AGRICULTURAL.

Report of Dqiartment of -Agriculture for June, 108

A Farm Roller, 108

Carting Out Manure, - . . - . 108

Liquid Manure, ...... 108

Cut the Weeds While Small, ... 108

HORTICULTURAL.

Blackberry Culture, 109

Varieties of Celery, - - . - . 109

Apples and the Way to Keep Them, - . 109

American Fruit in Europe, ... 109

Raspberries from Cuttings, .... 109

Floating Melon Gardens, .... 109

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Household Receipts, 109

A Milk Diet, 110

Dried Eggs, 110

To Make Butter Hard, 110

Refrigerators and How to Make One, - - 110

Kerosene Lamps, ...... no

LIVE STOCK.

Good Cows,

The Royal Cow,

A Good Mare, .....

Intelligence of Cows, ....
Black Teeth in Hogs, ....
Keep Horses Feet Clean, ....

110
110
110
110
110
110

THE APIARY.

How to Begin Bee Keeping, - . - . Ill

Italian and Native Be«s, .... Ill

Beeswax, -.--..-. Ill

Extracted Honey, Ill

THE POULTRY YARD.

Effects of Cold Storms on Poultry, - . Ill

Vermin on Poultry, -.-.-. Ill

Purification of Hen Houses, - - 111

All Styles of Chicken Coops, - ... 112

Red Pepper and Poultry, - . ' - - 112

Turkeys, 112

Catching Hawks, ..... 112

Soft Eggs, .-.-... 112

Dead Shot on Poultry Lice, ... 112

Supply your Chickens with Milk, ... 112

Literary and Personal, - - - - 112

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

fl|l |iII6ijliF

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER, ,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the
wante of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower,

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited ty Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

TERMS:

To eubecribers roeiding wiibin the county —
One Copy, one year, -----. $i.oo
Six Copies, one year, - - - . . . 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. ---.--_ y.jo

To BUbBcribere outside of Lancapter county, iucluding
postage pre-paid by the pubheherH:
One Copy, one year, - - - - - - $1.25

Five Copies, one year, . - . . . . 5,00

All eubecrij-tioue will commence with the January num-
ber unless otberwiee ord»?red.

All commuuicatious intended for publication should be
addressed to the Editor, and. to pecure iuFertion. should be
in hie haudu by the first of the month of publication.

All bueinesH letters, containing 8ub»cn)>tionB and adver-
tieemeuts, should be addreaeed to the publisher.

LINNAEUS RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DBALRR IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WAATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Repairing strictly attended ,to.

ZAHIVE'S COFtNEFi.

ITorth Queen-st, and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa.
9-4-iy

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ELIZABETH STOCK FARMS.

RATES OF ADTERTINIXG—Tcn C«nl4« ■>
lime for «a«t> insertion. Twelve lines to tbe inch

Registered Pure-Bred and High Grade

Jersey Bull^ Cows and Calves^

COHHlantly on Hnnd nnd
For ShIo.

BERKSHIRES BRED WITH CARE. .
COLIN CAMERON,

9-<-ly) Brickerville, Ljinciuater Co., Fa.

n.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

A CpVASSER WpTED

IN

EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY

TO TAKE

SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

FIRMER.

Farmers' Sons and other

Young Men duriug their

leisure hours

CAN MAKE

GOOD WAGES,

We want a thorough canvass of every

district, and will pay canvassers

liberally.

Address,

L. RATH70N, Publisher,

I.ANCASTER, PA.

Rates of AdvertlslnB In the Farmer.

1 in.

3 iu.

4iu.

5 in.

Sin.

$1.00 $ 2.00
2 00, 4.00
8.50 4.50
3.00| 6.00
4. .50; 9.00
6.001 11.00
9.0OI 18.00

$3.00
6.00
6.75
9.00
13.50
13.00
2i.00

$ 4.0O
8.00
10.00
12.00
18.00
•24.00
36.00

$ 6.00
12.00
13. 5U
18.00
2T.00
36.00
54.00

$ 3.00

16.00

13.00

24.60

36.00

* mo

48.00
Ti 00

pi^Special and buaiuesa potices 15 <;euta per liue

GOOD BOOKS

FOK THE

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The following ia a list of Valuable Books, which will be
auppUed by the Editor of the Lancahteb Fabmbb, No.
101 North Queen St. Auy one or more of these books will
be sent post paid to auy of our readers on receipt of the
regular price which is named against dach book.

AllAD'fl (R. L. & L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50

Allen's (L. F.) American Cattle.* 2 50

Atwood's Country and Suburban Houses 150

Bommer's method of Making Manures 25

Breck's New Book of Flowers 1 T5

Brill's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 100

Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, 13mo 1*0 I

Dadd'8 American Cattle Doctor, 13 mo 1 50

Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Kssayaby practical growers,) 30

Fuller's Grape Culturist 1 50

Fuller's Small Fruit Culturiat 1 5»

Fulton's Peach Culture 1 50

Gregory on Squashes paper.. 30

Harris on the Pig 150

Henderson's Gardeniug for Pleasure 1 50

Henderson's Gardening for Profit 150

Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers » 1 T5

Hop Culture. By nine eiperieuced cultivatora 30

Hunter and Trapper 100

Onioua— How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acras. Pa., 30c.; Clo., «0c., Ex. clo. 1 00

Parsons on the Rose 1 50

Quinby 'a Mysteries of Bee-Keeplng 150

Quincy (Hon. Joaiah) on Soiling Cattle 1 25

Quiun's Money in the Garden 1 50

Quinu'a Pear Culture for Profit, 1 (^0

Riley's Potato Peats Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 75

Roe's Play and Profit iu my Garden 1 50

Stewart's Irrigaton for the Farm, Garden 'Eud Orchard I 50

Stewart's Stable Book 1 oO

Stewart'^ Shepherd's Manual 150

Sfoddard's Ann Egg Farm paper, 50 eta.; cloth 75

Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 160

Tim Bunker Papers . or, Yankee Farming 150

Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25

Wariug'a Draining for Profit and Health 1 50

Wa ring's Elements of Agriculture 1 00

White's Cranberry Culture 1 25

Wright's Practical Poultry-Keeper* 2 00

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUBEK OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS FRENCH KID BOOTS

TOR FOB

CJENTI-EMESf. I,.4DIE8.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S

9-l-l.v

CHILD'S SHOES A SPEOIALTY.

kutgspohd's

iiiih

U the BEST and MOST ECONOMICAL in the World.
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substances that injure Linen.
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quantity in using.
Is UNIFORM— stiffens and finishes work always the same.

Eingsford's Oswego Corn Starch

I.s the most deliciou.^ of uU prejiarations for

PUDDINGS, BLANC-MANGE, CAKE, Etc.

'■l-7-lml

J. STAUFFER,

LANCASTER, i'ENN'A.
235 EAST ORANGE ST.

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

^THE NATIONAL

. LIVE-STOCK,

JOURNAL,

Pablished at
CHICAGO, ILLS.

THIS GREAT MONTHLY is universally ackaowU
ledged to be wiihout a rival in its department of
Journalism. Each number contains 48 large pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover.
and is Beautifully Illustrated with elegant double-
plate eugraviuga. It is the only paper in the world
devoted exclusively to live-stock and the dairy. It
discusses the science of breeding, the merits of the
various breeds, the most approved methods of feed-
ing and handling, and everything pertaining to tha
successful management of live stock on the farm.
Duriug the year 1877, Prof. Jahkb Law, the eminent
veterinary of Cornell University, will contribute a
series of articles upon the laws of health and disease
as appUed to Domestic Animals, that cannot fail to
be of great value to Farmers and Stock Breeders
every where. It contains separate Departments,
devoted to HORSES, CATTLE. SHEEP.SWINE and
the DAIRY, and its corps of editors are recognized
throughout the entire country as the Most Thob-
ouOH, Able and Pbactical writers in the separate
departments, that can be found in America. No ex-
pense is spared on the part of its publishers, to
make it a hiijh-totied, reliable, practiral and instruc-
tive Journal, just such as every intelligent farmer
and stock breeder will find worth ten times its cost
each year,

TERMS, — Single copies, one year, postage paid,
82.15 ; Clubs of five, postage paid, 81-90 ; Clubs
of ten, with an extra copy free to person making up
club, postage pre-paid, ^1.65. HandHomely Illus-
trated posters mailed to all who will get \(p clubs. Ad-
dress letters, registering thosp containing monej,
unless in shape of Postal Order or Draft, to

STOCK JOURNAL COMPA>Y, Publishers.

Lakeside Building, CHICAGO, ILLS.

t^~SBND 20 Cents fob Specimen Copy. [9-3-3m

FITS AND EPILEPSY,
FALLING SICKNESS

Permanently Cured— no liainhiis— by one
month's uHrt^e of I>r. GonIar<rs fVlebrated
Inrallllbe Fit Powders. To convince sufferers that
these powders will do all we claim for them, we will send
them by mail, post paid, a free Trial box. As Dr.
Goulard ia the only physiciau that has ever made this dis-
ease a special study, and as to our knowledge thoxisands
have been parmanently cured by the use of these
Powders, we will §ruarantee a permanent
cure in every case, or refund you all money ex-
pended. All sufferers should give these Powders an
aarly trial, and be convinced of their curative powers.

Price for large box $3,00, or 4 boxes for $lu,O0, sent by
mail to any part of United States or C'anada on receipt of
price, or by express, C. O. D. Address.

ASH Sc ROBBINS,

0-5-ly iifiO Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N, Y.

CONSUMPTION

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS.

promptly attended to. His experience, success and faithful
ateotion to the interests of those who engage bis services
are fully acknowledged and appreciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable .^8
Blatant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing >
or description. [»-l-tf [ 9-5-ly

All sufferers from this disease that are anxious to be
cured should try Dr. Kissner's Celebrated Con-
sumptive Powders. These Powders are the only
preparation kuowu that will cure Consninptton and all
diseases of the Throat and I^nng:.*'- indeed, so strong
is our faith in them, and also to convince you that they are
no humbug, we will forward to every aufferer, by mail, post
paid, a free Trial Box.

We don't want your money until you are perfectly satis-
fied of their curative powers. If your life ia worth 3a\'ing,
don't delay in giving these Powders a trial, as they will
surely cure you. »

Price, for large box, $3,00, sent to auy part of the United
States or Canada by mail on receipt of price.

Address,

ASH &. ROBBINS.

9-ri-lv 3611 FuKou Street, Brooklyu, N. Y.

m LftNCASTEl! BUTHB CARRIER

Will enable you to
market your but-
ter in the best pos-
a i b le condition.
Competent judges
who have handled
butter shipped iu
it to the Philadel-
jjbia market, pro-
uouuce it the beat
ngement for
ying print but-
ter they ever saw.
Each print or pat
is carried iu a sep-
arate cup that can-
not be broken, up-
set, nor get out of
(dace.

All sizes and
forms of cups and
box will be made.

Circulars with
full description
and price list free.

E. L. RESH,

149 North Queen-9t., Lancaster, Pa.

J ._^"^>."- ■■~^?5 >: ^iSl^ar arran
■iii: -"i .-f J \ ter tt

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. BATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., JULY, 1877.

Vol. IX. No. 7.

A BETTER CIVILIZATION.
If Aincricnii agriiulturc lias an imsalisllcil need, It
|g surely the need for more intellifjenee luul more en-
terprising IntereBt on the part of Its working men
and women. Krom <me end of the land to the other,
its crying defect — recognized liy all— is that its best
blood— or, in other words, its best brains and its
best energy — is leaving it to seek other liclds of
labor. The intluences which lead these best of the
farmers' sons to other oecnpations is not so much
the desire to make more money, or to find a less la-
borious occupation, as It is the desire to lead a more
Batlsfactory life— a life where that part of us which
has been developed by better education and better
civili;;ation for which', in this century, we have work-
ed so hard and so well, may find responsive compan-
ionship ami encouraging intercourse with otlieis.

We have noticed the foregoiiis; paragraph
ill a nmuber of i)apeis without coinmeiU,
and we infer from thi.s that it received the
unqualiticd endorsement of all those who have
published it. We do not intend to either as-
sent or d'ssent, without (lualification ; but
when the writer asserts that young men of ed-
ucation leave the farm for the purpose of en-
joying a "better civilization" than that which
tlie farm affords, and to lind a more "respon-
sive conipanionsliip and encouraging inter-
course with others," we are not sure tltat such
a motive is always a iiroper one. Something
depends upon what is iu tlie man that he de-
sires others sliould respond to, or what is in
others to which he desires to respond. Simi-
larities unite, whilst dissimilarities disunite;
and, intelligent young men leaving the farm
with warped or perverted socral affections, will
be drawn towards those in the towns whose af-
fections are simiarly dwarfed and perverted,
and therefore, "the better civilization," al-
I hough it may be externally more refined and
showy, may be ititenially a hollow cheat. There
is something more tlian a cultivated brain ne-
(•essaiy to enable a young man to for;n tlie
proper social alliliations.

If heart culture does not go hand-in-haiul
with brain culture, there is no moral safety,
at least for a young man, either in the town
or on the farm. Thousands upon thousands
from the country and the farm are going every
year down to the moral Jericho of the city
and the town, falling into the hands of
"thieves and robbers," and are left wounded
and bleeding by the wayside; and are passed
"on the other .side" liy social priests and
Levites, and lind no good Samaritan to bind
up and pour oil into their wounds, and set
them on their way again. Not that (U! in the
cities and towns are literally thieves and rob-
bers, but that guided by a false inward moni-
tor, thes(^ young men may have naturally
sought such associations as the most congenial
to their own inclinations. There never was a
man yet who fell into temptation, that had not
something within him that was in harmony
with the tempter. Tho.se who could have mor-
ally and socially benefitted him, would have
appeared to him as prosey and as void of sensa-
tionalism as those he left on the farm, and there-
fore, there would have been no ground of aHilia-
tion between thcni. Witness the stercorarious
insect, who.se natural clement isstenchand filth.
See him expand his wings and fly abroad in
pursuit of new pleasures. lie describes his
circle of flight and pas.ses over perfumed and
honey-ladeiied flowers — turns his face away
from beauties and from fragrant odors that
have attracteil other insects, and finally folds
his wings and lights upon a concealed mass of
excremcnUtious liltli, and fairly revels therein;
because it is in harmony with his habitual
instincts, and lie seems powerless to deny their
control.

Man is a mirroromn — a little world, as it
were ; and in his moral and physical constitu-
tion, reflects some phase, or many phases, of
the great mwrorosm of nature which is out-
side of and separate from himself; and his char-

acter, when entirely free from social, conven-
tional and legal restraint, will be a correspon-
dential reflex of that which he has freely re-
ceived,that which is the basis of his internal af-
fections and desires. By liabitual perseverent^e
in any direction, which is impelled by his
ruling aft'ections, he will at length become as
unalterably confirmed in his habits as an
animal is confirmed in its instincts, with the
single reservation that he can be otherwise if
he will, but that of his own power alone he
ncrer will. Now, if he permits himself to be-
come morally a wolf, liow can he possibly be
in free and congenial association with those
that are lamlis? It is true, that for the sake
of social position, worldly fame, or pecuniary
compensation, he may assume the gn,fi) of the
lamb, but so fiir as relates to the constitution
of his soul, he will still be "a wolf in sheeps
clothing," and when it conflicts with no other
interest, he will be in association with wolves.
Every human attribute — every human aspira-
tion nr desire — every good or evil affection of
the liuman heart, in their multitudinous
phases, has its correspondential outbirth in
some object of the world of nature, an<l,
however externally restrained, will, internally,
be in sympathy with them ; and man's civiliza-
tion, tor Ijetter or for worse, will seek social
cohabitation with these, as naturally as one
animal will seek its likes in fetid filth, and
another in purity or in fragriint sweets.

Daniel Webster has given utterance to the
apothegm, that "The farmer is the founder
of civilization," and if there is any truth in
the saying, it seems to us that those who
imagine there is a " better civilization'" than
that which the farm is capable of developing,
must be in jiursuit of a most deceptive phan-
tom. Farmers are, perhaps, not laboring too
assiduously and too self-denyingly for the
])ossessions that ])ertain to this world ; but
they may be just as lialile as any other people
to laljor too little for those iiossessions which
they can cany over into the other life, and
constitute their capital in beginning the long
lease of eternity. And to possess those
elements of character tlierc, the foundation
must be laid here. The possessifin of worldly
wealth must be regarded as an instrument of
use — as a means of attaining a better civiliza-
tion, rather than as the end for which human
energy is exercised. For this pnrpose, the
highest physical and mental culture that their
lands, their bodies, and their intellects are
capable of attaining, will assure a more cer-
tain progress towards a better civilization
than placing themselves in rapport with the
contaminating influences of the sharji idlers
of the towns. Nothing can po.ssibly be
morally, socially and physically, more dam-
aging to ayoungmauof habitually industrious
habits in the country, than to be doomed to a
life of idleness in a city or a town ; moreover,
idleness is that satanic workshop, in which
many of the festering evils which aftlict society
are conceived, developed and executed. Social
intercour.se, when it is refined and pure, is a
great auxiliary to a " better civilization ;" but
when it is low, mean, and corrupt, nothing
tends to demoralization greater than it.

Our intentions are the very farthest from dic-
tation ; but, if farmers were to solicit onr advice,
we should say, so long as it depended upon
their own will and ability, that they should
remain on their farms. And we say this, not
that the town per .<e, or town .society, is nec-
essarily demoralizing; hut that often, from a
sense of inferiority, induced by a want of con-
fidence in them.selves, a lack of experience, and
the absence of intellectual culture, the farm-
ers defer too much to the conduct and the
oiiinions of those who are almost infinitely in-
ferior to themselves. And when they finally
get their eyes opened, they then only begin to

see the hollowin s-. and selfishness of that
"better civilization" wliich they had so ard-
ently coveted. AVe are just as far from intend-
ing to cast un<pialified reproach upon cities and
towns, for there is perhaps as pure and lofty
virtues cultivated and practiced in them as in
any part of the world. For the development
of the mechanical and commercial interests
of the country, there perhaps always will be,
and always must be, hamlets, villages and
towns. I'ut primarily there must be famis
and farmers, or society and civilization could
not exist; therefore, agriculture and the agri-
cultural interests of a country are paramount
to all other interests, and are the founders
and sustaiiiers of them; and instead of being
made a mere football to be kicked about by
the sharpers and shysters of society, they
ought to give to society its quality and its
tone — through their influence and example,
the "better civilization" of the world ought
to be engendered and developed.

Improve and beautify the farra,sofarasthe
means arc available and alfowablc. Establish
schools, lyccums, museums, and .social as well
as religious institutions. Do not devote all
your time and energies to physical ;labor and
the mere acquisition of material wealth.
There is an immortal mind that needs to be
provided for, a nolile intellect that needs care-
ful culture; and, as these become healthily
developed, the necessities for mere physical
energy will grow less, because the intelligent
pursuit of anj' occupation facilitates its pro-
gress, by enabling the sul>ject to adopt the
best and shortest methods. Without ignor-
ing scholastic training and social effort, try
also the advantages of being "self-taught,
self-raised, and self supported." Provide
for yonrselvps and and your families healthy
literature in the form of useful books, news-
papers and periodicals, and thoroughly study
them. Devote the tranquil hours, which,
through an intelligent and economical adap-
tation of means to ends, may be upon your
hands, to reading, and you will read with
much more profit and satisfaction than the
denizen of the town, who.se reading maj- be
merelj- a monotonous occupation which he
feels himself compelled to resort to, in order
to "kill time," and to bridge over his long
and anxious waitings for the ingress of "the
next customer." This course would be <a
shorter and more certain road towards a
"better civilization," than those fanciful and
precarious occupations — either commercial,
mechanical or jnofessional — which are sepa-
rate and distinct from the tilling of the soil —
the employments of the farm.

LATE POTATO PLANTING.
About the ^Oth of June we received from
Mr. H. M. Englc several small lots of potatoes
of his late crops of last year's planting. These
were of the Peerless, Early Rose, Snow-flake,
and .Brownal's Beauty varieties, and were
far superior to any of the old potatoes
then in market, and even preferable to the
new crops which were then just coming in.
They were as solid and as mild and mealy
as we usually find potatoes in January and
February. If this retention of original quality
was ducto late planting, then, so far as our
individual judgment, and the judgment of our
family go, we would by all means recommend
late planting for the stock that is intended
to be carried through the winter and into the
following spring and summer. Of course, for
immediate use during the early and late sum-
mer, an early crop is also desirable, and
especially is this desirable when the former
croj) is " short'' — as wtis the case last spring
— but from this test we are decidedly favor-
able to a late crop (other things being equal)
for potatoes to keep.

98

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[July

TREES KILLED BY SALT.

"The fine maple trees in front of Alderman Am-
weg's residence, South Duke, have been in a lan-
guishing condition all sprini^, and so have the ma-
ples a short distance below them. The large tree in
front of Mrs. Hawthorne's residence appcare to be
in a dying condition. Alderman Amweg has had
his cut down, and in exposing portions of the roots
to the suu, there is a mineral substance very much
like salt crystalized on tlie surface. Mr. Amweg be-
lieves that his trees have been killed by the salt
water thrown into the gutter from a neighboring ice
cream saloon. What say the scientists about it ?"

In reference to the maple trees alluded to
in the above paragraph from a late number of
the Daily Intellifjencer, we would say that we
visited tiiem on several occasions before their
"downfall, " and even from very early in the
season they exhibited evidences of an infec-
tion of some kind; and at the same time we
felt pretty certain that whatever the original
cause of their enfeebled condition may have
been, it was not due to the presence of insects,
80 far as concerned that portion of the tree
above groinid. They appeared to be inter-
nally or constitutionally affected liy some un-
friendly element al.iscjrbed from the soil, or the
absence or neutralization of some element
necessary to their healthy growth, that was
very local in its operation, for other trees of
the same species in near proximity to them
were as thriving as usual. It cannot always
be even conjectured what the real causes of
such phenomena are; because it would in-
volve a thorough and careful analysis of the
soil, an operation that could only be satisfac-
torily performed by a chemical expert, even
if a laboratory and implements were accessible.

But when no stich laboratory exists, except
in a few of the most simple and obvious ca.ses,
all must be left, more or less, to mere con-
jecture. Such a laboratory, with a cpmpetent
person to manipulate it, ought to be the object
of every County Agricultural organization in
the State. The condition of Agriculture, em-
bracing Horticulture, Floriculture and Sylvi-
culture, is becoming such in our country,
through the increase of its population and the
dratights made upon the land — and hence its
depletion— that farming, fruit growing and
forestry will have to be pursued more scientifi-
cally than it has been in times past and gone,
when the soil was virgin and the population
sparse. Salt is a very essential ingredient to
the soil, if applied "when and where"
it is needed, and in the requisite quantity.
Like every otiier ingredient, however, wherever
it happens to exist in excess, it is essentially
hintfid; and, from external ai^pearances,
the damage to Alderman Amweg's trees, is
the ellectof too much .'iaft,wiihout much doubt,
and this is rendered doubly probable, from
the fact of its being the discharge of an ice
cream freezer, as it is likely to have liecn con-
tinned in its application, and hence the trees,
witli all their previous vigor of growth, were
eventually compelled to succumb — illustrating
tliat a given quantity may be "meat" to a
tree or plant, but in excess of that it is "poi-
son." On one occasion we emptied the con-
tents of a pork barrel, containing strong brine,
and perliaps a quart or two of salt at the
bottom, on a small grass plot; soon after
which a snow fell upon it, and after the snow
had melted away in the spring, the salt had
disappeared. The following summer no grass
came up where the brine and salt had been
emptied, and for one or two years thereafter
the spot was conspicuously visible by the ab-
sence or feeble growth of the grass, but it sub-
sequently recovered and grew as vigorously,
if not moreso, than it liad grown before. This
effect is also evinced on spots where the car-
casses of dead animals are decomjiosed, and
is caused by an excess of elements that in
proper quantities would be beneficial to the
soil. In some localities the soil is recuperated
by fish-manure, but if the fishes were all per-
mitted to decompose on one spot, the vegeta-
tion on that spot would be, for a time, entire-
ly destroyed. These effects of excess, have,
without a doubt, been often witnessed, and
we have only alluded to them here, because
they all seem to belong to the same category

of causes, and illustrate the essentiality of
some analytical and chemical knowledge in
manipulating the soil, in the successful cul-
ture of trees, shrubs and plants, and how lit-
tle ought to be left to the mere operations of

chance.

-^

THE ELM TREE BEETLE.

This insect is present agaip this season on
some of the elm trees in Lancaster city, in
increased numbers, and the larrce have been
coming down from the trees for the past week,
and are pupating in the fissures of the bark
and in tlie crevices l)etween the paving bricks
about tlie bases of the trees.

Those who value the foliage of their trees
should busy themselves in sweeping them
down with a stiff, long-handled brush, and
also sweeping up those on the ground, and
crushing them or scalding them ; otherwise
there will be a second brood more numerous
and destructive than the first. The present
brood has been propagated by the compara-
tively few that have hibernated and survived
the wii»ter, and as they had already commen-
ced pupating about the middle of the present
month, there is little doubt we shall have
another brood about the latter part of July.

This is a foreign insect, and was introduced
into this country about tliirty-five years ago ;
and on one occasion, in the city of Baltimore,
the authorities ordered the cutting down of
all the elm trees in the city in order to cir-
cumvent it.

An application of a strong solution of whale
oil soap, or common lye, may also prove use-
ful, for although there may be little hope of
destroying all of them, yet the number may
be so far diminished as to greatly lesson their
power for evil. Insects of all kinds might be
kept in check or entirely destroyed if people
would use the same energy, perseverance and
forethought that they do in the acquisition of
dollars and cents.

This is the Oalenicha xantJwmcdcBna, and
belongs to the same family as the "striped
cucumber beetle," but differs from that species
in that it feeds on the leaves of the elm, both
in its larvre and in its adult states, and also
that it is larger in size, and becomes more
numerous than the latter has ever been known
to be. In that respect it approaches the habits
of the "Colorado potato beetle," to which it
is somewhat allied liy systematic classification.
It would be a poor commentary on the vigil-
ance and industry of property owners, if these
insects were permitted to increase to such an
extent as to defoliate all our beautiful elm
trees in Lancaster city.

Since writing the foregoing, which was pub-
lished in the New Era, near the end of Juuc,
we have frequently visited the elm trees in the
city of Lancaster, which we foimd in many
places still very seriously infested, and especi-
ally the trees along East Orange street, oppo-
site the buryingground of St. James' Episcopal
church. The yellow j;Mjj<;e were lying by thou-
sands on the pavement about the bases of the
trees, on the 5th and 6th of July, and could
easily have been killed, but it seems to be
"nobody's business." In Kan.sas they have
a law, making it compulsory upon ' ' all able-
bodied males, between the ages of 12 and 60
years," in districts that are infested with the
" liateful grassliopper," to destroy the eggs,
the young, and the adult of that pest, and
such a law might not be amiss here, if people
will not be " a law unto themselves."

REMINDER FOR JULY.

This is not only a great transplanting
mouth, but also one in whicli some planting
and sowing may be done. Cabliages, cardoons,
celery, endive, leeks, peppers, &c., for autumn
crops, may be planted up to i the ^Oth of the
month. Bush-beans, pole-beans and cucum-
bers, for pickling, may be planted. Endive,
kohl-rabi, sinnmer radishes, and ruta-baga
may be sown, and after the 20th also turnips.
If late itotatoes have been neglected,, they
may be planted up to the loth. There seems
to be^ some virtue in late potatoes, and there-

fore gardeners ought to experiment, in order
to discover exactly how late a crop of any
kind may be planted, transplanted or sown.
The idea that only one crop of any kind can
be raised in a season, in this latitude, is be-
coming obsolete. We have been surprised to
find in the New York markets, late in Oc-
tober, garden vegetation that we are accus-
tomed to see here only in the months of June
and July. Why can we not have green peas,
beans, &c., all through the months of July,
August and September, in a market so large
as that of Lancaster city ? Green corn is not
an uncommon tiling in the New York, Phila-
delphia and Baltimore markets, in October.
Sweet herbs should be cut, dried, and stored
away, during this month. There are many
other things which practical experience may
suggest that ought to be done in this month,
and some of them may be safely done after
midsummer.

— • ^

UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF
AGRICULTURE.

General Wm. Le Due, of Minnesota, has
been appointed to this unfortunate position.
He is a graduate of Kenyon College, Ohio,
and served in various official capacities during
the wars of the rebellion, in the Federal army.
He is said to be a man of "great scientific
attainments," but with all that, the position
is an unfortunate ene, in that almost every
incumbent is damaged, more or less, in repu-
tation before he leaves it, mainly, perhaps,
from the fact that it is morally impossible to
please everybody. ^M

Of course. General Le Due will be approv- ^|
ingly spoken of by some ; some, perhaps, will
"damn him with faint praise;" some will
speak of him disappi'ovingly ; some will be
indifferent, or " possess their souls in pa-
tience," and be content to wait before they
express an opinion at all. This, no doubt,
will be accordingly as they speak from know-
ledge, from ignorance, from envy, or from in-
difference. In any event, the office has been
so kicked about by the Agricultural press of
the country, and by members of C!ongress, that
it has become an unfortunate one. And yet
we cannot see clearly why this should be so.
The Agricultural interests of the country needs
such a Bureau, and needs much more encour-
agement than lias ever yet been vouchsafed to
it by the government or the people.

MEETING OF THE AMERICAN POMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY.

The 15th annual session of this great Na-
tional Institution, commencing on the 15th
day of September, 1877, will be held in the
city of Baltimore, Md. A large, interesting
and useful assemblage of the fruit growers of
the entire country is expected ; for, in addi- ^H
tion to its own membership, it invites dele- ^|
gates from all the horticultural and fruit
growing societies in the United States and
the British Provinces, to be present and par-
ticipate in the proceedings. In conjunction
with this session, the annual exhibition of the
"Maryland Horticultural Society" will be
held ; and, on the whole, a "high old pomo-
logical time" will be afforded. Will our local
society appoint a delegation ?

^

EXPLANATION.'

Some matter intended for our June number
only came to hand after our form was "locked
up" and on the press, and therefore too late
for insertion therein. If we have not said it
before, on several occasions, we would re-
sjiectfully beg leave to say it now, namely :
that all matter intended for The Farmer,
whether essays, contributions, correspondence,
communications or advertisements, should be
in our hands not later than the 5th of the
month, and it would be still more acceptable
if we could have them by the 1st of the month.
Our delays heretofore in the issue of our
journal, have been mainly caused by the late
arrival of current matter. We hope all inte- .
rested will bear this in mind, as it is a matter ,*
of as much importance to them as it is to us. ^

I

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

99

We are always willing to adapt ourselves as
nuicli as iK.ssiUli'. to the convi'iiiciice of our
frirmls and patrons, but our ability to do this
has its limit, beyond whii'b we cannot ro
without a serious frnstral ion of all our previous
arrangements on the subject.

MAKING WINE FROM NATIVE GRAPES

'I'ho lollKwiiiir ipciiir for iii:ikiiiir ilomeetio wine
from CatawlKi di- Ualjolla fjrapcs ib cciinmemlfrt by a
jjoiitlomnn wlin lias li-ircl it, suta'cssfully. Its direc-
tions liave the merits rare in recipes of beiug full and
precise : , , ,,

1st. Select perfectly ripe bundles, and carefully
pick oil' llie stems and remove all prapes which arc
not quite ripe.

•M. Squeeze the juice out, cither by hand or press,
strain through a liair sieve, and )iour it at onee Into
a clean, sweet liarrel or kcir, adding to the vessel two
gallons of water for every K'i'Hon of juice made.

3d. At the same time put in four ]iound6 of sifted
sti^ar per (jallou of juice.

4th. In addinir 'he 'wo gallons of water stated in
section 2, let it strain throufih the pulp, sldus, iV:c.,
of the residuum of the grapes often lieing squeezed.

.'>th. Fill the vessel full, "|i to the buu,i;-holc,
which cover with a sand hag, to allow the ferinenta-
tion to escape.

6th. Watch the barrel daily, and clear or scrape
away the scum, which will be thrown out in large
quantities.

7th. As the wine falls below the bung, fill updaily
(after elearing away the scum) with sugar water,
made with tw-o pounds of sugar to the gallon of
water.

8th. The fermentation will continue from three to
six weeks, according to the weather. When it h.ad
ceased, I poured into the huug-hole .about one gill of
brandy to the gallon of juice, to How over the sur-
face and prevent its souring; liut the brandy may
not be indispensable. Then bung the vessel uptight.

9th. Durini; the cold weather, say in the following
February, when the wine is perfectly still and clear,
draw it olT info any other clean vessel, then quickly
clean, scald and rinse thoroughly the barrel in Avhich
the wine was made, anil return the wine to it, and
draw it off as required for use.

10th. If you wish to make a very palatable cham-
pagne, have the champagne bottles ready when you
rack ofT the wine as stated in section 0, put a tabic-
si>oonful of common syrup in each quart tmttle; then
fill witli the wine, leaving about 1'.., inches clear be-
low the bottom of the cork, wliicli fasten very se-
curely witli strong twine, as the pressure of the fixed
air to escape is very great.

nth. The wine will imi)rove by age, after the ope-
ration described in section 9.

12th. An old lirandy or whisky barrel is the best
(see section 2) . Never use a new barrel, as the wine
will taste of the wood.

i:?th. About lifteen jiounds of grapes will give one
gallon of juice. The ri]ier the grapes the better the
yield of juice. One gallon of grapes in bunches
weicbs about four and a-balf pounds.

14tb. Keep the wine in the cellar, where it will not
be exposed to extremes of temperature.

l.ith. An ap|>roximate estimate of the quantities
required for a thirty gallon barrel will be as follows :

To make thirty gallons of wine : 150 pounds grapes,
yielding ten gallons of juice; twent-y gallonsof water
strained through the pulj) residue (see section 4);
forty (louuds of sifted sugar; 3' i pints of common
brandy (.see section 8).

If carefully maiie, the wine will be wholesome and
palatable, with a flavor like grape juice Madeira. It
was preferred to all others at the Washington hos-
■ pitals during the war of lstU-18C.^), and was reporteil
to have been the means of saving the lives of some
of the soldiers.

The foroi;oing process comes so near our
own, in makint; wine — ii process which we
have been using these many years, that we do
not hesitate to comtnend it to the notice of
our wifio making readers, especially as the
season is now rapidly advancing, wheti their
attention will be turned in that direction. It
is hardly necessary to add that this process,
with some modification, may also be followctl
in making wine out of blackberries, currants,
raspberries, strawberries, or atiy other kind
of fruit; but r/ooi? fruit, luoperly cleaned and
fully ripe, as well as goad sugar and fjood at-
tention to details, ntitil the end is accom-
plished, arc the primary essentials in making
good wine.

THE SEVENTEEN YEAR LOCUSTS.

I'rof. Leidy has examined the so-called "seventeen
year locusts" which have made their appearance
near Easlon, Pa., and confirms the statement that
the cicada is incapableof damaging the cereal crops,
and he thinks that the admitted injury to the wheal
in that vicinity must be ascribed to other insects,
and especially to the Hessian Hy. The female cicada

does not sing. Much information is already present-
ed to the public in the bulletins of the United .States
Kntomologieal Commission, eoncerninc the Koeky
Mountain locust, ealoptfiucs spretnit. The Commis-
sioners are Professors C. V. Riley, A. S. Packard,
.Jr., and Cyrus Thomas. Careful descri|)tions of the
circumstances and mode of life of the yimng locust
arc given. Before otitaining wings and when most
ravenous, while traveling in swarms, it is calculated
that the insects cannot make a progress of more
than thirty miles from their hatching place, in a sea-
son. When food fails they become cainiibals. After
aequlrinir wini,'s they lose appetite to a considerable
extent and cease to ho very destructive; they are then
also the prey of many parasites. The Commission-
ers reconimend several methods of destroying the in-
sects, for difl'erent stages of their growth. Before
the eggs hat<'h they should be plowed under, and the
ground fhoroutrhly compressed by harrowing and
rolling. After batching, the young locusts can be
driven in luunbers almost as readily as sheep; win-
drows or piles of burning hay or straw should then
tie prejiarcd, and the locusts can be driven into them.
An ell'ectual method at this stage is to^drive them
into a ditch two feet wide and two feet deep,
with periiendicular sides, out of which it apjicars
that they can not readily jump. If the width of the
ditcli is increased, the deiith should be also, and the
steepness of the sides is essential; liut if w.ater can
be let into the ditches they need not be so deep.
Where the winds are high the insects are more apt
to escape from the ditch, especially if it be shallow.
A large open-mouthed bag, driven by horses over a
field, docs good service, especially if the end of the
bag or net be made of wire gauze instead of cloth.
When the horses are hitched at the sides of the bag
or net, 12 to 10 feet apart, they help to drive the lo-
custs inward toward the net. Other effective contri-
vances are sleds, sometimes made of oil-cloth, zinc
sheets, or iron smeared with coal tar; sometimes car-
rying an open furnace, made of wire and filled with
burning pine; the latter plan requires a hot tire, and
a sheet to cover the grate and kec|) the heat within;
the scor(-hing that the grain beneath gets only makes
it a few days later. Smooth-barked frees can be
protected by lilieral white-washing; if the bark is
rough or ttie trunk is short, a strip of bright tin,
three, or four inches wide, tacked around, serves the
purpose If the spaces between the bark and the tin
are blocked with earth, and the bark below the tin
is 6meared*with grease, tar or kerosene. Of course
the tin must be put on high enough, so that the
'hoppers can not jump over it from the
ground. Cotton batting, stiff paper, and

glazed paper auswer the purpose of tin to
an inferior extent. Missouri and Minnesota have
passed laws oBering rewards for the specific destruc-
tion of the insects and their eggs, and Kansas makes
the work of destruction compulsory upon "all
able-bodied males between the ages of 12 and 00
years," in the districts .attacked. The various prices
paid by the States are, for eggs, -$5 per bushel and
.50 cents per gallon ; for grasshoppers, from $1 down
to 20 cents per bushel, the highest prices being paid
early in the season. — Phihulelphia Lcilyer.

It is really wonderful to see how very slow
the masses of tlie people are in aciiuiring even
a tolerable knowledge of the habits of the
"seventeen year locust," or they would not
suspect it, at this late day, of destroying or
even injuring the wheat. They certainly
would not deposit their eggs in wheat steins,
for that would defeat their procreative olyect ;
and as to drinking anything (they cannot eat)
it is questionable whether they ever do " any-
thing of Che kind," in their mature states.
Very little has been developed through the
Entomological Commission — and probably
little will be developed — that is new. Nearly
all the remedies recommended in tlie above
article may Ijc found in Harris', or in Fitch's
and Riley's reports. But this good will be
done; it will arouse theattention of the people ;
more knowledge through the commissions
"bulletins" will get into their hands, and
more of their work will get into the imblie
press. The greatest drawback is, mil the
people read ?

WHAT IS A PRACTICAL FARMER?

We like the word "practical" when applied to
farmers and farming. It has a kind of genuine ring
in it that sounds like buslneis. But it Is frequently
misapplied and abused, and as it Is part of our title
we are bound to defend it aealnsl the tongue of
slander or ignorance. Some men seem to think that
a practical farmer has no business with books or pa-
pers, that all his knowledge must come from his own
experience and observation ; otherwise he is a theo-
lefical farmer; or, in common parlance, a "book
farmer." This is a definition we will not accept, be-
cause there is nothing in reason or language to sup-
port it.

Webster tells us tliat practical means, when ap-
plied to a person, "one who reduces his knowledge
to actual use." This definition Is easily understood,
and answers the question at the head of this article
very clearly. A practical farmer is one who reduces
his knowledge to actual use. The definition does
not limit hiiii as to the source of his knowledge, nor
indicate how it is to be obtained. He may get It from
agricultural papers, by studying hooks, or In listen-
ing to the lectures of a college professor — no matter
how, so long as he makes actual use of It upon the
farm, it Is jiractleal kiiowleilge he obtains, and the
more he gets and reduces to practice the better prac-
tical fanner he becomes.

It is a mistaken noliou that book knowledge Is op-
posed to tho practical. There Is much practical
knowledge that cannot be obtained outside of books
or their equivalent. The captain of a vessel Is a
practical sailor; sols the man before the mast. But
while both can reef a sail equally well, the latter
would run the vessel to destruction, jierhaps. If
l)laeed in command. There is a science In navigation
that cannot be learned by simidy performing the
duties of a common sailor. It must be obtained
from books, and the men who safely conduct the
thousands of vessels from one port to another, across
the boundless ocean, demonstrate how eminently
practical this book knowledge is. It is just so in
farming. Holding the plow, driving the machine,
pitching bay, sowing grain and making cider, is all
practical work, that must be learned just as a sailor
must serve his time before the mast ere he can as-
pire to the command of the vessel. And before the
farmer can take the higher iiosltion of a commander,
he must learn something of the science of agricul-
ture, and this can no more he learned by holding tlie
plow than science of navigatton can be by reefing
sails.

How long would it have taken the farmer to learn
what jilauts and soils are composed of simply by his
own observation and experience on the farm ? He
might plow, and sow, and reap till doomsday with-
out being wiser in this respect. Science has made
known the fact that phosphoric acid, potash aud
nitrogen, are about the only substances necessary to
apply to the soil in the cultivation of crops. Does it
render the farmer less practical if he learns this from
a book or 'paper and then makes practical use of the
knowledge on his farm '■ And suppose he makes an
experiment in the use of these substances, and writes
the result for publication — is he any the less practi-
cal forsodoiug? , ., , . . , ,, ,

Let no farmer be afraid of becoming less practical
by reading books and papers that treat upon his pro-
fession. "Knowledge is power" iu farming as in
every other business of life, and the more
the farmer obtains, the more practical he may be-
come.— rfacliciil Fanner.

The aliove, from a sterling Pennsylvania
Agricultural journal, that for practical matter
has not its peer in tlie whole country, is not
mere gossip, it is ijnspcl, which cannot lie gain-
said. It is so-near our own way of thinking
on the subject, and is said so tersely and so
rationally that we believe it will be useful to
those of our readers who are in the cilbrt to
become practical through brain-culture, the
exercise of their mental faculties, and the
jierusal of instructive books, as well as by the
labor of their hands, through which they "fell
the sturdy oak, and direct the unwiedly plow. "
No manipulation of the soil, no mechanical
contrivivnce, no fertilizing compound is pos-
siljle—howcver simple it may be— without
trenchin"- up on tlie domain oi practical science.

^

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY,
is the Grange on the decline ? We hope not;
for we regard it as an instrument of moral
and social advancement, to say nothing about
it intellectually and pecuniarily. But when
we see the Grand Secretai^ of the State
Grange of Teuucsscc, officially announcing
the delinquency of one hundred and forty
Granges in that" State, it looks very much as
if they were becoming "weary in well-doing."
It is true that these subordinate Granges may
only be a little neglectful, but when they are
warned that unless they make reports to the
Secretary of the State Grange within thirty
days from the 1st of June, the Master of the
National frrange will be requested to revoke
their charters, it looks like more than merely
temporary neglect. If the (Jrangers wish to
progress in their honorable and elevating or-
ganization, they must not be spasmodic, hut
must lean to the work like faitlifwl oxen, and
move steadily oxwAuu to the end of life.

Do not forget your subscriptions for 1877.

100

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[July.

ECHOES FROM THE PUBLIC PRESS.

If we were to treat with entire silence the
flattering recognitions of our cotemporaries,
we should only exhibit that want of apprecia-
tion which savors of sullen indiflerence; and
therefore, eschewing the selfish and unchari-
table attitude that —

"I care for nobody,

And nobody cares for me,"

it yields us a becoming pleasure to illustrate
in a public manner the friendly notices that
have been taken of us, and to record our
acknowledgments of them, not only on our
own account, but also on account of the solid
class of men in Lancaster county, of whom
our journal is the responsible representative.
If it is true that "A i)rophet hath honor save
in his own country and among his own kin,"
it is incumbent on us to illustrate how far it
may be true, in order that those concerned
may render "Honor to whom honor is due,"
for many only need the opportunity to make
the amendment at the proper time. That
sterling weekly, the Mount Joy Herald, is
pleased to speak thus of us :

"Lancaster Farmer for June. Here are 16
large, closely printed, three-columned pages of choice
reading matter, such as is wanted for the farm, gar-
den and household, including one illustration. Some
numbers are more fully illustrated. No advertise-
ments except on the cover sheet, which is exclusive
of the 16 pages. No blowing and puffing of itself,
offering of long premium lists and other matter in
the special interest of the journal itself, is found on
the 16 pages of reading matter. The Lancaster
Farmer is decidedly the best and cheapest household
and agricultural journal of which we have any
knowledge. To subscribers in Lancaster county.
Pa., 81.00 a year, or 6 copies for $.5.00; single num-
bers 10 cents. Prof. S. S. Rathvon, Editor; Linnoeus
Rathvon, Publisher, 22 South Queen street, Lancas-
ter, Pa.

Our young and ably conducted local journal.
The JSTeiu Era, with that intelligenfdiscrimi-
nation which it is so competent to make, has
this to say of us :

The Lancaster Farmer for June has been re-
ceived, and we find as the months roll around, our
friend, the editor, is abating nothing of the energy
and industry that have been so visible since this
journal has been under his charge. In addition to
the many able original articles, the selections are
admirably adapted to the needs of the farmer who
desires to keep abreast with everything that pertains
to his calling. There are not many good farmers in
the county who are not subscribers, and therefore we
can't see how the poor ones are to get along without
it. Price only §1.00 a year. Address S. S. Rathvon,
Lancaster, Pa.

The Editor of The Journal of Forestry
(England) is pleased to say in his June num-
ber— in alluding to his American exchanges —
"among the numerous newspapers and maga-
zines representing almost every department
of agriculture and rural economy tliat we have
received from various parts of the world, we
may mention — the Lancaster Farmer, an ex-
cellent farmer's paper; the Albany Cultivator
and Country Gentlemen, covering somewhat
the same ground as our Field, and full of use-
ful intelligence."

It may be our vanity, or our weakness, but
we confess we feel complimented at being
placed in such good company by one so disin-
terested, and so capable of exercising an in-
telligent discrimination. If our American
readers would only vouchsafe the necessary
support, we would like to show how good a
journal we could make of the Farmer.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Jenkintown, Montgomert County, Pa., )
June 2,5th, 1877. |

Mr. S. S. Rathvon — J/y Bear Sir: Knowing
your willingness to contribute of the valuable stock
of information you have acquired in the important
branch of natural history, to which you have devoted
60 much time and careful research, I take the liberty
of addressing you some questions in regard to some
of the habits of that vexatious pest, the " Color.ado
potato beetle."

In the summer of 187.5, these bugs had become so
numerous in this locality as to almost entirely destroy
the crop — very few farmers having learned how to
destroy them eflectually. In the fall of that year
the bugs were so numerous they could be seen every-
where by thousands. It was impossible to walk the
roads without treading on them at almost every step.

All winter they could be found everywhere in
the soil, and in the following spring they devoured
our tomato and egg plants in the hot-beds. So de-
structive were the bugs in the spring of 1S76 that
few potatoes were planted. Of these, some were de-
voured by the bugs, and others were saved by a
liberal use of Paris green, and the consequence was
that the bugs either starved for scarcity of their
natural food or were killed with poison, so that in
the fall there was scarcely a bug to be seen, and not
one was to be found in the soil last winter — nor did
one make its appearance on the plants in hot-beds
this spring as they did the spring before — so that
farmers were eucouragcii to believe that we would
have a year, at least, of comparative exemption from
the pest, and, consequently, a large breadth of pota-
toes were planted. But, strange to say, as soon as
the young potato plants Ijegan to show above ground,
the bugs put in an appearance in innumerable num-
bers, worse, if anything, than they had been before.
Now, what puzzles me is, to know where they came
from so suddenly ; certainly there were none or next
to none that hibernated here as they did the winter
before, and I don't see where they could have come
from in such vast numbers, less than one hundred
miles distant. Could it be that they have migrated
from the potato regions of New York, w^here they
were as numerous last fall as they were here the fall
before? Are they capable of such long (lights ? Can
it be that the very warm days we had in May,
brought them out there, and there being no potatoes
yet above ground in that locality, they took their
flight south ?

We have now learned pretty well how to manage
them. One part Paris green to about one hundred
parts land plaster, dusted on the vines, is efi'ectual
with the young bugs; but I am afraid the old ones do
not eat enough to be killed with the poison, so
diluted, and as these still keep about and seem to be
all the time depositing more eggs, the dose of poison
has to be frequently repeated. This is troublesome
and expensive. I would like very much to know
if any remedy more efi'ectual or less expensive has
been discovered. Do you think lime would do as
well as plaster? It would be much cheaper.

I have noticed this summer a beetle similar in ap-
pearance to the potato bug, but smaller and darker
colored, and with longer legs, attacking furiously
the potato bugs. Sometimes three or four would be
on one potato bug, and have him completely sur-
rounded and struggling desperately to get away . Do
you know what this is ? Please excuse t*is too long
letter.

Yours, with 'great regard,

E. Satterthwait.

In regard to the sudden disappearance and
reappearance of tite "Colorado Potato-
beetle, " people often mistake the semblance
for the reality. We have known people to
congratulate themselves with having extin-
guished these insects by mere hand-picking,
when lo, a few weeks thereafter they would
reappear in greatly increased numbers. There
are in reality two broods of these insects in
this latitude in a season, but farther south no
doubt there may be three broods. But as
each female will deposit from one thousand
to twelve hundred eggs, and as these eggs are
deposited generallj' on the undersides of the
leaves, at different places, and at diflerent
periods, within the space of thirty-five to
forty-five days, and as the young are excluded
from tlie eggs at correspondingly different
periods, develop and reach their larval matu-
rity, and hence burrow into the ear.th and pu-
pate there at different periods, there is the
ap^jearance that there are many broods; and
hence it also sometimes appears as if all had
been destroyed, or had deserted the premises,
when in fact they were only enjoying their
pupal sleep, either in the loose eartli, under
some convenient rubbish, in some old wall,
in some old unfrequented out-house, or in
some dark cellar. We have seen them enter
cellars through the grates, and creep under
door steps in the fall, and we have seen thera
issue from the same places in the spring, and
we also knoic them to have been discovered
under heaps of rubbish in the fields, in the
months of January, February, and March.
They differ in their habits according to their
developmental conditions. Tlie matured lar-
vfe, as a general thing, will go into the ground
to pupate, and if they go in late in the season,
they will liibernate tliere until next spring;
and it may also occur tliat many of the larva;,
on account of sudden autumn coldness, would
not have the necessary energy to pupate, in
which case they woulil hibernate as laryie and
pupate the next spring; and therefore would
emerge from the earth as beetles, some days

or weeks later than others. But this is not
necessarily the case with those that are over-
taken by the cool autumn, in the beetle form.
These wander away from the potato fields in
thousands, after there is no more succulent
vegetation. If the weather is cool, they will
seek a convenient cover to pass their winter
hibernation, if warm, they will seek other
food than the potato.

In addition to the potato, the tomato and
the eggplant, these insects have been known
to feed upon henbane, nightshade, jimson-
weed, spinage, thistles, plantain, cabbage,
lettuce, lambsquarter, mullein, strawberry,
current, and other species of vegetation, as
well as the potato tubers, so that the idea of
"starving them out" at any time, is a mere
hallucination. It is true, on some of these
plants they feed but sparingly, and only in
cases of dire necessity, but this is sufficient to
illustrate that they are capable of adapting
themselves to almost any circimistances, in-
volving their self-preservation and perpetua-
tion. It is also very evident that they are
migratory in their habits, but how far they
may be able to fly has not yet been ascertained
with accuracy. They must have flew across
the Mississippi and Missouri rivers years ago.
In the summer of lS75 we found them strewn
in great lumibers for six or seven miles along
the Atlantic beach— from the Lighthhouse to
the extreme point of Cape Ilenlopen — and not
a potato field within from two to foiu- miles.
How far they had flew out into the ocean, be-
fore they had dropjied in and were borne Ijack
and thrown upon the beach by the waves, it
would be difficult to estimate. If in their
flight they should come into a current of
wind they might, no doubt, be caiTied to a
great distance. It is difflcidt to account for
their presence on the shore of the Atlantic,
far from any potato field on the 20th of July,
when most potato vines are still green and
succulent, unless by making a temporary
change of locality, they were caught in a cur-
rent of wind, or were obeying their eastward
migi'atory instincts. The best tiling now is
to regard them as a "fixed institution" and
provide for them as we do for other contin-
gencies.

Paris green is the best and only reliable
remedy to destroy the Colorado jiotato beetle
— to tliosc who do not care aljout resorting to
traps or handpicking — and tlie farmers of
Lancaster county mainly rely ui)on it. We
will have, according to present prospects, a
larger and better, as well as a cheaper, crop of
potatoes the present season, in this county
than we have had for some years. The beetles
apjieared as usual in the spring, but the peo-
ple regard them as a matter of. course, and
they "dosed" them from the beginning with
Paris green. But — homeopathically speak-
ing— we consider our corresiwndent's dilution
entirely too "high." One part of the poisou
to onehimdred parts of the diluting substance,
we have no recollection of having before .seeu
recorded. Our farmers here u,se one pound of
the green to from 20 to 30 pounds of wood-
ashes, sieved coal ashes, pulverized gypsum,
cornmeal, shipstuff, slaked lime or tloiu'.
Some prefer the different kinds of meal on ac-
count of their adhesive qualities; and, .so far
as the larvje of these insects are concerned,
this remedy is entirely effectual, if the green
is of a good quality. Upon the bodies of the
adult beetle, however, it has little efl'ect. We
have known the lieetles to live thirty-six hours
corked up in a bottle of Paris green. It does
not penetrate their hard integument, nor will
they eat it, because being more perfectly en-
dowed with the powers of locomotion than the
laivre, they can more easily change their
positions. But after the female beetles have
once deposited all their eggs, they never be-
come refertilized — tliat is the end of their al-
lotted functions. After the male exhausts
his procreating energy, that is also the end of
him. Those that hibernate and survive the
winter, are either gravid females, or virgin
males and females. The spent stock invari-
ably die off.
In conclusion, we think there is no just

li

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

101

Kround of apprehension that tlie tubers will
1)6 injuieil, or rendered uuhe;ilthfiil by the
use of Paris "reen. It cannot \w iiossil)lethat
the western Farmers should have Ixmui using it
for seventeen years \vitli(Mit a sine;le authenti-
cated case of sueli injury, it there were any
liabilities of this kind. Nevertlieless, it is a
rank poison and should be "handled with
care.'" Only a few days aj^o a fanner in this
county lost four valuable cows by leaving a
bucket, or box, containing Paris green mixed
with ships-stutf, exposed. Of course, neither
cattle, swiue, uni- poidtry, ought to be allowed
access to lields treated with this poison. It
is mineral, insoluljU- in water, and when thus
used, it is merely held in suspension and needs
constant agitation.

Since writing the foregoing we have visited
the farm of Mr. Lawrence Knapp, near the
eastern suljuibs of Lancaster city. Every-
tliiug on tliis farm looks exceedingly healthy
and thrifty. Mr. K. had about three acres in
potatoesofditlerent varieties, in three separate
"patches," which we will designate as 1, 2
and :!. No. 1 were quite early potatoes, and
the crop is already consumed. This patch
was half an acre, and was vigorously attacked
by the "Colorado Beetle," but he gave them
their (piietus by a liberal application of Paris
green, and saved his potatoes, which were
line, and of an excellent quality.

No. 2, an acre and a-half lies a little north
of No. 1 ; and No. 3, about one acre, lies east
of it, with the barn between. These two
patches are about the finest and healthiest
looking potatoes we have seen this season,
and have already line tubers, but they are
later than No. I. Mr. K. states that neither
of these i)atches have been visited by a single
potato beetle since they have been planted,
although they were up above ground when
No. 1 was infested, lie had read in an Agri-
cultural paper, that to iilant hemp and buck-
wheat among his potatoes would prevent the
beetle from attacking them. He did so, and
this he believes has repelled them. There are
the potatoes, the buckwheat, and the hemp,
but there are not the potato beetles, account
for the result as we will. " Stick a pin in
that." We have seen other fine lots of pota-
toes without the hemp or Inickwheat, but we
did not learn whether they had been visited
by the beetle or not, and we merely publish
this on account of the coincidence.

As there are at least twenty known species
of insects, that in one way or another prey
upon the Colorado beetle, we cannot even
guess which is meant by our correspondent,
and we therefore hope he will send us speci-
mens—it may be new.

West Chester, .Tune 22d, 1877.

Mif. Ratrvon — .Sic:— I see iu your June number

of tlie Farmer, a receipt for cliolera. I send you

by this mail, a root that is deciileclly the best thins

for (lysentary or diarrlioea, that ever was given; it

has, and will cure, the worst case in two hours. I

epeak by experience in my own family and

others. It requires but a trial tu prove its value;

and the best of all is, no matter liow sudden the

complaint Is checked, it leaves no bad efiect in the

head, or any other part of the body. How many

children die every summer in our large cities witii

dyeentary or cholera-infautum ; whereas, if tliey had

a desert spoon full of tea made from this root, life

would be saved. There are thousands of dollars in

it, if taken hold of it by some live yankee. I never

Hie it into syrup, but always make a tea direct

in the root ; always keep It in the house, or the

H ,d« being handy to get more ; but it requires

iiiuel strength to mush it when dry, as you can see

, Ibis, as it is green or fresh from the ground. This

root I send you is suflicient for three- pints of water,

boiled down to one quart, then strain it ; add a little

sugar when taken. Although it is almost void of

taste when warm, when it is cold it is somewhat

roapy (as Elm bark). I will not seflfl the name of

the root at present, but perhaps you know it, but by

all means use it if it should be needed.

Yours truly,

Wm. .T. Pvle.

P. S.— For an adult, a wine glass full will check
the worst case, and sometimes sufiicient to cure ; but
if there is a desire to go again, or symptoms of bear-
ing down, repeat it and you will find it suflicient.

As "some things can be done as well as
"there," and as we are always open to couyic-

tion and conversion, esjiecially in cases involv-
ing a disease that is so fatal to children, ami so
prostrating if not fatal to adults. We have
made a decoction of the roots sent us, and
now only wait for an opportunitij to test their
ellicacy (which heaven I'orefend we should ever
dciire, either in ourself or any other human
being), when we will publish the residt. We
eonfe.ss that we can only gue.ss remotely what
the root is, for it is almost tasteless, and there
are several roots to which it makes more or
less aiiproximation, liut perhaps it is best that
the nami! should l)e concealed until the cura-
tive quality is practically demonstrated, and
our oiiject of this publication is to facilitate
an opportunity to make a trial of it.

Mil. S. S. Kathvon— i)«ar Sir: I find at West
Chester that the currant and gooseberry bushes (I
believe both) are much eaten (the leaves) by an
insect, which I rather supi)ose to be the same that
was so very injurious to them when I was at Scran-
ton, three years ago. One of my friends at West
Chester said something to this effect, namely, that
the foliage would be nearly destroyed in one night.

Yours, respectfully, I'. E. G.

PiiiLADELfHiA, June 24, 1877.

There are several insects that defoliate the
cniTant and gooseberry bushes, conspicuously
amongst which are the " Currant Moth" and
the "Currant Saw-lly," the former icpirtop-
<((OKsand ihelattev Hyiiienopterous. Of course,
we cannot tell which you allude to, from your
description alone. But, if it is either of them,
dusting the bushes with white Hellebore, or
diluted Paris Green, would prove an extin-
guisher. Syringing them with a tobacco de-
coction, or a soap solution, might i)rove sulii-
ciently efficient. The first broods or these
insects, especially the last named, spin a
slight web-like cocoon among the rubbish on
the ground under the bushes. The.se, there-
fore, should be gathered up and burned, and
a second brood prevepted. If this is thorough-
ly accomplished, there can be no secoiul brood
this year, nor yet a first brood next year.

An Architectural Question.

Mr. Editor ; What are the proper dimensions of
a large hall or room, in order to avoid the echo or
confusion of sound, so often noticed in some of our
public buildings.

.John B. Erb, Lime Valley.

An echo is a reficcted sound ; whenever a
sound-wave strikes any obstacle, such as a
wall, a hill, or a rock, it is reflected or thrown
back, and this reflected sound is called an
echo: and the reason these echoes are pro-
duced in large halls or rooms, is because the
soiuid-waves cannot flow freely forward, but
are constantly striking against the walls and
are beaten back. Books say that " no echo is
heard unless the surface against which the
sound strikes is G.5 feet from the place where
the sound originally proceeded." In rooms
smaller than this, the sound travels with such
velocity that the echo is blended with the
original sound ; but in larger ones, the walls
are so far otf f'lom the speaker that the echo
does not return in time ta be blended with his
voice, but is heard separately.

This is the theory, at least, of those who
have professed to be teachers on the subject;
and would therefore suggest about the size
that a room ought to be to be free from
echoes. Height of ceiling, perhaps, would
also have some etl'ect ujion the sound — the
exceeding long winding stairways and corri-
dors in some cathedrals are knowii to have.

Perhaps the most remarkable echo in the
world, is that at Bosneath, a mansion house
seventeen miles above Glasgow, in Scotland.
If a trumpeter plays a tune and stops, the
echo will begin the same tune and repeat it all
accurately ; as soon as this echo has ceased,
another will echo the same tune in a lower
tone; and after tlie second has ceased, a third
will succeed with equal fidelity, though in a
still lower tone. At Lake Killarney, Ireland,
there is an echo which plays a "second" to
any simple tune played on a bugle.

These echoes are caused by separate rever-
berating surfaces receiving the sound and re-
flecting it in sucessiou.

QUERIES AND ANSWERS.

Dr. E. K. r., LuncasUr. Pa.— The beau-
tiful yellow mottled moth, with black spot,
and a white central dot in it, on the under-
side of the (interior wings, and a large black
spot, with gray and white centre, occupying
the whole central port»)n of the upper sur-
face of the posterior wings, is the "American
Peacock Moth," (Saturina la) a male speci-
men. The female is of darker or brownish
color and much larger in size, but tlie horns
[Aixtenint) are not so feathered. It belongs
to the "American Silkworm Moths," (Bu.M-
BYCIDA) and the caterpillar green, and covered
all over with diverging prickly hairs, spins a
regular cocoon. The moth is very pretty and
harndess,but the cateii)illar feeds on plants aud
the foliage of fruit and other trees, but never
0(!curs in suflicient uumbera to hurt them.

Frof. r. K. li., MilUrsvitlc, Pa.— The il-
lustration of the large gray insect, with the
long, horn-shaped mnndibUs projecting out in
front, and the long, many-jointed ((ntenniE, is
what is, rather profanely, called a "Hellgra-
mite," (dori/dalis cormitnn) or the "Horned
Corydalis." The larvae lives in the water,
and in our boyhood we called it the "Black
Alligator," from its shape and formidible
jaws. It lives in the water a whole year, and
feeds upon any small animals it may be able to
capture there. In May or June, it comes out and
changes into a clay-yellow piqm, in a carity
which it forms in the sand near the stream,
and in due time the mature insect evolves.

Mr. D. S., Lancaster, Pa.— Your small
chestnut-brown beetles, which you say infest
your grape vines in great numbers, cutting
the leaves, and even the tender branches inta
mere shreds, are the "Grape Vine Fidia,"
[Fidia viticida,) which have long been so de-
structive to the Concord and Morton vines of
the Western States. Little seems to be known
about their larval development, but it is the
mature beetle which is the pest of the vines.
I have noticed them these twenty years past,
but never knew them to be as numerous as
you appear to have them. Their habit of
falling to the ground and " acting possum,"
suggested to Mr. Peschell, of Hermann, Mo.,
to train a large brood of chickens to feed on
them, and all he had to do was to start them
in the vineyard, with a boy in advance, to
shake the vines, and he himself to drive up
the straglers, and they would pick up evei7
insect, and in this way he kept his vineyard
clean and saved his crop. There is little use
in attempting to apply a dust of any kind, or
a liquid to the foilage, for they fly very readily
to other places.

Prof. B. F. S., Lancastei Pa.— The chrys-
alis which you left in our custody, is that of
a species of Orupta, and so far as we are able
to determine from a chrysalis alone, it is G.
inlerogationus, one of the "Hop-flies," or "Hop
Caterjiillars," a Diurnal Lepidopter, and will
develop a brown butterfly, with notched wings,
and a metallic interrogation mark on the under
side of the posterior wings. When it occurs
numerous, it deseroys the hop vines.

Mr. I. M. TF., Lancast(r, Pa.— The gall-
infested Hazel leaves, and also those left with
US some days earlier in the season by Mr. W.,
of the Lan'disville Junction, on the Columbia
and Reading Railroad, are the effects of a
species of PhjiUoxera, and is allied to the great
pest which has been so destructive to the grape
vines of France. There are now about twenty
species of Phylhixera described, natives of
this country, infesting the grape, hickory,
oak, hazel, sumac, and .various other trees
and shrubs, but we could not make out the
species — the galls were dry and compressed.

Mr. L. P., Christiana, Pa.— The large,
smooth chestnut-brown beetles, with formida-
ble jaws, to which you allude, are a species of
"Capricorn beetle" (Ltvamii danui). The larvse
liveindecayed wood of various kinds. Wehave
frequently found them in the decayed heart of
old cherry trees. Look out for the " American
Stag-beetle," (Lucanus ekphas). AV'e have
never yet taken one, but we have been infoim-
ed that they have been seen in this county.

102

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[July,

For The Lancaster Farmer.
CROPS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

Wheat and oats have beeu reaped, both of
which have turned out well. Some farmers
have threshed out their wheat, and new flour
is already in this market. The corn is very
promising, but early Irish potatoes will not
yield a full crop owing ^ dry weather in the
early part of the growing season. Cotton and
tobacco both look well, but the "stand" is
not so good as might be desired by sanguine
growers. It may Ije best, for this section at
least, that those crops should not turn out so
well. Less tobacco and cotton, and more
bread and meat is what is wanted most here,
for the good of the public generally. Garden
vegetables of all kinds planted here, are doing
finely. I have never seen apple, pear, peach,
prune, plum and other fruit trees, and grape
vines, so lieavily laden with fruit, and so
promising at this season of the year as they
are now, and if nothing happens to destroy it,
we will be blest with an abundant fruit year.
Cultivated strawberries at 25 cents a full quart,
and the old field (in common parlance) variety,
in some countries called tvild, at 10 cents per
quart ; and are better to the taste than the
best cultivated kinds — at least to cmr taste —
we have ever eaten in any country.

Cherries, from the great quantity brought
to this market, we judge are very plentiful,
and are selling at from 5 cents down to 2^ per
quart. Dew and blackberries, growing wild,
5 cents per quart. I saw peaches of the
present season in market here on the 28lh of
Juue, flue and ripe, and apples three weeks
ago. Upon the whole, all things bid fair in
this country, and we expect better times, and
more business here, after the crops of this
season's growth are gathered and marketed
than we have had for a long time. M. R.

Salisbury, N. C, Juue i:7, 1ST7.

[God grant that you, and all other people
and communities, may realize these reasonable
expectations, for such a consumatiou is much
needed to remove the heavy business pall that
has been so long hanging over the material
interests of our country. If being at peace
with all mankind, the general prevalence of
good health and al)undant crops do not revive
the business of tlie coimtry, and afford bread
and employment to its honest,idle population,
then we mu.st be most desperately wicked,
and need a further chastisement. Let us
hope that when prosperity again returns, we
will have a higher appreciation of it than we
ever had before, and turn it to a good account.]
^

For The Lancaster Farmer.
FROM NEBRASKA.

Ml!. Editor: This prosperous young city of
about four thousand inhabitants is the capitol
of Dodge county, and located on the Union
Pacific Railroad, forty-six miles west of
Omaha, at the junction of the Sioirx City and
Pacific, and the Freemont, Elkhorn and Mis-
souri Valley Railroads, at the junction of the
Piatt and Elkhorn valleys, which here are
about ten miles wide.

Freemont has a $25,000 public school house,
two daily and two weekly newspapers, and in
the county sixty school houses and about
thirty churches, and five mills ruiming twenty-
four burrs. Last year there were about three
thousand car-loads of grain shipped from
Freemont, nearly two thousand of which was
over the Union Pacific, and about eiglit hun-
dred of this went west. Only 76 deaths in
the county last year, including children and
invalids who came here sick.

In the county are 67 miles of railroad. Two
large rivers, the Platte and the Elkhorn, flow
entirely across the county, besides a great
number of smaller streams tributary to these,
some idea of the number of which may be in-
ferred from tlie fact that in tlie county are
39 bridges, aggregating 9,563 feet in length.

This region is thebest watered and timbered
in the State, and Dodge county has the largest
area of rich valley farming lands of any in
the United States. Tlie soil is the richest
and deepest the writer has ever seen. The
present crop pro-spects are excellent, and no

grasshoppers. The prices of land near the
railroad here range from three to eight dol-
lars per acre. The Union Pacific is selling
rich bottom land here at about six dollars per
acre on long credit, and only six per cent, in-
terest, thus affording the best opportunity for
a man to secure a good fann near the beauti-
ful and growing great railroad centre, city of
Omaha, and on the longest and best managed
railroad in the world, and which, with the
Central Pacific and their connections, form the
great highway around the world, within the
belt of population, wealth, and Christian civi-
lization which encircles the earth between the
39th and 44th parallels of north latitude.
Nebraska is the most western agricultural
State, and nearest inexhaustible mining and
gi-azing regions, botli non-producing as re-
gards food supplies, insuring a ready market
and good prices for all farm, garden and or-
chard products. — Examiner.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
ABIES— SPRUCE FIR.

The valuable work on Book of Evergreens,
by Mr. .Josiah Iloopes, is one that was much
in demand and supplies great dissederatum to
the student of the coniferie.

In his excellent description of the Abies
Nordmannia, so named by Link in memory of
the first discoverer of this desirable Fir, Prof.
Nordmann, who found it growing on the Ad-
shar Mountains, at an elevation of 6,000 feet,
from 80 to 100 feet in heighth, with a straight
stem. It is quite abundant on tlie Crimean
Mountains, and those east of the Black Sea;
also in various other localities.

Mr. Iloopes describes it on page 205, and
says, " Our experience with this species has
beeu so very satisfactory that we wish it were
known. The most severe winters have never
afliected in the least, and it appears always to
retain the beautiful green color of its foliage
in all seasons and through all viscissitudes.
It is quite vigorous in growth, beautiful in
verdure, regular and graceful in form, of large
size and perfectly hardy in this latitude." He
also says, that the "leaves are 1 inch long,
linear, flat, incurved, dark green above, and
glaucous below," ttc; but he fails to inform
his readers of the very curious feature of the
leaves to attract the attention of a close ob-
server, and one tliat induces inquiry as to the
cause of it. Early in the morning and fore-
noon the foliage is uniformly of a whiteish
color, as also toward evening or about sunset,
while during the middle of the day they are of
a uniform green color. This arises from a
periodic movement in the position of the
leaves. In the day time the leaves are spread
out upon the branches and present their up-
per surface which is green, but towards the
evening, or sunset, they begin to erect them-
selves, until the under or whiteish side of the
leaves are presented to the eye, often becom-
ing nearly perpendicular during the night
season, travering an angle of OO'-". Tlius there
is a diurnal and nocturnal position of the foli-
age, which accounts for this change of appear-
ance, and is an interesting fact that should
not be omitted. J. S.

For The Lancaster Farmer.

LARGE FARMS AND SMALL FARMS—
THEIR ADVANTAGES AND DIS-
ADVANTAGES.

In regard to the size of farms we find two
seta of champions — the one set advocate large
farms, the other small farms. Sucli a thing
as a farm of medium size has no existence
with them — it is sometimes claimed by one,
sometimes by the other set. Each set sees
and trots out the advantages, the disadvan-
tages being kept in the background, or alto-
gether out of sight.

Locality has a great deal to do with the
term " large" and " small" as applied to tracts
of land. A large farm in the eastern States is
a small farm in the western States or Cali-
fornia, and what would be called a small fiirm
in New England is only a lot in Iowa or
Nebraska. For our purpose we will consider

a large farm to contain two hundred acres or
more, of land in cultivation.

But it is the advantages and the disadvan-
tages tliat we wish to consider, in what they
consist, and, if possible, to find a way to
remedy the disadvantages.

We will consider small farms as first in
order.

Their advantages are : they make close
neighbors ; close neighbors bring stores, mills,
schools, post-oflices, churches and other conve-
niences near each man's door ; they make a
more educated community, and as a conse-
quence create a better and a pleasanter social
life; roads are better graded, and kept in better
condition ; fences, houses, barns and other
buildings are kept in neater order and better
repair.

The above and many more are the advan-
tages, claimed and real, and besides it is
claimed that small farms are better tilled, and
thus more productive than larger ones, but
here we come to the very disadvantages them-
selves.

The disadvantages are: the cost of a dwell-
ing house is as much for the small farm as for
the large one, and in other buildings and
fences the cost is proportionally higher ; also
on a small farm many of the operations are
carried on by mere jihysical labor, because it
will not pay to purchase all tlie implements
and machines by which so much of the labor is
saved — and even that is done by horses ; to
buy all these would bring the profit and loss
account in a bad shape, as the interest, and
wear and tear would eat all the profits.

For a community of small farmers it would
sometimes be well to have implements and
machines In common, each individual paying
his share of the cost, and be entitled to the
use of them on his own fiirm. There would
necessarily have to be a place to where such
implements would have to be returned, for if
this would not be done it would be sometimes
very annoying to hmit them up. Where
many of them are in joint ownership, it would
be the better plan to have each farmer hold
and care for one or more of the machines, and
when not in use always have them at that
place.

Some of the objections against such joint
ownership are, that two of the farmers might
want to use the same implement at the same
time, and that many persons are very lax in
the care and proper usage of implements, and
this would be a source of great annoyance to
their more orderly neighbors and joint owners.
Grain drills, corn-planters, mowers (and reap-
ers combined,) hay-tedders, horse-powers,
threshing machines, power cutters, and such
other machines that do a great deal of work
in a short time, and that are used only at cer-
tain seasons of the year, are the proper ones
for joint ownership.

The advantages and disadvantages of large
farms are just the contraries of the small
farms ; and in addition the schools are gene-
rally of a lower order and not graded.

As far as we can see, the only important
advantage that large farms have over small
ones, is in the use of machinery. Like in
manufactories, labor can lie more economically
directed where there is a division of labor, and
special machines for performing such labor.

To overcome some of the isolation of large
farms, agricultural writers have commenced
advocating that four farms should be located
on a cross-road, and the houses and buildings
belonging to the farms be built at this cross-
ing, so that four houses are quite close neigh-
bors.

The above plan is only practicable in the
western countiy, where counties, townships
and sections, are laid out in squares like a
well-planned city, and where the country is
comparatively level. In hilly sections it
would, in many cases, be out of the question
to build in this manner, as the buildings
would have to be situated in accordance with
the lay of the ground.

It is also recommended by some writers,
that in the unsettled west, former's villages, of
a dozen or more farms, might be started ; all

i8?r.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i03

the houses, barns and other buililiiigs, gardens
and orchards, to be close to-^ether, giving each
farmer live to seven acres, or more. Tlie
balance of the land is ontside of tlie village,
and by proper arrangement and location the
most iistant farm need not be more than a
mile from tlie buildings.

This is done in .some parts of Germany, I
believe, but there the villages have more in-
habitants Ihan these American villages woulil
have, for the rea.son that the farms are there
ninch smaller than in this country, and the
peasants often have a couple miles to their
farms. Of course, in these (Jerman villages the
lots belonging to the houses are quite small,
too small to suit the taste and wants of the
average American farmer.

Whether this style of farming will suit
Americans, remains to be seen, as there are
disadvantages connected with it, that may,
in many cases, seem to over-balance the ad-
vantages and conveniences.

A few of these villages have been started in
late years, the most noted of which is Greely;
but it needs further experiment to determine
the ultimate success. Greely is very much
praised, and is a very desirable and agreeable
place to live, if we may believe the letters that
are published in the papers from time to time.

There is also such a village in some part of
New England, (l)eerfleld, t't., I believe), that
has existed from the earliest time, it being
built in this manner as a protection against the
raids of the Indian.s. 1 liave never heard how
successful it is, but suppose that its advan-
tages are considered to over-balance the dis-
advantages, or it would have long ago passed
out of existence.

The question of the advantages and disad-
vantages of lai'ge farms and small farms, is
one of those perplexing (juestions that can
never be really settled, and so to the end, we
will have advocates for farms ranging in size
from four acres up to four lumdred or more,
locality to some degree determining the size.

A. B. K.

For The Lancarter Farmer.
PRACTICAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM
LEOLINE.

Egg Plants. — I have just read in the June
number of the Farmer about this i)lant, and
the use of Paris green. I can safely say, use
Paris green, for 1 saved my egg plants last
year by the use of it, and I used the eggs,
but always pared them, and they done us no
harm; and I also used it on my cucumber
plants to keep the striped bug off, and on
squashes too.

Locusts — Mr. Editor: You have turned
things upside down about the locusts; it is
neither W nor V; it is M, or more this style
111. . That is meaning Moses, and if you live
to see eight years more, please take notice if
it is not so. Tlie seventeen year locusts gen-
erally come up along woods, and when that
is cut down, they will only come up there at
■ that place once after that. Nine years ago
they were up in this place, and could have
been gathered by the bushel.

Soups.— "Noodle Soup." Take 3 eggs, 3
egg shells full of water, and work enough of
flour in to make it stiff to roll on a board ;
roll it as thin as you can without lireaking ;
lay it on a cloth to dry. Now put over the
fire a good fat piece of beef, or a fat pullet is
just as good, but it must be fat; put it in cold
water if you want your soup to be good, with
salt to taste; add a small quantity of .saffron,
parsley, celery, winter savoy, or sage, if jiala-
table, and boil until it is tender. When your
"noodles" are dry, which will be in about one
and a-half hours, take and roll them together,
cut in thin slips, put them in and boil 15 min-
utes longer. Serve with pepper sprinkled over
the top. Enough for a family of six.

Milk or Pellet Soup.— Put over the fire
a piece of fat beef and boil till tender ; put
in salt just enough to take away the raw taste;
boil down to one-half the original quantity of
water. Have ready the same (piantity of new
milk (boiling hot,) and pour it into the water.
You must take care that it does not run over.

Now take two eggs (if you have enough to
make four or live quarts of soup) break them
into some Hour, and rub it in enough to make
it in small balls, or rivel to .seiiarate it ; drop
it sparingly into your soup kettle, stirring it
all the time, till it is all in, and boil five or
ten minutes longer. It is best to stir till done
to prevent burning. Serve.

Cahbaoe Soup. — Put in cold water a good
piece of beef, let boil half an hour ; take a nice
liead of cabliage and wash clean, shred it up,
put it in with the meat, sift two tablespoon-
fuls of (lour in, add very little saffron, and
salt to taste ; boil until the beef is tender.
Add one pint of rich new milk, stir it a few
moments and it is doiu'. Serve with pepper.

Invalid Suiip. — Put over the fire two
<iuarts of new milk, let it come to a boil ; in
the meantime, toast some bread, nice and
brown, break it up into small pieces, put it
into a tureen and put in a little salt ; grate
over it a little nutmeg and add a small piece
of butter; pour your milk boiling hot over it
and cover ; let itstiuid ten minutes, and serve
either with more salt or with sugar, as pre-
ferred.

^

For The Lancaster Farmer.
THE HORSE.
The horse is not only the most noble and
elegant, but he is al.so the most useful sub-
ject of the animal kingdom. lie appears to
have been specially created to assist the hu-
man family in their labors, their recreations,
and their pleasures, and therefore ought to
be treated by man as a superior among quad-
rupeds— as a gift from Providence, to accom-
pany him in his various industrial and social
occupations. The original locality of the hor.se
is in dispute, if it is not almost entirely un-
known. Both Egypt and Arabia claim the
lirst notice of this noble animal, but the pre-
ponderance of i)rofane testimony seems to be in
favor of Egypt, but doubtless much might be
said on either side. Even in the sacred writ-
ings, when describing the earliest stages of
the world's progress, we find the horse is in
extensive use in Egypt. In comjiaratively
modern times, when Mahomet attacked the
Koreish tribes, we find not a single horse in
the entire camp — showing how scarce at so
late a period, horses were, even in Arabia,
and how plentiful in Egypt. But Arabia be-
came long afterwards the greatest place for
tleet and beautiful horses in the world.
Horses at a very early period were discovered
grazing wild on the banks of the Danube.
When emigration lk>wed into Europe, i\w.
hor.se, like the dog, accompanied man, un-
civilized as wellascivilized, and was therefore
found in most congenial climates. The
first mention we have of horses in Great Brit-
ain, dates from the Koman invasion of Eng-
land,-under the command of .Julius Ciesar;
and are mentioned by him as a noble local
race of animals, and he also speaks of their
skillful management by this uncivilized race
of people.

The horse is found wild in Mexico and
South America. It is not positively known
whether they are indigenous to those coun-
tries, or whether they were imported into
them by the Spaniards, and became wild in
the course of time. The fact that Prof. Cope
and other explorers have found the organi(^
remains of half a <lozen distinct sjiecies of
horse, buried at dillerent depths in the allu-
vial soil of our western Slates, throws some
doubts upon the theory that they were intro-
duced by Columbus and other foreign explor-
ers, and that they did not originally exist here
as well as in Asia and Europe.

The horse is used in difi'erent ways aud for
ditt'erent i)urposcs, in ditl'erent countries aud
in different climates. In mountainous coun-
tries ha is mainly u.sed as a beast of burden,
and heavy cargoes arc carried on his back
over the steepest and most dangerous moun-
tain passes. In Tartary, Afglianistan aud
Arabia, on account of his lleetness, he is used
for war purposes, and in roaming from jdace
to place. In Europe and the United States
mainly for agricultural purposes — in culti-

vating the soil, and as a draught animal,
in transporting iimduce to market, and a
means of conveyance for business, for [ileasure
and for profit. Pifty years ago our "Cones-
toga horses" were in extensive use in convey-
ing goods from Philadelphia to Pittsburg.
Then it was necessary to raise the heaviest
and strongest horses, but that trade has long
since been superceded by canal, railroad and
steamboat navigation. It was also necessary
to raise .some of the lleete.st varieties of horses
for stage and coach draught in conveying U.
S. mails and travelers from one State, or
place to another, or for courier despatches, in
the absence of telegraphs or other means of
conveyance, as at the seat of the present war
between Russia and Turkey. They have very
few railroads in that c(umtry, hence we read
a good deal about "lleuter despatches,"
meaning rider diKpuiches — news brought by
couriers or horsemen. How cruel the noble
hor.so is often treated, even in our Christian
-Vmerica. Among the unchristianized Ara-
bians the horse is difTerently appreciated, and
a higher value is accorded to him than else-
where, and the hor.se and his master often ex-
ist under the same i)rotecting shelter that
jirotects the whole Arabian family; and they
are so well trained that they lie down at com-
mand and permit the children to crawl over
them or imder them without being hurt.
They esteem the mares much higher than
they do the hor.ses. The Mexicans arc the
reverse of this. They never catch wild mares
at all, and consider it a disgrace to ride on a
mare, but esteem the horses very highly. We
Americans, send missionaries to Asia and to
Mexico, yet we might learn from tho.se nations
how to treat horses. Horses are sometimes
treated very cruelly in our country in various
ways. Oficni they are overburdened and
made to draw enormous loads under the cruel
goadings of the merciless whip, with galled
wounds under their collars, and often without
enough to eat. They are hitched under the
hot sun for hours, and this too, very often
by pious wor.shippers at the Sunday meeting
house, with no shcilding nor shade-trees out-
side of, or surrounding their holy temples.
Since then the horse, in intelligence and gen-
eral usefulness is almost next to man, he
should be treated as becomes the hunuuiityof
man to man. As to what kind of horses we
ought to raise at the present time there need
be no very serious question. Since the intro-
duction of the steamlioat, the locomotive and
the telegraph, there apiiears to be no particu-
lar necessity for "fast" horses.

AVherever there is a telegraphic communi-
cation, and men in one locality, in the lap.se
of a few minutes, can talk with those
in Philadeliihia or New York, or in thirty
minutes, with those in California, or almost
over the whole country, there seems to be
little use for fast horses, and therefore we
seem to have arrived at that moral, domestic,
and economic period in our social history,
when we should make it a leading point to
lireed and raise middle-sized horses ; very
gentle, yet willing and strong. The Norman
W(3uld lie about the proper horse for the pres-
ent period. As we have a great many one
and two horse farms in our county, and nearly
all one and two horse wagons are now being
built instead of the great Conestoga wagons
of former times, a different ad:iptation of
means to ends seems to be necessitry. Fast
horses, in their proper jilaces, and for jnoper
uses, jierbaps, will be more or less necessary
for some time yet to ccmie, and we might be
"conteiitto wait contentedly " until that time
arrives, were it not for the pregnant fact that
thert/jKi-eof the possession of "fast horses,"
so often makes "fast men." The American
peoi>le, in many ways and for many objects,
are becoming a fast people ; and young
America, in particular, should not be wilfully
led into temptation, or encouraged in evil
habits. Therefore, the whole conclusion hath
this extent and no more, that the special busi-
ness of raising fast horses, in the face of tele-
graphic, railroad and steamboat intercourse
ijetween men and places, is not only a useless

104

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ July,

business, but it is also demoralizing in many,
many cases, and, except in very rare instances,
and for very essential uses, ought to be aban-
doned, as injurious to the interest of progi-es-
sive agriculture. — L. S. R., July 1, 1877.

THOROUGHBRED SOUTHDOWNS.*

•Soutlidowns are acknowledged the general
favorites for wool and mutton. They produce
the very best mutton. We do not deem it
necessary to dwell on this point, as Southdown
mutton is everywhere famous tiie world over.
Butchers pay higher prices for pure and
graded Southdown lambs than for any others.
In England they always bring a ]ienny a pound
more than any otlier lambs. Consequently,
blackfaced Southdown lambs always sell well.
In the Southdowns we have large hams and
shoulders, a prominent development of all the
valued parts, and the absence of horns, long
necks and large heads. Thus all waste parts
are small. A Southdown will dress more real
solid flesh than any common sheep. At eight
months' old they will dress from 7.5 to 100
pounds, and they can be brought into market
at any age, from that named to four years.
They will attain a weight of 17.5 to 200 pounds \
at two years' old, and fatten readily at any
age. They will shear from 8 to 12 pounds of
superior wool annually. Farmers wh.o keep
sheep for mutton and wool will find that
Southdowns "fill the bill."

A Southdown ram will make a wonderful
improvement in any flock of sheep, and will
enhance, veiy much, the value of the off-
spring. Wide-awake farmers cannot aftbrd
to neglect this important addition to their
.stock at so small a cost. Southdowns have
brown faces and legs, haunch well down,
small head, neck short and well set on, *=
forequarters broad and deep, back and loins
broad and straight, chest broad and ribs
well arched, limb.s short in proportion to
size of body, bone fine, face and forehead
covered with short hair, woo! thick and
soft, coming close to the face, ears thin
and eyes bright. They are docile and
thrive well.

writing for ten. A higher rate works a for-
feiture of ten per cent.

Kansas — Seven per cent. Parties may
agree for twelve. Usury forfeits the excesa

Kentucky — Six per cent., but contracts may
be made in writing for ten. Usury forfeits
the whole interest charged.

Maine — Six per cent. Parties may agree
in writing for any rate.

Maryland — Six per cent. Usurious con-
tracts cannot be enforced for the excess above
the legal rate.

Massachusetts — Six per cent., but parties
may agree for any rate in writing.

Michigan — Seven per cent.. Parties may
contract for any rate not exceeding ten.

Minnesota — Seven per cent. Parties may
contract in writing to pay as high as twelve;
but contract for higher rate is void, as to ex-
cess.

Missoiui — Six per cent. Contract in writ-
ing may be made for ten. The penalty
for usury is forfeiture of the interest at ten
per cent.

Nebraska — Ten per cent., or any rate on
express contract not greater than twelve.
Usiu-y prohibits the recovery of any interest
on the principal.

New Plampshire — Six per cent. A higher
rate forfeits three times the excess to the per-
son aggrieved suing therefor.

New .Jersey — Seven per cent. Usury for-
feits all interest and costs.

New York — Seven per cent. Usury is a

Wisconsin— Seven per cent. Parties may
contract in writing for ten. No interest can
be computed on interest. Usury forfeits all the
interest paid.

Wyoming Territory— Twelve per cent. ; but
any rate may be agreed upon in writing.

Dominion of Canada— Six .per cent.; but
parties may agree upon any rate.

^

TOBACCO.

LEGAL RATES OF INTEREST.

Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Texas, California and South Carolina have ;\, j i
abohshed all usury laws, and give the people ^iJ
the right to contract for money as fully as
for food.

The legal rate of interest in Alabama is s^
8 per cent. On usurious contracts the priii- ^^
oipal only can be recovered.

Arkansas— Eate of interest six per cent.,
but parties may contract for any rate not ex-
ceeding ten. Usm-y forfeits both interest and
principal.

California— Ten per cent, after a debt be-
comes due, but parties may agree upon any
rate of interest whatever, simple to com-
pound.

Connecticut — Seven per cent. Usury for-
feits interest taken in excess of legal rate.

Colorado— Ten per cent, on money loaned.

Dakota— Seven per cent. Parties may con-
tract for any rate not exceeding twelve.
Usury forfeits all the interest taken". ■

Delaware— Six per cent. Penalty for usury
— forfeits a sum equal to the amount lent.

District of Columbia— Six per cent. Par-
• ties may stipulate in writing for ten. Usury
forfeits all the interest.

Florida— Eight per cent. Usury laws re-
pealed. Money may be loaned at any rate.

Georgia— Seven per cent. Parties may
contract for twelve. A hiaher rate than
twelve forfeits interest in excess.

nhnois— Six per cent., but paities may
agree in writing for ten. Penalty for usury-
forfeits the entire interest.

Indiana— Six per cent. Parties may agree
in writing for any rate not exceeding ten.
Beyond that rate is illegal as to excess only.

Iowa— Six per cent. Parties may agree in

"Photographed from W. Atlee Burpee's flock, now owned
by Eensou Si Burpee, Philadelphia.

THOROUGHBRED SOUTHDOWNS.

misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of one
thousand dollars or six months' imprisonment,
or both; and forfeits the principal, even in
the hands of third i)arties.

Ohio— Six per cent, in all cases where there
is no contract. Eight per cent, on written
contract.

Oregon— Ten per cent. Parties may agi-ee
in writing for twelve.

Pennsylvania— Six per cent. Usurious in-
terest cannot be collected. If paid, it may be
recovered by suit therefor within six months.

Rhode Island— Six per cent. Any rate may
be agreed upon in writing.

South Carolina— Seven per cent. Usury
laws are abolished and parties may contract
without limit. Contracts must be made in
writing.

Tennessee— Six per cent. Parties may con-
tract in writing for any rate not exceeding ten
per cent.

Texas— Eight per cent. All usury laws
abolished by the new constitution.

Vermont— Six per cent. Usury forfeits only
the excess.

Utah Tenitory — Ten per cent. No usury
laws. Any rate may be agreed upon.

Virginia— Six per cent. Lenders forfeit all
interest in case of usury.

West Virginia— Six per cent. Excess can-
not be recovered if usury is pleaded.

Washington Territory— Ten per cent. Any
rate agreed upon in writing is valid.

A New Pest for Tobacco Growers.
The tobacco growers in this section have
found a new worm at the plants this season,
which is more troublesome than the cut-worm.
It is a little over half an incli long, of a brown-
ish hue, and does not operate like the cut-
worm. It commences underground just at
the top of the root, and bores into the centre,
and then eats out the heart of the stalk until
it reaches the top of the ground. The plant
thus hollowed out will remain green for -a
week or ten days before it begins to wilt, but
the presence of the worm can be detected by
the smallest leaf withering before it has long
been at the root. The plant once attacked
by this animal it liecomes worthless and
might as well he pulled up. Messrs. John
and CalviirSultzbach, who have three acres
in tobacco have had one-third of them de-
stroyed by this new jjest. It was supposed
that the growers had as much to contend with
hi the cut worm in the early stages of its
growth as they could handle, but this wke-
worm, as it is called, promises to give them
a good deal of trouble.

[The foregoing we clip from the MaritUa
Times, and regret that the description of
the "new pest" is so very indiflerent and
indefinite. The matter is important, and
specimens ol the insect should be sent to an
entomologist. It would be some satisfac-
tion to know wiMt the bisect is, even if he
had no remedy against its destructions.]

[In contrast with the above the tobacco
growers may take some consolation from
the following, which is offered for all it is
worth — nothing more and nothing less.
If it does not instruct it may amuse :J
Three Thousand Pounds to the Acre.
The following is clipped from the Hart-
ford Courant : The early writers on tobacco
were fond of extolling the rare virtues, re-
markable qualities, and peculiar kind of
soil required for this singular plant. Some
writers gave curious accounts of the size
of the weed, and in Lobel's " History
of Plants," printed at Antwerp (1576),
is a cut representing the weed as at-
taii,i,5g the height of our largest trees,
^^'hile the leaves we should judge might
measure at least ten feet in length. Dr. Lie-
bault in his work entitled the "Country
Farm," (1600), in speaking of tobacco, says
that it " craveth a fat soil." Physicians wrote
of its wonderful curative powers — that it
could heal the sick, was a certain cure for the
gout, as well as very useful in colds and
fevers. Others still asserted that its use im-
proved one's manners. In Edward Sharp-
ham's comedy, " The Fleire, " (1515), one of
the characters (who is a fashionable smoker,)
says to another: "Before I took tobacco I
was an arrant ass, '2 and adds, "Faith, these
gentlemen have not long used my company,
yet you see how tobacco hath already refined
their spirits. " We have no desire to enroll
our name with that of either class alluded to.
yet the honest grower of the plant may think
so, after reading the title of this article. At
first thought it may be supposed that .3,000
pounds of leaf tobacco can not be grown on a
single acre of land, hut when the method
adopted is fully explained it can hardly be
doubted by even the most incredulous. Doubt-
less some at least who read this article have
grown 2,300 pounds, or even .3,500 pounds, of
tobacco to the acre, and we remember to have
read several years ago of a tobacco grower in
Massachusetts who raised- 2,600 pounds of
leaf tobacco on a single acre of ground.
These amounts are usually considered very
large, and when it is afiinned that one ton

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

105

and a half of tobacco ha.s been obtained from
a single acre, many will regard it as sim])ly a
bar-room story, or wholly a myth.
Tobacco in Berks.

The Berks county ujiricuUurists are waking
up to tlic importance of the tobacco crop. At
the last meeting of the agrieiiltiual society
the following preamble and resolution were
passed :

Whereas, The culture of tobacco has
proved highly remunerative and is extensively
cultivated in the adjacent county of Laucas-
ter, and witli a view of stimulating the farm-
ersof Berksto commeiu'e its growth, therefore

Resulved, That the Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Society of Berks county offer a pre-
mium of fifty dollars for the Ijest acre of to-
bacco grown in this county, and that the
president appoint a connnitteeof tliree farmers
who shall be authorized to award the premium
in 1878.

CUTTING AND CURING TOBACCO.

The United States Tobacco Journal makes
the following statement of some experiments
which have been made in some of the tobacco
producing districts of Germany, with decided
success. At the time llie plant is ready for
cutting, judgment should be used in deter-
mining the body and texture the leaves posses
at such time. If the leaf should Ije of a
tlimsy, weak character; the whole stock, in-
cluding the root, .should be extracted and nail-
ed, or hung up in the barns with the tips of
the leaves hanging downward. This will
greatly benefit tJie leaves, as the sap contained
in the root will gradually diffuse itself into
the leaves and add considerable to their
strength and tlie coming sweating process.
If on the other- hand, the lea\es should be of
heavy character, then onlv the leaves should
be cut off and lumg up. This will reduce the
surplus of sap, deprive the leaf of any accu-
mulation of strength, turn out to be of a
thinner and more desirable textiu'e after
sweating.

[Of course, our experienced tobacco growers
will know more about the value of the above
than wc do, and we only quote it because
" In the multitude of counsel there is safety."]

^

CULTURE OF TOBACCO.

A few Practical Hints — Danger of Overdoing
it — Shedding, Sorting, etc.
This is a subject which at the present time
seems to be foremost in the great agricultural
interests of our county, and is claiming the
attention of the majority of our farmers. In
fact, with us, it is the great topic of conversa-
tion, and apparently seems to be the golden
dream of every owner of land — from the
possessor of a parcel of 20x40 feet, to the large
landholders. Every one you meet talks to-
bacco ; as if it were not enough to chew and
smoke it. It is the everlasting theme that
greets our ears from morn to night, and on
every side. And as a consecpience its culture,
&c., being the great subject of the day, and
items of news being scarce, we concluded that
perhaps it would not be amiss to throw out a
few practical hints in regard to its culture,
&c., formed from observation. It is true
there are "millions in it," but tlie (piestion
has arisen in our mind if it may not be po.ssible
that it may be overdone. First, may not the
soil finally fail to produce, and may not the
growers in their anxiety to*amass wealth,
overstock the market, and as a consequence
reduce the price or value of it, and thereby
realize less from it than they would from a
com or wheat crop. As a general thing
growers of tobacco use every particle of ma-
nure and fertilizer that becomes available on
the tobacco ground, entirely neglecting the
manuring of tlie wheat, corn and potato patch,
and as a consequence short crops are the re-
sult, and instead of, as in the days of yore,
when thirty-five and forty bushels of w-heat
were harvested from the acre, the average
yield has fallen to fifteen and twenty-five
bushels, a decrease of almost one-half, besides
a very short crop of straw ; and such is the

case witli all other crops. The question need
not be asked why this is, for it is an admitted
fact that tobacco al)sorb3 in its growth from
the soil certain ingredients or properties of
the same, that heavy fertilizing and rest of
the soil will alone replace again. And another
point which we desire to draw attention to, is
that two many laud owners endeavor to grow
more themselves tiian they are able to man-
age, and as a consetpience it fails to get that
attention necessary to secure a good crop.
We have frequently observed that some of the
land owners put out from twenty to thirty acres
of their best land, and entirely robbing the
balance of the farm of manure, and whilst
endeavoring to fiirn\ more than they can prop-
erly work or givc^ their attention, the result
follows, that where they have one acre of
gooil tobacco, they have live of an inferior
character (and all other crops neglected and
short according), and consequently tlooding
the market with an inferior article. We hold
that no one man can properly with the care
and attention neces.sary, manage more than
two acres, and then only by giving it his whole
attention. Besides, as a general tiling, many
of those growers have not sufiicent shedding,
and are therefore compelled to crowd it into
too small a sjiace. To cure tobacco properly
it should have sufiicent room, so that each
stalk may hang free from the other ; other-
wise we will have wliat is commoidy known
among thegrowcrsas "mow-burnt" tobacco,
and also an ununiforin color. We predict that
if farmers continue to presist in driving their
land in growing cro]i after crop so extensively,
without sufficient fertilizer and rest, that
their land will finally become non-productive.
Thei'e should by all means be a less area of
land farmed, and tliat should be placed in
charge of good experienced growers, and nt>t
more than two acres to any one man, g,nd I
feel justified in asserting that a better and
more merchantable article will be placed in
the market, and as a conse(pience a better
price realized, and in the end recompense the
owner of tlie land better than if he had
double the number of acres, besides resting
his land. We have known right in our own
vicinity, growers to realize from three acres,
which were well managed and attended, as
much as some growers realized from ten acres.
The reason is quite simple and reasonable. In
the first place, the land was well manured ;
secondly, they had plenty of room to hon.se it,
without crow'ding ; thirdly, they were able to
give it all the attention required — keeping it
free of worms, &c., and, lastly, sorting it
properly. In the last particular "many fail in
putting forth a good merchantable article. It
should be properly sorted, too much care can
not be given in this direction. Sound and
uniformed colored leaves should be placed by
themselves — each stalk should be very care-
fully examined when being stripped, leaves
should also be of a uniform length, a handful
with long and short leaves tied together make
rather an unmerchantable appearance, and
very often cause a poor sale. We think from
what little experience we have had, that many
growers also fail at the time of topping, by
waiting until the seed-head makes its appear-
ance. This, we hold, is a bad practice, from
the fact that thetoj) leaves never fully mature,
and as a general thing cures very irregularly,
and nine out of ten of a light yellow color.
In our judgment we think that it should be
topped, even on very strong land, with from
ten to fourteen leaves at the outside, and ex-
perience has taught us, that as much weight
can be grown from the acre by low topping as
if topped eighteen and twenty leaves, besides
a better article. But I am becoming lengthy,
and will leave tiie subject for .some future
time. — Zebedee, Washington Bormujii, June 4,
1877, in Examiner and Express,

THE TURNIP CROP.
There has been given more attention of
late years to the cultm-e of turnips by those
who live in the vicinity of large cities than
was formerly the case ; and we are glad to
find it so, for there is no better sign of a pros-

perous farm than a field of first-class turnips.
It .shows at once that he who raises them does
not altogether depend on grain raising, and
atso that he knows luiw to keep u)) the feitili-
ty of his .soil, for one may as well expect to
gather figs fiom thistles or grapes from tliorns
as to have a good cro]) of turnips olf a piece
of poor land.

At the same time it will bear remark, that
turnip-culture is not attended to with that
degree of thoughtful skill which aims to pro-
duce the best results with the least expendi-
ture of labor and skill ; and the consequence
is that many a turnip-crop costs more in labor
than the whole thing is worth.

It is often said that the labor of putting and
to])i)iMg costs as nmch as the turiui)s bring;
but that is chielly owing to the .small size of
the roots. Of cour.se it takes less than one-
half the time to work a bushel of largi' size
than it does small ones. It is worth a little
extra care, therefore, to get them all as near
as possible of full size.

The trouble with many is that they fear the
seed may not all be good, and hence it is sown
much more thickly than it ought to be, but
the i)roper way is to test the seed before sow-
ing, and then sow understandingly. It is a
common belief that turnip seed will grow
after being many years old. Some of it will,
but experiment has shown that of a hundred
seeds which will grow when()ne year old, some
will not grow the second, and less the third.
The older it is the worse it is. If, therefore,
good fresh seed is to be had, it need not be
sown any thicker than desirable on this ac-
count. Again, some fear losses by the fly ;
but if seed be sown as it ought to be on rich
soil, it usually grows faster than the fiy can
eat it. At anyrate the fiy is as likely to de-
stroy it when thickly as when thinly sown. It
is much better to risk a thin crop than to have
so much labor brought about by a too thick
sowing.

We believe that it is generally conceded
that the white turnip is best sown broadcast,
as in drills they get too large and "pithy."
The rutabaga, however, never get too large
for us, and thus drill culture is emjiloyed ex-
clusively for it. For the same reason it is sown
in .Iuly,while for the ordinary turnip, August,
or even early in September, is quite time
enough for it.

Besides the evidence of prosperity which
good turnip culture affords, a crop of turnips
is in itself a means of jirosperity, for there is
nothing more useful where a number of cows
or sheep are kept. Dry cows can almost live
on them ; and by proper timing the food, they
can be given to milch cows without any danger
of tlavoring the milk. — Gtnnaniown Tekyraph.
•— —

THE ORIGIN OF PRAIRIES.

Why they are not Encroached Upon by Bord-
ering Woods.

In a paper in the American Naturalist, Prof.
J. D. Whitney, after showing the insufficiency
of theordinary theories to explain why prairies
are not encroached upon by liordering wood.s,
offers the following explanation of his own :

"Let us turn at present to the geological
side of the investigation. The whole of New
England and New York, and a large part of
Ohio and Indiana, together with the whole of
^Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, constitute
a region over which the nortliern drift phe-
nomena have been displayed on a graud scale.
Consequently almost the whole of this area is
covered with lieavy deposits of coarse gravel
and boulder materials. These deposits, if not
at the surface, are near it, and the liner ma-
terials deposited on them, by alluvial and
other agencies, generally form only a thin
covering for the coarse deposits beneath.
But as we go south and west from the region
indicated alx)ve, we find the underlying rock
—the "l)ed-rock" as the California miners
would call it — deeply covered with loose ma-
terials, it is true, but we obsen'e also that
these are quite different in character from
what they are to the north and east. We
come to a region where the drift agencies have

106

THE LANCASTER FARMER

[July,

been very limited in tlieir action. The bulk
of the superficial detritus has been formed
from the decomposition of the underlying
rock , and tliis detritus has been but little
disturbed or moved from its original position.
If erratic deposits exist, they are usually
deeply covered witli finer materials derived
from close at hand. A great area exists in
Wisconsin and Minnesoata over which not
a single drift pebble has ever been found,
either at the surface or at any depth beneath
it. The strata have become chemically disag-
gi-egated and dissolved by the percolation of
the rain through them, the calcareous matter
has been carried off in solution, and there is
left behind as a residuum the insoluble matter
which the rock originally contai'ned, and
which, consisting largely of silica and silicate
of alumma, forms by its aggregation a silicious
and clayey deposit of almost impalpable fine-
ness. It is this fine material which makes
up the bulk of the prairie soil ; and as the
writer conceives, it is this fineness which
is especially inimical to the growth of
trees. Exactly as we see the desiccated
lakes in the midst of forests gradually filling
up with finely comminuted materials and be-
coming covered with a growth of grasses or
sedges, which is not afterwards encroached on
by trees, no matter whether the ground be-
comes completely dry or whether it remains
more or less swampy, so we have the praries,
which have certainly never at any time been
overspread with forests, and which would al-
ways remain as they are, providing the cli-
mate underwent no radical change, and they
were not interferred with by man. It is for
the vegetable physiologist to say wliy this fine-
ness of the soil is so unfavorable to the growth
of trees ; it is for the geologist and the physi-
cal geographer to set forth the facts which
they may observe within the line of their own
professional work."

HOW TO KEEP OUR BOYS AT HOME.

And now let us talk a little about the boys,
whose future is so closely interwoven with
our own happiness and well-being. And the
first question we must ask is : "What course
shall we pursue to interest them in the work
of farming!"' That is the chief topic to dis-
cuss, because, unless we do make it for the
interest of the boys to remain with us and to
pursue the honorable calling of their fathers
and foreftithers, they will surely seek for
pleasanter places in the large cities. Often,
though, their search is unsuccessful, and, after
many years spent in unprofitable labor, they
may gladly return to the old farm, whose
rocky hills and green forests will then seem to
them like the garden of Eden. Therefore, we
should endeavor to make the home attractive ;
to give a cheery appearance to the sitting-
room and the kitchen, and even to the boys'
chamber, which so often is located in the attic
or upper chamber of the woodshed, and con-
tains nothing but the bare necessities of a bed
room — a bed, a table, one or two chairs, and
nails upon the door to hold the few garments
which are their only possessions.

So let us commence with these chambers
first. Give up a few of the comforts of the
rarely-occupied guest-chamber, if need be,
and cover the bare boards of the floor with
some kind of a carpet ; or, if that is not ob-
tainable, braid or knit some bright colored
rugs to spread beside the bed and in front of
the bureau or washstand. Your sons are be-
coming men now — are 16, 18 or 20 years
old, as the case may be — and demand at your
hands a more comfortable apartment than
was needed in their childhood. Perhaps they
possess a desire for "pretty things," as well
as your daughters ; and it is a proper desire,
and should be gratified in every possible way.
Their bed should be made comfortable, and
the table should be covered with a spread. If
it is knitted by your own hands or embroidered
on linen by their sister's, so much the better,
for it shows them that their pleasure and com-
fort are akin to yours, and that you take de-
light in making them happy. Brightly colored

chintz and cretonne can be procured at cheap
rates now, and, by their aid, out of the home-
liest materials, such as old boxes and barrels,
you can fashion comfortable chairs and couches.
A planed and neatly-fitted square top can also
be made and nailed over a barrel, and a strong
table will be the result, which, when covered
with a cloth, answers every purpose. An in-
genious boy, with the aid of his mother's and
sisters' fingers, can fashion all sorts of pretty
articles, at little expense, which will make
his chamber attractive and pleasant to him-
self and his friends.

Then, boys should be encouraged to work
with a will by presents of a colt, or a calf, or
a lamb. Even if they possess these three va-
rieties of stock, it will not be an injury to
them, but a decided advantage, because the
love of possession is inherent in the human
breast, and, if it is gratified, often increases
one's desire to be of use in the family — to do
what is to be done with pleasure and as if it
were play-work, rather than labor. Give your
boy a cock and a half a dozen hens as his own
property, and see with how much more zeal
he will attend to the needs of the poultry.
Give him a share of the egg money and see
how many more dozens you will carry to mar-
ket. The chief trouble with oui' boys is the
affairs of the farm, and so they take little heed
to its prosperity.

Again, it is well to encourage pleasant so-
ciety for them — to join the farmers' clubs and
the agricultural societies, and strive for the
prizes the latter offer. Cultivate good man-
ners, as well as good morals ; and do not ridi-
cule your sous it they like to look well dressed
when they go into society, but give them the
means to do so and tell them how nicely they
appear. If farmers would but pursue this
course, the boorishness and rusticity of their
class would be greatly diminished. To be sure,
there are farmers in our midst who are among
the best educated and the best bred men of
New England, and their sons are being trained
to grace a rural life ; but their number is very
small and it does not increase in due propor-
tions of the yfho\e.— Springfield Republican.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

The Society met in the Athen«um, at 2 o'clock ou
Monday afternoon, July 2, President Calvin Cooper
in the chair.

The following; members were present : W. J.
Kafroth, Secretary pro tern., West Earl; Levi W.
GrofT, Earl ; P. S. Reist, Manheim ; M. D. Kendie;,
Manor ; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy ; Prof. S. S. Kath-
von, city ; II. M. Engle, Marietta ; David G. Swartz,
city; C. H. Hunsecker, Manheim; Levi S. Keist,
Manheim ; John Garber, Hempfield ; John Miller,
Manheim.

Mr. M. D. KENniG, from acommitte appointed to
experiment and report which is the best variety of
wheat, and what is the proper quantity of seed to be
sown per acre, reported that he had sown side by
side in the same field a strip of Fultz and a strip of
Clausen wheat, and he brought for examination a
bunch of heads from each variety, plucked at the
same time, which showed that the Fultz variety ma-
tured much more rapidly than the other, that it con-
tained a greater number of grains to the head, but
that the grains were by no means so large as the
Clauson. He had sown from one bushel to one bushel
and a half of Fultz wheat to the acre, and his obser-
vation was that one bushel is quite enough where the
land is fertile. In thin soil more may be required,
but not in soil where the land contains a sufficient
quantity of vegetable mould. He preferred the
Clauson to the Fultz, though the first named is con-
siderably later.

P. S. Reist agreed that one bushel of seed was
enough to sow, unlesss the sower calculates that
some of the seed is to fall by the|wayside,or among
thorns and brambles. He had known good farmers,
however, who sowed a bushel and a half or two
bushels with good result.

Henry Kurtz was in favor of light seeding, as
the straw would then be stronger and the wheat less
likely to lodge. He had sowed last fall as much as
two bushels of amber wheat to the acre, but he was
satisfied this was too much unless the soil was very
thin. He had suffered considerably from smut and
would like to know what was the cause of it.

Mr. Groff said he had made several experiments
in growing wheat this season, and he would be
pleased to have the president and a, committee of the

society to call at his farmhouse, where he would
show them the growing wheat, and explain to them
his mode of cultivating it. He would show them the
ditference between cultivated and uncultivated
wheat, and the great advantage resulting from cul-
tivation. He had also a variety of rye he would like
to show the committee, the grain being of unusual
size. He had taken the advice of a seedsman and
sown only sixty pounds of seed to the acre. Had he
used his own judgment he would have sown two
bushels to the acre. He believed In a liberal use of
seed ; unless we sow liberally we cannot reap liberally.

Henry Kurtz thought 60 pounds of seed to the
acre too little, and two bushels two much, unless the
seed was very large. We should endeavor to find out
just what is the right quantity between these ex-
tremes.

W. J. Kafroth said that the farmers of West
Earl sowed two bushels of wheat to the acre, and
there was as good a crop in that section as anywhere
else In the county. He would not sow a less amount
of seed.

P. 8. Reist said there was on an average 36,000
grains of wheat to the bushel, and that is enough
for an acre. If the grains are small there are, of
course, more of them in a bushel and a less bulk
should be sown. If the grains are large there are a
less number in a bushel and a greater bulk should be
sown.

Mr. Kendig remarked that when he recommended
a bushel of seed to the acre he referred to the Fultz
wheat. A larger grained wheat would require a
greater weight of seed.

H. M. ExoLE said the question of the proper
quantity of seed would never be settled among farm-
ers,each of whom had his own opinion in the matter,
and would be governed by his own experience. His
own opinion was that farmers used to much seed.
The English agriculturists are in advance of us In
grain growing, aud they raise as large crops as we do,
by sowing three pecks of seed to the acre. Mr. Engle
himself would never sow more than a bushel and a
half of any kind of grain to the acre ; but no rule
can be laid down. We must use our best judgment
and be guided by our own experience. His own ex-
perience was that where he sowed the seed heaviest
last fall his crop was the lightest this summer.

Levi W. Gropf having been requested to state his
mode of cultivating wheat, said he drilled it In rows
several inches apart. This he did by changing his
wheat drill so that it had but four instead of the
usual eight seed spouts. He had shovels'Bo arranged
as to scatter the seed in each drill to the width of
about four inches, instead of allowing it to lie In a
straight line, as is usually done. After the wheat is
well up he cultivates it with the shovels attached to
the wheat drill, the shovels being passed between the
rows of wheat the same as the cultivator is passed
between the rows of corn. He had no difliculty in
getting the mules to walk between the rows.of wheat.
They seldom tramped it any, and If they did it would
do but little harm. He was certain by his mode of
cultivation that he could raise at least six bushels
more wheat per acre than by the old plan.

D. G. Swartz said that if Mr. Groff could do as
he said he could do, his mode of cultivating wheat
was certainly a great discovery. If the man who
caused two blades of grass to grow where only one
grew before was a public benefactor, how much more
a benefactor was the man who could add six bushels
of wheat to each acre grown.

Mr. Kuktz said that Mr. Heiges, of York, had for
some years cultivated his wheat, and had last year
grown twice as much per acre aa by the old method.

Levi S. Reist said that though the cultivation of
wheat was a new thing in Lancaster county, it was
old in some other parts of the world. In Japan they
cultivate wheat just as we do corn or other vege-
tables.

Mr. Engle said all plants are improved by culti-
vation, and wheat is no exception to this rule. It
will pay the farmer to cultivate it. He illustrated
the advantages of even rough cultivation by telling
of a farmer who had thoughtlessly left his harrow
in the wheat field after the seed had been harrowed
down in the fall, and not wanting the harrow, allow-
ed it to remain there all winter. Late in the spring
he sent a boy for the harrow, and the lad dragged it
from one end of the field to the other over the young
wheat. His master was almost tempted to flog him
for doing so, but the wheat that had been thus rudely
treated at once took a fresh growth, and was soon
ahead of that in any other part of the field, and It
continued in this condition to the time it was har-
vested— the part over which the harrow had passed
being distinctly marked by its superiority.

Mr. Swartz favored cultivation, and said that
though he was generally regarded as merely a dealer
in lands, he had 800 acres of cultivated lands In
Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas— in each of which States
different varieties of wheat were grown and different
modes of farming adopted. It was his desire to learn
the best mode so that he might be benefited by adopt-
ing it.

Crop reports being called for, P. 3. Reist, of
Oregon, Manheim township, reported the grass crop
at 75 per cent., and wheat 75 per cent., with harvest-
ing fairly commenced ; oats very promitiug ; will

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

107

yield 100 per cent ; coru is from middliiif; to good,
promises T.l per ceut ; ajjples scarce ; jjcaclics good
where tlicre are trees, Imt there are not many In this
nelgliljorhood ; cherries very scarce.

II. M. En<ii.e, of Doue>,'al, reported a fair averapje
of wheat and nearly an average of liay ; corn looks
well and promises a (;o(jd average: potatoes could
not he better, there will he the heaviest crop grown
for years : there hcing no )iotato hugs, new potatoes
are already selling for 50 cents a hushel ; apples
suffer from the curculio and codling moth; peach
crop fair, pears the same. The rainfall in June was
3 4-10 iuelies.

M. I). Keni>io, of Manor, reported the hay crop
heavier than was expected earlier in the sea.son;
wheat very good ; oats fair ; potatoes gooil ; peaches
good ; pears pretty good ; other fi-uits not very good ;
cherries very scarce. Halnfall during June :i 2-10
Inches.

Henrv KuiiTZ, of Mount Joy tjorough, reported
that in that section there would not be more than (10
per cent, of wheat; full crops of corn and oats; no
potato bugs and plenty of potatoes ; tobacco very
promising. The wheat in his neighborhood has been
much Injured by the lly.

Levi S. Reist, of Manhelm, reported that the
wheat sown before the 5tli of Seiitembcr would pro-
duce but little, while that sown after the l;3th would
produce from li.'i to 30 bushels per acre.

C. H. HuNSEcKEit, of Manhcini township, said he
lived near the line of Leacock and Lampeter town-
ships, and in his section nearly all the wheat fields
look well. The corn is growing vigorously; oats
looks well ; tobacco generally very good ; potato crop
immense, the tubers being already aslargc as a man's
fist . There were never better crops in that neighbor-
hood. He thought farmers were apt to estimate the
eapacityof their farms at too high a figure, and then
feel disappointed if the crops did not reach their es
timate. Our fathers were satisflcd with 15 to -0
bushels to the acre, while we expect to get from ;;o
to 40.

Mr. Kurtz said that he had raised 40 busliels per
acre, and his neighbor Smith Patterson had raised 42
bushels. This year his wheat was poor, the (ly and
emut having greatly injured it.

Levi Grofk asked if there was any smut in other
sections of the county except that mentioned by Mr.
Kurtz. In Earl and other parts of the county through
wliich he had passed he had seeu none.

W. J. Kafeoth had seen smut in Manheim, but
nowhere else.

President Cooper, of East Lampeter, reported
the wheat crop full ; oats never looked better ; coin
promising ; hay a full crop.

On motion, the questions proposed at last meeting
fordiseUBsioD atthe present meeting, were postponed.

P. S. Reist suggested that the averages of our
crops as st present establislied are too low. He sug-
gested that they be raised to the following figures :
Hay two tons per acre; wheat 40 bushels; oats 60 or
70 bushels; corn 80 to 100 bushels. He moved that
a committee be appointed to consider the proposition
and report to the society.

Mk. Enole moved to amend by adding that apre-
mium be offered to the farmer who raises the largest
crop on a given area, the area to be specified by the
committee.

The amendment was accepted, the motion as
amended, adopted, and the chair appointed the fol-
lowing committee : P. S. Reist, H. M. Engle, M. D.
Kendlg.

Levi S. Reist presented for inspection a sample
of vfry small red wild cherries, not larger than cur-
rants and very sour. He had several trees of this
variety upon his farm. The tree grows to a height of
20 or oO feet, it is very hardy and the wood and
leaves closely resemble the cultivated red cherry.
, It does not bear abundantly, but he believes it might
be utilized by grafting upon it cultivated varieties.
The birds seem fond of the fruit.

The following questions were proposed for discus-
sion at the next meeting :

"Should the grass be taken from the lawn when
cut by the mower ?" Referred to Levi S. Reist.

"What causes smut in wheat ?'' By Henry Kurtz.

"Will it pay farmers to erect sheds or roofs over
their manure piles '." By W. J. Kal'roth, for gener-
al discussion.

President Cooper, H. M. Engle, Levi S. Keist and
Peter 8. Reist accepted the invitation to visit the
farm of Levi W. Groll on Thursday, the Mi, Mr.
Qroff extending a cordial invitation to all others who
might wish to attend. Adjourned.

Tobacco Growers' Association.

The Lancaster county tobacco growers' association
met in the Athemeum, .Monday, June 'J.">th.

The minutes of last meeting were read.

The following members and visitors were present :

M. U. Kendlg, Manor; Webster L. Hershey, East
Hempfleld ; Wash L. Ilershey, Rapho; P. S. Keist,
Oregon; Henry Shiffuer, Upper Leacoek ; A. H.
Yeager, East Lampeter ; J. M. Johnston, city ; Clare
Carpenter, city; Jacob B. Wilnicr, Manor; H. H.
Hostetter, Oregon ; John Brady, Millersvllle.

Visitors— Benjamin Rohrer, Levi S. Keist, Martin
Laudls, Emanuel Lehr, F. R. Diffenderfer.

The discussion of the question, " What arc the best
fertilizers for tobacco lands?" deferred from last
ineetiiig was renewed.

I'. S. Reist said he was trying this year a number
of ditlereut kinds of fertilizers — barnyard iiiaiiure,
chicken manure, iihospbates, guano, gypsum, and
bone dust. Chicken manure he tlioiigiit would kill
the jilants in dry weather if It touches them. He
has tried chicken manure and phosphatcfi on poor
patches of ground by putting it on tlu; ridges well
covered up antl it had a good effect, lie mixes the
chicken manure with earth.

IIknkv Siin-FNKit mixes chicken manure with
ashes and gypsum and has obtained good results.
Chicken manure alone Is too hot, and will burn the
[ilantB.

P. S. Keist noticed that in the plant beds chicken
manure was used that the plants had a yellow and
sickly appearance.

WAsiiiN(iT()N L. ni:KsiiEY,of Uaplio, had last
year used phosphates and saw no good results, in-
deed the tobacco was not as good where the i>lios-
phatc was uscil as where there was lu, manure.

Puesiiient ,M. D. Ke.niikj said he had no faith in
concentrated manures, dealers di6courag(; the use of
them. He thinks stable manure thoroughly com-
posted better than all others, and should be almost
exclusively used where a siillleient supply can be had.

P. S. RmsT wished it to be understood tli.at he
preferred barnyard manure to all others, and used it
for the bulk of bis tobacco ; tint was this year using
the other manures as an experiment. If we should
have a poor piece of ground and could not get barn-
yard manure with which to' cnricli it, it would be
well to know what kind of manure is next best
among the commercial manures in use.

Mr. yE.iOEii recommended plowing down green
rye where stable manure is hard to be obtained.

Mr. W. L. Hershev said he last year used barn-
yard manure and this year is doing the same, jilowed
down the manure and then gave the grouinl a top
dressing of pig manure, and wound up by using
plaster and litiuid barnyard manure.

Cro]) reports being called for, Henry Shiffuer said
that plants in his section. Upper Leacock, weredoing
well ; the cutworm has not bothered him.

Webster L. Hershey, East Heuiplield, said he
planted 10,000 plants this spring, all of which are
growing finely except about 200 which had been
destroyed by the cut-worm. These were in ground
plowed this spring. In ground that was plowed last
fall the cut-worm has done no harm. Plants in his
section of the county look very well and are growing
rapidly.

P. S. Reist said the plants were well started and
were thriving finely. But few cut-worms have been
found, and but little replanting has been done. He
spoke of a field of tobacco some di.stance north of
this city, which had attracted his special attention,
the plants having leaves already from ten to twelve
inches long.

Israel L. LANnis, who was prevented by busi-
ness from attending the meeting, sent in a paper con-
taining his observations of the tobacco crop in the
northern section of the county. Mr. Landis writes
that the plants are nearly all set out and that there
has been less trouble than usual in getting them well
started, the warm rain that fell enabling farmers to
start the plant without watering. The cut-worm is
not so destructive as in former years, and hence
there has been but little replanting. Many farmers
maintain that when there are few cut-worms there
will be correspondingly few green worms to cut the
leaf during the growth of the plant. This may be a
matter worthy of future observation. The acreage
this year will be very considerably increased — many
are planting this year who have not heretofore plant-
ed, while others are planting more than usual — the
prices received for last year's crops having stimula-
ted growers to do their best, and caused others to
fall into the error of trying to. farm more than tl;;y
can jiropcily <'are for. Along the sandy hills of the
Conewago, in Dauphin, as well as in our own county,
growers rake the manure close together for the to-
bacco crop. Unless this is done the crop remains
short, and if it is done it results In injuring other
crops — corn, wheat, Jkc, by keeping away the man-
ure they should have. This is a grave trouble that
stares us in the face, and is of great importance to
the whole community. How can the fertility of our
farms be best maintained, and as much tobacco be
ol)talued as now i This question should receive the
serious attention of farmers, and should be thorough-
ly discussed by this association. There are many
good tobacco barns being built in the northern section
of the county, and others are already completed.

President Kendio said the crop in Manor is look-
ing well. Not many cut-worms have appeared, ex-
cept in a few patches. Everything looks favorable
for an increased crop of better tobacco than we had
last year, there being a feeling everywhere mani-
fested to bestow greater care on the crop than has
heretofore been done.

"■ Webster L. Hehsuev said that In the northern
part of East HempHeld the new crop was in about
the same condition as has been reported from other
sections — large healthy plants and but few cut-
worms. There Is an Increased acreage of plants set

out; his neighbor, Mr. Minnieh, has 32 acres that
look well. He manures liberally with ashes and
scrap, purchased from a linn in Perry county, pay-
ing lor it 11 cents per bushel. He cultivates thorougly
both with hanil and horse power.

A. 11. Veai.er, of East Hempfield, reported the
plants well started. Most of the fielils have already
iieeii once cultivated, and the tobacco looks well.

Wasiii.noton L. Hershev, of Raiilio, reported
the growing crop as being In good condition, and
stateil that of last year's crop there are still lying In
bulk seven lots of tobacco. .Mr. Hershey has cased,
but has not yet sold his own crop.

The question referred to P. S. Keist at last meet-
ing— "Can fertilizers be properly applied to tobacco
after the plants grow, and If so, what kind, and how
should they be applied?" was not discussed, Mr.
Reist stating that he had nothing more to say about
It than he had already said.

Tlie (piestlon — "What is the best method of culti-
vating tobacco from the first working uji to finishing?
What machines and utensils are best adapted for use
in the toliaeco lands known?" referred to Jacob
Frantz, at last meeting, was taken up for general
discussion, Mr. Frantz not being jireseut to answer It.

Henry .Shikkxek said the best method is to cul-
tivate constantly. As soon as the young jilant has
taken root, commence using the hoe and continue
using It. Cultivate deeply with the harrow as long
as you can walk between the rows ; keep the ground
constantly loose aliout the roots of the plant. To-
bacco will not grow well in hard ground; It Is a
"rooty" plant and must have room to spread.

P. S. Reist, Webster L. Hershey, Washington L.
Hershey, Levi S. Keist and President M. D. Kendlg
united in declaring that constant cultivation with
both hoe and harrow, "weeilsor no weeds," was the
true principle. Let the harrow follow the hoe, and
the hoe in turn follow tlie harrow, that the ground
may be constantly kept mellow and loose. Every
alternate day is not too often to go through the field
with the harrow, if time can be spared to do It. No
matter If a few good leaves are tramped down ; bet-
ter ones will grow and take their places.

The question — " Does the growing of tobacco ex-
haust our soils so as to affect other crops?" was next
taken up and discussed at some length.

Mr. Yeager said he had not had much experi-
ence, but as far as his experience went, tobacco ex-
hausted the soil much less than some other crops.
He believed if two pieces of ground of equal fertility
were j)lanted, one in tobacco and the otiier in pota-
toes, that the ground in which the tobacco was grown
would be found in better condition in the fall than
that in which the potatoes were grown. He believed
that any crop that was allowed to grow until the seed
matures — as wheat, oats, corn and potatoes, will
exhaust the soil much more than tobacco, which is
cut off green, and the roots of which, if allowed to
rot In the ground, make a good fertilizer.

Washington L. Hershey agreed with Mr. Yeager,
and added that tobacco stalks cut up Into small pieces
and composted, make an excellent manure. He has
now on his manure pile the stalks from ten acres of
tobacco and finds that they ferment easily, and that
there is no more trouble in composting thein than
cornstalks, straw or other vegetable matter.

President Kendig agreed with Messrs. Veager
and Hershey. He had planted tobacco and |)otatoe8
side by side in the same field; used the same kind of
manure, and gave both crops equal care and atten-
tion; and he found that the succeeding crop of
wheat was decidedly better on that part In which
the tobacco was grown. He cuts his tobacco stalks
into short pieces and plows them under. He would
much rather have a tenant |>ut tobacco into his land
than potatoes, as the latter will exhaust It more rap-
idly.

John Brady, of Millersvllle, took the same view.
It had long ago been said that if we keep on raising
tstiacco we will ruin our land; and yet we find that
our farms are every year getting better. He believed
this was owing to tobacco farming. Last fall his
lioys piled some tobacco stalks around the butts of
fruit trees to protect. This spring he pulled from
under the tree grass that was fifteen inches in length,
while a little distance oft', where there were no to-
bacco stalks, the grass was only two or three Inches
long. He believes tobacco stalks to be among the
best of fertilizers. His neighbor, Mr. Warfel, uses
on his tobacco ground two hundred bushels of lime
per acre, plows it down in the fall and manures In
the spring. His tobacco this year is very fine, and
his wheat in that part of the field in which there was
tobacco last year Is decidedly better than elsewhere.

W. L. Hershey saiil he had last year a tract of
land planted in tobacco, pot.itoes and corn, all of
which received the same kind of manure and equal
attention. This year it is planted In wheat, and the
crop looks better In that part which was planted lu
tobacco than in that which was planted in potatoes,
and better in the potato land than the corn laud.

The following questions were proposed for discus-
sion at next meeting :

"What Is the proper time and height for topping
tobacco ;" Referred to Henry Shiffuer.

"Is there any advantage in scaffolding tobacco In
the Held '." For general discussion.

On motion adjourned.

108

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[July,

THE LINNiEAN SOCIETY.

A stated meeting of the Linnsean Society was held
on Saturday, June .30, 1877, the President, J. 8.
Stalir, in the chair and seven memliers present.

The Donations

to the Museum were then examined and found to
consist of a large jar containing interesting speci-
mens from the Ohio river, put on special deposit by
Mr. Martin Stanton.

A line specimen of the Menobranchus or Western
Mud-Puppy, much like our "Hellbender," (Menopo-
>na Alleghenienisex) met with in the 'Susquehanna
river.

A fine specimen of the shovel-nosed sturgeon, or
spade fish. The Hcaphirhinchus platirhinclms, is
generally separated from the true sturgeons, "Acci-
penser."

Two fine specimens of the "spoon bill fish."
These are distinguished from the "shovel-nosed" ijy
being destitute of bony shields, and with an enor-
mous expansion of the snout into a long, flat, round-
ed form, like a spatula, and known generically as
Upatularia 3.ad Planiroslra. The P. fulium is the
paddle fish, or spoon billed sturgeon, to which these
no doubt belong. (See U. S. R. R., Vol. VI, p. 357.)

Two large horns of the "Rocky Mountain Sheep,"
(^Onis Montana of Cnvr .) One is from Mr. \Vm.
Rhoem, from a male weighing probably 3.50 pounds;
it is said the Indians consult or use the rings upon
these horns as a calendar. The other horn was do-
nated by Mr. Charles E. Wentz, who received it as a
present from the "Little Soldier," a Shoshone cliief,
at Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1S59. Tradition claims
this horn to be more than 2,200 years old. Each
hiindred years is represented by a black ring around
the horn. One hundred and twenty-five moons
mark ten years. We will accept the tradition rather
than attempt to prove the contrary.

A relic of "Ye olden times," was found on remov-
ing an old tenement by Mr. Cogley, adjoining the
Keystone Hotel. This is a mold made of potter's
clay, dated 1735.

A German device for embossing confections and
cakes, called "Springerleu;" some local Pennsylvania
Dutch, says Mr. H., called it "Matzabaum" — my
recollection is the " Christmas tree" was so called,
upon which these and other confections were suspend-
ed. Mr. Michael Fisher donated two boxes of the white
sand from the mines of Messrs. T. Baumgardnerand
Geo. M. Franklin, of this city, discovered in 1868, in
MifHin county. Pa., five miles from Lewistown. This
sand is used extensively in the manufacture of glass
at Pittsburg, Pa.

A singular growth of a cherry branch, lodged in
the fork of another branch and completely imbedded
in the wood, from Mr. J. B. Bomberger,of Manheim.

Mr. Umbel, of the Junction, sent some galls found
on the witch hazel {Hamamelis virffinlea) made by a
species of Phylloxera, of which there are many
species.

WUlie Rathvon donated a mineral, brought up
from a depth of 65 feet in sinking a well at New Hol-
land, this county. It has all the characteristics of the
common rotten stone, or Tripoli, used for a polish on
silver and the finer class of goods. It consists of
silica in an extremely minute state of division, fully
equal to that inipprted from Wales and England.
That which is brought from the river Trent, consists
chiefly of infusorial animalcules.

Master Harry A. Dubbs presented several fossil
imprints of spirifers and ganoid osseous plates.

Prof. Dubbs donated a singular stone, shaped like
a mallet, with a hole on one side, as if a pebble had
been embedded or naturally formed.

Rev. C. L. Houpt deposited some of the cubic
stones taken from a Mosaic pavement in Naples, fos-
sil encronoids.

A number of the barnacles from a sea tortoise, by
Mr. Copeland, per Mr. WesthaeflTer, and the animals'
taken from them and put in alcohol, by Mr. Rathvon.

Seven bottles of Insects, collected near MeCaUs'
Ferry, York county, .June 13, 1877. One containing
the elm tree beetle, getting quite too common.

A specimen of felting used as a non-conductor of
heat and cold, used as a filling in, per S. S. Spencer.

Mrs. Zell sent a specimen of an Ornithogalnm
found wild. Our common 0. Finbellatiim, which has
escaped from gardens. Louden describes 29 out of
47 species known in his time. This may be the O.
Narbonenses, also escaped from gardens.

Mr. J. Stauffer deposited fine specimens in fruit,
showing the cups, barren and fertile, pedunculated
fuctification of the common " Brookliver wort."
Marchantia pohjinoplui. This is growing in the in-
terstices of the bricks in the payed alley, between his
dwelling and Solomon Sprecher's, East Orange street,
this city. It is frequently met with on rocks and
crevices along streams, but to become a citizen and
dweller on a brick pavement is a new freak.
Historical Collection.

A copy of the Marietta Pilot of June 7, 1814, Sun-
dry scraps and clippings of interest. Three envelopes
per S. S. Rathvon.

Library.

Copy of 11th Volume of Pennsylvania Agricultural

Society,

The Ninth Annual Report on the Noxious and
Beneficial insects of Missouri, by C. V. Riley.

Copy of the San Francisco Herald, per Peter
Baker.

Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences,
part 1, January, February and March, 1877.

Lancaster Farmer, June number. Index to
the Official Gazette Patent Office for 1870, and week-
ly numbers of Sundry Book Catalogues.
Papers Read.

Descriptive catalogue on the donations to the mu-
seum, by S. S. Rathvon, No. 505.

Illustrated description of the Marchantia, or Liver-
wort. J. Stauffer, No. .566.

Report of an entomological excursion to McCall's
Ferry, June 13 and 14, 1877, per 8. S. Rathvon, No.
567; and notice of the barnacles in an appendix.

The following reverend gentlemen, J. S. Stahr,
Dubbs, Geissinger and Houpt, took part in the scien-
tific miscellany suggested from specimens deposited
and commented upon, giving quite an interest to the
meeting.

A bill for alcohol used in filling up some of the
jars, amounting to 50 cents, was reported and order-
ed to be paid. No further business offering, after a
short and pleasant session, adjourned to Saturday,
July 28, 1877.

AGRICULTURAL.

Report of the Department of Agriculture for
June.

The June report of the department of agriculture
indicates a better prospect than usual for wheat.
The report of June, 1870, made the average for the
country thirteen per centum belowthe standard of nor-
mal condition, and subsequent returns of the condition
and yield were still lower, forecasting the scarcity
which has occurred. The average for winter and
spring wheat together is this year one hundred; win-
ter wheat being above that figure, and spring wheat
below it.

There are 277 counties reporting winter wheat in full
normal condition; 494 above 100, and 183 below it. Of
the spring wheat counties 92 report 100; 117 above,
and 157 below. The State averages are as follows :

Maine, 101; New Hampshire, 102; Vermont, 102;
Massachusetts, 100; Rhode Island, 100; Connecticut,
103; New York, 108; New Jersey, 100; Pennsylvania,
93; Delaware, 97; Maryland, 103; Virginia, 109; North
Carolina, 100; South Carolina, 97; Georgia, 108; Flo-
rida, 100; Alabama, 96; Mississippi, 107; Louisiana,
103; Texas, 110; Arkansas, 106; Tennessee, 91; West
Virginia, 107; Kentucky, 108; Ohio, 115; Michigan,
109; Indiana, 112; Illinois, 105; Wisconsin, 97; Min-
nesota, 95; Iowa, 102; Missouri, 110; Kansas, 99; Ne-
braska, 103; California, 50; Oregon, 109. Returns
from California indicate half of a fall crop from de-
ficiencyofwinterrainfall. Fewerinjuries from insects
and rust are reported than usual. In the Ohio Valley
every return is favorable. In Pennsylvania and in
Tennessee the slight depreciation is caused by the
Hessian fly.

The only serious injury Is caused by the destructive
grasshopper of the plains. This pest has been most
injurious in Minnesota, hatching numerously in all
the settled portions of the state through four degrees
of latitude, from Becker county to Freeborn, on the
southern border, and including all west ofthe third tier
of counties on the Iowa line. Thecombined efforts of
farmers will prevent a large proportion of the loss.

" Hopperdozers " destroy at the rate of five bushels
of graflshopers daily in sections of greatest abun-
dance. In the Western half of Missouri, and through-
out the wheat fields of Kansas and Alissouri, losses
are reduced to a minimum by the effect of wet and
cold weather after hatchiiig, and subsequently by the
successful warfare of wheat growers. Heavy de-
struction of wheat by grass-hoppers has occurred in
Texas in certain localities.

A Farm Roller.

Agricultural writers for nearly a century back
have extolled the field roller as one of the most es-
sential implements of the farm, and farm experience
has substantiated the many claims made for it. For
crushing clods and lumps, thus performing one of
the most important functions in preparing a good bed
for the reception of seeds, the roller has no efficient
substitute ; the harrow and brush are well in their
way, but in some conditions of soil are of compara-
tively little use. Rolling after seeding effects a pur-
pose equally important, as the roller brings finely
pulverized soil in contact with the seed, rendering
germination certain and rapid. By the use of the
roller, land seeded down to meadow is made level and
in admirable shape for the mower and horse-rake.

Pasture land is left smooth, slightly, and better
fitted for an even and luxuriant growth of grass. In
a season of drouth, land that has been thoroughly
rolled will suffer far less than that of the same
quality unrolled, for it better resists evaporation. The
enlightened farmer of to-day would as soon think of
dispensing with his drills and cultivators as his field
roller. There is, however, a difference in rollers ;
some are clumsy, cumbersome, unwieldy affairs, and

any improvement upon the old style is an important
item. The increase of crops in a single year, to say
nothing of the improved condition of the farm, will
amply repay the cost of the roller.

^

Carting Out Manure.
In hauling out manure at this season of the year,
says T. B. Miner, in the Sun, upon fields to be plowed
in April or May, if the heaps be made of a size to
equalize its distribution, the same as would be made
if the laud were to be plowed without delay, there
will be a great loss in the manure by the escape of
its ammonia and drying of the surface of the heaps.
Suppose a two-horse load of first-rate stable dung be
placed in six heaps in a field in February, and this
manure remains in these heaps to the middle of April
or the fore part of May, and are then spread and the
land plowed, how much loss does the manure sus-
tain? Not less than ten per cent. There must be a
certain degree of loss— more than farmers can afford
to lose — and the question is, how is this loss to be
prevented? One way is, to wait till the ground is to
be plowed, and then haul out the manure and plow
it under as fast as it is spread. But farmers are too
busy to haul it out then, and are compelled often to
draw it out iu the winter. If one must do so, it would
be a good plan to make the heaps large, but not too
large to be spread properly with a little extra hard
labor ; pack them as solidly as possible, and if they
be well built up and trodden down, they may be so
Compact with a little labor that not over one or two
per cent, loss will take place. Another way is to put
only three or four very large heaps to the acre, mak-
ing them compact, as in the foregoing case; and when
the time comes to spread the manuretake, a team and
sled with movable sideboards and proceed to remove
some ofthe manure to other places, so that when it is
spread it will be evenly distributed. It would be but a
short operation to remove a part of the manure in that
way, and I think the labor can well be afforded by
farmers, rather than lose so large a portion of their
stable dung by evaporation, as the ordinary method
of hauling out manure in the winter is sure to cause.

Liquid Manure.

F.R.Elliot says, in the American Sural Hume:
It is generally believed that no system of enricliing
land for small gardens, with a view to perfection of
crops, is so truly economical and so easily available
as that of liquid manure. We occasionally "hear of a
gardener or an amateur fruit-grower who has prac-
ticed enriching the crop by use of liquid manure ; but
it is not a common practice so to enrich our gardens
and lawns, however oftimes the advocacy of the
practice has been written. The writer practiced the
sprinkling of a lawn in a dry season with weak licjuid
manure-water, and in the greatest of heat and
drought has kept it fresh and green. In the manage-
ment of pot plants no course of supplying food
equals that of a judicious use of liquid manure.
There are in almost every family waste liquids,
which usually go into a sewer or drains, or possibly
upon the road, where they are of no avail. But, if
saved, by being conducted to a tank, along with wash
waters of the house, would enrich an entire garden
for vegetables and fruits, flower borders, etc.; and
the whole, if the wash be applied regularly and at
night, after sunset, in moderate quantities, would
prevent the driest weather of mid-summer from
checking vegetation. If an unpleasant odor comes
from the tank, a little plaster (gypsum) sprinkled in
and around the tank would keep it sweet and clean.
-4gain, the use of liquid manure need never delay
planting because of manure not being on hand ; but
planting could proceed, and the application of ma-
nure be made at leisure.

Cut the Weeds While SmalL

No farm, or garden even, can bekeptclearof weeds
unless they are attacked early, when they are small,
tender and easily extirpated. Let them get a start on
us, and they will not only take a double share of soil
nourishment, but will resist the hoe or the plow stub-
bornly, and not always comes off' second best. If their
roots become once firmly established, not even the
plow or the hoe will always remove them root and
branch; but take them early and at them whenever
they show their heads, and they are easily kept down.
This fact is well-known to all who cultivate the soil;
but sometimes the hurry of work will force one to de-
fer the weeding process for a little while; meantime
a prolonged rain sets in, a godsend to the weeds,
which make great strides to run their course and ma-
ture their seeds; and then we all know the labor of
dislodging them . We may harrow and cross harrow
and still some are left, and nothing but a carefully
used hoe or the hand cau get at them. And after
all there will be found to be some of the roots tliat
have escaped and will require additional lador to ex-
tirpate thorougldy.

When young the weeds can be dispatched easily.
They have but little hold of the soil, and once re-
moved they are disposed of, and it is only the new
young ones following that will require attention,
and can be managed as before. — Oermantown Tele-
graph.

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

109

HORTICULTURAL.

Blackberry Culture.

Ae we are iipproacliiiij; tlie lilacklicrr-y sramm it
will do no harm to reflect on how great and how rapid
has been the improvement of this I'rnit. Thirty years
ago there is no mention of it in any nursery eatalogue,
and the wild fruit of the hedges was all that was in
use. These at best were dry, seedy things ; but Ihey
served some good purpose in [mdding-niaking, and
now and then in pies and tarts. This is about the
position the blackberry occupies in Knglish fruit-
eating; and to this d.ay they, naturally unaware of
the rapid progress wc have made, wonder at our taste
in admiring such things.

But the discovery of the " New Koehelle," a wild
sprout fron\ llic couinion high bush blackberry, at New
Rochelle, N. Y., gave the whole class a start. Good
varieties are now " as plentiful as blackberries," and
new ones arc apjieariug every year. It is singular
though that all the new ones arc chance seedlings,
found wild, as the first good one, the New Koehelle,
was ; and, indeed, few if any are yet superior to it.

But even this and the best of them, whichever
one's taste may decide the best one to be, is very
much improved by good cultiire ; and, conversely,
very much injured by bad. Almost yearly we are
told that tills or that variety is "not hardy," just as
If we were speaking of some exotic i)Iaut, forgetting
that the original plant was pcrhajis found in our
ncigbborhoocl's neglected fenec-corncr, where it had
been growing many years, and never thought of giv-
ing way to the fiercest winter's wind. Why should a
plant, hardy in nature, become tender when planted
in our gardens ; There can be but one answer : Our
systems of culture are not favorable to hardiness. In
wh.at particular respect is our culture del'ective i

There can be little doubt that the injury to the
roots, which our system of culture entails, must be
injurious. In a wild state the blackberry has a few
creeping roots that run near the surface and collect
the food. The hoeing and cleaning necessary in gar-
den culture keeps these roots in continual disturb-
ance. It is well-known to cultiva'ors of peach or-
chards that the stirring of the soil has to be aban-
doned in summer, otherwise the disturbance of tlie
roots results in ill-ripened wood, and the peach buds
and even peach wood is easily destroyed. It is just
this way with the blackberry: and it is worse in field
culture than in garden culture, bei-.ause the cultiva-
tor goes deeper, and by so much more is it an injury.
From New Jersey especially, the land of the black-
berries, comes the cry of blackberry disease and
blackberry winter-killing, and of kinds "dying out;"
and there is no doubt the root injury is the cause of
it all. Some of us put blackberry plants near board
fences or other places where the roots can get a little
protection from hoe, spadeor plow; and in such cases
no one ever hears of blackberry disease, or winter-
killed plants. They go on growing and bearing year
after year, as well as if though they were in the
old farmer's fence row, where they were once found.

But, says some one, are we then to let our black-
berries grow up to grass and weeds, and have the
whole garden look like a wilderness; By no means.
We must keepthe gardenand farm, blackberry patch
included, neat and clean: but remembering that it is
an injury to cut off the blackberry roots, we must
begin to keep down the weeds early in the spring, po
that there shall be no trouble in the fall ; and when
we do clean, cut the surface as lightly as wc can. —
Gcrmantown Telegraph.

Varieties of Celery.

Many who plant celery are puzzled to account lor
the inferior quality of the product, though mmb
pains have been taken in selecting a g<.)od variety.
Under these circumstances it is customary to abuse
the seedsman, and to declare that there has been some
unfair treatment on his part in furrushing a good
article.

There can be no doubt but that a good variety is of
consequence. Some kinds are very inferior in quality'
toothers. But when a seedsman advertises a red
"solid," a white "solid," or a ".solid" of any other
kind, he rather invites the wrath he brings <in his
head when the article does not turn out well. If he
pretends that there are solid varieties and pithy va-
rieties ; that he has the solid kind and that other fel-
low over the way has the pithy kind, it is a fair moral
retribution when he is charged with fraud when his
own "solid" kind turns out as pithy as that of any-
body else.

Of course no seedsman would deliberately go to
work and introduce as a good article a pithy kimi.
There is no doubt but all kinds are of some value
when introduced, and when a variety of this charac-
ter turns out poorly, it is but a reasonable charity to
believe that it is as much in the season or mode of
treatment, as in the variety itself. Still it is true that
some varieties will prove more permanently firstrale
than others. Some kinds, like some people, will stand
true under trials and temptations that others would
fall before ; and it is these sort of tough varieties —
kinds solid in character at least — that we are in search
after.

The greatest difference in celery is in the flavor.

Some have a warm, peppery character, and others
have a sweet, nutty taste, though even this varies.
The farther we go north the sweeter the taste.
Southern grown celery is always more or less bitter.
As a general rule the shortest and thickest kinds are
the sweetest , and besides the dwarfs require less
labor in earthing up when the blanching time comes
round in the fall.

The clfort of the raisers of new varieties of cel-
ery just now is in the direction of these dwarf, chunky
kintls. For some time past one of these known as
the "Boston Market," has been the most popular:
but it has its faults. In some localities It is very lia-
ble to send out side-sprouts, and when taken up you
have a mass of small material, instead of one clean,
undivided mass. But new kinds of a dwarf charac-
ter are now being a<lverliBed, and jiossibly there niivy
be some improvements among them.

It will perhaps at this season of celery seed sow-
ing serve a useful purpose to show, as we have done,
the proper direction in which to look for genuine
celery imiirovement. It is not wise to, hanker too
much after new vegetables. At best it is often the
turning out of an old and good friend for a very
doubtful stranger. But there is real room for im-
provement in good celery, and wc would recommend
trials with the numero\is new dwarfs advertised by
our reliable seedsmen. — Gerinantown Teliyraph.

^

Apples and the Way to Keep Them.

We received a few days since from (icorge F. Mel-
vin, of Oil Mills, a box of russet apples which were
as crisp and juicy and fresh as apples generally are
in the fall. Tliey were so much finer than the withered
and tasteless apples which one usually finds in -May,
that we wrote our friend asking how he had managed
to keep them, and received the following reply :

" I use great care in picking them from the trees,
and when transferring them from the basket to the
barrel handle them like eggs. I get the best granu-
lated sugar barrels to keep them in, ami when the
barrels are full cover them with a thick paper to
keep them from the air. Then with a barrel-header
I jjress the heads in, and keep them out of tlie cellar
as late as I can without having them freeze. 1 put
them in the dryest and coolest part of the cellar, and
raise them from the ground three feet or more on
skids, and do not open or disturb them until they are
wanted for use. If exposed to the air by opening the
barrels to pick them over, some of the apples will
rot and others will wither."

American Fruit in Europe.
Europe is now taking a surprising (juantity of
.Vmerican fruit. The purchases have amounted, ac-
cording to the New York Trihuiie, to over ?-->,.5On,00tl
worth since .June, lS7(i, compared with SfiOO,OflO in
the same period the year before. Dried apples figure
largely in this movement. This country has exported
over 12,nO0,00U pounds of them since last June, as
compared with .522,000 pounds the previous year.
This new addition to the trade of the United States
is due to invention, which has occupied itself of late
with improved methods for drying and preserving for
transporting fruit. The greatest progress lias been
made in the way of dryers. Within a year some
notable inventions in this line have been perfected,
which are a great requisition to the resources of the
country. The fruit <iryer bids fair hereafter to be
as much of a necessity to every farming communily
as the cider mill and the cheese factory. — Scienl\flc
American.

^

Raspberries from Cuttings.

The following is the substance of the directions fen-
raising raspberries from cuttings of the root*, given
by Mr. Parry, which may be adopted when rapid
propagation is needed, or large rjuautities required :
In the antumn, after the leaves have fallen, dig up
the plants with all the roots that can be secured.
cut the roots into jueces about two inches long, and
pack them in a box with damp moss, or clean, coarse
sand, or damp sawdust. The bottom of the box is to
be sprinkled with tliis material, and then alternating
layers of this and the cuttings fill the box. Put this
box in a cellar. The cuttings must not be allowed
to become dry, although a slight moisture is sulli-
cient. In a few weeks the cuttings will have formed
buds and callus. They are set out in open ground.

Floating Melon Gardens.

In the beautiful Valley of Cashmere, among the
Himalayan mountains, lies a lonely lake called Dal.
Floating about on its surface, sometimes carried by the
winds from one end of the lake to the other, are nu-
merous small islands, on which grow the finest cu<um ■
hers and the most luscious melons known. The way
in which these floating gardens are made is very cui'i-
ous. All about the main shores of the lake grow
quantities of reeds, sedges, and water lilies. When
these grow very thickly together people cut them from
the roots which hold them near the shore. The leaves
of the plants are then spread out overthe stems, mak-
ing a sort of trestle-work to support the soil with which
it is next to be covered. After this has been done the
seeds arc planted, and the floating garden is left to
care for itself until the fruits are ready for picking.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Household Recipes.

('(1I1N-MK.M. MrFii.vs.— Two cups of corn-meal
(yellow meal is licst), one of (iraham or white flour,
one-half cup of sugar, two tcaspoonfuls of cream of
tartar, all rubbed through a sieve. Then with the
haiiiis rub in one-half cu|> of liutter, or lard well
beaten, a little salt, one egg beaten light. Then stir
in with a spoon one and a half cujis of either milk or
water, in » hich is dissolved one teas|)oonful of soda.
Bake in mullin rings. These are nice without the
egg, and can be made with sour ndlk and soda, omit-
ting the cream of tartar.

Potato Sai.-m). — Boil one egg very hard, rub the
yolk to a pulp, add one raw yolk, one teaspoonful of
flour or cornstanh, one teaspoonful of vinegar, two
of sweet oil, one tablespoon I'ul of butter, one salt-
spoonful of mustard, a little cayenne pepper, and
salt; beat all to a cream and pour over cold-sliced
potatoes.

Boii.Ei) Fiii'iT PiDniNO .— One quart crushed
wheat, one teaspoonful cinnamon, half teaspoonful
cloves, two cups sugar, two eggs, one half pound
suet, chopped fine, one teaspoonful cream of tartar,
one-half teaspoonful soda, half cup of molasses, half
l)Ound raisins, chop|)ed fine, citron or lemon peel If
desired. Boil two hours.

Hot Si.aw.— One head of cabbage, halfa pound of
pork, and fry it out and take out the scrajis. Chop
up the cabbage and put in the fat with water and
pepper, if liked, mustard. When nearly done add one
cup of vinegar.

Indian Pancakes. — One pint meal almost ; fill up
Willi Hour; scald the meal, but not the flour; (hin
with milk ; salt ; last thing add one teaspoonl'ul
cream tartar, and one-half soda, mixed together;
ring and bake right away.

Stewed CAnuoT^*. — Boil the carrots until tender;
also boil seperately five small onions : cut the carrots
into any small fanciful pieces you may clioose ; mince
the onions, and chop a sprig of parsley ; have a jiint
of milk boiling, which season with a little pejiper
and salt, .adding a small piece of butter rubbed in a
tablespoonful of Hour; put in the carrots and onions,
and let simmer ten minutes; stir in the parsley, and
dish at once.

White Beans.— Soak one pint of dried beans
overnight; parboil in plenty of water, with a small
piece of soda in it: drain perfectly dry and place in a
baking dish; rub one and one-half tablespoonfuls of
butter into four even tablcspoonfuls flour, until it is
a cream; beat in this two spoonfuls condensed egg,
adding slowly a gill of vinegar, and a sprinkleof
salt: pour over the beans, place a plate, inverted,
over them, and put in a rather cool oven one-half
hour.

Pickled Fish.— Clean the fish thoroughly and
cut into pieces about five inches long; rub each piece
on the cut side with salt. Take a stone jar which
will .about hold the fish, put a layer of fish on the
bottom, then a few whole jieppers and allspice and a
blade of mace, then another layer of fish, spice, etc.,
till the jar is nearly full; then pour good cider vine-
gar over it until the flsli is quite covered. Tie a
paper over the top of the jar, ami cover this with
flour paste; Ibis keeps in all steam. Put the jar in
the oven and liakc for three hours. The fish is lit
for use as soon as cold, and will keep, in the pickle,
for six months. The white fish, pickerel, etc., of
the lakes arc very nice for pickling, while the land
locked sturgeon of the great lakes is almost as good
as pickled salmon if it be scalded in water
before spicing, etc. Shad is excellent pickled, as all
the hones disappear.

Bon. ED Apri.E Piddinu. — Peel Iho apples and
put I hem in a kcllle in halves, with a pint of water,
a small lump of butter, a little salt, nutmeg and a
handful of sugar. Make a soda biscuit crust about
one-third inch thick, and put it on top of the apples ;
make a hole in the centre of the crust ; boil until the
apples are thoroughly cooked. Serve with a hot
sauce (adding wine or brandy if you so choose). A
plate turned upside down <u the kettle will prevent
it from burning.

Omelette Soupflee. — Six eggs, six tablespoon-
fuls of powdered sugar, juice of one lemon and half
the peel grated ; beat yolks and whites sejiarately,
and very well ; a<ld to the yolks by degrees the
jiowdered sugai' and beat until it ceases to froth, and
is thick and smooth ; the whiles should be stiff
enough to cut w itli a knife ; stir together lightly with
the seasoning, pour into a well-buttered dish, and
bake in a quick oven five or six minutes ; the dish
should be warmed when buttered, not to chill the
eggs ; send around with a si)oon and let each one
hell) himself before it can fall.

Bice Ccstakd. — Boil rice slowly, without stirring
much, until it is tender ; turn it into a mold to cool ;
make a boiled custard thin and sweet, and pour over
the rice before it is served.

Coefee Cake. — One cup brown sugar, one cup
molasses, one-half cup each butler and lard, one cup
cold coffee, two eggs, one tablespoonful cinnamon,
and one of cloves, one grated nutmeg, one tcasiKion-
ful soda, flour, one pound each currants and raisins.

Caulifloweus.— Slice the head with a sharp knife.
Put into a stewpan , over the stove, turn over it a cup or

iiO

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[July.

two of water — less than for cabbage, ae it cooks tender
in less time — add sufficient salt ; cooli tender and dry.
Then add a cupful of thin sweet cream, and serve.

A Milk Diet.

I find by experience, says Dr. E. N. Chapman, that
lime water and milk is not only food and medicine at
an early period of life, but also at a later, when, as
in the case of infants, the functions of digestion and
assimilationhave been seriously impaired. A stomach
taxed by gluttony, irritated by improper food, in-
flamed by alcohol, enfeebled by disease, or otherwise
unfitted for its duties, as is shown by the various
symptoms attendant upon indigestion, diarrhiea, dys-
entery and fever, will resume its work, and do it en-
ergetically, on an exclusive diet of lime water and
milk. A goblet of cow's milk, to which four table-
spoonsful of lime water have been added, will agree
with any person, however objectional)le the plain
article may be ; will be friendly to the stomach when
other food is oppressive, and will be digested when
all else fails to afford nourishment. Of this state-
ment I have had positive proof in very many cases.
The blood being thin, the nerves weak, the nutrition
poor, the secretions defective, and excretions insufli-
cient, the physician has at hand a remedy as common
as the air and as cheap almost as water. In it all the
elements of nutrition are so prepared by Nature as to
be readily adapted to the infant or the adult stomach,
and so freighted with healing virtues as to work a
cure when drugs are worse than useless.

Dried Eggs.
A large establishment has been opened in St. Louie
for drying eggs. It is in full operation and hundreds
of thousands of dozens are going into its insatiable
maw. The eggs are " candled" by hand — that is
examined by a light to ascertain whether good or
not — and then are thrown into an immense recep-
tacle, where they are broken, and by a centrifugal
operation the white and yolk are separated from the
shell very much as liquid honey is separated from
the comb. The liquid is then dried by heat by patent
process, and the dried article is left resembling sugar,
and is put in barrels and is ready for transportation
anywhere. This dried article has been taken twice
across the equator in ships, and then made into
omlet in the same manner as made from fresh eggs,
and the best judges could not detect the difference
between the two. Is this not an age of wonders ?
Milk made solid ; cider made solid ; apple butter
made into bricks ! What next ?

To Make Butter Hard.

An English butter-maker of large experience, who
is now on a visit to this country for the purjiose of
looking over our cheese and butter dairies, gives us
the following information concerning a method in
practice among the best butter-makers of England
for hardening or rendering butter firm and solid dur-
ing hot weather. Carbonate of soda and alum are
used for the purpose, made into a. powder. For
twenty pounds of butter, one feaspoonful of carbo-
nate of soda and one teaspoonful of powdered alum
are mingled together at the time of churning and
put into the cream. The effect of this powder is to
make the butter come firm and solid, and to give it
a clean, sweet flavor. It does not enter into the but-
ter, but its action is upon the cream, and It passes
off with the buttermilk. The ingredients of the
powder should not be mingled togellier until re-
quired to be used, or at the time the cream is in the
churn ready for churning.

Refrigerators and How to Make One.
Take a large, tight box of the re<iuired size, and
put some blocks on each corner for legs. Then take
a small box, leaving a space of at least six inches on
the sides and bottom. Place a layer of powdered
charcoal, fine saw-dust, or some other good non-
conductor upon the bottom, and set the smaller box
in. Then pack the charcoal or saw-dust all about in
the space between the two to the top. Make a closely
fitting cover for each box. The ice should be placed
in the box in some tin vessel, so arranged that the
water will run off through the bottom of both boxes.
If such a refrigerator is tightly and well made and
placed in a cool place, 190 pounds of ice will last a
week in it.

Kerosene Lamps.

A merchant returned home about two o'clock at
night, and found his wife lying on the bed groaning
heavily and unconscious. She was waiting his return,
and at last, tired out, laid herself on the bed, after
turning down the wick of a lighted kerosene lamp as
low as possible without extinguishing it. In this posi-
tion of the wick, if the oil is trad, a vapor mixed with
an innumerable quantity of specks of soot diffuses
itself through the apartment, and so covers the eyes,
nose and respiratory organs, that on falling asleep
one runs a risk of suflbcation. It is always advisable,
therefore, in the use of kerosene lamps, to allow the
wick to burn brightly or to extingiush it entirely.

LIVE STOCK.

Good Cows.

It is surprising when we look around the country
to see the large number of poor cows that are kept
for years in the daries, and by men from which bet-
ter things should be expected. It costs as much, if
not more, to keep a poor cow than a good one. In no
other branch of farm labor is it so essential to have
good materi-al to work with as in the dairy. A little
study of the characteristics of a good cow will gen-
erally enable a person to tell a good cow when he
sees her. I have heard men say that they bred cows
to get the smallest eaters. But this is a fallacy, as
no one can expect to get something from nothing.
The cow (all the other essentials being right) that
will assimilate the greatest amount of food will usu-
ally prove to be the best cow to keep. In the feeding
of cows there is a irreat difference. A healthy cow
will consume many times her weight in food every
year, but how to find the one that will do so with the
least weight will repay the careful attention of those
that keep cows. If this point is not strictly attended
to it will make a wide difference in the margin of
profits. But it is unfortunate to have a poor cow, and
the shortest and best way to get rid of her is to fit
her for the butcher as quick as possible, and fill her
place with one whose qualifications at the pail can
be depended on. Experiment and comparison are the
true modes by which a quick observer can tell a good
cow. I have seen men whose knowledge was such
that they would, as a general thing, pick out the best
cows from a herd every time. In purchasing cows ail
are anxious to get the best ; but no one should expect
to go into a herd and buy the best in the lot, as few men
will sell such. In large herds, the scrubs, or the ones
that the rest all drive around, will often prove good
when given a good chance, and improve so that tlieir
foi'mer owner in a short time will not know them. I
have several times known this to be the case.

To obtain a good lot of cows in the shortest time,
buy the best regardless of cost. But, unfortunately,
with most dairymen this cannot be done for want of
means, so we must look for other ways to procure
good cows. One w.ay will be to raise heifers from
the cows in the herd, got by thoroughbred males of
dairy breeds. This, although not the quickest, will
be by far the cheapest and best way to accomplisli
the desired result. A good cow will often lack
much of being a handsome one. But the size and
shape of her head and horns have much to do to-'
wards making a good cow. I have never yet seen a
good one that had large, broad horns. The best
cows carry a small, fine head, with good-sized ears;
and in a broad-hipped cow we ahyays find the milk
mirror well developed. Anyone who owns a cow
should lose no time in finding out her qualifications,
and if she will not make, at the lowest calculation,
iiOO pounds of liutter per year, she should be speed-
ily disposed of. In a large herd it will be more difU-
cult to accomplish this than where only a few are
kept. But still it can be closely approximated if
care is taken. A cow that gives milk as blue as a
whetstone is poor property for any one but a city
milkman. Many farmers keep too many cows that
produce that kind of milk. A cow can be kept till
she is four years old without loss, as her growth will
pay the cost of her keeping, jand by that time the
amount of her production should lie ascertained be-
yond a doubt. I think that with care in breeding,
cows can be raised that will yield on an average three
hundred pounds of butter per year, if well kept. —
S. C. Utarkcy, N. Y.

The Royal Cow.

When cotton was summarily discrowned from its
long reign quite a number of aspirants reached for
the regalia, and iron, corn, hay and wheat stretched
for the sceptre. A rival has entered the field, while
the deposed monarch is regaining his strength and
worshippers ; and though centuries have lapsed since
Egypt deified the cow, and Homer made " ox-eyed
Juno" more queenly for that quality, the cow is
being statistically foisted above cotton and all its
other rivals. The coronation is, of course, at the
hands of the dairymen and maidens. Their ex-
ponent has just declared that the country has ¥4.50,-
000,000 invested in 10,000,000 milk cows, whose
annual product is worth $.;7.5, 142, .58.5, while the last
cotton crop was worth only 5;i;00,000,000.

The enormous sum of this dairy interest — which
includes nothing of oxen, hides or meat — will sur-
prise every one who has paid no attention to it. The
fallacy which destroyed the hay argument is partially
wanting here too. For, while our cxport.ationof hay
amounts to nothing and hardly equals consumption,
there is a great and rapidly growingexport of butter,
cheese, salt and fresh beef and live animals. The
sum cannot be accurately computed, and carries the
particular valuation into the same classification with
cotton. P"or in all these interests the final apprecia-
tion does not rest upon the amount , how considerable
soever that may be which is consumed at home and
so lost to wpallh, but upon the amount beyond con-
sumption, which is exported and enriches the land by
its equivalent in gold or other needs and permanent
worths.

This gross value of cattle for labor, manure, milk,
me.at, cheese, butter, leather and other ends, is sus-
ceptible of a vast addition and must necessarily ex-
pand with western settlement and increase the re-
turns shown in our foreign trade, while sustaining
labor at home more abundantly and cheaply, and so
enabling every industry to flourish in competition
with less favored countries, and greater comforts and
luxuries to be enjoyed by all. It wMII not hold the
throne it challenges any more than the hay crop ;
provided the southern energy which has done so
much toward restoring its early abundance, holds
the course it has with the energy it is now showing.
But it may, and apparently must, reach a higher
sum than any farmer or any statistician has dreamed;
for, recovering its total, it has acqviired the best
blood of the best herds of Europe ; has given practi-
cal attention and study to the manufacture of cheese
and butter; has given the leather interest a new
power ; is conquering Texas, California, Oregon and
all the new States, and is arousing wonder in and
drawing money from Europe and Asia at the same
time. — North Aiaerican.

A. Good Mare.

Some twelve or fifteen years ago a queer character,
nicknamed ".Jersey Bill," lived at Otisville, N. Y.
During the races at Goshen and Middletown he used
to visit the courses for tjie purpose of peddling whips,
which were made of reeds, and which he sold for five
and six cents apiece. When Bill had accumulated a
little money he abandoned his itinerant pursuits, set-
tled down at Hampton, and became proprietor of the
tavern there. He had many acquaintances among the
farmers in Sussex county, N. .J., and when business
was slack he would take a run across the line to visit
them. On one of these occasions Bill chanced to see
a marc which he admired greatly, and which, after
some dickering, he purchased for $1.50, and brought
her back with him to Hampton. She stood about
fifteen hands high, was a sprightly, neat-limbed
creature, and attracted considerable attention from
the connoisseurs in horseflesh who frequented Bill's
tavern. Not long after he received an offer of §750
for the animal and finally accepted it. The mare was
taken in charge by her new owner, removed to New-
burgh, pKaced in the care of a careful trainer, andin
due time regularly introduced upon the trotting turf.
Her history from that time forward was marked by
a series of triumphs. Last week she made the fastest
time (2:lfi'X) ever known on the trotting course in
the State of California. The gentleman who pur-
chased her from Jersey Bill was Alexander Gold-
smith, and the mare's name is Goldsmith Maid.

Intelligence of Cows.

The London ^[ilk Join-ual says : "That cows hava
memory, language, signs and means of enjoying
pleasant associations, combining for aggressive pur-
poses, has been recognized, but scarcely to the ex-
tent tlie subject merits. 'Traveling in Italy many
years .ago, we visited some of the large dairy farms
in the neighborhood of Ferrara. Interspersed
among much of the low Ijing, unhealthy land, re-
markable for the prevalence on it of vei-y fatal forms
of anthrox in the summer season, are fine undulat-
ing pasture lands, and the fields are of great extent.
Wc happened to stop at a farmhouse one fine autumn
afternoon when the cows were about to be milked.
A herd of over one hundred was grazing homewards.
The women took their positions with stool close to
the house, and as the cows approached, names were
called out, which at first were we thought addressed
to the milkmaids. Kosa, Florenza, Giula, Sposa,
and many names which were noted by us at the time,
were called out by the overseer, or one of the women,
and we were astonished to see cow after cow cease
feeding or chewing the cud and make direct, some-
times at a trot, for the woman that usually milked her.
The practice, we found, was not confined to one
farm; all the cows on each farm knew their respective
names, and took up their position in the open just as
readily as the individual members of some large
herds in this country turning from their fields
take up their [ilaces in the sheds."

Black Teeth in Hogs.

A. S. Plummer, Edinburg, O., sent to the Ameri-
can farmers' club two black teeth which he had
just extracted. The hogs in his county (Portage)
are beginning to be troubled with these teeth, which,
if not removed, are certain to cause death. The
.symptoms arc: First, the hog refuses its feed; second,
tiicre comes a weakness about the back, and finally
the animal fails to get up, and dies. These teeth are
found iu each jaw — in the upper one near or over the
tusks, and in the under jaw some are found between
the front teeth and tusks.

As no one i)resent could give any information on
the subject, the club desires farmers who may have
any knowledge as to its causes and cure to communi-
cate the same to them.

Keep Horses Feet Clean. — To keep horses free
fi-om "grease," or scratches, their legs and feet must
be kept clean while standing in the stable, and rub-
bed as soon as they come out of the wet.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

ill

THE APIARY.

How to Begin Bee Keeping.
Every ))er(on who has a home, he It ever so home-
ly, shoiild keep heee. The time wasted by almost
every one could he spent profltahly, In keeping a few
itoekd. It would not only afford recreation and
pleasure, but would replenish the purse also. There
is no pursuit I know of that will pay so large a jier
cent, on the investment. Bees frive delicious honey
to their owner and thus make his home pleasant.
They work for nothing and board thcmrclvee. A
few stocks well managed will pay. In almost any lo-
cality, 100 per cent.

To begin bee keeping for profit it is necessary to
b4gin right. To begin right is to procure a few
flwarms, and adopt some good movable frame hive,
the frames not over ten or twelve inches in depth.
Choose any of the standard hives in use, and stick
to them; don't be made to believe that changing
hives is the only road to success — It has been the
cause of many a beginner gotting discouraged and
• glTing up the pursuit in disgust. I tell you begin-
ners, it does not make much difference what kind of
hive you use, so it is movable frame. Begin cau-
tiously, and you will learn as you advance. If you
have any fondness at all for the [nirsult. It will in-
crease as you proceed, and you will become "fonder
still." You will find that the lime spent with them
and you may keep strict account of every hour) will
be the most pleasant, instructive and profitable you
have ever spent in any rural pursuit. Don't be de-
ceived by patent right venders of moth traps. Many
of them have no practical knowledge of bee-keeping
at all, and could not tell you whether a drone is a
male or female, and that their traps would exclude
a gnat, and yet admit a bee, that is twenty times
larger. Strong stocks are the best moth traps, don't
fear the moth — a good strong swarm of bees with a
good prolific queen never has, nor ever will be de-
stroyed by moth. I fear the moth no more than I
do the common house fly; never lost a single stock
by them since I have used the frame hive, of either
Italians, hybrids, or blacks, but in my locality the
Italians are superior in every respects.

Any one desiring to begin bee-keeping should get
both Italians and blacks; try them side by side, give
the same attention to both, then if you find the Ital-
ian superior, or vice perfa, common sense will teach
you which you should keep. In fact common sense
Is the great lever that moves tons of honey Into our
markets, and thousands of dollars into common
sense men's pockets. Beginners should not expend
much in making bee-houses, fanciful hives, etc.
Frequently such expenditures overrun the profits,
and the beginner thinks bees won't pay, gives it up
and ventures on something else, with enthusiasm
cries Eureka, bends every energy to it, and finds by
experience it is worse than bee-iieeping, retires from
it to try something else, and never finds It. "A
rolling stone gathers no moss;" fortunes are seldom
made by many changes in one's business. Neglect
your business (whatever it may be) and you will
come to grief; stick to it, and nine out of ten will
succeed .

1 would advise every person to keep bees. 1 love
them so much, I think everybody ought to love them
too. Now you faint hearted who fear you will be
laughed at, called enthusiasts, or anything else, I tell
you get beex; pay no attention to what people say;
mind your own business, and, my word for It, you
will make these same fellows feel that you were not
§0 foolish as they supposed; when by close application
and study you have conquered all diflicultics and
derive from your fifty or sixty stocks an annual profit
of four or five hundred dollars. Much depends upon
the locality for large profits, some being much better
than others. In concluding this article, I would say
again to all who have any interest in bees, keep them
and whether you make enormous profits or not, what
you do realize will be the easiest money you have ever
made. It will be clear profit, for the time spent on
them would otherwise be lost on something probably
worse than nothing.— Cor. Bee Keepers' Magazine.

Italian and Native Bees.
I sec there still is some trouble in the camp with
regard to keeping bees through the winter. One
corresjwndent writes plaintively to an agricultural
journal that he lost his entire stock, and they had
plenty of boi-honey. Nothing uncommon ; I have
no doubt if he had twice the number he would have
lost them all. The apiarist can commit no greater
error than allowing large quantities of surplus honey
to remain in the hive. Bees, like the human species,
have a natural instinct to protect their stores, and,
when they have vast possessions, will throw out
guards, pickets and scouts for protection, and If sud-
denly overtaken by a cold snap thousands of them
will perish in a single night. Again, if the months
of Octotier and November are mild, the honey In the
surplus boxes will be removed to the centre of the
hive, where every available comb and cell is filled to
Its utmost capacity. If this, as was the case last
winter, is followed by extreme cold weather, these
combi will very nearly reach a zero temperature,
and with only the narrow intervening passages be-

tween them which prevent their clustering closely ;
hence hundreds of colonics have been frozen in I Ills
way, " surrounded by plenty (too much) of honey,"
The bee, unlike ttie wasp or many other insects, once
dead or stiff from cold, is <icad forever.

There, also, are still those in the field who claim
that the Italian beo is superior to all natives ; that
they will winter better, are more gentle, licfcnd
themselves against the moth, and gather more honey
than the blacks, but I generally and Invariably llnil
that thi.s "superior" song conies from persons only
who have Ihem for sale. The experience of myself
and neighbors, who represent one hundred colonics,
is that we have less honey from the Italians— and
we have them as jmre as ever winked at by an Italian
sun — than wc had from the same number of natives.
I never had more than thirty pounds of box honey
from Italians, while the blacks have given me forty.
Hut the hybrle— that is a mixture, half-breed, of
Italians and blacks — have quite frequently yielded
double this amount of surplus honey in one season.
Will some one rise and explain ? — J. M., Slackwatcr,
,June 5, 1877. — Kxamincr and Express.

.^

Beeswax.
The uses for wax are numerous and important.
Its property of preserving tissues and preventing
mold or mildew was well-known to the ancients,
who used cerecloth for embalming, and wax for en-
caustic painting, as in the wall pictures of Pompeii.
Wax candles and tapers play an important part in
the processions and ceremonies of the liomau Catho-
lic Church. Wax Is used by the manufacturers of
glazed, ornamental and wall papers, and on paper
collars and culls for polishing the surfaces. It is
used in varnishes and paints and for the "stuffing"
of wood which is to be polished, as for pianos, coach
work, fine furniture, and parquettc floors. Electro-
typers and plasterers u.^^e wax in forming their
moulds. Wax is an important ingredient In prepa-
rations for covering surfaces of polished iron and
steel to prevent rust. Combined with tallow it
forms the coating for canvass and cordage to prevent
mildew, as in sails, awnings, etc. Artificial flowers
consume much wax, and despite the introduction of
paraftine, ceresin, and mineral wax, its use api)ears
to be extending. One of the oldest of its applications
is in the laundry, and in polishing wood-work. The
product of wax In the United States Is stated to be
'2(1,000,000 pounds annually, and increasing— worth
in money at least ?fi,000,000. Of this about 8700,
000 worth are exported, and about 81,200,000 worth
of honey also goes abroad. The total' product of
honey and wax is worth at present In the United
States nearly $1.5,000,000. The ingenious production
of artificial combs, in a machine recently constructed
that turns out combs with cells rivaling, if not ex-
celling, the natural product is an Important Ameri-
can improvement in apiarian culture, which will add
largely to the economy of th.at Industry, yet in Its
infancy. As the bee is said to consume three-fourths
of Its time in producing comb at the very time when
the honey harvest is at its best, it is evident that the
invention of artificial combs must be a great econ-
omy in collection and storing of honey ; but It is not
so clear how the stock Is kept up unless man deceives
the bee by using "mineral wax" in the formation of
the artificial comb ; and this wax is not true wa.\,
but a natural paraftine. — American Grocer.

Extracted Honey.

At all of our principal city grocery stores honey in
glass jars and tin cans is sold at much less price than
it can be purchased for in the comb. To many this
is a mystery. . The general supposition is that the
article is not pure. Such, however, is not the case.
The quality is quite equal to that which is sold undis-
turbed in the combs. The comb, which is a fatty,
solid substance produced by bees, is first excreted
from a row of pouches along their sides in the form
of scales. This being masticated and mixed with
saliva becomes whitened and tenacious and the sub-
stance is employed In the construclian of their cells,
the repositories for their honey and eggs. The bees
consume about three-fourths of their time construct-
ing their comb, whilst gathering the honey only re-
quires one-fourth.

In this age of progress aparians take a sharp knife
and skim off the tops of the cells, and, with the ex-
tracting machine, throw the honey from the comb by
centrifugal force. The comb Is then put back into the
hive, the operation being repeated frequently during
the season. This enables the bees to gather three
times the quantity of honey by relieving them of the
necessity of liuilding their combs, hence the reason
why there is always more extracted or "strained"
honey on the market and Its consequent cheapness.
The honey thus extracted can be eaten without fear
or sickness. It is eating the comb which often pro-
duces attacks of indlgestlon.-Wo-muK^oi"?! Telegraph.
^

The product of wax In the United States is stated
to 1)6 20,000,000 pounds annually, and increasing
— worth in money at least Stj, 000,000. Of this about
$700,000 worth are exported, and about $1,200,000
worth of honey also goes abroad . The total product
of honey and wax Is worth at present in the United
States nearly $15,000,000.

THE POULTRY YARD.

Effects of Cold Storms on Poultry.

Each season of the year l)rings lis special work and
care, demanding the attention of the keepers of poul-
try. Excejjtlng the bleak autumn storms, no perioil
of the year is so trying to the constitution of fowls as
cold, spring rain storms. Thegermsof disease, how-
ever, are sometiniep conlractcil durln;: confinement in
winter, and the sudden change of weather, experi-
enced during a cold rain, will dcveloji the malady,
which is likely to become contagious. Fowls that
have lieen highly fed and kept warm to induce lay-
ing, will, like a forced plant, be too tender to stand
neglect during the early dienchlng rains that pene-
trate to their very skins.

The danger need not tie feared, however, by those
who will take a little extra careof their stock during
such weather. As soon as the earth softens under
the first mild breath of spring, fowls are all awake
to the prospect of getting worms and other insects
from the ground. They will then be off, prowling
about before it Is light enough to see their prey, but
as they evidently know that the early bird catches
the worm, they are on the ground betimes. Perhaps
the next day there is a severe change in the weather,
with sleet or rain, and you will see the birds hunting
about. In hopes of finding insects, till they get soak-
ing wet through their feathers, and If not well cared
for, this often jiroves fatal.

Most fanciers have noticed that a cold storm fre-
c(nently stops hens from laying for a week. Now,
this delay and risk of sickness may often be prevent-
ed by giving them a liberal mess of soft, warm food,
with a little cayenne pepper in it. To this should be
added a generous amount of animal food, either
.scraps or haslets, to take the. place of the supply of
worms, which is stopped when the fowls cannot get
out. With this little extra care, hens will often keep
on laying, retain perfect health, and be profitable to
their keepers. — Henry Hales, in Jiural yew Yorker.

Vermin on Poultry.

Jolin E. 'Roberts, In the Southern PoultryJouriutl
says :

".Many fanciers use the carbolic (or carbolated)
liowder in order to rid their fowls of lice and mltee.
It is considered the very best of remedies. My plan
is one which, I think, is used by no other breeder ;
has never failed me in completely ridding my fowls
of every insect, and has demonstrated to me its in-
fallibility. It is simply the use of oil of sassafras
mixed with sweet oil. To one ounce of oil of sassa-
fras put five or six of sweet oil, and ap[ily a small
quantity to difl'crent parts of the body of the fowl,
selecting those points where the vermin would be
most apt to hide.

"In applying the preparation I fill with it a small
oil-can, so that I can force out as much or as little of
the oil as I wish. A very small bit can be made to
go a great ways, for one drop can be rulibed over two
or three luches of space, and is no more trouble to
apply than the various Insect powders. I use sweet
oil because of its curative powers, but any kind of
grease, no matter what, will do to mix with the oil
of sassafras. The oil of sassafras is the eradicator,
the other oil merely the vehicle. I believe common
sassafras tea would be wonilerl'ullycllicacious.

"Make it in a large pot, then alter allowing it to
cool, dip the fowls in bodily. In one second the lice will
he dead, and in ten seconds the fowl will be perfectly
dry, if placed In the sunshine. It is hard to form an
idea of the magical cflbrt produced liy the oil of sas-
safras. I have never tried the remedy in greater at-
tention than that mentioned, (one to five or six), but
believe that it would be eciually good if composed of
one ounce of oil of sassafras to ten or twelve of any
other oil or grease."

Purification of Hen Houses.

Advice like the followincr, which wc find in the
Lii'c Stock Jonrnal, is always in order :

As the season advances, poultry keepers should not
neglect the purification of the fowl houses. Proper
sanitary measures must be taken, or health and suc-
cessful poultry raising cannot be expected, nor Is it
deserved. Lime is an excellent purifier, and, when
carbolic acid is added to the whitewash, will ell'ectu-
ally kcej) away vermin from the walls. After every
cleaning of the floor it should be sprinkled with car-
bolic acid ; dilution, twenty of water to one of acid.
This is one of the best disinfectants and antiseptics
known, and is not used as much as it deserves. The
roosts should be s|)rlnkU'd with it every week. This
whitewashing should be done twice at least, better
three times a year. Th« nests of setting hens should
besprinkled with carbolic acid to keep off vermin;
and the coops, also, where young brood are kept for
a time, should be purified in this way. If a hen gets
lousy, the dilute acid will destroy the lice, if put
under the wintrs, and on the head and neck. Wood
ashes arc excellent to be kept in fowl houses for hens
to dust themselves with. They are much more
effectual than sand ; but sand should be kept for a
bath. Without proper attention to these matters,
poultry keepers cannot expect to succeed.

412

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ July, 1877

All Styles of Chicken-Coops

Are in UBe, and many elaborate contrivances are
recommended by those who indulge in the fanciful.
But the most economical and serviceable nest-house
and cage for the hen and brood, for the first three
months, is the common pitch-roof box, about three
by two and a half feet, if it can be placed upon the
ground or lawns.

This should have no floor ; or, if rats are trouble-
some, use a floor ; but, by all means, let it be inova-
hlf, i. e., )io( nailed to the coop. The coop may be
moved about and set in a new place every few days,
thus aflbrding a fresh, clean groundwork continually.
This arrangement is an excellent one for the health
of the young birds.

The coop should have an open slat front, with a
Ijitch-roof overhanging the body of the box two or
three inches to shed the rain, and near the eaves two-
inch holes should be bored on both sides for ventila-
tion .

The chicks will runout at the front in fine weather,
and the mother will have ample room inside for her
own comfort, as weir as to brood the young when
needful. If the box be kept clean and free from lice,
the chickens will do nicely in this form of shelter
until they are strong enough to be transferred to the
larger coops of a similar formation, where they may
be colonized in numbers of forty or fifty together at
night, before they get large enough to go to the roost.
— PoicUnj World.

Red Pepper and Poultry.

A correspondent of the I'onltnj BuUetin says : I
do not know whether other persons who raise poultry
and pet birds are as much dependent as I am on red
jiepper ; but I have found so much benefit from its
use in my poultry yards and cages that it may not be
amiss to call the attention of others to its good pro-
perties. 1 do not speak of the article that is sold in
drug stores, (and sometimes not remarkably fresh),
but of the cap.sicum that grows in our gardens. I
have tried all the dillerent varieties, and find that the
must pungent and efficacious is the small kind usually
known by the name of "bird's pepper." The plant
in itself is a beautiful object, it grows about two feet
high, and in autumn its bright little scarlet berries
look like coral Ijcads peeping from under the dark,
green foliage. Indeed, one plant in a pot seems a
very pretty ornament for a flower stand. The seed
possesses a stimulating and reviving property, and I
find that two or three given to newly hatched chick-
ens, especially if they are weakly, have a most hapjiy
effect. If a hen looks feeble after moulting, six of
those berries or pods, given daily, in some cornmeal
and sweet milk improves her wonderfully. Last
summer two of my finest canaries began to cboop.
Every day I gave them each one seed of the " bird's
pepper," and in less than a week they were quite
well. The same remedy is invaluable for mocking
birds.

Turkeys.

A little experience is a very good thing in raising
turkeys as well as anything else. If they run wliere
they pJe.tse, they need nof.be fed more than twice a
day ; if kept in a small yard, every hour is not too
often while they are young. The practice of feeding
wet ^aw cornmeal is very injurious to all kinds of
fowl's, and especially turkeys. Small grain and corn
bread, meal just mixed with water and baked, then
dampened, may be fed, and the chicks will thrive.
A pan of sour ndlk set out to them will disappear in
an incredibly short time, and the curd scalded and
the whey poured off is excellent for them. Hens
should be quite young, but goljblers ought to be kept
over until the second year. Breaking up the nest and
forcing the hens to lay a second time is not best, as
the turkey raised with common fowls never do so
well, and the late chicks thus obtained do not often
make up in weight wliat might seem an advantage
in getting a few more eggs. For several years
eighteen nut of twenty eggs under turkeys came out,
and fifteen out of eighteen lived to go to market. —
WeMri-n Af/ricnlturlst.

Catching Hawks.

As the season is approaching when hawks are
most deslructive to young poultry, a method of
catching and killing these marauders will be in order.
It is a well-known fact that a hawk will always
alight on some conspicuous [ilace close to the jionltry
yard, from which to swoop down on his victims.
Taking advantage of this, erect a pole with a flat
surface at the top just large enough to hold a strong
steel trap. Fasten this trap by a chain to a staple
in the pole, and await results. No bait will be needed,
for the hawk will be quite certain to light on the trap
and he caught. A gentleman who has tried this
method has succeeded in killing all the hawks in his
neighborhood, and now can raise poultry without
loss except by accident. — CuHfornia IfortkuUurUl.

Soft Eggs.

O. E. F., writes : My chickens lay eggs with soft
shells. What sliall 1 give them ?

Keply. — Give them a rest. They are laying too
many eggs, more than they have material to finish

properly. Some bones burned and powdered should
always be given to fowls when laying, but if the hens
are supplied with a variety of food and can get plenty
of gravel and earth or coal ashes, and are in perfect-
ly good health, they will not lay soft eggs. This de-
fect is an indication that they are fed too highly and
are overtaxed.

^

Dead Shot on Poultry Lice.

Take an old wooden bucket, bore a half-inch hole
an inch from the brim, and cut out the half-inch
piece to the top of the brim ; smootli the edges of
this slot, grease a pine splinter, sprinkle fine sulphur
upon it, and burn it under the inverted bucket ; put
the fowl under quickly, with head through the slot ;
hold the bucket firmly about ten minutes ; let the
fowl go, and the lice will all be killed.

Supply your chickens with milk if you can. Let
them have good shelter and fair attention, and you
will find it will pay you when you come to fix them
for the show pen, or oiler them for sale to customers
who are willing to pay fair prices for choice breeding
birds.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

Our Attention has been called to some new and
useful cooking utensils recently invented. One of
which is known as the Centennial Cake and Baking
Pan, made of Russia iron, and is so constructed that
after your cake is baked, you can instantly remove
it from the pan without injuring it ; and having a
raised bottom tiie cake can not possibly burn. It is
also provided with a slide on the bottom, so that
when you remove the tube, you can close the
hole, making a pan with plain bottom for baking
jelly or plain cakes, bread, etc. Another — the Kitch-
en Gem — is also a very useful and long-needed house-
hold necessity. It is a plated wire boiler or steamer
to hang inside of an ordinary iron pot, for boiling or
steaming vegetables, which, when done can be easily
removed perfectly dry without lifting the heavy,
sooty iron pot off of the stove, avoiding the danger
of burning the hands with the steam in pouring oflf
the hot water. And the vegetables can not possibly
burn, if the water tjoils dry, as the steamer does not
touch the bottom of the pot.

These goods are sold exclusively through agents to
families, giving universal satisfaction, and presents a
splendid opening for some reliable lady or gentleman
canvasser of this county to secure the agency for a
profitable business. For terms, territory, etc., write
to L. E. Brown & Co., Nos. 214 and 216 Elm Street,
Cincinnati, Ohio.

California Agriculturist and Pacific Arti-
ZAN, (Consolidated), San Jose: S. Harris Herring,
Editor. A royal quarto of 20 pages, including illus-
trated covers, with ornamental margins ; monthly,
|1 .50 per annum. Its editorials, its contributions,
and its selections are able, solid and condensed ; and,
including its typographical execution, it is a credit to
the " Golden State." The editor says : "It will be
what its name purports, the f'alifvmia A;/rici(lturixt
and Artisan, a magazine lor the workshop, farm and
fireside. It is not, nor does it pretended to be, a
newspaper, but it will be a. living conveyor of intelli-
gence upon the most important topics connected with
industrial progress, political reform and educational
and social advancement, in a material, intellectual
and mora! sense. It will depend for support upon the
intelligence and appreciation of an earnest people,
who represent many and deserving interests. It will
aim to promote the growth of intelligence, enterprise
and good will among men, and the co-operation and
harmony of true business interests, while at the
same time it will oppose all evils and evil designs,
and especially such as bear upon industry. With a
broad field, and urgent work before us, we invite tlie
aid and good fellowship of every one.

The SE.Mi-TROPif:AL. — The July number of this
interesting Southern Magazine contains a pleasing
variety. "On a Semi-Tropical Sea Island," is an in-
teresting portrayal of a summer in Floiida, by Dr.
D. H. Jacques. Kev. Chas. Beecher, who now re-
sides at Newport, on the Gulf Coast, in an article
entitled " Florida a Hundred Years Hence," shows
the probable results of the development of the State.
The veteran Southern horticulturist and author, U.
Redmond, commences a descriptive catalogue of
"The Trees of Florida." Ur. '/,. 11. Mason suggests
some of the "Sources of Florida's Prosperity," and
Dr. Benjamin extols the great healthfulness of
Tampa and vicinity. There are valuable original
contribution on " Florida Internal Navigation ;"
" Grape Culture;" "Gardening All the 5'ear Round;"
"Mounds of South Florida," together with several
selected articles. The Editorial Department is spe-
cially varied and interesting, containing information
on fruit-cultui'e, stock-growing, poultry-raising, bee-
keeping, floriculture, etc. Chas. W. Blew, Jackson-
ville, Fla. Terms. :^0 cents a number ; i'A a year.

Colorado Business Directory, and Annual
Register for 1877, containing a classified list of all
the business and professional men, officers, societies,
schools, churches, Ac, in all the cities and towns in
Colorado, together with post-towns, offices, expresses

and telegraphs, railroads and stage offices, &c., in
the State. Denver, Colorado, J. A. Blake, Publisher.
A handsome 12 mo. of 247 pages, log^ether with 26
pages of advertisements, and 4 pages of tinted cov-
ering, arranged alphabetically by counties. To
which is added a list of the banking institutions,
hotels, mines, &c., officers of the State government
and lists of all the county offices in the State, be-
sides many other matters, "too tedious to mention."

Colorado is the youngest State in the Union, about
which too, there was a doubt, as to whether it ought
to have been admitted into the Union at all. This
is a better arranged Directory, and easier to be re-
ferred to, than any work of the kind we have yet
seen, and is invaluable to those residing there, or
who propose to locate there.

It will be a matter of interest to all our readers
who are desirous of adorning their homes, to know
that there has been incorporated in New York a Stock
Company with a cash capital of a quarter of a mil-
lion of dollars, for the manufacture of Pianos, which
will be sold direct to the people at factory prces. Its
name is the Mendelsohn Piano Co., office No. .5(5*
Broadway, New York.

These Pianos made one of the finest displays at the
Centennial Exhibition, and were ummimously recom-
mended for the Diploma of Honor and Medal of
Merit.

This Company are the first to do a general business
with the pnrcfiaxer direct, saving him more than one-
half the price charged by otlier .^rsi-c^ns.'; makers.

We would recommend auyof our readers who have
any idea of ever buying a piano, to send for their Il-
lustrated and Descriptive Catalogue, which will be
mailed free to all.

On the Value and Culture of Roots, for '
stock feeding, by David Landreth & Sons, Philadel-
phia, 1877. We are under obligations for an " ad-
vanced copy, with the respects of the publishers," of
this valuable little work on an interesting and useful
subject, and shall not hesitate to lay it under contri-
bution. This is a royal octavo pamjihlet of 48 pages,
full of well executed illustrations, and treats of root
crops alone, including the turnip, the beet, the car-
rot, and the parsnip, and all their most approved va-
rieties ; giving their uses, their mode of culture, and
their yield and pecuniary value. To which is ap-
pended an excellent article on "Beet Sugar," from
which we learn that the product of Europe in 1875
amounted to 1,317,623 tons, equal to 61 per cent, of
all the cane sugar manufactured in the whole world;
the internal revenue tax on which, for 1874 and 1875,
amounted to over |40,000,000.

The Breeders' Manual, and descriptive cata-
logue of blooded stock (second edition for 1877 and
1878), including cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, pigeons,
&c., ic; the l)est imported and homebred strains,
owned, bred and for sale by Bejison it Burpee, 2Si
Church street, Philadelphia, is a handsomely illus-
trated book of 56 pages, in paper covers and royal
octavo size. The illustrated, thoroughbred .South-
down sheep, in this number of the Farmer, is only
a fair sample, but by no means the best that the book
contains. It is particularly full in poultry and
pigeons, which these gentlemen have made a specialty
for years. The book may he obtained at the above
address, or by mail for 25 cents, postpaid. As it con-
tains much that is useful to the stock grower, it
might be an advantage to him in treating his stock
on hand. See advertisement in another column.

Rand's New York City Business Directory
For 1«77. — The second volume of this valuable and
indispensable work has just been issued by the Pub-
lishers, Messrs. Walter Heugh& Co., of 3 Park Place,
New York. No pains or expense has been spared in
the production of tlic present volume, to make it
complete and reliable. In typographical appearance
and binding, certainly it is a fine specimen of hook-
making. It contains over one hundred pages more
matter than the last year's volume, which has added
largely to the cost of the production of the work, and
compelled the publishers to issue hereafter only the
full cloth bound edition at one dollar per copy, upon
the receipt of which sum they will forward the work
to any address in the United States or Canada, by
mail, postage prepaid.

Woman's Words.. — An original review of what
the sex is doing. Mrs. Juan Lewis, pul)lisher, Phila-
delphia, Pa. $1.00 a year postpaid. This is a royal
quarto of 16 pages, on tinted paper and in fair type.
This is a new enterprise. No. 2, Vol. I of which is on
our tabic, and contains a biographical sketch of .Mrs.
Clarence S. Lozier, M. D., and a portrait of that
lady engraved expressly for the work. The contribu-
tions are mainly those of distinguished and intelligent
women, and are of marked literary ability. It seems
to us that there is an opening for just such a work,
and women who do not encourage it and avail them-
selves of its advantages, the fault will be with them.

Redeemed, by O. Gerard. — This is the title of
the most successful temperance song published. It is
uow being sung nightly at the temperance meetings
held in Cincinnati. Everybody should sing Redeemed.
Price 35 cents per copy. Can be played on the Piano
or Organ. Address all orders to the publisher, V.
W. Helmick, .50 West 4th St., Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE LANCASTER FARMER

in.

The Great Discovery.
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For the
car* of welk •tomach, gen«ruldebUity, indigestion, disease
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The wine iucludes the most sKteeable and effloient Salt of
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the most energetic of vegetable toulca— Yellow Peruvian

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general prostration, of an efficient Salt of Iron combined
with valuable Nerve tonic, is most hiippy. It aUKnients the
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removes the pallor of debility, and gives a florid vigor to
the countenance.

Do you want something to strengtheu you 7 Do you
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If you do, try Kuukel's Wine of Iron.

This truly valuable tonic has been thoroughly tested by
all classes of the community, that it ie now deemed iudis-
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The blood and gives tone to the stomach, renovates the sys-
tem and prolongs life.

I now only ask a trial of thin valuable Tonic. Price, $1
per bottle. F- F. KUNKEL, Sole Proprietor, Philadelphia,
Pa, Ask yoor Druggist for KunkeJ's Bitter Wine of Iron,
and take no other make. Sold only in $1 bottles. All
others are counterfeit, so beware of them.

Boy six bottles lor $&.Ut).

Worms Removed Alive.

E. F. Kuukera Worm Syrup never fails to destroy Pin,
8eat aud Stomach Worms. Dr, KUNKEL is the only suc-
cessful Phyniciau in thiscountry for the removal of Worms.
He removes Tape worm, with head and all complete, alive
in 3 hours, and no fee until removed. Send for circular, or
call on your druggist, and get a bottle ef KUNKEI/8 WORM
SYRUP. Price, $1.00. a never falls.

To tlie WorkliifC Class.— We are now prepared to
furnish all classes with couataut employment at home, the
whole of the time, or for their spare moments. Busiuesa
new, light and itrofltable. Persons of either sex easily earn
from 50 cents to $5 per evening, and a proportional sum by
deTotiug their whole time to the business. Boy« and girls
earn nearly us much as meu. That uU who see this nolice
may send their adkress, uud test the business we make this
unparalleled offer : To such as are not wt«ll satisfied we will
send one dollar to pay for the trouble of writing. Full par-
ticulars, samples worth several dollars to oomiuence work
on, aud a cojiy of Home and Fireside, one of the largest and
best Illustrated Publications, all sent free by mail. Reader,
if you want permanent, profitable work, addreps.

9-3-lm Gkoboe Stinson k Co., Portland, Maine

War in Europje:.

niQM A nni/, His Authentic Biography, Prirate Letters
DIOiVlnMui\i»nd Memoranda. Introduction by Bay-
ard Taylor, Graphic aud entertaining. Full of anec-
dote, wit, romantic incident, aud great historical events.
Profusely Illustrated with actual sketches from Bia-
mark'a life — home, student, political aud battle scenes, por-
trsita, landscapes, etc. This Life of Europe's greatest
statesman is just the book for the times , delineating as it
does all the famous Rulers. Generals, and Diplomats — co-
actors with Bismarck. Special Can vaskebs wanted to sup-
ply the urgent demand for this live hook. Good pay. Cirou-
lar, free. Write to J, B. FORD & CO , Few York. 9-5-6m.

^^ PVPVfav '° ^°^ easily earned in these time8,but it can be
n#l /I /I / made in three months by any one of either
^W / / / ^"^^^ i^ ^^y P^f' of the country who is willing
Cl/ ill**' work steadily at the employment that we
^•^ furnish. $GG per week in your own town. You

need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and 16 Outfit free.
Addrees at oucc, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-3-ly

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

I Siisiieiiders, HaMtercMefs,

I.iiirn and Paper Collars and CuffH

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

at

E. J. EEZSMAI^'S,

No. no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober'a Hotel.

9-l-ly

AMOS MILEY, '

108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTUEBR OF AND DF.ALEB P*

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

Bridles, WUijis, Ac. Also a line lot of Truuks. Vslisea,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.

T^TT A TTNESS RELIEVED- No medicine.
J-'JUJXX.JC Book free. O. J. WOOD. Madison, Ind

9-"-4m]

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877
ci:.OTiis,

CASSIMERES,

COATINGN, :'WOIUtTERDS,

TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, striped and diagonal, for Sjiriufi and Hummer,
ftt the Merchant Tailoring and ('lothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(EatabUshad in the jetv 1840),

C«rner af North Qneeo and Oran<!^-SU.,
LANCASTER. PA.

Extra flnished aud trimmed. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOYS,

and clothing out or made to order in the most satisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' FCRNISHINa dOODS. and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ly Practical Tailors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANCFACTUREB OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

SADDL,Eii,

COLLARS, "WiaiPS, <S5C.,

AI.«0 DEALER IS

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFAXO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, Sec,
No. 30 Penn Square,

»-1-1t LANCASTER, PA.

H Z. RH0AD3.

CHA3. G. RHOADS.

H.Z.RHOADS&BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa,,

Wholesale sod Retail Dealers in

DIAMOIS, WATCHES, JKffELRT,

SIL7ESWABE, SPECTACLES,

Brossei. Clocki and Witchnakeri' himk

JOBBBI\S IN i^MEH.ICAN WaTGI^ES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations i^ Foreign Goods.

9-1 -Ijl

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

We sill EVtRYTHINQ tor the

G AUD E N

And offer NOW (from .Juue 13 to Aug. 15):
Celery PlaatB,

Dwatf White, by mail, for.., $1.00 per 100

Large White Solid, by mail, for 1.00 " 100

Dwarf Bed, " " .... 1.00 " 100

Any of the above Celery Plauts, by expreBS,
for $5.00 per 1,000.

Cabbage Plants,

Premium Flat Dutch, by mail, for. $1.00 per 100
Drumhead Savoy, " '• l.oo " 100

Eed (for pickling), " " 1.00 " 100

Auy of the abo\e Cabbage Plants, by express,
for $4.00 per 1,000.

Cauliflo-nrer Plants,

Early Erfurt, by mail, for $1.23 per 100

Early Paris, " " 1.25 '* 100

Any of the above Cauliflower Plants, by ex-
press, for $7.50 per 1,000.

SfT'Special prices for larger quanti-
ties given on application.

TURNIP SEED.

Au.v of the foHowing leading sorts sent by
mail for IDc. per oz. — 25c per i^ lb. — 75c. per lb.

Early White Dutch— White Strap Leaf— Ked
Top Strap Leaf — Golden Ball — Improved Amer-
ican Jtutii Baga.

PETER HENDERSON & CO.,

.H4?0(lHni<>ii Hiiil F]4»ri«its,

35 CorUandt St., N. Y.

1760. ESTABLISEED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West Eing-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HARDWARE,

OI.AS8,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TERRA com, MaM LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Agents for the

'' Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann's Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, <Sco., <fec.

9-7-ly]

TO CONSUMPTIVES.

The advertiser haviny bot-n permauently cured of that
dread dieeaae, Conaumption, by a Piiiiple remedy, is anxious
to make kDown to hia fellow euffererg the meaua of cure.
To all who desire it. he will send a copy of the prescription
used, (free of charge), with the directions for preparing and
uaisg the same, which they will find a bubs Cdkk for Con-
SUMPTION, Asthma, BBONrHixia, 4c.

Parties wishing the preacriptiou will please address,

ReT, E. A. WILSON, 19i^Penn St.. waUamsburg, N. Y.
9-1-Gm]

We have the largest stock of general Hardware in the
State, and our prices are as low aud tenna as liberal as oui
be found elsewhere. 9-1-tf.

E. N. FRESHMAN & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are aathoriKed to contract Tor advertinin^
In ihia paper.

Eitimaies tunusliadlrBe.

Semi tor a Circular.

SUBSCKIBE FOR THE

THE LANCASTER FARMER,

The cheapest and best Agricultural Paper
in the country.

300 Canvassers Wantel Send for Terms, &o.

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[July, 1877.

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUNDAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A SEW LOT OF

EAMBDBG EMBROIDERED EDGM

INSERTINGS,

AT THE VSRY LOITEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Cors«t8, Kid OlOTM,

Lioen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CRJkPB 'VKXX.S.

CRAPE BONNETS & HATS,

KCCHIXOS,
an H^les ftad widtlu, *nd everTtbing elM In

LADIBS' AND CHILDREN'S WXAR,
that is good, deBir«bl« &Dd cheap.

6)T€ uc a call at

g-"OT:TE.A. K KT6' S

lot. 142 & 144 irorthQnpen-«t,Litiica8t«r.,Pa.

»-l-ly

NEW CROP

N

EW AND ENLARGED EDITION OF OUR

SBEEDEB'S LIAITUAL

,•,»«» ^"^ Bc8idenc«8, Public ft,„„

Fazms from 50c. to $50 x>er Kod.
NELLIS' O. H.H. H. FORK, WITH NELLIS'
Patent method for moving aud stacking Hay or Straw,
without extra charge to the Farmer. Agricultural Steel
finished and tempered by Nellie' procefis to suit all hinds of
soil. Medal awards on all our goods exhibited at the Cen-
tennial. Information free.
g-7-lm; A. J. NELLIS & CO.. Fitteburgh, Pa.

A NE\A/ BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRUIT CULTURE,

BEING A GUIDE TO THE PBOPEB

Ouliivation and Management of J^ndt Trees, and

of Grapes and Small Fruits,
■with condenaed deHcriiitions of many of the best and most
popular varieties, with upwards of one hundred engravings.
By Thomas Gbeog, Price Jl.tHt.

A book wqich should be owned by every pereon who owns
a rod of available laud, and it will eerve to secure euccees
where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fully, without technicalities, and is a work on

Fruit Culture for the 2/Iiilion.

It tells of the coit, how to plant, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, boU, selection, diseases, insectB, borers,
blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering,
badding. grafting, etc, including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricote, Nectarines, etc. It is
a most complete

Guide to Small-Fruit Culture.

with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of Grapes, Strawberries, BlackbeirieB, Raspberries,
Gooseberries, Cm rants, etc.

Th« work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Fabheb and How
t© raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,T6. Address

I., RATH TON.
SS.SODtb Qu^en »t . I>anca«ter, P».

Is just out. price, 25 cents. Every farmer should have it.
It contains 56 large double-column page-, of valuable reading
matter, besides 16 full-page cuts, from life, of our stock.

BUEPEE^S INFALLIBLE

TuRNiP SeEdS

EXTRA FINE AND CHOICE SEED.

NEW CROP OF

Early White Flat Dutch, Red Top Strap

Leaf, only 55 cents per lb, postpaid,

5 lbs, by Express for $2.00.

All other varieties of Turnips and other Seeds for sowing in
the Summer and Autumn, at LOWEST CASH PRICES.
SEED WHEAT, &c.

BLOODED LIVE STOCZ.

THOROUGHBRED ALDERNEY,

AYRSHIRE AND SHORT-HORN

CATTLE AND CALVES.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD

AND LEICESTER SHEEP.

SWINE AND POULTRY A SPECIALTY.

»a,We have now fine GROWTHY PIGS for sale, in pairs,
not akin, of Chester Whites, Yorkshires, Berkshires, Essex
and Poland China.

BENSON & BURPEE'S Seed Warehouse, 223 Church St., Philada.

Ng;^p^Bili8fa<rf.^.Ui:.MJ.-i I

^ — j Is sure and speedy death to all Flying or

^^j Creeping Insects. It speedilj and effectually

^^^ destroys Lice, Fleas, Roaches, Centipedes,

Moths, Ants, Flies, Mosquitoes, Bed Bugs,

Meal Worms, Spiders, Scorpions, and every

species of Insects.

It C«ntnliis No Poison ! It is harmless as water to

human and animal life, but sure death to Insects. It is strong-

ly recommended by all who have tried it. We have yet to

hear of a single complaint. We guarantee every box, and if it

do«s not do all we recommend, it can be returned (even if half

of the powder be used) and we will as cheerfully refund the

money. One trial will convince any one of its merits. It ia

invaluable to Fafmers, as it thoroughly kills all lice, fleas and

insects on animals without the slightest danger to the animal.

It destroys all troublesome insects on vegetables and plants.

PRICE, 25 & 50 CENTS PER BOX, POSTPAID.

W

o

D

<
Hi

H

CD

W

M
Eh

CO
W

O

X
CO

m

H

O
O

GO

d
Z

H

\^

•—I

H

50

K
W

Q

<

TSE BEST OFFEE.!

We will sell during these hard times

$000 Pianos for $250,

And all other styles in the same proportion, including Grand,
Square and npright— all rirKl-claiis— sold direct to the people
at factory prices. No agcnte; no commissions; no discounts.
Tliese Pianos made one of the flnest displays at the Cen-
tenuial Exhibition, and were unanimously recommended for
the HioHEST Honors. KeguUrly incorporated Manufac-
turing company— New Manufactory— one of the largest and
finestjn the world. The Square Grands contain Mathuehek's
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment in the history of Piano making. The uprights are the
finest in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't tail to write
lor Illustrated and Descriplire Catalogue— mailed free.

CHAFFEE'S

PHONOGRAPHIC INSTITUT^

AND

Oswego BUSINESS College,

OSWEGO, N. Y.

«»-SEND STAMP FOR CIRCfLAR AND FREE
LESSON IN PHONOGR.^PHY.

EZRA F. BOWMAN,

Practical Wat4^bmaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 106
£ast King- Street, a new and well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

M A-TKRIA-LS, &;c.

Amejican Watches from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver Cases, in weights to suit purchasers. American and
imported Clocks in over fifty different styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their
quality. Watches and Clocks oarefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
all. 9-t-6m

ESTABLISHED 1832.

-ly

MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO.,

IKo. 56 Broadway,

Jf. Y.

EDWIvN \LDENC

. 174 ELTtf 'STREET.
CINdNTN-ATI. OHIO.

. Advertisements inserted in any paper.
BeforeadyertiBing Bendjor^my oatalogn*

a. SEIS^ER & SONS,

MauufactnrerB and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

The best Sawed SHIKC;i.£.S iu the country. Also Sash,
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also beet COAL, constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Kortheast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts.,

LA.NC-A.SXBR., PA..

»-l-ly

$1 a Year

(To subecriberfi in

the ooUQty.

SINGLE COFZES 10 CENTS.

To BiibdcriberB ont of > (tl OR
the county. ( 'f>i--'^fJ

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, AUGUST 15, 1877.

LIKN^US EATHVOW. Publisher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.
A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a iTOUiiutnt featilrf, with special reference to the
wauls of the Farmer, the (ianleaer aud Frail -Grower.

Ktjunded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Ajiricultural ami Horticuhural .Society.

Edited by Prof. S. S. EATHV02T.

TERMS:

To Bubiicribers residiug witbiu the couuty—
One Copy, one year, - - - ^ - - $i.oo
Six Copies, one year, - _ . . - - 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50

To subBcribera outside of LaucuMler uuuuty, incUuUug
postage pre-i'aid by the publiHbers:

OneJCopy, one year, - . _ - . - $1.25

Five Copies, one ye:ir, . . - . - - 5.00

All subecnptioue will commence witb the January uum-
ber iiuleHS oiUevwse ordeieil.

All couimuuiciitioiis iutended for imblication sbould be
addressed to tho Kditor, aud, to secure iuaertion, should be
in his hand« by the first of the mouth of juiblioation.

AH buHiuess letters, coutaiuiug subecriiitious aud adver-
tiBenients, ahould be addreased to the iniblishcr.

The Lancastbu Farmer having completed its eighth
year uuder various vicissitudes, now commeuccs its niutli
volume uMder, it is hoped, more favorable auspices than
attended its former volumes. When thepublishtra of the
last two volumes assumed the responsibilities of its publi-
oatioD, it was with a determiuatiou to make such improve-
menta as would place the furnu-r's organ of th's ^loat agri-
cultural county in the very front rank of agiicultural jour-
nnliem. That ibis has been ftr:comi)lished we think our
readers will b^-ar cheerful testimony. If reason, biy f^ns-
taiued, our aim is to make it still more interesting and in-
structive undei ts new proprietorship, lu thiH. howevt'i-,
we need the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on
Bnbjecis connected with the science of farming, aud partic-
ularly that sitecially of which he is so thoroughly a muster—
eutouinlogical acieuce— some knowledge of which baa become
a necessity to the succe^isful farmer, are alone worth much
more thiiii the price of tiiib publication.

The FAR31ER \vill be publisbed on the 15th of every
month, printed on good paper with clear tyjje, in con-
venient form for reading aud binding, and mailed to sub-
scribers on the following

LINNAEUS RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATES OF ADVERTISINC: — Ten <>nt<i n
line for caeb insertion. Twelve liues to the iuoh

CONTENTS OrmiS NUMBER.

Strikes— Riots, ------ U3

War Upon Insects, H"'

A Miiadlcd Tobacco Leaf, - - - - 114

The Ichneumon Fly, ------ U4

Keminders for August, ----- Uo

Does it Rain Toads, ------ 115

Grammar in a Nutshell, - - - - 115

The Locust, - US

Colorado Beetle in England, - - - - 116
E. N. Freshman & Bros., . - - - 116

Apple Tree Insects, H*'

Does the !<had Bite or Take a Bait, - - 117
Queries and .Answers, - - - - - 117

State and District Fairs for 1877, - - - - 117

Buddini;, - - 117

The Turhine Wind Eiifiine, - - - - 118

CORRESPONDENCE.
Letter from Florida, ------ 119

Letter from N'orth Carolina, - . - - llil
Adulteration of the Necessaries of Life, - - 119
What Causes Rust in Wheat, - - - 120
Potatoes Without faris Green, - - - - 1-1

The Crops We Raise— How Do They Pay, - - 121
Tobacco Fertilizers, - - - - - - 132

The Tobacco Fly, liS

Koine Sure Methods of Destructioo.
The (irape Leaf-Folder. C. F. yjiJc'!/, - - liS
Ducks— Setting Eggs and Rearing Youug, - - lliS
Transplanting Evergreens, - - - - VZi

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricultu-
ral and Horticultural Society, - - - 124
Average Crops — The Sowiug of "Wheat — The
(Iroiy Farm— Crop Reports— Le\i W. Grotf'a
Experitiients with Wheat — Oleomargarine and
Phosphates — Au .\ct to Regulate the Manufac-
ture aud Sale of Fertilizers — Au Act to Pre-
vent Becei)liou iu the Sale of Butter— Noxious
Weeds— Ku8t in Wheat — How to Treat Lawns
— .V Fall Exhibition— -V New Corresponding
Secretary — Agricultural Reports — Testing the
Fruit— The Centennial Diploma — Questions
for Next Meeting.

Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - - 135
Crop Reports — Referred Questions -Mew
Business — Referred Questions.
The Linn.^aii Society, ----- 120
Additions to the Museum— Additions to the
Library — Papers Head.

Manure for Fruit Trees, ----- 12G

AGRICULTURAL.

A Bountiful Harvest, ----- 127

Cultivating Wlieat, - 127

Treating Manure with Unslaked Lime, - - - 137

HORTICULTURAL.

Varieties of Late Turnips, - - - . 127

Value of Early Apples, ----- 127

The Peach Crop, 127

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Household Recipes, ------ 127

Recipe for Butter, 128

The Spare Bed, 128

Have no Lights in the Barn, - - - 128

Literary and Personal, 128

EDW. J. ZAHM.

IiEALKlt I>

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.,
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

K'.-paiiing Ktrictly attended !«>.

North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa.

9-4-1 y ^^^_

NOKTP-AFIEU:-

FARM &. FEED MILLS-

):.>ii<', Dru);;, niKl bpicc Mills. IU«iK«i,
r H.nl or Pow^T. Coniral FreQcb
i,ir SoiQC Flouring and foru MilU.
C j-'lli'ccivea iho Gf:iii.! Awarl DI*

jil'jii,,! .-Hid M'>1a1 -M ''fntenitiiit.
C /-■yilN'trstC'i |iii!iiihi.'i ..Tii rr*«.
A.i.l^.»^ I,. J. Mll.LF.K,

181 E. Front St., Cinoinnall. O.

THE IRON TURBINE
WIND ENGINE

The Only Wind Engine

in ibo m:irki.-t that is
PROOF A4.1AIVST »T4»ICn

nnd ex(>osure 10 the weuth
tr, bclDg

Made Entirely of Irn
Woiphs no more thnii
ordinary wotwl whoi-N

Kesrilnti-N It«elf In
lllstiU'lnd t'v aifAU^. I .

Aufonintlc (ioveriior.

Gives more Power
than any other for "^
the same diameter -
of wheel.

Pimple in construe — .
tion anJ well made.
They lire giving
Perfect Satisfaction ^f
where c»t he r ^
millsbavefailed.

Rvery farmer aod
stock raiser xhould
have one. A cooiitADll,
■upplT of puro wo- J.
ter will Keep ) our .-
mock in better cnodi- „
lion,
tborl

coat of ao Iron Tin
blDO WlDd Engin..,
■a; Dotbing of iL

great lavlog of labor ' ____^^__

aod other adTaDtagen, whlcb j-ou can Icaro atMOt bT wrltlot to
OS for circular givln^jirtcfs aod loforianiion.

MAST, FOOS & CO., Springfield, O.

<^^■f■ x_ C^^ a W«tk to AgfntH. lie On'rU Fne
4>WW W W i i P-O. VICKKKV, .i^iiguM:., Maine.

II,

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

A C/^NVASSER W^TED

Rates «»r .4<lv«Tti«liiB

ill llie Fariiior.

1 iu. '2 iu.

3 iu.

i iu, j 5 iu. ' S in.

1 mo

2 DEO

$1.00 f 2.00
2 00 4.110
2.50 4..)0
3.00 BOO
4.W, 9.00
6.00 12.00
9.00 18.00

$ 3.0O
6.00
6.75
9.0O
13.50
18.00
•27 CO

$ 4.0oi$ 6.00'$ 8.00
>i.O0j 12. Oo' 16.00

3 nio

10.001 13.r>0 l.S.OO

4 n««

12.00 IS.OOi 24.00
IS. 00 27.001 36.00

8 mo

I year

24.00] 36.01 4S.00
30.00 54.001 72 00

IN

EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY

TO TAKE

SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

Farmers' Sons and other

Young Men during their

leisure hours

CAN MAKE

GOOD WAGES,

We want a thorough canvass of every

district, and will pay canvassers

liberally.

Address,

L. EATHVON, Publislier,

LANCASTER, PA.

l!2^~S^>ecial auil business uotices l.i L-euts yer line

GOOD BOOKS

I'lU THK

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The foliowmg is .i list of Vuluuble Buuk-,, which u'lU be
supplied by the Editor of the Lakcaster Farmer, No.
101 North Queeu St. Any cue or more of those books will
be sent po^t paid to auy of our read-jvs ou receipt of the
regular price which is named against a;ich book. ,

Alleu's (R. L. & L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50

Allen's (L. F.) American Cattle.* 2 50

Atwood's Country and Suburban Houses 150

Boramer'9 method of Making Manures 25

Breck's New Book of t lowers 1 75

Brill's Fami-Gardeuiug and Seed-Growing 100

Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, ]2nso I 50

Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, 13 mo 1 50

Flax Culture, (SeveuPrize Essays by practical growers,) 30

Fuller's Grai e CuUurist 150

Fuller's Small Fruit Culturiat 1 5fl

Fulton's Peach Culture 1 50

Gregory ou Squashes paper . .' 30

Harris ou the Pig 150

Heudersou'9 Gardening for Pleasure 150

Henderson'.^ Gardening for Profit 1 50

Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hiuts to Horse-Keepers ., 1 T5

Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivatore 30

Hunterand Trajiper 100

Onions— How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acras. Pa., 30c.; Clo., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00

Parsons on the Rose 1 50

Quiiiliys Mysteries of Bee-Keeping 1 50

Quiucy (Hon. .Josiah) on Soiling Cattle 1 25

Quiiin'si Money iu the Garden 1 50

Quiuu's Pear Culture for Profit, 1<^

Riley's Potato Pests Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 75

Roe's Play and Profit iu my Garden 1 50

Stewart's Irri^jaton for the Farm, Garden ^nd Orchard I 50

Stew^trt's StablH Book 1 50

Stewart "i* Shepherd's Manual 1 50

Stoddiird's Ann Kgg Farm paper, 50 cts.; cloth 75

Thomas's Farm Implemeuts and Machiuery 150

Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 1 oo

Tobacco Culture. By fourteeu exi>erienced cultivators. 2-5

Wariu^''s Draining tor Profit aud Heahh ; 1 50

Wariug's Elements of Agriculture 1 00

White's Cranberry Cidture 1 25

Wright's Practical Poultry-Keeper* 2 0I>

A N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANT tACTUEER OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS FRENCH KID BOOTS

F'.iR Fi:)R

OESTTI.EMEN. LADIES.

No 36 West King'Street,
LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.

9-1 -1Y

KHTGSFOHD'S

^liiol

Is the BEST and MOST ECONOMICAL in the World.
Is perfectly PURE — free from acids and other foreign

substances that injure Linen.
Is STRONGER than any other— requiring much less

quantity in using.
Is UNIFORM — stiffens and finishes work always the same.

Eing'sford's OsTrego Corn Starch

Is the most delicious of ^11 preparatiou.-^ lor
PUDDINGS, BLANC-MANGE, CAKE, Etc.

9-7-4ra]

J. STAUFFER,

iiiitiii II fifiifs,

LANCASTER, i'ENN'A,
23S EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, aud COPYRIGHTS.

promptly attended to. His experience, success a d faithful
atentiou to the interests of those who engage his services
are fully acknowledged and appreciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reUable As
sistant at Washington, \vithout extra charge for drawing
or desoriptiou. [9-1-tf

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

— THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCK,

JOURNAL,

Published at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THIS GRKAT MONTHLY IS uuiversully iickuowl-
ledged tL' lit- wi bout a ri\ al in its liepartmelit of
Journalism. Each number contains 4S birge pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover,
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plate engravings. Ii is the only pa; er iu the world
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discusses the science of breeding, the merits of the
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successful management of live stock ou the farm.
During the yesir IS77, Prof. James Law, the eminent
veterinary of C'^ruell University, will contribute a
series of articles upon the laws of health aud disease
as api'Ued to Domestic Animals, that cannot fail to
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every where. It contains separate Departments,
devoted to HORSES. CATTLK, SHEEP,SWINE and
the DAtRY, and its corps of editors are recognized
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make it a lii'jh-tutied. reliable, practical and instnic-
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and stock breeder will find worth ten times its cost
each year.

TERMS. — Single copies, one year, postage paid,
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of teu, with au extra copy free to person making up
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1I^~Send 21) Cents fob Specimen Copy. [9-;i-3m

The ftttention l farming Communitf

Is invited to the new and improved

DOUBLE liD ROLIEI!.

I

M'liJch lias been placed in the market by
the nncler.'^ijfned tfirin., hikI which \%
^ repres iited by the above out.

Thlh roller ha.-s been trie'i by some of our best farmers,
who pruchnm it to be the best roller they have ever seen.
The cylinder heads and hangers, are made of cast iron, with
chilled bearings, couaequeutly there is no perceptible wear,
on spindles or boxes, if proj^erly ojjed. The cylinders are
'11^.. inches iu diameter — whole length of roller 7 feet 9 in-
ches. The wood work is made of good oak timber, aud is
well painted. We guarantee it to be

The most l>iirable aii<l EaNieNt HaiKlled
Roller in ii*««.

t^^If vou wish to i.ui'cha.=^e, call ou
STONER, SHREINER & CO., Lancaster City.
SKNSENIG HARDWARE CO., Goodville, Lancaster couutv.
EPHRAIM BENDER, Kothsnlle.
MARTIN KAPP, Elizabethtowu.
REUBEN D. ZECH. Mountville.
GRAHAM. EMLIN & PASSMORE, 631 Market Street,

Philadelphia.
Or at the manufactory, and you will be accommodated.
MARSHT & COMP,
9-S-2m 9Ioniiit Joy, Lancaster County. Pa.

THE Wam BOTTEB CARRe

Will euable you to
market your but-
ter in the best pos-
s i b le condition.
Comi>eteut Judges
wiio have handled
bulter shipped iu
it to the Philadel-
phia market, pro-
uouuce it the best
Lirrangemeut for
carrying print but-
ter they ever saw.
Each print or pat
is carried in a sep-
arate cuji that can-
not be broken, up-
set, nor get out of
! lace.

All sizes and
fonna of cups and
box vnM be made.

Circulars with
full description
aud price list free.

L. RBSH,

9-5-ly 149 North Queeu-at., Lancaster, Pa.

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof; S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., AUGUST, 1877.

Vol. CL No. 8.

STRIKES RIOTS.

Strikes .iiul riots liave occurred in our
country during politiciil convulsions, liiian-
cial dis.aster.s, coniiucrcial depressions, and
trade reverses, almost IVoui the fountlation of
our repuliliean form of governiuent ; but we
cannot recall a siuule instance in which the
farmers of the country, by preconcert handed
themselves together, and in dcliance of law
and order, liave struck for higher prie(^s, and
luivc '.hrealened or cierccd those who saw lit to
sell lower th.an they. And more, much more
than this. Through high or low prices in the
products of the farm ; through drought or
flood ; through insect devastations. rin(lerpest
or hog-cholera ; through .storms and blights ;
through "pestilence and famine," indeed,
through all the vicissitudes of time, and
health, and tide, the American farmer still
"pursues the even tenor of his way." The
large manufactm'ing establishnn'iits, the
machine shops, the railroad companies, the
iron furnaces, and the rolling mills, may
either close their doors to their workmen, or
curtail their number and their w.ages, because
the future prospects do not manifest a large
enough margin of profit, or the suiphis on
hand cannot be " realized" as it should. l!ut
it is not so with the farmer. Whether he
realizes six per cent., three per cent., one per
cent., or no per cent — whether his toil is
rewarded by twenty bushels, ten bushels or
live bushels to the acre, or whether his labor
proves an entire failure, he never for a mo-
ment reliniiuishes his occupation, but goes on
with renewed energy, year in and year out,
the same through adverse seasons as he does
Ihrou'jh prosperous ones.

Well may the "great e.xponnder of the
eonslitution" have written " The Fitrmer is
lilt /owiilff of ciri7i2(((.(Vm." Whoever heard
tell of a farmer, with sacrilegious hands, ap-
plying the incendiary's toteh and destroying
"fifty thousand bushels of wheat" by lurid
flames, to gratify a diabolical feeling of
revenge V

AVhoeyer heard of a baud of lawless farmers
visiting their lirollier farmers, and compelling
them to withdraw their ])l(i\vsliares from the
soil, and leave their fields run fallow V It
is true, that when they felt themselves to be
the victims of extortion, by railro.ads, by ex-
orbitant middlemen, and by " corner" ojiera-
tions in produce and farming implements,
they formed peaceful organizations, by w.iy
of the Grangnmd co-operative establishments,
as .a means of domestic jirotection ; but all
was conducted "indecency and in order;"
.for, being the founders of civilization, in all
their relations to their fellow-men they subor-
dinated them.selvcs to the dictates of that
civilization, .as a living principle of their do-
mestic life.

It would be well for our country and her
people, if a few hundred thousands of the
elements that compose strike-riots were to be-
come iTidustrious fanners, and. avail them-
s<>,lves of the civilizing intlnenees of the fartn.
It would be well for (nu' government, and our
civil and social institutions, if she would
devise means to set up the deserving poor
men on farms, and give them an opiiortunity
to work out their own domestic and soQJal
salvation. There is room, enough for all ; we
are too much coneentrated. We must become
more diffused among the great vacancies of
the west.

I'erh.aps farmers themselves do not realize
as they .shouhl, the vast difference in circum-
stances and social condition that exi.sts be-
tween them and the rest of mankind, taken as
a class; else there woulil not be so many of
them yearning after the sometimes teniptiiig,
but alw.ays dubious, occupatiinis of the tnvrh.
It is true, farming has its drawbacks, even

when everything seems to be prosperous on
the farm. The farmers are exposed to the
annoyances, to the dangers, and the devas-
tations of tliat pernicious element which is
the fruitful source of riot, of pillage, of con-
flagration and of blood.shed, iti the cities and
the towns. The trdmpl has become a for-
midable barrier to the safety and tranquillity
of the farmer; not on account of the contribu-
tions levied upon his larder, for these he is
always willing to give to the worthy, weary
wayfarer; but on account of their robberies,
their burglaries, and their incendiarisms.
When the country becomes relieved of these,
it will mark a glorious epoch in the history of
the fann, as well as in the etitij'e country.
The late wide-spread turbulent, and destruc-
tive strike-riots which have occurred, exhibit
a humiliating aspect in initiating the second
century of American independence. They
show tliat a climax has been attained which
is a disgrace to humanity, and es|)ecially that
portion of huinanity, which, par e.ccdJenrr
claims to be politically and socially free. IJiit,
whatever may have been the inciting causes
— whether just or unjust — it was not the work
of fanners, either as actors, abettors, or as
sympathizers. They cheerfully subordinate
themselves to "the powers that are ordained,"
even though they should endure present suf-
fering;

"In linpes ttLit tlicy'll be riffhtcd

By Him who rules on high."

"WAR UPON INSECTS."

In an editorial of the iVcw Era of Tuesday,
.Tidy ■24,the editor w;vs pleased to refer to me in
relation to the subject involved in the caption
of this paper — a subject by no means of as
easy a solution as the "Eastern question." In
many respects the "war upon insects" in-
volves many complications, especially with
those who are not able to discriminate be-
tween the species, or between the different
developmental changes of the same species.
Take as a familiar example, for instance, the
"Colorado potato-beetle," which has some
lifteeii or twenty parasitic or predaceous spe-
cies, which prey upon it in its various transfor-
mations, from the egg through its larval and
pupal periods, up to its adult development.
J'aris (jrcen of a proper quality, and syste-
matically applied, is now reganled as a sove-
reign remedy for the destruction of this in-
sect, and indeed the only external application
that is at all reliable in most cases. But in
the application of this poison there is a liabil-
ity of also destroying our parasitic and preda-
ceous auxilaries which prey upon it; and this
liability is only increased when we resort to
the various traps that have been invented for
the capture of this insect. "Hand-iiicking,"
with the discrinunation above alluded to,i8the
only system upon which an intelligent war-
fare against the potatii-beetle can be waged,
because our arms are then only pointed
against our foes, and we save our friends.

Another complication in using the weapon
of Pai'is green in a warfare against the Colo-
rado iHitato-beetle, is the exposure to death of
othci' and larger animals which may hapiien
to iirey upon it after it has been treated with
this poison. A report came up only a few
d.ays ago, of a great tnortality among sparrows
and other birds that h.ad been feeding upon
lhe.se insects after they had been charged
with Paris green; and only a month ago, a
farmer in this county lost three or four valu-
able cows that happened to have access to a
mixture of Paris green and shipstuff, which
he had prepared for the beetles. I do not
mention these things to di.scour.agc the use of
this remedy, or any other remedy, nor to ar-
rest any form of warfare that may be waged
iigainst them; but to admonish people to be

careful and act intelligently in their systems
of warfare, just as any discreet General would
act who expected to con<picr his enemies.
Now, this state of things, to a greater or a
less extent, exists in reference to a warfare
against any of our insect enemies. Xightlly-
ing insects, for instance, are attr.acted by lu-
minous bodies, and therefore it is recommen-
ded to kindle bonfires in infested districts into
which those insects will fly and Ije destroyed;
but this implies an indiscriminate slaughter
of "all ag«.s, sexes and conditions" — friends
as well as foes. On one occasion, at "Shenk'a
Ferry," I captured about one hundred in-
sects—attracted by a globe lamp— bet ween can-
dlelight and 12 o'clock at night, and nearly
three-fourths of them were insect friends.

On another occasion, a former president of
the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society sent
me a large number of insects which he had
captured in bottle traps hung on his trees to
catch "codjings" and "curculios," more
than one half of which were either friends or
entirely innoxious ; and iimong the whole
number (between SOO and 1,000) there was but
a single "curculio," and not half a dozen
that could be recognized as "codling moths."
True, there were a goodly number of Arc-
tiims and Agr(jtHins, the parents of various
species of cut-worms. The only redeeming
characteristic of such non-discriminating rem-
edies is that, if we can succeed in destroying
our enemies at the sacrifice of our friends,
there will be little need of the presence of the
latter; but this is rebutted again by the fact
that human efforts are spasmodic, and often
ill-timed; whereas the operations of our para-
sitic .and predaceous friends are constant,
and guided by an instinctive intelligence that
never fails thena.

The safest plan to contend with insects is
to acquire a specific knowledge of them —
their times and pl.aces of appearance, disap-
pearance and reappearance — their transfor-
mations and developments; the injuries they
inflict and the benefits they confer; and if
these things are deemed beneath the dignity
of human study, then we must learn to sub-
mit with as much resignation as we can to
their various infestations; but it must ulti-
mately come to this, regard it with as much
contempt or indifference as we may.

As to forestalling in.sects by discontinuing
to cultivate such trees and plantsas they seem
partial to, the thing would be quite impracti-
cable in most of the very woi-st cases. Take
for instance the "Striped apple-tree borer,"
which originally confined its operations to the
common hawthorn, and, fifty years ago, was
so destructive to the hawthorn hedges of the
Eastern .States. Now, it rarely attacks the
hawthorn .at all; but instead thereof, it pre-
fers the various kinds of apple, the pear and
the quince, simply because these trees afford
it a wider field for its multiplied develoimient
and more abundant and agreeable aliment.
And then the "curculio," which, in its early
history was content with wild cherries, vege-
table excrescences, and perhaps wild plums;
now it prefers the ciiltiv.ated plums, the peach,
the apricot, the apple, the nectarine, and the
cultivated cherry and pear. It is the same
with the "codliii'i," an introduced species,
which originally must have infested the wild
crab a] >i lies of Europe; liut now it infests all
our cultivated apples and pears, as well as the
peaches; and some days ago I took numbers
of them out of apricots. The famous Colo-
rado beetle, in emergencies, will feed on at
least a dozen different kinds of plants, even
night shade, hen-bane, thistle, and miillen.
It would be dillicult to circumvent these in-
sects by non-cultiv.ation, and the same may
be said of several scores of others, to ii.articu-
larize wjiicli would extend this paper to a

114

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

August,

greatei' Icngtli than any reader at this peculiar
sensational ptniod would care to read, and
which, we fear, has already exceeded the limit
of a daily ])ai)er.

What shall we do then? Shall we throw
down our arms, and let the insects riot in and
on the productions of our labor; or, shall we
buckle on our armor, and "at the head of our
remaining troops attack the foe?" I would
reply, by no means succumb, but "whatsoever
your hands tind for you to do, do it with your
might;" for "neither repentance nor forgive-
ness" will avail anything iu the grave dug by
insect devastation.

You may have often seen the picture of an
"old fogy" coming down stairs iu great
alarm, with a lighted candle in his hand,
and the pendant tassel of his uight-cap ignit-
ed by his own candle, protesting that there
must be a lire in the house, as he smells
something burning. There are insect infesta-
tions as oltvious as this, and as easily extin-
guished, which people never apprehend, be-
cause they will not condescend to make the
observation. In destroying one gravid female
potato beetle early in the spring you destroy
the developmental possibility of twelve hun-
dred, and so on of an almost infinite variety
of otjier insect pests. Birds and other insect-
iverous ani\nals perform an immense amount
of labor of this kind, but because they do not
do (dl of it, and also appropriate a little fruit
occasionally, they are voted as humbugs. — R.

A MUDDLED "TOBACCO LEAF."

The Horn-Worm — Facts Concerning it which
Every Tobacco-Grower Ought to Know.

"Deatu AND Destruction : Awail comes
uii from the tobacco-fields in tlie Clarksville
and Ilopkinsville, Tennessee, districts. It is
the despairing cry of the horn-worm, as the
news is imparted to him that war is declared
and proclamation hath been made. All the
forces are under arms, but upon the infantry
will be the task of bearing the brunt of the
battle. Into the fields pour the soldiery
(male and female Grangers of all ages) ready
for the fray. The junior cohorts are armed
with the paddle — whose potency they may
have learned liy parental application — and
the seniors with a seductive compound of
honey and cobalt. There is no hope for the
horn-worm or his progeny. Let him turn as
he may, death meets him on all sides. Let
him climb the Jamestown weed, and within
its Ijlossorns he finds a delicious morsel of
honey; tnit alas ! imder its sweetness is the
sting of destrviction. Perhaps he has escaped
the dangers of the chrysalis state and has as-
sumed his wings, and then comes the danger
of meeting the noisy boy or sunburnt maiden
— his direst foes — ;irmed with the paddle, and
his chances are small indeed. Verily, the
horn-worm's existence is in great peril.

"Tiie cause 'of the conflict is the announce-
ment that our valued correspondents, Messrs.
M. II. Clark & Brother, of tUarksville, Tenn.,
have announced that they will give to the
Grange, who, through its members and others,
causes to be killed the largest number of to-
Tiacco dies this .season, two hundred and fifty
dollars ($250.) To the Grange who, as above,
causes to be killed the next largest number of
tobacco files, one hundred and fifty dollars
($150). To the third Grange on the list seven-
ty-five dollars ($75). To the fourth Grange
twenty-five dollars ($25.) Over and above
these piemiums the planter (Granger or not)
who shall kill or cause to be killed the largest
number of tobacco files, shall ride in a fine
saddle at their exi)ense, made to his measure.
The premiums will be paid the first day of
next November, the judge being the Hon! M.
D. Uavies, Master State Grange of Kentucky.
These gentlemen arc to be commended for
their public sjiiritedness, and we hope their
example will lie followed by other memljers
of the trade in other parts cit the country.

"Messrs. Clark & Brother oiler another
premium— a handsome silver cup, to be given
to the editor of the newspaper that shall in-
sert their notice the greatest number of times.

Do these gentlemen cater to any little peculi-
arity of taste that our brothers in their section
may have ? We admire their judgment in
selecting for the delectation of the fortunate
scribe that masterjiiece of Virginian art, the
mint-julep. But we shall advise the editor
to beware of the fate of the Georgia innkeep-
er, whom a Virginian, while traveling, taught
the science of compounding mint-juleps. A
few years after the traveler stopped at the
same inn, but fouiul the sou of its former pro-
l)rietor installed in his place, and on inquiring
what had become of the old man, received the
reply that 'a feller from Virginny had come
along and taught the old man how to take
grass in his licki'r, and the durned old fool
never let uj) until he drank hisself to death.' "
We cliii the foregoing from the editorial
columns of the 4th of July number of the
Tobucro Leaf, not only as a suggestion to our
tol)acco growers as to the course they might
profitably pursue in order to destroy the
"horn-worm," but also to show how exceed-
ingly muddled the writer is in regard to the
history, the kabits, and the transformations
of that same horn-worm, about which he so
wittily discourses. Who ever heard tell of
(we feel sure no one ever saw it,) a horn-worm
(tobacco-worm) climbing up a Jamestown
weed, and finding within its blossoms that
delicious morsel, under whose sweetness is
the sting of destruction; that "seductive com-
pound of honey and cobalt?" That seduc-
tive compoimd was never intended to trap the
horn-worm, buttheparent of it. If the trum-
pet flowers of the Jamestown weed are
charged with the poison alluded to, tliere is lit-
tle use in resorting to the paddles in the hands
of "noisy l)oys and sunbiu'nt maidens;" the
poison itself will be an effectual extinguisher,
without expending so much physical labor.
It is only in the "fly" or moth-form, that this
insect coidd or would extract the poisoned
honey; and for the purpose of probing the
flowers to the bottom it is provided with a
long tube, winch it can roll up like the main
spring of a watch and conceal between its
maxilla', a pair of appendages on the lower
side of its head, in front. The fact that these
large moths (commonly called "hawk-moths")
are partial to the honey in the flowers of the
Jamestown weed, first suggested the idea of
poisoning it, and thus destroying the m(3th.
For noisy boj's and sunburnt maidens to be
standing around these plants with paddles
in their hands, after the flowers had been
charged with poison, would only have a ten-
dency to prevent them from sipping the poi-
son. The paddle plan is no doubt a good one,
but it would be a waste of time and labor to
do that which if left alone would do itself
without a peradventure.

'•'There is no hope for the horn-worm or his
progeny." Although this is very desirable to
the growers of tobacco, it involves a misaj)-
prehension. The horn-worm is not capable
of begetting a progeny while it is worm. That
procreative function is oidy acquired after it
becomes a fly, or moth, which is its adult
state. People seeing different sized worms on
the plants at the same time imagine them to
be old and young, or parent and offspring,
and although the larger ones may be older
than the smaller ones, they are all mere
youths — the oflspring of the same mother,
perhaps — in their various stages of worm or
larval development. Now these things are,
or ought to be, well known to any practical
tobacco-grower, and therefore such reflections
as those in the foregoing article nnist be
valueless to tliem, except its a witticism or an
amusement. The tobacco-worm, or horn-
worm (although seldom used in books, we
consider horn-worm not inapjiropriate, be-
cause it has a conspicuous horn projecting
from the top of the hind end of the body) is
not noted for feeding on the honey, the flowers
or the leaves of the Jamestown weed (Datura
stramoniuw,) if ever it has been seen so occu-
pied at all. While it is a worm it is provided
with jaws, and is a masticating animal ; ^.nd
although it may occasionally be found feeding
on the potato and tomato when no tobacco is

near, we have never known it to feed on the
Jamestown weed. But when it makes its
final metamorjjhosis, and assumes the moth
form, its tastes undergo the same change that

all belonging to its order— Lepidoi)tera do.

It ceases to be a masticating animal, and be-
comes suctorial, and then it would naturally
resort to some honey-bearing plant. Down iu
Tennessee the predominating species, it not
the oidy species that infests the toV)acco, is the
fJarolina horn-worm {Sphinx Carolina), but
up in the North the predominating species, if
not tlie only species infesting the tobacco, is
the five-spotted horn-worm (Sphinx ^-mam-
lata), but here in the Middle States we have
both species, the northern and the soutliern
territory seeming to overlap each other.

Before we conclude, we would suggest to
tobacco-growers that if they would destroy all
these worms that remain in their fields when
they take in their crops, they would save a
arreat deal of labor the following season.
Many of them merely sliake them ofl' the plants
and let them lie on the fields to mature them-
selves on the young shoots that spring up
from the stumps that are left standing, and go
into the ground, and are thus canied over to
the next season. We hiwjw this to have been
largely the case in Lancaster county, and we
presume it is also the case elsewhere. The
fields are never so clean but what they will
find enough to feed upon until the young
shoots grow up. This is suicidal and ought
to be abated at once.

THE ICHNEUMON FLY.

We find the following, says the Clarksville
Tobacco Leaf, in the question and answer
column of the Courier-Journal :

MoNTEUEr, Owen Co., Kv., May 21,1877.— I saw
an article in tlie Weekly Covrlrr-./otiritnl November
1.5tli, 1.S76, conecrning the Ichneumon fly and tobacco
worm. Please give name anrl address of the parly
writinij; upon the subject in answers to correspondents
in Weekly Conrier-Joif.nial. A Subscriiier.

Note by Editor. — The writer of the article will
please respond, as we possess no information at this
late date, except what has been printed in the i,ss\ie
referred to. We reqm're name and aiUlress of our
eol-respondents, but we do not preserve them unless
on special occasions.

The article referred tif first appeared in this paper
and was written by Mr. Joshua M. Kice, of Clarks-
ville, Tennessee. Mr. Rice has experimented a great
deal with the ichneumon fly, and tinds that llicy are
a certain destroyer of the tobacco worm. Farmers
should know this and preserve every worm found
with the eggs of the ichneumon fly on it.

Mr. Wm. M. Di'ane and several other farmers
have otjserved Mr. Rice's experiment and found
great benefit from the few flies raised by preserving
the worms. The flies are very numerous on Mr.
Rice's ]ilace from a few years cultivation, and last
season they destroyed the eggs of the tobacco fly he-
fore hatching. At least late iu the season Mr. Rice
noticed a great many tobacco flies depositing their
eggs and could not find a single worm from the re-
sult, and he is confident that the ichneumon fly de-
stroyed them. The tobacco worm is entirely harm-
less after attacked by the fly^ It lies perfectly dor-
mant, never moving or eating, and dies after the
flies are hatched from the pretty little white eggs de-
posited on its back and sides. A number of farmers
might stock their farms with the ichneumon fly by
cultivating a few plants of tobacco in Mr. Rice's gar-
den and bringing in w'orms to receive the Gggs, and
carrying thera back to the farm before hatching.

Wo are glad to see that tobacco growers are
beginning to attach some importance to econ-
omic entomology, although it makes us .smile
when "The Ichneinnon fly" is referred to by
those who attempt to enlighten them on the sub-
ject; especially since there are certainly not
less than fifty distinct species that belong to
the genus Ichneumon — as at present restricted
— all of which are parasites, ami the one that
infests the tobacco worm don't hapiien to be-
long to it. At least one of the species of the
])arasites that infest the tobacco-worm is
Microgasler ronyreyata, but that which infests
the eggs of the tobacco moth, is doubtless a
species of Clutlci.^.

Although for .all practical purposes the re-
siflts given in the above extract are correct
enough, yet in point of fact, the writer is en-
tirely mistaken when he says "the flies are
hatched from the pretty little white egys de-

1877.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

115

posited on llie back and sides" of tlio woiiu.
Wliat he calls eggs, are lavKer than the eggs
of till' tobacco moth. The little iiarasites or
"Ichiieuraons" deposit their very iKuiiile
eggs ill or oil the body of the tobaeeo-worin,
and when lliey are hatched llie little grnlis
liiirv themselves under the skin, and feed on
tlic"sabslance of their liosi ; .and when tlicy
are mature tliey come out and spin the little
white cocoons, (not eggs) and in due time
the little Hies emerge from the same.

The family IcilNErMONiD.K is an etceed-
Ing large one. It has numerous genera, aud
a mncl" larger number of spei'ies; but, few,
very few of ihera, liave received common
iian\es; and therefore, for the sake of con veni-
rncc, and for the purpose of avoiding those
technical names, for winch so many people
have such a horror, it may Vic allowable to
call them all "Ichneumon Flies," but, in do-
ing so, it is by no nii>ans allowable to say the
lelineumon llv, as ifthere was only one spe-
cies of tliat niimc; but (ot Ichneunioii tly, im-
plying that only one among the many is re-
ferred to, when treated of specially.

The lesson we desire to inculcato by these
comments is, that the tobacco growers of
Tennessee are ou the right track when they
direct their attention to the Ichneumon flies,
and encourage their increase and protection.
We have frc(iuently called the attention of
our readers to these little insect friends, and
especially .so in our es.say published in the
March number of the Fanner for the present
yt'ar. And we would again admonish them,
that whenever they find a worm covered witli
the little white cocoons of these flies, that they
p.ass it by and let the flies develop, for there
is no danger to be apiirehended from a worm
so infested. They may overlook worms in their
hunt for them, but these little files will surely
find them out, and deposit their eggs upon
them, when the proper time arrives fen' that
work to be done.

REMINDERS FOR AUGUST.
Celery may be planted up to the -JOth. Sow
liirnips^ fetticus, bush beans for [lickling,
onion seed to stand tho winter, lettuce for au-
tumn use, and spinach (^n- an early crop.
Onions will l)e ripe this month, and should be
jiulled and dried.

Fetticus.— This vegetable is chiefiy grown
:; ■ a winter and early spring salad, although it
ometinics used boiled, as greens or spinach.
i; n(iuires a rich soil. The seed may be sown
towards the end of August or beg"inning of
September, in drills six or eight inches apart
and half an inch deep, rolling them after
sowing. When the plants are well up, thin
them out to three or four inches apart. Keep
it well hoed aud clear of weeds, and when
severe weather sets in, give it a slight cover-
ing of straw or salt hay, as is done with spin-
.iili. ritmoving it in March or Aiiril. It cau
iKii he sown early in spring, as soon as the
Mind is in working order, and will be ready
use in si.x or eight weeks afterwards. —

;'/'t's Onrdcn.

^

DOES IT RAIN TOADS.

riiif, question, prompt"! Ijy the appc.inincc of
riails of these infaiir leptili'S iinmeilialely after a
rm, ib one wliicli hah been frequently asliecl.
iiy tlieories have been ailvaneeil to aeeonnt for tlie

1 nine phenomenon, but none tlial we liave lieard,

' vet, are enliicly satisfactory. Oiu-aln'ailyerowilert

!' tic will not allow \is to ^ive anyhithert(> advaneed

"ry in this issue, but we invite those who have

.11 this matter their consiili'ration to give their
wsto the imhlie through our columns. — I/arrh-

'/ /I'lfi/lCUi/tUt,

■■ Water-Spouts" might jiossibly draw up,
I rain down, tadpalcs ; but, when tadpoles
■cimc toads, they innuediately leave the
vTalcr. They might possibly be " caught up"
In a ''spout," at the moment of transition.
W r have seen inultitndes of toads on the bars
.Hill Hats, or beaches, of the Susquehanna after
I shower of rain, many a time. Wc always
l.'uiid them hopping away from the water,
:n;d we always su)>posed they had merely
arreted their tender skins from the sun, and
alter the rain, had ventured forth again, rein-
vigorated and refreshed.

GRAMMAR IN A NUTSHELL.

The following anonymous rhyme, brief as It is, con-
tains the siibslanee of Hfty pages of the best school
grammar extant :

Three little words you often see

Are articlCB, a, an and the.

A noun's the name of anythintf,
As school or garden, hoop or swing.

Adjectives show the kind of noun,
As great, small, pretty, or brown.

Instead of nouns the pronouns stand—
Her head, hie face, your arm, my hand.

Verbs tell us something to be done—
To read, count, laugh, sing or run.

How things are done the adverbs tell,
As slowly, quickly, ill, or well.

Conjunctions join the words toiretlier.
As men and women, wind and weather.

The prepositions stands before

A noun, .as in, or through, the door.

The interjections show surprise,
As oh! how pretty ! ah ! how wise !

The whole are called nine parts of speech;
Which reading, writing, speaking, teach.

Many of our (naturally)) intelligent farm-
ers, have most excellent and practical ideas
aud thoughts, but they lack in common gram-
matical construction, when they attempt to
reduce them to writing and place them on pa-
per. They probably have had little or no ed-
ucation, aiid what little they may have had,
did not inchide grammar ; or, the methods of
teaching it in their youth may have been so
defective and so discour.aging to them, that
they were deterred from making an attempt
to actpiire a knowledge of this useful branch
of education. And yet, it is scarcely po.ssiblo
for any one of ordinary intelligence to con-
struct a sentence without making use of some
of the rules of grammar, whether they are
conscious of it or not. But still, many viola-
tions of the most obvious rules of grammar
occur in their compositions, which a little care-
ful thought and common observation ought
to correct. The above " Grammar in a Nut-
shell," is in such a pleasant form, that the
younger members of the family may readily
commit it to memory; and once permanently
fixed in the memory, it may become forever
theirs.

It is true, it can only teach them the names
of the "nine pars of .speech," but when
these are thoroughly recorded, it will lie a
great assistance in learning how to vsc those
ptxrts of speech, in conversation and compo-
sition—when and where a capital letter ought
to be used— how to begin a iieriod or sentence,
and when they are ended. Take, for in.stance
the artirlc, of which there are only three in
the whole language. They never should be-
gin with a capital, unless they begin a period

or sentence.

^

The State Board of Agriculture has prepared two
laws which at the very "next legislative session will
be offered for passage. One of them is "to prevent
deception inthcsaleof butter." All "oleomargariu"
and other substitutes for butter are to be stamped as
such, or the ofrender will be fined SilHO. The other
proposed act is to " regulate the manufacture and
sale of fertilizers." All such manufactures sold at
over j-20 per ton arc to be accompanied by a certifled
analysis of their composition. All persons dealing in
these goods are to tie licensed and the State Agri-
cultural Chemist is to analyze them. But why stop
with fertilizers ; A great many other bogus articles
are sold. Why not compel the jeweler to mark his
tjoods solid, pl'ateii or counterfeit; and let the milk-
man tell tis how many ([uarts of water he adds to
each one of milk ?

Tho Board of Agriculture is a new institution
in our State. It has been but recently organ-
ized, and is therefore yet in its infancy. T jke
the children of Israel when they reached the
land of C'anaitn, and found it occupied by the
Jebnsites, the Ilittites, the Perrizites, the
Ilivites and the Amorites, whom they were
admonished could not all be driven out in one
day, but " little by little ;" even so this new
organization found many evils to correct on

their plane of operation, and they felt that a
beginning mii.st be made somewhere, and we
reganl it as an uncharitable criticism, to open
upon them the batteries of cfnsorship because
they cannot accomiilish all that ought to be
accompliishcd in it single day, a week, a month,
or even a year. All true retormalion is ami
nmst be gradual. It is sometimes necessary
to let wheat and tares grow together for a
time, lest in pulling up the tares the wheat be
destroyetl; we therefore ought to wail aiul see
before we disai)prove or condemn.
^

In an article in .S7. A'ic/to(rt.'i Prof. W. K. Brooks
denies the commonly taught theory that each spe-
cies of liinls goes on generation after ceneratlon bulld-
iug its nest in precisely the same manner as its an-
cestors. They do not follow instinct alone, and
marked improvenieiils are visible among successive
generations. They take advantage of new and more
eligible places and material as these present them-
selves, anil improve even in nest aretiiteclurc. Barn
and chimney swallows were found in America long
before then' wi're any barns or chimneys for them
to tie as comfortalily quartered as they now are.
The oriole, which builds its nest .according to the
dangers which threaten its young, now selects kite
strings, fish lines and carpet yarn instead of the
filringy fibres in a natural state, which It used to have
to |iut up with. .Martins have shown great pro-
giessivencss in their plan of nest building in a half
century.

We never knew that any professional orni-
thologist claimed "that each species of birds
goes on generation after generation building
its nest in the same manner as its ancestors."
It may be the general rule, but there are too
many exceptions to it to constitute it a nni-
ver.sal rule. In addition to the exceptions
mentioned in the above extract from the
Dailn Intelli(jeuccr, wc may mention a very
m.arkcd instance which came tinder our own
observation. A pair of "American Barn-
owls" {Slrix praiinrola) for many years took
u)) their residence in the top of the steeple of
Trinity Lutlier.an chnrcb, in this city, and
reared many broods of their young there: and
we obtained s|iecimens of the eggs, the chicks,
the young and the adult birds, from that owl-
ery, while it continued; .all of which are in
the museum of the Liniid'an Society. Of
course, before there were church steeples in
Lancaster county— or barns either— they must
have been domiciliated elsewhere- pertiaps in
hollow trees, or rocky recesses.

THE LOCUST.

The devastation caused by grasshoppers and
potato bugs in various sections of the country has
been so great that there is little wonder th« whole
insect tribe should be looked upon with mspicion,
and ways and means devised for the extirpation of
almost every creeping thing. So far as the grass-
hopper is concerned, his exploits have been almost
cntirtly confined to the west, and in that part of the
country he has engaged the attention of Senates and
LegislaturcB, who have offered rewards for his cap-
ture, and have seliemeil to provide immnnity from
his ravages. When, therefore, it was learned that
the locust had made hie very numerous appearance
in New Jersey and along ttie Hudson, it was only
natural that farmers and others associating him with
the grasshopper, should become alarmed at his
aiqiroach and indulge in sad relectious as to the
danger which threatened their fields and orchards.
The locust pro|ier, undoulitedly, belongs to the tribe
of grasshoppers, and is of a most destructive nature,
but it would seem that the species which has put in
an appearance now is positively harmless, and that
no danger nerd be apprehended from its presence.
Naturalists are united in believing that those in New
.Jersey are the genuine gevcnteen-year locusts,
which appear only once in tliat time, and after a
very short but extremely noisy life disappear. At
present they cover the trees, shrubs and grass in
Eastern and Northern New Jersey for miles, and
their combined voices almost drown the song of tho
birds. Their eggs are laid iu the holes of trees, and
when the larva' begin to show signs of life I hey drop
to the ground and burrow themselves into the soil
about a foot beneath the surface. When warm
weather comes they work themselves to the surface,
climb up a tree or shrub, throw off their outer cover-
ing or shell and receive their sustenance from the
dew and honey in the leaves. Farmers in the o\tea
country are not troubled with them, as they almost
invarialily seek the grove and woodland. Wore
they to hollow out resting places for themselves in
the" valleys the plowshare would probatily leave
them open to the same fate which the early worm
receives from the early bird. Their sole end seems
to be to lay thoir eggs, sing their own funeral dirge,

116

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[August,

and ttien (lie. Whether tliey remain in the ground
for seventeen years or not is purely eonjectural.
Some have supposed that the doctrine of evolution
could be verified in their case, that their olTspring
becomes either a grub, a caterpillar, or a beetle, and
that the chanRe of form goes on for seventeen years,
when the original locust reappears. It is to be pre-
sumed, however, that even Mr. Huxley himself
would consider lil'e too short to attempt to prove liis
theories by devoting such a long period to the habits
of one insignificant insect, and so their growth still
remains a mystery.

The old proverb as to giving a dog a bad name is
exemplified in their case. History, both sacred and
profane, teems with so many instances of the desola-
tion caused by locusts that it is not surprising when
a harmless individual of the same name comes along
that the sins of his namesake should be laid at his
door. The only danger to be apprehended from
those which have now made 1-hemselves known, is
that if the female cannot discover a place in which
to deposit her eggs, she may dig out a hole and kill
the branches of trees thus bored. But those who
associate them with the armies which sweep over
Eastern countries, destroying all vegetation, may at
once disabuse their miuds of such a belief. An in-
sect that lives only on dew, that comes out of a
scveuteen years' sleep, climbs up a tree, sings his
matin song and then dies, murmuring
" If so soon that I w^as done for,
I wonder what I was begun for,"
is uot much to be dreaded. There are, of course,
individuals superstitious enough to believe that their
presence presages, plague, famine or pestilence. If
they were to eat up every green thinii', a famine
would undoubtedly follow, jjut outside of this, men
need not be under any apprehension that fixed and
immutable laws will be set aside by an insect which
lives a summer day and then either dies or disap-
pears.

The foregoing wa.s put in type for our July
number, but was crowded out for tlie want of
space; and now, on reading the revised proof,
we find it contains several statements that
need correction and qualification; and feeling
too poor to throw it into pi without using it,
we have concluded to let it pass, merely to
show how wide of the mark those people shoot
who have no .si;//!(. In the first (ilace the fe-
male locust (ricada) does not lay her eggs in
"lioles of trees," that had i)reviously existed.
She goes to work mechanically and makes a
series of longitudial incisions, in a brand)
just large enough to grasp and give her the
proper "purchase," or fulcrum power, and
into these incisions, at an angle of about
forty-five, she deposits from 20 to .'iO or more
eggs, and these eggs arc hatched during the
months of July and August, when the young
locust either runs down the branch and trunk
of the tree to the gromid, or it drops down.
We have bred them out of infested branches,
and found they always dronped down. They
are then yellowish-white, as nimljlc as an ant,
and aliout as large as the neuter of the black
wood-ant. This insect never deposits itseggs
in dead wood; it must be living; otherwise we
doubt whether they would ever incubate;
they need not only heat but some moisture.
Those branches the ends of which we kept in
water, the eggs incubated, but in those with-
out water, they ".shriveled," or dried up,
and never liatched. The perforated branches
eventually die and are broken off by the winds
— or many of them are — and this prtming is
.sometimes beneficial to large trees. It is
only in young trees that any injurious effects
usually follow, or in the Kmaller' kinds of trees.
In the .second place, the aVjove notions about
their "evolution" are not only exceedingly
fabulous, but they are exceedingly /??)ulous.
There is nothing better establisheil tliaii that
their larval dcvelopnumt recpnres from thir-
teen to .seventeen years— according to species
{V7 decim or 13 decini). We liave dug up the
larra when five, nine, eleven, and fourteen
years old, and in the spring of their seiiten-
deceimial aiijiearance we have traced their bur-
rows to a depth of three or four feet. We
have witnessed their appearance in this part
< if Lanca.ster county fom- times; namely, in
1817, in lS:i4, in 18,51 and in ISIjS, and we
have always found seventeen years lietween
their ap|>earances, almost to a day. It ap-
pears to us that there must be thousands of
people in the country who liave better oppor-
tunities to luake and record observations than
we have, and yet at each occurrence of these
insects, the most stupid things, in refereucc
to them, are published.

COLORADO BEETLE IN ENGLAND.

In the House of Commons, on Thursday, June 28,
Mr. M. Stewart asked the Vice President of the
Council if his attention had been called to a state-
ment in the P<dl Mall Gazette announcing that the
Colorado beetle had made its appearance in Germany,
and if precautions would be taken to prevent its in-
troduction into England. In reply, Lord Landon
said : "I am not surprised that my honorable friend
should have addressed to me a cpiestion on this sub-
ject, owing to the great interest felt in it. I have to
inform him that since I saw that announcement in
the papers I have communicated with the Foreign
Ollice. They at once telegraphed to certain ports,
and this afternoon, I am sorry to say, they have re-
ceived a report confirming the statement. The tele-
gram says indications of these insects in the shape of
numerous larva> were found in the field near Mulheim.
The field was fired with sawdust and petroleum.
One beetle was seen on the wing. [Laughter.] It
is a very serious mattci', because it was feared the
beetles might spread. [Cheers.] Upon receiving
this information, the Privy Council at once wrote to
the Customs, requesting them to instruct the otEcers
at the various ports to keep a lookout lor the
arrival of these destructive insects. The Commis-
sioners of Customs, I may state, have long been alive
to the importance of this subject. So far back as
March, 187.5, they issued a circular to their officers
to examine carefully into all their cargoes of potatoes
coming from America, and destroy by fire all particles
of potato stalks, as well as all loose soil. In Novem-
ber, ISTO, again the Commissioners of Customs issued
an engraving of the insect, and we have thought lit
to republish and to circulate throughout the country
a memorandum published last October by the Minis-
ter of Agriculture in Canada, describing the habits
of the insects, and showing the best means of getting
rill of it. If my honorable friend would like copies
of these papers, I shall be glad to lay them on the
table." [Hear, hear.]

The pcjtato bug, whose arrival at Cologne, Ger-
many, was reported a few days ago, has gone on to
Bucharest as a war correspondent of a Colorado
paper.

Perhaps never since the world began has
there been any other insect, that has created
so iirofound and so widespread a sensation as
the "Colorado Potato-beetle." The Egyp-
tian, the Asiatic, and the Rocky Mountain
Locusts, may have lieeu more tlestructive
within certain limits, but none of these liave
been so cosmopolitan in their geographical
range. If they once locate themselves per-
manently on the continent of Europe, we can
not see why they may not overrun all of
Europe, Asia and Africa, within a certain
belt of latittide. Just now they seem to bo ex-
ercising the English Parliament, the German
Diet, aud the French Assembly, quite as
much as does the "Eastern question," and
their discussions on the subject are likely to
be as "wise and otherwise," as other grave de-
liberative bodies. When they expect to "head
oir' the potato-beetle by the non-importation
of potatoes, we certainly do not think they
are acting very wisely, for there are ninety
eliances for the Colorado-beetle to reacli Eu-
rope by some other cargo, where there are ten
for their reaching there in a cargo of potatoes.
They are fond of riding eastward, just for the
love of the thing, whether in a cargo of wheat,
potatoes or stoue-coal. We consider the issue
of good engravings of the beetles and its larva,
as among the l)est of its preventive measures.
It came to Peun.sylvania on the railroad, but
not in a cargo of potatoes.

E. N. FRESHMAN & BROS.

These gentlemen, by their uniform efficiency,
faithfulness, correctness, and probity as advertising
agents in Cincinnati, have commended themselves to
the press with whom they have had business for
many years. What we particularly ci^mnicnd now,
as we have had occasion previously to do, is their
thorough attention to their work for the advertisers
who employ them. No fault of the publisher escapes
their vigilant supervision. An error of typograjiliy,
of omission, of position never escapes them. They
can and do attend more faithfully to the business of
their p.itrons than the advertiser himself can. At
the same time they arc wholly resjionsible, wholly
trustworthy as the agents of the press, ami therefore
we say again, we have found oiu' relations with them
throughout an extended experience to be exception-
ally pleasant and satisfactory. We can not too high-
ly reconimcnil them to the advertisers of the country
on the one lianti, or to the press of the country on
the other hand. They are entirely reliable in every
sense of the term, and always will be. >

The above, from the columns of the Bur-
lington Hawkeye, is merely a reiteration of

, larva.
Natural History.-

tlie general sentiment of all who have had
business relations with the Advertising Agen-
cy of E. N. Fbe-shman & BROs.,of Cincin-
natti, O. ; and, the very emphatic endorse-
ment of the Hawkeye Publishing Co., through
its worthy management, would be at any
time, to us, a sufficient guarantee that any
confidence i)laced in the above named adver-
tising linn would bo worthily reposed.

APPLE TREE INSECTS.
The frillowing article on the insects that in-
fest apple trees is by Professor A. .1. Cook, of
the Michigan Agricultural College, and is ex-
tracted froiii the report of the Michigan State
Board of Agriculture for 1875 :
Apple Tree Borer (Saperda Candida— Fab.)
This pest, which has been so
long in our country, is widely
distributed in our State. Very
few, if any, orchards are exempt
from its attacks. Not that it
always, or generally, totally de-
stroys the trees ; still those suf-
ering from its attacks are al-
ways lessened in vitality, and it
uot unfreriueutly happens that
the trunks become so riddled
with their tunnels that the tree
becomes a prey to the hard
winds, which are sure to come
with each returning year.
—The beautiful brown beetle,
with its two stripes of white, appears early in June,
and thence on through July. So the egg-laying is
principally done in these two months. The grub,
whitish, with a round black
head, eats through the bark,
and then usually passes in and
up, freijuently eating through
the branches far out towards
the extremity. I have fre-
quently found apple tree limbs
no larger than my thumb with
a tuniiel as large as a pipe
stem. These larv» push their
sawdust-like particles back of
them and out of the hole where
they first entered, so that it is
not difficult to find them. They
live and feed on the wood of
the tree for three years ; hence
we see how that a single larva may bore, if left un-
disturbed, for a distance of several feet.' They finally
bore a hole to exit, fill it slightly with their sawdust,
and a little back of the same make a cocoon of their
own chips, in which they pupate. Soon after, in June
and July, the beetles again appear.

Remedies. — Soapy mixtures
are found to be noxious to these
beetles,so that in their egg lay-
ing they are found to avoid I rees
to which such an application
has been made. Thus we may
hope to escape all danger by
washing the smooth trunks of
our trees early in June, and
again early in July, with soft
soap, or a very strong solution
of the same. T. T. Lyon, now of
South Haven, whose judgment
is very reliable in such matters,
urges that we always use the
soap itself.
We should always examine the trees carefully in
September, and wherever we find this pernicious
grub's sawdust shingle out, we should give him a
call. Perhaps we may reach him with a wire thrust
into the hole, aud by a vigorous ramming crush the
culprit. If we have doubts about the crushing, we
should follow him with the knife ; but in cutting out
the borers too great care cannot be taken to wound
the trees just as little as possible. This heroic
method is sure, and reciuires very little time, and no
person who takes [iride in his orchard, or looks to it,
as a source of profit, can afford to neglect this Sep-
tember examination, or the previous application of
soap, to which it is supplementary.
Flat-Headed Borer (Chrysobothris F"emora-
ta— Fab.)
At the ])rescnt this borer is quite as ruinous iu our
State as the preceding one, and I should not think it
strange if in a well-balanced account it was found
even to surpass the otlier in the evil which it works
to our fruit interests. I have seen young orchards
nearly ruined the first summer alter setting, by this
devastator. Not long since a nurseryman came from
a distant part of the State to consult me as to the
ravages of this pest. He said that during the past
summer, in some regions of the State, more than
half the trees he sold were killed by this scourge,
and of course he was unjustly blamed. At present
no nurseryman should sell trees without throwing
in advice in regard to practicing against this devasta-

c, imago of Saperda
randitla.

1R77.1

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

dd7

tor; for, lis wc shall see, such triis are i)ccu]iarly
liable to attack.

These horcrs are not contincd lo the ajiple tree, as
I have fouiiil them workinf; in oak, iiuiiile, ami other
trees of our forests.

Natural llislory.— This hiownisl] Ipcctlc, with a
copiicry lustre, is Inuiul fnnu May till AuL'usl,
thouirh 1 have found tlnni UKire common In .luue
and .Tuly. As with the stri|>cd S,i/irrilit, the eifgs are
laid on the bark. The whitish t,'rul)S, with their
enormous front, brown heatl and curled tail, usually
bore only suiwrlicially, catinir the inner liark and
ea(>-wood; vcl I have seen, and have now on exhiiii-
tloii here at the colli'fie, sections of yountt trees over
an inch in dianu^ter bored completely through by
these bi^r-headed rascals. They eat but a siniilc sea-
son, pupate as in the preceding- ease, and come forth
as iuniKOs early In llic sprin;;. They usually work
on tin' trunk, thoufjli sometimes in the branches, al-
most always on the .touth, the west, or the south-
west sides of the trei'; and their whereabouts may
be ascertained, not only by the sawdust, lint also,
and more certainly, by the black color of the bark.
When the bla<k color" oilers tlie sugsrestion of the
presence of this borer we can quickly beeomeassured
by strikincr a knife into the same. If the blade
pierces the bark and i;oe6 cm still a little farther, we
may be sure of the enemy's jircsenee.

This borer is far more "liable to attack feeble trees.
Anything- therefore wiiieh serves to diminish the vi-
tality of the trees, promotes the ravages of this borer.
Jlence, after such a winter as we have just exiieri-
eneed, or after havini; the ■;rowth of our trees inter-
rupted by the removal from the nursery to our or-
chards, we are in si)ecial danger of harm from these
destructive borers. UiMice tlu> coming season, when
loss will be inevitable, we should more than ever be
ou the alert to mitigate the damage by our vigilance
and care, and by the timely applieatiou of remedies.
The remedies for the llat-headed borer are the ^ame
as those given for the old borer, soaj) in .lune and
July, and a knife in Seiitembcr; though the grubs
may be fouud in July and August, and so to delay
the cutting out in September would often be fatal,
espet-ially to tnres in newly set orchards. I have
known cases where labor of this kind in July would
have paid more than SUIO a day, besides saving a
great amount of vexation.

Apple Tree Bark-Louse (Mytilaspis Conchi-
formis— Gmelin.)
This old enemy is less destructive than formerly,
probably because of the parasites and mites which
prey upon it, so that, like the Hessian lly, wheat
midge, and many other insects, it has probably done
Its worst wiu'k; yet to leave it to itself at the present
time would be to yield the strife prematurely.

Natural History. — The bark-colored, oblong scales,
so harmless in appearance, serve, from August to
May, only for protection to the sixty or seventy wee
white eggs, which are found underneath. About
the first of June the young lice appear — so small
tliat, though elad in yellow, they cau hardly be .seen
without a glass. Coming forth from uuderthe scale,
they roam about for a few days; are sometimes blown
to other trees, thus sprea<ling their evil work; but
very soon settle down to earnest business. This con-
Blsts in inserting their tiny beak and sucking the vi-
tality from the trees. Very soou a scale commences
tojform around them, from an exudation, which is a
secretion from the general surface. By August the
Impervious scale is complete. The eggs arc then
Booy deposited, and the parent louse ^^dries up and
Bhriuks away to nothingness.

Remedies. — As the scale is impervious to most flu-
i(l8,though oils will ponetrate it and destroy the eggs
the best time to fight these insects is just after the
eggs hatch. At this time soft or strong soaji-suds
are sure death to the young lice, nencc the trees
should be washed the tirst week of June with soft
soap, not only making the application to the trunk,
but also to the main iiranchea and limbs so far as
IKjssible.

Important Fact. — We thus see that an ap|ilication
of soft soap to our apple trees, nuide in the first week
of June, is of exceediiig value. It not only extermi-
nates the sappers (Xark lice), but banishes the
miners (borers). We thus understand why our fruit
trees which are thus treated seem fairly to laugh, as
If grateful for such timely aid in banishing their ene-
mies. I have no hesitation in affirming that the ap-
ple-grower will find the above one of tbe most paying
operations that he can undertake in his orcliard.
Let all then scrape their trees early in spring, apply
soft soap — not lye — the first of June, and again the
first of July, not forgetting to adjust cloth bands by
the last of June.

"Freciueiitly ciiting tliioiigli tlie brandies
far out towards tlie extremity." This is cer-
tainly a new character given to the "Striped
apple-tree borer," (Saperda raiKlida) and
knocks all the wind out of those remedies
based upon the location of this insect in the
lower portion of the trunk. AVe know that
the "Liuden-tree borer {Saperdu vcstitt(i) per-
forates the branches of that tree, not ''far out
towards tlieir extremity," however, all the

larger branches— but wc always looked for the
/((rivr of th(^ striped species in the trunk, not
far from the base, and litive oflcn found it
there. It would take a dreadfully long,
biu-lu'd, steel wire, to reach them in llieir bur-
rows, "far out towards th(^ extremity" of the
branches. As this comes frmn it cojlc^ge pro-
fessor, we are liiiund lo receive it with re-
s))(H-t, and Wiiit iialiently for a fuller conliniia-
tioii. On the whole, the article contains some
useful suggi'stions.

"DOES THE SHAD BITE OR TAKE A
BAIT.

Vesterday Caiit. -S. S. Nagle, while lisliing for
mullds in the 8usc|uchanna, at Marietta, with mus-
cle as bait, received a vigorous liile, very diU'crpnt
from tlial of a mcillct. After a livc-ly tusscl he land-
c'd a fine large male shad, in good condition; the
fish was fairly hooked in the mouth, indicating that
it haci gone for the bait.

This is not the first recorded instance of
shad being takc^n with the hook, but it is the
best atillienticated ca.se on record, to our
knowledge, of a shad making a "vigorous
bite" at a "bait." We have often ex-
amined the contents of the stomachs of
these li.shes, but wc n«'vcr fouud anything
in them that had the appearance of being
either animal or vegetalile — simply a daik
colored orgrayishslime— and we supiiosed that
being mainly bent on lindiiig a proper place
to cast their spaw'ii, they took no food, except
perhaps such tloatiug ahjea as might be easily
appropriated on their upward way.

QUERIES AND ANSWERS.

Mr. II. M. E., Muridla, /'((.— Your larger
insect, enclosed iu the small paper-box, is a
very odoriferous carabidinous beetle, techni-
calfy called Vijchrua viduus, and very rare too.
I havii never iieen able to take a single sjieci-
men in all itty entomological experience. The
only specimen, to my khowledge, ever having
lieen taken in fjancasler county, wasca|)tured
by Mr. Edwards, near (iiiarryville, about a
year ago, which he sent to inc; alive, and iu
good ('oiidition. I regret very much the in-
jury your Yciik county specimen hasstistained.
I hope you will keep a sharp lookout for others.
The smaller beetle is a chrisonielan, techni-
cally called 0/()•;/.sor7^w.^■ auratus, and although
some seasons, and in some localities, it be-
comes very common and abundant, yet it is
always a very pretty insect. It varies very
much iu appearance. Sometimes it is simply
a glossy green ; at other times like a drop of
btirnishecl gold, and then again the green and
gold are beaulifully blended. Its relation,
however, to the "Colorado potato beetle,"
discredits it.

Prof. T. R. B., Millfrsville, Pa.— The
"worms" and their cases, which you found
under a cedar tree near the permanent exhi-
bition Vmilding, are tho.se of the common
"Drop-worm" or " Sack-be:irer" (Tlii/ri'lup-
tcri/x ciihdiKi'refm-mis) which are particukirly
destructive to tne foliage of the cedar, the
arlior vita', and other conifer;e. It, however,
does not couline Uself to these, for we have
found it aliuiidaiiUy on the apple, the pear,
the iiuiiice, the apricot, the cherry, the locust,
and ou other trees and shrubs. Its generic
name is from the (Jreuk, and relates to its
habit of occupying its own .solitary house. Its
s|)ecific name relates to its form, which is
likened to tliat of an Rjihciiiurd, or "Day-fly,"
an insect better and longer known to the en-
tomologic^al world, than tlie drop-worm. This
ifispct was first noticed by Mr. Ileiubrandt
I'eale, ou the banks of the Wi.ssahickon, about
the year lSl-2, but it was not ilescribed and
scieiitilically classified until many years there-
after. Wo first noticed it here iii "1850.

Wm. 11. IT., Esq.. Laai-askr. Pa. — In rejily
to your query in regard to " Heath," wt^ wcnild
say, that aithough wc have many .shrubs in
this ctunitry tliat belong to the IIe;itli f:imily,
Ekicin.k, we liavej none tluil belong to the
restricted genus Erica. Heath is a flowering
evergreen shrub, and perluips the nearest thing
we have to it iu this respect, is our common

Laurel {Knhnai), but the family also incluAes
the rhododendrciii, the whortleberry, the
winlergreen, the barberry and many others.
Three species belotigiiig to tlie restricte<l genus
Erica, arc iiidigeiupiis to Kugland, and per-
haiis the same tiutuber will be found in Asia
and Africa. The common Kuropean lieatli,
especially th:il of Iicd;ind and Scotland, is n.sed
for fuel, "for thatching, for bedding, for cord-
age, for goat feed, and sevcial spc'cies of fowls
—the heath-cock, feu- instance, feed on its
.seeds and buds. Siunt^ species of the family
are cultivated and are beautiful flowering
plants.

Mr. K., SaliKhurii. ~Tho insects that punc-
tures tlu^ young leaves of your IoIkicto are a
tiliecies of ".Soldier-Hug," (Eiiscliisl(t: ]iuslul
(itiu<,) and is nearly allied to a species that de-
stroys the larva of the '( 'olorado potato beetle.'

STATE AND DISTRICT FAIRS FOR 1877.

We give below a i>artial list of State and
district fairs for this year. AVe desire to com-
plete the list ;is soon as possible, and will be
obliged to any reader who will give us infor-
mation as to time and place of holding Slate
or prominent district f;iirs not mentioned be-
low :

■riTI.K. Wlll'UE IIKI.U. TIME.

Am. Institute ...N. V. City...' .Sep. 12 to Nov. 12.

Am. Pomological. Baltimore, Md...Sept. 12 to 14.

California ... Sac-ramento .Sept. 17 to 22

Central Ohio.. . Meehanicsburg . .Sejrt. 5 to 7.

Central Ohio Orrville Oct. 10 to 13.

Chicago Exi)Os'ii. Chicago Aug.29toOet.l3.

Fremont, Neb... .Fremont Oct. 3 to .5.

Georgia Atlanta Oct. l.'i to 20.

Industrial Ex|i"n. Kansas City, Mo..Sept. 17 to 22

Indiana Indianaimlis Sept. 24 to 29.

Illinois Frceport Sept. 17 to 22.

Iowa Cedar Kapids Sept. 17 to 21

Kentucky (N'th.) Florence Aug. 28 to 31.

Michigan Jackson Sept.l7to2l.

Minnesota Minneapolis Sept. 3 to 8.

Nebraska Lincoln Sept. 24 to 28.

Nevada Keiio Oct . 1.5 to 20.

New Vork Rochester Sept. 17 to — .

New England Portland, Me Sept. 3 to 7.

New Jersey Waverly Sept. 17 to 22.

Ohio Colunilius Sept. 10 to 14.

Oregon Salem Oct. 8 to 13.

.Southern Ohio.. .Daylon Oct. 1 to 6.

St. Louis St. Louis Sept. 34 to 28.

Texas Austin Oet.9tol3.

Wiseoneiu lanesville Scpt.lOtol4.

Although the above list, from the Practical
Farvur, is the most complete one we have
yet seen, it does not include our own I'ennsyl-
vania Fair, which will be held at Krie on the —
of September, 1S77, and as a matter of news
in whic-h all p:irts of the cotmtry are interest-
ed, we repeat the recinest of the Practical Far-
mer for the necessary information on the sub-
ject.

BUDDING.

Now is the jiroper time to bud fruit trees,
and will be in season up to the 1st of Seiitem-
ber. Take this summer's grow'th to bud on,
and the eyes, or buds, from the same year's
growth. Take a sharp knife and make a jier-
pendicular and ;i transverse incision in the
smooth bark, in the form of the letter T,
then insert tlie ]irepared buds under the bark,
by lifting u]> the corners, after which tie it up
closely with woolen yam, oidy leaving the
bud expo.sed. Chtu-rics will do as well by side
crrafting with a graft coni;iining three buds.
T'ut them very slender and smooth and slip
them ill the T incisions under the bark. Tic
them up the .sami; way as in bud grafting.
Apples, i>ears, jieaches, apricots, plums, and
cherries may all bi> thus inoculated. Also
English and (icrman walnuts, on our common
black walnut, the Spanish chestnut on. our
common chestnut— including the Mulberry
and persiniiuon, on their kinds. In grafting
cherries I geiicnilly do side grafting; i>y slip-
ping down the gnift, and using :i little wax
and wocilen y;irn, it seldom fails for me. 15iit
the main thing is to ti.scertain when the s!tp is
in the right ctuidition, so that the bark is
loose enough to facilitate the operation. — L.
S. R.. Oregon, Aug., 1877.

iia

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ August,

THE TURBINE WIND ENGINE.
"Wind mills are being greatly improved,
and this fact is adding much to tlieir populari-
ty. The one we illustrate below is manufac-
tured at Springfield, Ohio, by Mast, Foos &
Co., and is called, from the peculiar sha])e of
its wheel, the "Iron Turbine." The mill is
constructed entirely of iron, thus differing
from others
in the market
in tliere be-
ing no slats
or reeds. The
wheel is
made of
heavy sheet
iron, con-
structed o n
the tiirhine
principle. Its
construction
is s i m !> 1 e ,
liaving b u t
few ))arts,
and t li e s e
well put tii-
g e t li e r . —
Tiiere are
but few
joints. The
turn -table
work.s easily
and freely. It
has a rear or
tail vane
which holds
the wheel
facing the
wind, except
when opera-
ted upon liy
the governor,
whicli regu-
lates it auto-
ma t i c a 1 ly.
The regula-
t i n g vaue,
wliicli is a
[lart of the
govern o r,
.stands u p -
right over
I h 0 wheel,
and is held in
position b y
the adjnsta-
lile weight on
the )ever,and
can be regu-
lated to suit
tlie power re-
quired. This
vane is turn-
e d (1 o w n -
ward with a
very strong
wind, a n d
serves to tuni
the wheel
more or less
out of wind,
and during
storms or vi-
olent winds,
throws it en-
tirely out,
throwing tlie
wheel edge-
wise to the
wind, so tliat
the mill is at
rest until tlie
storm ceases,
when it will
(luietly re-
sume its
work again. It is claimed that the jieculiar
shape of the wheel gives this machine a large
increase ofe, power over any other now manu-
factured, while the discarding of all wood in
its construction prevents any swelling or
shrinking, and renders it the most durable
mill in existence. This is a point about whicli

a good many manufacturers have been too
careless, and the result has been a feeling of
discouragement among those who have pur-
chased their machines. The manufacturers
of the Turbine Wind Engine say:

"Tlie very best materials are used in the
construction of these engines; polished shaft-
ing and babbit lined Vio.Kes, with cavity be-

sary wear. The quality of workmanship is
equal to the best steam engines. Experience
has taught us tliat good, substantial work is
appreciated, and though it costs more, it pays
in the end, for both manufacturers and pur-
chasers. The unique and peculiar form of
the wheel, causes it to give more power than
any other wheel in the market, of the same

tween the bearings, in which is placed pack-
ing to hold oil to prevent the necessity of very
frequent oiling. A hardened steel wrist-piii
and pitman of malleable iron, with adjustable
brass boxes, so that all wear or slack can be
easily taken up to keep the engine running
smoothly, and prevent knocking and unueces-

diameter. We have thoroughly demonstrated
that our eiglit feet wheel gives more power
tlian any ten feet reed, or slat wheel, besides
it is much more durable, there being no wood
about it to swell, shrink, rattle and be torn to
pieces by the wind. We are well aware that,
many persons who have been using wind

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

il9

mills, Tiave become cliscounvfiPd, bccaufif' their

mills wi'i'c so sliort livod, ami so cxiifusive to
kec]) in woikiiiR order; but an cxamiMatioii
of this iron ttii'liiiic will soon con vincc any one
of its (hiial)ility and eliiciency. Tlioni;!! coni-
paratively a late iiivenlion. it has lieen thor-
oughly tested, and we can conlidenlly assiTl
that no otlier \viii<l eni^inc has won for itself
such lii^li reiuital ion, ill the sain(> leiii,'th of
time. Of the lai>;e number jint in operation
in Oliio, Indiana an<l Illinois, during' the ])ast
year, not one has blown down, aUliongh sub-
jeeted to the severest storms, and notoni^ has
failetl to ijive sali.sfaction to the iiurehaser.
This (■ertainly eannot be said of many others.
Tliey have received the hiijhest commenda-
tions from persons usin^; them, and from the
best mechanics in this country and inKnrope. "
|Thi' foref^oinj.; from the Alii-liiijioi Juiniur,
located in a Slate where "The 'I'nrbine Wind
f'liijine" has been introduced and is in pra<"li-
cal use, illustrates more fully the (pialities
and popni.arity of this enfjine than anythint;
we could say, experimentally, on the siibject.
Independent of a merely utilitarian view of
the subject, the wind-mill is associated with
time-honored memaries, and we believe if wr
possessed a farm, we shouM have one of these
"rural, rustle and romantic"' slrnctureseroct-
ed on it, whether we had any s|iecial use for
it or not. 15ut this practical a'^e has iniprovid
and invested it with an interest it never had
l)efore, and \\f hope to see the I'lii-him intro-
duced into our county on an enlariL^'ed scale,
because we ludieve it will meet anil s.aisfy a
constantly increasing want.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letter from Florida.
Dear Sir: Your letter of 3(lth ult., rr:;clied
me a week ago. 1 was jdeased to hear from
home, and that all arc enjoying health. Health
is only fully appreciated when one loses it.
To me it used to be secondary, but now be-
comes of primary importance. Over four
months ago when I arrived at Key West, I
was delighted with the mild climate and its
effects, but it is only about a month ago since
I have become fully ac(;limated and feel its
full elfect. At pre.sent I mostly enjoy my sleep
and meals, and gain, 1 think, .some strength
and weight. This country is one of |)rimitive
appearance, and more wild in its vegetation
than in a more northern latitude of the State.
Ofcour.se as elsewhere in this State, one sees
little but pine forests and hummocks, which
are almost impenetrable jimgles of vines and
shrubbery, although the vegetation is den.se
ami luxuriant, the soil is mostly shallow, an<l
the ragged and quartz coral rock crops out
everywhere on this coas-t. 1'liese rocks, usually
leve'i with the surface, are so numerous that ft
would be ditlicult to lind a plot of ground of
several acres in extent, in which a plow could
be u.sed. No open fields — there are no farmers
.here, in a sense, no pasture or giain lields.
Prior to the war, there were some planters
setted here who raised the shrubby Sea l.sland
cotton, but labor must have been effected by
means of slaves ami hor.ses. These i)lantation's
are now all grown over with trees and shrubs,
so that it is ditlicult to realize that they were
once under cultivation. 15ut history with the
monumental remnants of a few weather stain-
ed and mos.s-covered stone walls, broken down
chimney stacks, and a few ornamental shrubs,
with lemon and lime trees run wild, point to
this former occupancy. Although the mild
climate and luxuriant vegetation captivates
the immigrant, but in a short time hecominjj
better accquainted and more fully realizing
the drawbacks, soon emigrates again for a more
substantial home. Couniingall the .settlers on
this bay and its feeding rivers, I find most
have come in since the war, and show no indi-
cation of a permanent residence here. The in-
habitants along this bay are a mixed people, as
regards character and wealth. All have land
from a quarter section, eighty acres, or less, to
several thousand acres, but the land is not worth
mnch; although some have the face to ask ten
to twenty dollars per acre for unimproved land.

The people, as a class, are poor, and many
mak(^ a bare living in the manufacture of
starch ontof the coonti root (."CiiiiVi inlei/rifolia,)
•some grow a lew vegetables for a living, others
in keeping a small country store, or post-
olli(M'. 'I'lie family with whom I am .staying
have come here from ( )liio five years ago. and
are in bctlei' circumstan(-es than most of them
through this county. Mo.st of these people
are of an irritable tem])erament. and are with
the least i)rovocation renderetl permanent ent^-
mies, yet to strang<>rs they are very kind and
hospitable on first iic(piainlan(H', and with
careful intercourse and approval of their views
on all subjects, may he retained in good friend-
ship, but woe to liini who ollends, because
Ihey will not forgive.

The Seminole Indians constitute quite an
import:mt elememt of the po|)ulation, yet ab-
solutely they are not many; i)erha])s sincral
hundred would comiirise all the living of a
oni'C powerful tribe. They are a fine si)e{'i-
Lucn of iihysical develoimient. In their intel-
lectual and moral culturi^ they are much like
Indians elsewhere, but they are of a friendly
disposition, and show better taste and judg-
ment in their mode of living and intercourse,
with the whites, than tJie red men of tlu;
plains. 1 have met and conversed hrietly
with a number of them. At my first intro-
duction to them they apiieared very reserved,
but on longer ac(piaintancc, and especially
when they are under the inrtuenc.e of spiritu-
ous liipiors, they becomit ipLite free and talka-
tive. They live on limiting and fishing, and
gi-owing some vegetables and corn. They
come here every few days trading with this
family with whom I am staying. They siqi-
ply us with venison. They are exiiert hunt-
ers—carry wliistles to decoy the deer, or burn
jirairies to drive tliem out — or pass through
deii.se humocks apart and produce various
noises to attract the animals. They also, like
the "jioor whites" here, engage in the manu-
facture of starch. Of li(|uor they are very
fond, and will, by its abuse, probalily, in
course of time, destroy their tribe. The nicn
as a rule are barefooted and without breeches,
wearing mendy a long calico shirt, ornament-
ed cajie and belt, with a turban. The women
are better elajd, and usually ornamented with
many strings of beads around their necks,
and rows of hammered silver coins over their
breasts. They are very fond of silver coins
for ornaments, but will as readily accept cur-
rency in trade.

The climate here is mild and very pleasant,
except when the wind is from the south,
which makes the atmosphere very humid, and
depressing to some extent. For three months
now that I have siient here (up to 1st of May),
I have observed the course and regularity <if
the local winds. Winds blow here almost
constantly — indeed a few hours is the excep-
tion. These winds move around in circles in
the direction of the hands on a dial jdate of a
clock — making one circuit in a week. Every
Sunday or jNIonday since I have been here,
they blew from thi^ north and then in a day
or so came from the east, then from thesoutli,
then west and north again — never have shifted
in the opposite direction. The hurricanes to
which this country is subject in the fall of the
year, pass in the same direction. It is prob-
able that both are influenced in their eour.se
by the belt of calms, so near this latitude, or
the hot winds meeting the l)elt of calms near
the eciuator. The early nmriiings are to he
enjoyed by the lover of nature, usually of
light, hazy winds or calms, with a novel .as-
pect of the beautiful. The densi; wild growths
come near the house, the red birds lio|)ping
around on the green shrubbery, and witli the
mocking bird sing their sweetest melodies or
morning songs. The hot rays of the sun are
not yet felt, and one thinks among the great
variety of flowers, gauily colored butterflies,
insects and birds, with the placid waters of
the b.ay in the foreground — of the finest .Tune
morning of a water scene in the north. The
temperature is eipiable here; tme who was
born and always lived here, could form no
correct idea of the sudden an(l extreme

changes in the cold nortliland. I have read
in papers and letters of the great snow falls,
extreme C(dil and sudden changes north, the
past winter, and (o me it seemed like a dream
— roving about daily in the fuests in my shirt
.sleeves. Scarcely a day but the sun shines,
and occasionally thunder showers. Just siifli-
cient to keep the ground moist. Tlie highest
and lowest ranu'c of the thermometer for the
inonl lis of February, March and April, was
as follows :

FEIUiUAUl-.

Morn. Noon. V.v'g.

J/if/hcKi nr, 74 e,H

howext 4'.l fiO 5'.l

MAIICU.

J/iij/uKl 70 7fi 71

/^oimt '. .V! GO 5.5

Ai'iiir,.

r/i<//icxt TZ SO 7.';

/.•"'■'•»■( .W 07 (i.5

1 1 ii,'hest daily variations 7\.j in February.

" '• " 8 in .Vlaicli

—A. P. f/.,lMANiA, Florida, May 1st, 1S77.

S.M.isiiUiiY, X. C, .July .'{0, 1877.
I'^DTToii Fak.mkk— X»«ti- .Sir : The wheat
crop turned out well here, in (piantily and
(piality. The early potatoes did not turn out
a full croi>. Apples and peaches are abund-
ant, as well as other fruits, such as gages,
prunes and plums. Damsons and C. O. ('.
grapes also bid fair for an abiimlant croi), if
notliing luu'eafter happens to cut them olf.
Vour paper, the Favmei; fre(|iiently treats of
various things, among the rest, grapes and
their culture and management. I have tried
ililt'erent ex))eriments with grape vines, and
without success for years past. Until the
last three years i)ast, I have pruned vines
down to within one and one and one-half
inclu's of the main runner, in .lanuary of each
year, and lliey have borne abundantly each
year since in quantity and quality. I made
it a point to prune just before the .sap runs
u]). Pruning in .lanuary may iKjt suit all cli-
mates, therefore persons growing grapes
should exercise judgment according to climate
wherein cultivated. I see in the Fanner for.l iily,
that some person from West Chester, C'licster
county, I'a., has sent you some root, which he
says is a sure cure for diarrluea and cludera
infantum, in two houns. Will you be so kind
as to give me the hutiniicul as well as roiumnn
)UC(/«' of said root y l>y .so doing, you will
much oblige me, as I desire to benefit the
human family, and with which di.seases this
community is more or less alllicted. The
corn crop so far this season, though a little
late, promises a good yield, and from what 1
have seen and heard, I would not besurprised
if this year's yield would be larger than it has
been in any one year in twenty-five years
past. So far as 1 have seen and learned from
planters of tobacco and cotton the crops look
W'ell but not so good a stand, and acreage not
so large, hence the yield will reasonably not
be so great in (]uantity. Though the tobacco
and corn crops may come short, in compari-
son to past years, yet we are blessed with a
bountiful <-rop of wheat and f)ats, now gar-
nered, and liresent prosjiccts of a good crop
of corn ari^ fair, as well as fruits of all kinds
grown in this section, and the health of our
city and county around pretty good, so that I
do not think we ought to complain but do the
best we can and (rust to a kind Providence,
who always helps and provides for (hose who
try to provide for and help themselves. Youi's
truly.— 3/. It.

Adulteration of the Necessaries of Life.
The subject of the ailulteradon of artiides
of food, iJic., intended for human consump-
tion, has engaged the attention of the (ier-
maii press for some time, and has had as an
immediate result the introduction in the (ier-
man Parliament, of a bill aiming toputaslcpp
to the evil by inflicting heavy iienalties upon
those who engage in the nefarious Imsiness.
As may be sup|)o.sed, a question of .so much
moment to the welfare of the people, has had
the effect to bring out a great number of ex-
cellent articles by eminent writer.s, who have

120

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[August,

given their opinions and suggestions for tlie
benefit of their fellow- beings on this import-
ant question.

Among the large number of tliis class of ar-
ticles, I find one in the Strasburr/cr Zcitung of
to-day, which, owing to the fact that it han-
dles the question of the adulteration of milk
in a manner somewliat new compared with
those of otlicr writers, I have thought of suffi-
cient interest to your readers to translate it
entire. The author is Dr. Kohwosky, staff-
surgeon of the Pioneer Battalion, stationed
at .Strasburg, a gentleman of high medical au-
thority, and an excellent writer. Dr. Roh-
wosky goes behind the adulteration of milk,
after it comes from the cow, and tells us how
milk is adulterated before the cow yields it.
Should you agi-ee with me as to its acceptabil-
ity, it is at your service. Yours truly. — /. /.
Sjjrenger.

Dr. Roliwosky says : "Not only'the adulterated
milk of which we have cause to complain here iu
Strasbursf, but even that brought direct and untam-
pered witli from the cow, is in most instances very
bad, and simply for the reason that the cows from
which it is obtained are not properly treated and
cared for. In their treatment the essential matters
of light, air, feed, and a proper attention to the
cleanliness of the pen are entirely lost sight of by
those possessing; this useful animal, and who will
dispute the necessity of these things to the health of
cither man or beast? What is the consequence?
Bad milk. I venture to assert that out of 100 cow-
stables 90 are illy lighted, where the animals inhale
an impure atmosphere, whereby their blood oxvda-
tion suffers, and as a natural consequence their nour-
ishment also; further, instead of good clover, meadow
hay and chopped feed, they are fed on swill or slops
grain oflals, &c., &c., and another natural result is
bad milk. Such milk has not the right flavor will
only keep about 30 hours instead of two to four'days
readily turns sour, and if given to children cannot
be digested, thereby occasioning dyssentery, bowel
complaints, vomiting, leads to scarcity of blood
sickness, and finally to death; and the direct cause
of all is bad milk — not because it has been adulter-
ated, but because the cows from which it came were
not properly fed or treated.

"That the milk of a mother who has not the proper
care and nourishment herself, works deleteriously
upon the health of the infant at her breast, is a well
known fact, and excites attention where it exists
but if the nourishment be by means of cows' milk we
do not ask whether the animal is properly fed
healthy or sick ! Where is the logic ? '

"Notwithstanding this, the milk of the cows con-
tinues to be the only substitute for mother milk and
is the principal nourishment for children, and' the
health of these children depends on the quality of
tluat milk . Among the many diseases of the stomach
and lungs which prevail among infants, good pure
milk is the acknowledged best remedy, as well as it
is a valuable nourishment to those in good health
and a blessing in our household economy.

"Properly estimating the true value of pure milk, a
number of intelligent and wealthy citizens of some
of our larger towns, have established dairies con-
structed by men whose knowledge and experience
could be relied upon; which are conducted on strict-
ly hygienic principles. Such a dairy has been in ex-
istence at Stuttgart one year. It contains 41 cows
of the best breecls, which are all housed in roomy
light and airy compartments, which are kept as
faultlessly clean as a parlor, while the animals them-
selves are treated with the utmost care as regards
the cleanliness of their bodies as well as in their
nourishment. The demand for the milk at this es-
tablishment is so far beyond its capacity of produc-
tion that 6evcr.al other establishments of a similar
kind are in contemplation, of which one will soon be
in operation. And this, notwithstanding the milk is
only sold for the nourishment of infants and invalids,
and that in consequence of the expense of conducting
the dairy the price is only eight and ten cents per
litre above the usual price.

"In conclusion, I hold that the providing of good
pure milk should be the aim of all good citizens, and
should be aided and encouraged by the entire com-
munity, as well as by the municipal authorities of
every city in the land." It may be here added that
according to the death reports of the city of Berlin
for the last week of June, 700 children died, whose
death in most eases is traceable to a want of good
milk nourishment. — Lndii'ifjshofeii, Bayern, Qer-
viauy, July 1877.

Manheim, Pa., July 30th, 1877.

Mr. S. S. Rathvon— i>ca>- Sir : I saw in the July
mimber of the Farmer, that Mr. Satterthwait would
like to know something cheaper than land-plaster to
mix with Paris green, for destroying "Colorado
potato beetle." Also that you think the adult beetle
will not eat the Paris green.

I have destroyed the Colorado potato beetle, botli

adult and larvae succcssfuly with Paris green mixed
with water. I took one tablespoon full of Paris
green to one large bucket full of water, and sprinkled
that on the vines. With two applications to eai-h
patch, I had them clean, up to the present time. One
day, this spring, I went out to see one of my potato
patches; the vines were then from three to four inches
high, and I found from one to eight beetles on a stalk
or vine, some at almost every vine, and they were
eating, too; and full, or many eggs on the leaves at
that time. I made a mixture as above described,
sprinkled them shortly before noon, and in the mid-
dle of the afternoon. I went to see how it worked.
I found all the beetles on the ground dead, and it
also killed all the young ones, as they eameoutof the
eggs. This patch was clean then, until the vines
came into blossom, then I gave them the second
sprinkling, which kept them clean to the present.
Some of my neighbors have used the same, with
good success. — M. O. M.

We did not intend to convey the idea tluit
the adult Colorado potato beetle could not lie
killed by Paris green, but that tliey were not
so easily killed by the dry mixture as the lar-
vae are. There is some doubt, however,
whether either the larvae or the adult beetles
are killed so much l)y what they actually eat,
as by what they inhale and absorb through
their breathina; spiracles, and through the
pores of tlie skin. From the moment the
poison falls on the larvce (on account of the
moist or clammy surface of their bodies) they
begin to sicken and soon thereafter die— indeed
we have seen them dead as door nails, witliin
five minutes after the application. They
doubtless also eat of it, for it cannot be repul-
sive to the taste, or cattle would not eat it —
nor children either. But, the softer parts of
the adult being covered byacoat of mail, tliey
are not so vulnerable as the larvai.

New York, July 26, 1877.

LiNNiEus Path VON, Esij.— i)mr Sir: Of
the many good things which distinguish your
paper, the best of all, considering the difficul-
ty of that kind of writing, is your pleasant
and inestimable appeal to your delinquent sub-
scribers. As one of them I hasten to respond
by inclosing !8i2. 50 as payment to January 1,
1878, at the same time begging you to believe
that it is a case of sheer inattention, and by
no means intention on my part.

Your journal is uniformly interesting and
instractive, and I cordially wish it tlie great-
est success. Very truly yours,

Henry R. Wortiiington.

*WHAT CAUSES RUST IN WHEAT.

This is one of the referred questions pro-
pounded at the July meeting of this Society,
and although not referred specifically to me,
yet I presume I may be allowed the privilege
of offering some remarks preparatory to the
discussion of the question— one of those ques-
tions too, which, in the long lapse of time
that has intervened since "rust in wheat"
was first discovered, has never yet been satis-
factorily solved, and probably will not be for
as long a time to come.

Anterior to this question, however, is
another query, legitimately involving the
in-ohlem : What ronstilutes .'—or rather,
What is ni.-it ?— and altliough the solution of
this may be easy enough, yet it may be as
difficult to illustrate clearly what causes it, as
it would be to demonstrate in detail, What
causes a blade of grass to grow ? or, What
causes the sun to shine ?— and yet it is im-
possible that these phenomena should exist
without a cause.

Waiving all discussion on the question of
"spontaneous production," let it suffice for
the sake of brevity, to assume that rust is a
2)lant, as much as corn or tobacco are plants ;
and that plants are primarily produced from
seeds or spores. Secondarily, they may be
produced from buds, from cuttings, 'from
tubers, and from roots, but this has necessar-
ily no particular connection with the question
of rust, which belongs to the fwu/oid plants.

Systematic botanists divide tlie vegetable
kingdom into two gi-eat classes, namely :
Phmiiigamous And Cri/ptogamous. The, first

•Read before the Liucaslei- County Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Society, AURUst 6, 1877, by S. S. Rathvou.

includes flowering plants ; that is, those that
bear a distinct flower and fruit, or seeds.
The second includes rtowerless plants ; tliat is
tliose which do not bear distinct flowers, but
which are provided with cells of various forms
containing a prolific dust called sjjores or
sporulcs.

To this second class called cryptogamia, be-
long the ferns, the mosses, the liverworts,
the lichens, the sea-weeds, and the fungi or
mushrooms ; and among these last named are
classed the blight, the milldew, the smut, and
the I'ust. Although these bear some relation
to each other, and are often confounded, they
are nevertlieless distinct. The common mold,
which is found under .so many circumstances,
and in so many places, is a erypiogammis plant
— is only another form of mildew, and lielongs
to the fungi. The number of these plants is
legion, and their proper cla.ssification and de-
scription would form an immense volume ;
therefore, I will confine myself to the single
variety or species, which is legitimately in-
cluded in the question— "What causes rust in
wheat ?" Let me premise by saying that the
earth and the air are full of the minute spores
of these fungoid plants — so minute that they
are invisible to the naked eye, when they are
separated into single sporules. The whole
animal creation are almost constantly drink-
ing or inhaling tliem, and whenever or where-
ever they find the conditions favorable to
their germination and growtli, there tliey will
germhiate and grow, wliether it is inside or
outside of a loaf of bread, the seed cavity of
an apple, the cells in cheese, inside or outside
of an old book, or on any animal or vegetable
decay. But like the seeds of Plurnogamoics,
or flowering plants, they will not germinate
and grow iu times and places unfavorable to
their development ; and tlie species called
rust has a special penchant tor such plants as
have become enerated, or laid open to attack
from other causes.

Another premise is this; there is found upon
most of the graminaceous plants, or grasses,
and particularly uiion wheat, a certain shin-
ing varnish absolutely of the same material as
glass. Most commonly this vitreous material
terminates the edges of the leaves by little
teeth resembling ;i saw of extreme fineness,
but always capable of scratching the fingers
of those who carelessly amuse themselves by
frequently rubbing these leaves in the direc-
'tion of their length, especially when tliey take
the leaf at the apex and draw their fingers to-
wards the base. The greater then the thick-
ness of this glassy layer, and the stronger the
stalk, the greater will be the resistance of its
surface to the moisture of the atmosphere, or
other like influences, which might cause it to
crack, and present false issues of tlie sap, upon
wliicli the ru.st attaches itself. And it is con-
ceived that this layer of vitreous material will
be stronger in proportion as the soil itself con-
tains it, or as it is furnished artificially with
the elements of its composition. It is well
known that to produce glass, a silicious min-
eral sand is used, with lime and pearl, or pot-
ash, wliicli are melted together by heat, al-
tliough each one of these substances is difficult
to fu.se if heated alone. If then, by mixing
with the soil silex, lime, and ashes, tliere be
placed at the disposition of the plant a great-
er abundance of the vitreous materials which
enter into the composition of tlie vitreous ma-
terial with which it is covered, it will neces-
.sarily alisorb a greater quantity, and thereby
place itself in a better condition to resi.st the
rust. The sea weeds, whicli, by their decom-
position produce soda in quantitity — which
also enters into the the comiiosition of gla.ss —
will produce the same effect. Thus too, it
has Iseeu observed, that the rust has shown it-
self much more rarely in silicious or sandy
grounds.

Tliese premises then afford a plausible solu-
tion of the question — in theory at least —
"What cau.ses rust in wheat ?" namely, the
absence, or jiartial absence, of the external
vitreous coating of the plant, exposes tlie inner
tissues to sporific development — it furnishes
conditions favorable to the attachment of the

18770

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

^21

rust sporiiles— their germination and their
growth. Wlierever the .siu-face of a stalk, a
leaf or afniit, from any cause, iiccomes abra-
ded or scarilied, tliere deconiposilion will be-
gin, and where decomposition begins there
also will l)e the conditions favorable to the
development of rn.st. Kust may also be de-
veloped on plants that have become enervated
or weakened tliron},'h diseases, which have
l)een produced by other causes, and under
those circumstances mold and rust will be' en-
gendereil. But, these fun^oids may also be
developed upon the most rank iind healthy
looking plants. When graminaceous plants
grow very rank in a rich soil, that has not its
due i)roportion of the vitreous or silicious ele-
ments, the vitreous coating will be so e.\ceed-
ing thin that the rapid expansion of the leaf
or stem may fracture it, and thus exjtosed,
the rust will Iind a congenial clement for its
development. The spores of rust, of mildew,
of smut, of mold, and various other fungous
plants, are everywhere, and it is impossible
to guard against their iiresence. Tlie only
thing that can be done, is to guard against fur-
nishing conditions favorable to tlieir growth.
ITiider certain circumstances our bread and
other articles will mold, but we have ways of
arresting it or preventing it, by altering the
s\UTounding conditions— by ventilation, or re-
moving them to a dryer 'atmosphere. Hut,
tills is dead matter and cannot hel]i itself.
Wheat, whilst it is growing, is living matter,
and can protect itself, if we but f\n-nish the
material for its protection. To illustrate how
penetrable the minute spores of rust and mold
are, I may mention the case of the "Seven-
teen-year cicada," or locust, that appeared
here so plentifully in 1808. Many of these
insects died prematurely, and their death was
caused by a species of fungus which was de-
veloped in the internal cavity of theabdomen.
Now, insects do not breathe through the
mouth, but through traclirc or breathing holes
arranged along their sides, and through these
they inhale the fungous spores. Dr. Jos.
Leidy, of Philadelphia, by the aid of a power-
ful microscope, discovered that these "locu.sts"
contained trees with roots and branches, l)ear-
ing cai)sules or cells; and he could even see
tliem burst open and scatter their spores abroad.

" Rust" belongs to the genus Z/rtiZo, the fami-
ly Crcemace^, and is generally confined to the
gi-amince, the grain bearing plants, or grasses.
A subdivision.of the family includes the Uke-
DIN'ES, of which the genus Urcdo is the type,
and these usually attack the wheat, oats, rye,
barley, &c. The particular species which at-
tacks the wheat, according to authors on the
subject, is the Uredo ruhiijo vera, of DeCan-
dolie, wluch literally indicates a red blasting
blight, or rust, on trees and plants. It is de-
veloped on both sides of the leaves ; upon the
stalk, or stubble, and upon the ears, or
"heads," as we usually call them. It has the
appearance of little oval points projecting
like grains of dust ; at first yellowish, then
redish, but afterwards becoming dark or
black. The little streaks which it at tir.st
fomis, in parallel lines, at the sides of the
libers, finally spread, and joining each other,
form large patches. AVhen the rust attacks
the grain only feebly, it does not appear to be
very injurious to it, but when it is considera-
ble it often occasions severe losses. It is al-
leged that among all the graminte wheat ap-
pears to be the special favorite of rust.

Mr. Klippart, of the State Board of Agricul-
ture of Ohio, whom I have mainly consulted
in preparing this paper, s.ays : "If the streaks
formed by the rust be attentively examined
upon the stalk, but particularly upon the leaf
of the wheat, the vitreous epidermis will be
found split in every instance, and it will not
be difficult to perceive that tlie sap, extravas-
atcd or forced out of their proi)er vessels
through these splits, gives birth to the fungus,
known as rust ; or at least, that they serve
as receptacles to the spores of the fungus,
which are either carried through the air by
the winds, raised from the ground by the
rains, or are absorbed in the earth with the
nourishing juices of the plant. It has often

been observed that rust ordinarily shows itself
when very hot sunshine suddenly succeeds
rains, which have been somewhat prolonged.
It is at this time, when the evaporation from
the stalks and leaves goes on too rapidly,
that till! cracks in their vitreous epidermis oir-
cur, ])ermitting the sap to dellect from Its ordi-
nary course, and thus the circumstances
tavorable to the fungus are i)resented to its
spores, and their germination is developed,
whether they <M)nu' from the interior or ex-
terior. The tenacity of these fungivorous
si)ores is very remarkable. Take, for instance,
the spores of the common mushroom, which
are sold in sipiarc niius,ses called "brick.s. " I
once read an account of one of these bricks
being used as a wedge in a pipe hole that was
too large for the pipe, and after remaining
there all winter it afterw.ards germinated and
produced nuislirooms. They require heat,
moisture and air for their gernunation, and if
these bricks sometimes will not produce fungi,
it is because they either did not contain any
spores, were not healthy, or were not sur-
rounded by the proper conditions. It is the
same with those taken up in the circulation
of plants ; they may have moisture enough,
but not enough of heat and air to vitalize
them. The more then that heat and moisture
permit the sporules, or germs of rust to attach
themselves to the stalks of grain, and to
develop themselves there, the greater will be
the damage it will cause. From the lime that
a stalk of wheat is seriously attacked by rust
it begins to languish, its leaves soon dry up ;
and when rains are frequent, the malady jiro-
ceeds from the stalk to the head, which also
soon turns red, and afterwards black. Rust
is least injurious to grain the nearer it has
arrived at maturity before it is attacked.
Therefore, early ripening grain stands the best
chance of escapmg it, for it does not ordi-
narily show itself until later in the season.

Wheat, somehow, has a good many contin-
gent perils to encounter. If sown early, it
stands a good chance of being attacked by the
" Hessian Fly ;" if sown late, it may encoun-
ter the "Midge," or the ield "Weevil," in
the early following summer, as well as the
rust. No immediate remedy for rust seems
to have been yet developed. In places where
rust Is most complained of, after all necessary
care of the ground has been taken by proper
drainage, as before stated, and more as a pre-
vention than a cure, lime, ashes and silex
should be freely used as a manure. But the
necessary judgment as to when and how much
of these elements should be used, involves
some knowledge of agricultural chemistry —
the analysis and composition of soils.

It is also recommended that a field that had
been infected with ru.st, should not be sown
in grain liable to rust the following season.
And, as the earth is almost everywhere
charged with the spores of rust, and that the
wheat is infected as well by internal as by ex-
ternal appropriation, the seed wheat should
first be soaked in a solution of blue vitriol — in
the proportion of one pound of the salt to as
much water as will cover five bushels of wheat.
It should then be thoroughly mixed with finely
Iiulverized lime, so that each grain is coated
over with it, like a sugar-coated pill. If line
wood ashes are mixed with the lime it is
thought it would still be better. Seed pre-
pared in this way may be sown immediately,
or it may be kept for a number of days.

In conclusion, gentlemen, I have not at-
tempted to teach you how to raise wheat. I
have only attempted to give you the opinions
of scientific men, as to " Wliat causes tlie rust
in Wheat .?"

For The Lanoasteb Fahmur.
POTATOES WITHOUT PARIS GREEN.

It has been said by some one that Paris
Green is the best and only reliable remedy to
destroy the Colorado potato-beetle, &c. I
think otherwise. I never use it and then I
run no risk in any way from the poison, and
I always get a fair crop of i)otatoes when the
season is favorable. But it requires consider-
able attention for awhile to save the i)lants.

Thissea.son and last season I planted between
three and four acres in jiotatoes each time,
and although il looked as if the bugs would
eat them all before thc^y got above grotmd,
yet we mastered tlicni liet'on' tlicy done nuich
harm. We don't lioubU' our.selves much
about the lirst bugs that make their appear-
ance, but we begin to work our potatoes as
soon as we can .see the rows, so as to get the
rows in shape for oiu- plan of operations.
Then being jireparcd with a small Ijroom and
hanilh; about two feet long, and a good sized
tin wash lioilcr with a spade handler attached
to the middle of one of Uw. broad sides, some-
what like a ilipper, so that when I am stand-
ing at the row the mouth of the keltic will be
in proprr position to rccTive the bugs, which
1 send in withaslighl rap of my broom. 1 don't
stop to pick uj) any bugs that fall beside the
kettle, I leave thi'Ui for thi' next time. FIvery
few days I go over the patch again and keep
them thinned down .so that they doii't do
nnich harm, .\ljout four times going over
the patch at the right time will .save the crop.
I was about one and one-half days going over
it e.ach time, making in all aljout six days at
bug catching for three and one-half acres of
potatoes. I always ke))t an old lard can
with a lid on at the end of theiiatch, toemi)ty
the bugs into until 1 went home, aiul then I
.scalded them and biu-ird them in llu^ manure
l)ile. I think sometimes we caught nearly a
bushel of bugs at one going over the patch.
I would not lie bothered with handpicking
since they can be .so easily caught with a ket-
tle and broom. In this way children can
easily save a common potato iialcli for family
use. One man could manage ten acri's and
save them from the bugs, but could not be ex-
pected to do much else while keeping down
the bugs. The rows must be ridged close up
to the stalks so that the kettle will fit up
while the plants are small, or else many buga
will drop in the middle. A little practice
will soon enable a, person to pass along the
row at a pretty smart gait. If our experience
is worth anything you can have it freely. — J.
B. Erb, Lime Vallei/, Awj., 1877.

For The Lancaster Fabher.
THE CROPS WE RAISE. HOW DO
THEY PAY?

With the majority of farmers the raising of
any crop is done with the expectation that it
will pay in a pecuniary .sense, and with the
exception of experiments jiurely made to ad-
vance agricultural knowledge, this is the oidy
sensible view that can be taken. And yet
there are thousands of farmers who raise
crop after crop that does not pay, but which
they have an idea is profital)le ; the error
being that they do not charge certain things
against the cvoyi that ought by rights to be.

There is some dilliculty in keeiting a strict
account with crops, as in the matter of fertil-
izing materials. It is not right that the
amount of such materials applied with the
crop be charged, but the amount taken up,
and this can in most cases be only approxi-
mately determined.

The" difference in amount between the ap-
plication of fertilizing materials and their re-
moval determines whether a farm is improving
or running down — if the application is greater
than the removal, the farm is iin]iroving; but
when the crop takes u)) more than is applied,
then that farm is on the downward scale.

There are some items in the raising of any
crop that are always the same, or very nearly
the same, be the yield large or small, and
these are taxes, interest on investment, and
the labor necessary to grow the crop and get
it n^ady for market. Of course a light crop
will not co.st quite as much to harvest, &c.,
but the difference in most eases is very little.

For the first exami)le let us take corn,
which is by most farmers considered, outside
of tobacco, as one of the crops in which
there is more money than nearly any other
crop that can be raised.

To get at the true cost of any crop we must
know the value of the fertilizing materials
used.

422

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

t August,

Now a crop of seventy-five bushels of corn
and the stalks (two hundred bundles of fodder)
remove about 1051 pounds nitrogen, 67|
pounds phosphoric acid, and 92;i- pounds pot-
ash, costing $'ii5. 50. At the same rate, sixty
bushels and one hundred and sixty bundles
fodder, would remove $28.35; fifty bushels
and one hundred and thirty-five bundles would
remove $23. 0:'.; and forty bushels and and one
hundred and twenty bundles would remove
^IS.'.lO worth of fertilizing materials.

The expenses in raising the crop and to be
charged against it would be,

Taxes and interest on investment $ 9.00

Labor, seeil, &c., about 12.rM

$21 ..50.

This amount, added to the value of the ma-
terials removed, will now give us the real cost,
but our object is to find liow much the grain
costs, and to find this we willsuppo.se that the
fanner can sell the fodder at six cents per
bundle.

By a little calculation we now arrive at the
result that seventy-five bushels of corn would
cost $45.00, or (JO cents per busliel; the crop
of sixty bushels would cost G7j cents per
busliel; fifty bu.sliels, 74 cents per bu.shel; and
in a crop of forty l)ushels, 83 cents per bushel.

It is barely po.ssilile that tlie fodder might
bring two cents more per bundle, but even in
this case, in the seventy-five bushel crop the
corn would cost about 55 cents and in the
forty bushel crop, 77 cents per bushel.

As there will probably objections arise in
the reader's mind, I will endeavor to meet
some of thein in advance.

Some may perhaps say that the manure be-
ing a waste brought about by keeping cattle,
liorses, &c.,does not cost anytlnng, but this is
not really true, for the waste costs time and
money as well as the product; and. even should
it be so that the waste does not cost anything,
he still might have sold it, and it was wortli
therefore, so much money to tlie producer.

But perhaps the manure was all taken for
tobacco, which is now a very common case,
and the corn raised without manure. If this
was the case and the corn was sold, then part
of the farm, or, at least a part of the strength
of tlie farm was sold, and it was worth just as
much less to the farmer as the value of the
fertilizing material removed. This is a very
common case, and in no .section more so than
the great West, which is every day sending
parts of its farm lo the Eastern States and to
Europe.

Wheat is the next crop to which we will
turn our attention. This is also one of the
principal crops on wliich western farmers rely,
but which is regarded by many eastern farm-
ers as not very paying, and by some regarded
as a losing crop throughout, but which they
must continue to raise for the sake of rotation
and the straw for bedding purposes.

The expense of raising a crop of wheat and
getting it ready for market, is about as follows:

Taxes, &e., $ 9.00

Plowing, seed, &v., 10.50

f25..50

The fertilizing materials removed by a crop
of thirty bushels wheat and two and one-
fourth tons straw are aljout 52 pounds nitro-
gen, 23 pounds pbosplioric acid, and 38 pounds
potash, tlie commercial value of which is
$10.00.

Supposing that a ton of straw is worth
iS.OO — the market rates in cities now is $10.00
to $16.00 per ton — we would have $23.50 as the
cost of thirty Viushels of wheat, or 78 cents
per bushel. With a yield of straw in the same
proportion, twenty-live bushels of wheat to
the acre would cost 9(5 cents per bushel; twenty
bushels would cost .fl.20 per bushel, and a
yield of fifteen busliels would run up the cost
to $1.(53 per bushel.

From the above it will appear that wheat
is not so much of a necessary evil as some
would have us believe, and that a real good
crop pays better than the much vaunted corn
crop, however good the latter may be.

The fact that wheat is so extensively raised
on the high-priced lands of Lancaster county

is of itself sufficient to show that farmers con-
sider it as pa3'ing, or they would soon find
some other crop to help rotation, and find
something else than straw as a litter for their
stables.

In oats the showing is not so good as in
wheat. The expense of raising this crop,
with interest and taxes, amounts to about
$l'.).50. In a yield of fifty bushels and one
and one-half tons straw there will be removed
about $13.00 worth of fertilizing materials,
Allowing $8.00 per ton for the straw, the cost
of the oats would be 41 cents per bushel. In
a crop of thirty bushels, and a proportionate
quantity of straw, the oats would cost about
67 cents per bushel.

This is not a very encouraging showing for
this crop, and it seems that even with a good
yield it can hardly be made to pay in a year
when oats is plenty, and the only hope of mak-
ing it pay a profit in a long run is to raise
extra crops every year.

A crop of rye yielding the same as wheat
will cost less per bushel, as the straw brings a
higher price, and the fertilizing materials are
less costly, as is also the seed. This is some-
what counterbalanced by the greater cost of
thrashing, but in spite of this the grain in a
crop of the above yield will cost ten cents less
per bushel than wheat would, but the market
price of the grain is also very much less.
Wliere the yield of wheat is twenty bushels or
more per acre, it is not advisable to raise rye
for the sake of the grain.

Potatoes are a crop that must be raised
year after year to be profitable. The commer-
cial value of the fertilizing materials removed
l)y a busliel of potatoes is only 7^ cents, and
from this it can be seen that if there is any-
thing like a yield, the profit is all that can be
expected from the outlay.

We must touch toltacco very lightly, as it is
the crop of crops to upset all the most careful
calculations, as many a man lias found to his
sorrow. Tlie amount of labor which it re-
quires is very great and varies much with dif-
ferent years. One year "worming" may not
cost more than a few dollars per acre, and th.e
next year from five to eight times as much. A
full crop of 2000 pounds removes about 92
pounds nitrogen, 01 pounds potash and 9i
p(nmds phosporic acid, the whole worth
about $25.00. The stems probably take up
one-half as much as the leaves do, but as
these can be returned they need not be taken
i«to consideration. There is a special manure
prejiared for tobacco, but there must be more
than twice the amount of fertilizing materials
in that it is needed as the charge is $00.00 for
what is intended to be applied to one acre.

Hay we will bring in last of all, and tlien
only to inquire into the amount of fertilizing
matter removed, and leave the reader judge
for himself as to the amount of profit there
may be in it.

A ton of timothy hay removes about 36i
pounds nitrogen, 41 pounds potash, 141 pounds
phosphoric acid, worth $12.12 ; a ton of
meadow liay removes 28i pounds nitrogen,
2(ii pounds potash, 8 pounds phosphoric acid,
worth $8.86 ; a ton of mixed timothy and
clover (if in ecpial quantities) removes 39i
pounds nitrogen, 39 pounds potash, 13 pounds
l)hosphoric acid, worth $12.44 ; and a ton of
red clover hay removes 42i pounds nitrogen-
30} pounds of potash, and 11 pounds of phos-
phoric acid, worth $12.75.

It is proper to remark here that Prof Ville
claims tliat more potash and more pho.splioric
acid has to be added to the soil than is re-
moved by the crop, but that in nearly all crops
only aljout one-half the quantity of nitrogen
need be supplied — the balance beiug supplied
by the air and rain — and in the case of clover
and other related leyuininous plants, not more
than 0 per cent. If this is really the case, all
the foregoing calculation would be a little too
high, except in clover hay, where the calcula-
tion may be as much as $0 too high, thus
bringing the cost of the fertilizing materials
in the latter to about $0.75 or $7, afid in
mixed timothy and clover to $0.50.

In the Western States where land is very

cheap, grain can be raised at a price that
would ruin eastern farmers, as the interest on
their investment is not a fourth of what it is
with us ; and the farming being done on a
large scale can be done clieaper, accordingly.
If the jVIinnesota or Nebraska farmer does
run out his land, it does not matter to him,
all he wants is to be paid for his labor — in-
vestment and some profit on the investment.
He perhaps bought the land at ten dollars per
acre ; he raised wheat, sent it east, and got
paid for liis labor, and say thirty dollars be-
sides. He bought a farm', sent it east in the
shape of grain, and made a profit of twenty
dollars per acre. He made money, and who
can blame him for it, for what becomes of the
farm. He can buy another farm and do the
same. — A. B. K.

TOBACCO FERTILIZERS.

In allusion to the late discussion on the
subject of fertilizers before our local society,
the editor of the Tobacco Leaf thus discourses
ill the 4th of July number of that paper,
whicli we publish by request, on account of its
valuable statistics :

" Our own views are entirely in accord with
those of the gentlemen above quoted, who
acknowledge their preference for stable and
liarn-yard mamu-es. Whether for tobacco or
any of the products of the field requiring
heavy manuring, there can be no question but
that these are in every way the best that can
be used. That they are especially valuable in
the production of tobacco is made manifest by
an analysis of the ashes of the excrement of
cattle and horses and a comparison of the
results obtained with the results of a similar
analysis of the ashes of tobacco. The annex-
ed taljles respectively show the constituents
of tobacco ashes and the ashes of horse and
cow manures :

ASHES— TOBACCO.

PotaBh 19 85

Soda 0 27

Magnefliu 11 OT

Lime 48 68

Phosphoric acid 3 66

Snlpburic acid 3 29

OxiAe of IiOu 2 99

Chloride Sodium ." it 6i

Loss 6 96

100 (M
HORSE MANOHE.

Silica 62 40

Potash 11 30

Soda 1 98

Oxide of Irou „ 1 17

Ijime 4 63

Magnesia 3 84

Oside Maugauese 2 IS

phosphoric acid 10 49

Sulphuric acid 1 89

Chlorine 0 93

Loss 0 14

ion 00

cow MANDKK.

Phosphate 20 9

Peroxide of Irou 8 8

Lime 1 6

Sulphate of Lime 3 1

Chloride of Potassium trace.

Silica 63 I

Loss 2 0

Hill 00

From these tables it is readily seen liow rich
are these manures in the elements of which
the earthy part of tobacco is composed. Cow
manure is riclier in phosphates than guano.

An analysis of the solid matter in the urine
of different animals is shown in the following
table :

URINE— SOLID MATTER.

Organic. Tnorqanif. Total,

Man 23.4 tIo 81

Horse . 27. 33. 60

Cow BO. 20. 70

Pig 56. 18. 74

Sheep 28. 12. 40

"We believe larger and better crops of to-
bacco could be raised in Pennsylvania and
elsewhere by the use of what is known as
barn-yard manure, than by the aid of any
other fertilizer known to agriculture. We
hope, too, the time will again come when
very little reliance will be placed upon other
varieties. Much of the imperfection of late
years complained of in tobacco, is directly
traceable to the excessive use of commercial
manures, and this imperfection will continue
and augment until growers return to the cus-
tom formerly in vogue among them, and on

187?.1

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i23

their own farin is produced tlic Inilk of the
manure with wliicli tlieir farms arc enriched.
Already, as will be observed in .some of the
iT,marks\iiii>te(l, tliere are evidences of the
same want of foresiRht»— or perhaps it may be
called wisdom- amon^' therennsylvania farm-
ers that has Ijeen shown in the <'ase of those
iu the Kastern lobacco-^r.iwiriK States. 'If
wesliould liave,' says Sir. ^{eist— an expe-
rienced and skillful j,'rower, by the way— 'a
poor piece of ground and eduld nut j;el barn-
yard manure with which to enrich it, it would
l)e wi'll li> know what kind of manure is next
l)est amoni; the connnercial manures in use.'
It is true, Tis Mr. Keist ol)serves, that barn-
yard manure failiufr, it would be well to know
what is the next best kind. Hut it would be
better far to see to it that tliere is no fadm-c
of this incomparable fertilizer. Have the
acres of gra/iuf; laud in Pennsylvania become
less than they were, so that stock I'au not hi'
rai.sfd to make manure as formerly V Or are
Iheprolilsof tobacco culture in tliat State
rendering' fanning' in the old-fashioned way
unpopular, as has happened in ( 'onnecdicut V
The remark (|Uoted makes tlie lattcu- infer-
ence i)u.ssible, and if it be warranted by the
facts, the facts are to be re^retled. '(Jentle-
nian tarminj;,' in the sense in wliicli the ex-
pression has eome to be uiulerstood when ap-
plied to tobaceo culture, is an exeeedinjily ex-
pensive and risky avocation. Delined, the
phrase sii;nilies the abandonment of almost
every thing that once gave oc(Miiiatiou anil inde-
pendence to the American farmer. It means
tlie concent ration of all etTorts on a sinnlecrop,
and that failing, having notliiiig, comiiara-
tively, to fall baik upon, as in tin- days when
cottiin was kin^;. Wheat, corn, rye and po-
tato iields untilled; pasture and meadow
lands choked up with weeds, trees and luislies;
stock, swine and fowl bought instead of raised
for consumption; a few of thi^ choicest acres
devoted to tobacco, the rest of the once fruit-
ful farm a wilderness or waste. This is 'gen-
tleman farming' in the older tobacco-growing
sections of our country. It is not a pleasant
picture.

"Tobacco growers in the old a;id new sec-
tions will hud it to their interest to lie farmers
as well as producers of tobacco. They should
again commence raising -stock, and iirodiice
enough to keep what they raise. If they will
do tliis, tliere will lie no si'arcity of barnyard
manure, provided further they tak(^ proper
<iare of what is made by their stock. .Some of
the money they have heretofore expended in
commercial fertilizers may bi^ advantageously
spent in mechanical im|)rovements about their
stables, pig-styes and henneries for preser-
ving tile ferliJi/.ing proiierlies of manures.
Stop all waste of the jirecioiis material; let
evevy ouni'e of dung and mine be kept from
exjjosure to the sun, compost the gleanings of
the stable, stye anil hennery with nmck and
turf- -which are abundant — and a little i'eru-
vian guano, and manure eiioiigli of the best
kind will be made to meet all the wants of all
tlie tobacco Iields in the Union."

THE TOBACCO FLY.

Some Sure Methods of Destruction.

The Xorth (Carolina Times holds forth as
follows on the tobacco tly : Mr. Head, the
inanager of Major Siitberlin's "Siiimyside"
farm, in Halifax comity, Virginia, has been
planting tobaceo for thirty yeai sand has never
had trouble with the tobacco lly. He banks
pine )io!es and lays them across the plant lieds,
and, like the old hare in the lur trap, the llies
get stuck iu the turpentine. Another sure
remedy he has tried is fresh stable manure
well diied in a wagon bod}-, and then sift it
line and add to it a little gtiano and ashes and
siirinkle well on the plants. Tlie stench is
strong as hartshorn ; iu fact, the lly cannot get
at the plant. This is plain plantation talk we
give from 'a practical farmer.

A .Mecklenlierg man has at last found out a
■<iire recipe for destroying tobacco lleasor llies,
:is they are more familiarly known, and at the
same time failing to injure the plants in the

least. The jdan is a very simple one and
ea.sily tested, and costs but little. It is this :
One-sixteenth of an ounce of strycdinine dis-
solved in two buckets of water and sprinkled
over the plants. The aiijilication does not in
the least interfere with the growth of the
plants, but lallier seems to' be benellcial to
them, and a large ipiaiitity of the solution was
tried upon a small s|iace of plant bed and found
lobe perfect ly harmless to the plants. We
Ihink the experiment worth a trial by every
lilaiiler, should the bug ajipear again. I'er-
liaps the .same remedy would be good for po-
tato bugs, and other insects that prey upon
garden vegetables.

that are folded or crumpled, the supply for
the following year will be cut off. This should
be dom^ collectively to be positively effectual,
for the utmost vigilame will avail but little if
one is surrounded by slovenly neighbors. The
natural enemies of this insect consist of spi-
ders, wasps, a small TadtDui lly, to which I
hav(^ given the name of (k.fiiiiae, and at least
one sniall Ichneumon.

THE GRAPE LEAF-FOLDER.

r.v riiOK. c. V. lur.EY,
Among the numerous and varied foes ot the
grape vine, the above-named species (Dismin
iiKiruhdits, Wcsl. ) is one of the most constantly
recurring and widespread. It seems eipially
at home amid the tropical luxuriance of the
Soutbeni States, and on the dwarfed and
siiarsely foilaged vines of the far North. It
occurs not only on choice,' cultivated varieties,
but fe^'ils with the same apparent relish on the
various hardy, wild species, and is often found
on the Virginia (a'ei^per (Aiiq>dopsin ijuinuiu-
foKa.) Mr. T. (!. Ilidl of (.'roon Creek, llarton
"county, complains of it in a recent letter to the
Jirwnal (did Fanner, and remarks that "three
weeks after it appeared last summer, the loaves
on nearly all the vines were as dead as if
severely frosted." The liold of its most seri-
ous depredations is betwiicn latitude "io and
40 wliere its defoliations frequently cause
considei'able loss and annoyance to the vine
grower.

The perfect insect is a very I'retty little
moth, expanding about an inch. The general
ciilor is black with opalescent relleetions, but
tlie sexes have many points of dilference in
ornamentation. The wings are fringed with
white, the upjier jiair in both sexes being
ornamented with two eoiispieuous white spots.
The under wings of the female have also two
white sjiots, or one very much constricted in
the middle, while those of the male have but
oue large spot, which is never either divided
or constricted. The body of the female is
marked with two transverse white bands,
that of the male having but one transverse
stripe, while the lip of the abdomen hasa lon-
gitudinal dash on the upper surface. The at-
tenna- of the male are elbowed and knotted in
contrast with the smooth, thread-likeattenn:e
of the female. The body is slender, extending
beyond the wings.

In southerly latitudes there are two
or three broods of this insect annually — tlie
latest brood hibernating in the chrysalis stale.
Sometimes wlii-n altecting vines in a green
house, the larvae will hibernate among the
fallen leaves on the top of the ground. The
lirst moths appear early in .finie, and lay their
eggs in small clu.sters all over the vine. The
development of the moths and time of ovipo-
sition being somewhat irregular, the larva may
be found in all sizes throughout the season.
They changi^ to chrysalides in -24 to :J0 days
from haUhing, and I he moths is.sue about a
week tluueafler. The habits of this insect
were recorditd in my third report as follows :

"The worm folds rather than rolls the leaf,
by fastening together two portions by its
silken thredas, and for this reason, in contra-
disliiictioii to the many leaf-rollers, may be
popularly known as the "firape Leaf-folder."

It is of a glass-greini color, the head and
thoracic segments marked with variously
shaped black iialches. It is very active, wrig-
gling, jumping and jerkingeither way at every
touch. If left alone these worms will soon
defoliate a vine, and the best way of destroy-
ing them is crushing suddenly within the leaf,
with both hands. To prevent their ap|iear-
ance, however, recpiires far less trouble.

The chrysalis is formed within the fold of
the leaf, and by going over the vineyard iu
October or any time before the leaves fall, and
carefully plucking and destroying all those

DUCKS— SETTING EGGS AND REAR-
ING YOUNG.

If possible, set duck eggs under hens, as
they make better mothers and will find food
for the ducklings- something a dui^k will not
do. After the hen has set foni' weeks the
ducklings will appear. J'erhaps it will be
neees.sary to help some of them from the
shell, as they are not as lively as chickens,
and sometimes are unable to get out alone. A
(len should lie made with boards eight or ten
inches high and live feet sipiare, or large
enough to contain the iiiunber of duckings
you may have.

Tlu! hen should be conlined in a coop in one
corner of the yaid .so as not to wander awaj'.
Keep your brood contiiied till they are a mouth
old and not allow them to follow the hen, for
if you do they will stray away, and one by
one your Hock will grow numerically smaller.
When they are sullicientjy large and liave
their body feathers, less care may be bestowed
upon them, and they may range for them-
selves.

As for food, for the fust three or four weeks
we would recommend a variety. The week
directly after they are hatched give them
soaked bread, coarse bread being preferabh^ as
it is less pasty, potatoes, boiled and mashed,
with bran or shorts. As they become older do
away with the former feed anil u.se meal and
bran, equal parts, scalded, and occasionally
mix with lioiled pottltoes, cboiiped onion tops
or lettuce. This has been imr bill of fare for
our web-footed pets for some years and we
have met with great success.

Last but not least, beware of watei'. You
may think this a strange suggestion, but there
are more tame ducks lost on account of too
much water than any other cause. A shallow
dish with water, say two or three incdies
deep, is enough till they are a month old. If
allowed free access to a pond or stream, they
will get water-logged and invariably die. And
if they escajie, this cramii is most sure to at-
tack them, and after a few days tumbling and
twisting death relieves them from any more
such actions. We know of no variety easier
to rear than the Uouens, and we have a young
Hock of lifteeu or twenty that are sprightly as
so many kittens. They all look as near alike
as peas and are the admiration of all who see
them. — Rural Press.

TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS.

The Seiitembcu' niimber of the (larilencr''s
MiiHlldij for 1S74 contains an article by W. C
Strong, of Nonantum Hill nursery, Brigbton,
Mass., giving four reasons for transplanting
evergreens in late sumnuM' or in the early au-
tumn, from Atignst loth to September '20th.
The fourth reiuson, viz., that there is greater
certainty of success in planting than at any
other season of the year, induced me to try
the experiment the following year. On the
'20th of August I planted, fiir Mr. .1. W.
Spragiie, of this place, thirty Norway spruce
trees. A few days since 1 examined the trees,
and fomid everyone living and growing liuely,
the increase the present season thus far being
about ten inches in diameter and eight inches
in height. 1 do not as.sert iiosilively that Au-
gust is a better nionlli than -May for this
work ; but I would unhesitatingiy advise
those intending to ])lant evergreens to do it
this season ratlier than wait for another May.
Hut whether in fall or spring, let these three
things be attended to : 1st. Select sm.all trees.
'2d. Preserve as many of the librous roots as
|)ossible. .'Id. Cover the roots so tliat they
will not become at all dry. Perhaps I should
add, put whatever manure you use on the top

424

THE LANCASTER FARMER

[August

of the ground. Josiah Hoopes, in Iiis Book

of Evergreens, says :

"Men of experience seldom desire large
trees, knowing full well the haneful eft'ects of
transplanting large evergreens. The lower
branches shed their foliage and are a]it to die,
and forever after they present a pitiable siglit.
i'oung and healthy plants, when carefully
taken up and propeily rejilanted, are never
subject to this disligurenient, and are almost
certain to form handsome specimens. — Culti-
vator.

^

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

The Society met in tlieii' rooniR. in the City Hall,
on Monday afternoon, August (5tli, at 2 o'clock.
President Calvin Cooper in the chair.

The followintj members were present : Calvin
Cooper, president. Bird in-Hand ; Johnson Miller,
secretary, Warwick ; M. D. Kendig, Manor; Harry
Myers, East Ilempticld ; Israel L. Landis, Manheim ;
Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy ; Levi \V. GrolT, Earl ;
Alexander Harris, city ; Henry M. Engle, Marietta ;
W. J. Kafroth, West Earl ; Levi Pownall, S.adsbury ;
Casper Hiller, Conestoffa ; William McComsey, city ;
Prof. S. S. Rathvon, city ; Levi S. Heist, Manheim;
Peter S. Keist, Manheim ; Prof. J. Stautfer, city ;
Jacob S. tiarber. Manor ; C. L. Hunsecker, Manheim ;
Jacob Bolliutrer, Warwick ; J. H. Landis, Millersville ;
J. H. Brackbill, Strasburg ; Simon P. Eby, city;
Henry Reist, Manheim ; John Miller, W. Lampeter ;
A. W. Russel, city ; Frank Landis, East Lampeter ;
J. Witmer, E. Lampeter; E. Hershey, E. Lampeter;
John B. Erb, Strasbury' twp.; J. B. Garber, East
Hempfield.

The minutes of last meeting were read, corrected
and approved.

Ambrose Pownall, of Sadsbury, and J. H. Landis,
of Millensville, were proposed and elected members
of the society.

Average Crops.

Mr. ENfn.E, from the committee appointed at last
meeting to report the average of the several crops in
this county, read a report, stating that after investi-
gation the committee had come to the conclusion
the average crops in Lancaster county were as fol-
lows : Wheat, per acre, 21 bushels; corn, 52 bushels ;
rye, 30 bushels ; oats, 3.5 bushels ; potatoes, 7.5
bushels ; hay 1!< tons ; tobacco, 1,'!00 pounds. The
report goes on to state that many farmers produce
more tlian twice as much per acre of some of the
above staples, and others not half as much. The
committee thought the figures given above a very
fair average.

Casper Hn.i.ER said he thought the committee
had placed the average of the rye crop too high . He
had raised twenty-flve bushels to the aei-e, and
all his neighbors said he had the best rye in his sec-
tion of the county.

Mr. Engi.e and President Cooper said they had
frequently known of 40 bushels to the acre being
raised in the county. They believed 30 bushels a fair
average.

Henry Kurtz thought the committee in making
their average should have included only such farmers
as knew how to farm. It is not fair that good
farmers should have a low average because poor
farmers raised poor crops.

Mr. Engle defended the committee's report and
said the average must be made in accordance with
the whole acreage of each crop.

Mr Kurtz thought the farmers should he classi-
fied into at least three grades — good, bad and in-
dift'erent — as mackerel is classified asNos. l,2and
3. Then the average of first-class farmers would not
suffer by being pulled down by those who did not
know how to farm and who ought to have an average
of their own.

The report of the committee was accepted, and a
vote of thanks tendered by the society.

Mk. Engi.e stated that the committee had not
been able to attend to all the duties assigned them —
the making out of premium lists, itc. He asked that
the comniiitec be continued. Agreed to.

The Sowing of Wheat.

Johnson Mii^ler, appointed to report on the
quantity of wheat to be sown to the acre, reported as
follows :

As a member of the committee in regard to the
cidtivation of wheat last summer by this society, I
would report that I made a test as regards the quan-
tity of seed. I sowed from one bushel to two and a-
lialfonflve acres, varying a half bushel on every
acre. 1 found no marked difl'erence, but by close
observation it was noticeable that where I sowed one
and a-half bushels was the finest wheat, as one
bushel was the one extreme, and two and a-half the
other. In regard to the early or late plowing, I
plowed my wheat stubble for a number of years as
soon after harvest as possible, but last year I did not
plow it until the latter end of August, and had an

excellent crop of whe.at, and that without manure.
This convinces me that early plowing, as well as
early sowing, is the cause, to some' extent, of our
short wheat crops. From my experience, I would
sow one and a half bushels of wheat to the acre, and
from the 20th to the last of September, for a good
crop of wheat. Another thing in connection with
this wheat cultivation in preparing the ground, I
would say prepare it very fine and sow shallow.
Half an inch of ground to cover the grain is amply
sufticient ; and I know that farmers spoil the crops
just by sowing too deep.

This is my report ; whether my fellow-members of
the committee agree with me or not I cannot say, but
I do believe with these directions a good crop of
wheat can be raised on our good Lancaster county
farms.

Henrt M. Engle said that he had come to the
same conclusion as Mr. Miller, that wheat was culti-
vated too deep. Drill shovels are run down so deep
that the grain cannot come up. Any crop ])lanted
deep will be very backward. He agreed with Mr.
Miller that one-half inch was plenty deep enough.
The Groff Farm.

The report of the committee appointed to visit
Levi S. Groff's farm was called for, Imt H. M. Engle,
chairman, said they had reported all they had to say
in the daily papers, and he did not see that they had
anything else to say.

Crop Reports.

Johnson Miller reported for Warwick that corn
was growing finely and will be a very large crop.
The late rains have refreshed everything wonder-
fully, and the prospects from an agricultural point
of view were never more encouraging. Tobacco is
glowing finely, and some will be cut this present
week. Potatoes are large in size and the yield will
be large. Grass fields never looked better, and
pasture is splendid. Fruit is very scarce, particular-
ly apples. Of peaches and pears there will be a few,
but the grape crop will be pretty full.

Henry Kurtz, reporting for Mount Joy, said Mr.
Miller must live in a Paradise, as nowhere else had
there been such favorable weather. He thought that
the crops should not be reported better than they
really are, for this report is not for the society alone
but is printed and read by consumers, who, think-
ing that the crop wap so good, would not otfcr a fair
price for things because, as they thought, they were
so plenty. For his section he would report that,
unless there was rain soon, the tobacco crop would
not be a half crop. There wouhl be a toleral^le crop
of corn, and the grass needs rain very much.

I. L. Landis said that, notwithstanding Mr. Kurtz's
indignation at Mr. Miller's favorable report, he could
give one Just as good for Manheim township. The
hay crop would be a fair one ; the wheat full ; oats
unusually good, and tobacco just equal to any he
had ever seen. The indications are the crop will be
as good as ever, and it does not appear to have been
much cut up by the worm. There was some cut.
Fruit crop is short. Potatoes are flourishing.

Levi S. Keist, from Warwick, reported that the
weather in that section was very favorable. Sunday,
July 30, they had a soaking rain, and ever since the
rain had come just as it was wanted. The tobacco
was neither too wet nor too dry. One patch on the
banks of the Cocalico was overflowed, and now is
dying off. Fruit is very poor ; no apples worth men-
tioning— what there are being very knotty.

Casper Hiller, of Cone6toga,said he very rarely
reported, but now he wanted to say something about
the southern part of the county. If these men that
were talking about the favorable weather in the
northern part of the county wanted to see a dry
country, all they had to do was to go into the southern
part of the county. They have had no rain since
April that has gone deeper than deep plowing. To-
bacco is poor, and in order to have half a crop of
corn we must have a heavy rain within a week.

Mr. Kurtz agreed with Mr. Hiller ; it is not best
to make the crop reports too rosy. If the tobacco
l)uyers hear that the crop is as large as some repre-
sent it they will not ofl'er two cents a pound for it.

Johnson Miller replied that the crops in War-
wick were good, and he was not afraid to report
them so. He believed the object of the "crop
reports" was to arrive at a true condition of the
crops, and not to influence the market.

Mr. Engle hoped there would be no controversy
in the matter; all the reports made were no doubt
equally true ; as is usual almost every year, the local
rains are apt to follow each other over the same sec-
tions of the county. Rain has fallen plentifully in
some sections while there has been a drought in
others. There are, therefore, some good and some
bad crops. From his own township he would have
to modify his former reports ; the apple crop is dwind-
ling down, and instead of there being an average crop
as was at first supposed, there would be very few
apples — the codling moth has punctured and almost
destroyed everything. Peaches, which in the early
summer were expected to yield a full crop, and later
at least half a crop, will not now yield a quarter
crop. He saw some excellent fields of tobacco, and
some that were poor. His observation was that those
who tilled their soil well were rewarded with good

crops, and those who did not, had to put up with
poor ones. The rainfall during the month of July
was 2 13-16 inches. In June there were five dav» in
which the mercury rose to 90 degrees and upwards;
in July there were 1-i days in which the mercury
rose to 90 and upwards. Notwithstanding several
very hot days, the average heat during July, 1877,
was no greater than during July, 1S76.

.\1. D. Kenuii!, of Manor, said the corn and tobac-
co need rain; with it there is a prospect of a very
heavy crop. Apples are all falling oft' and there are
few peaclies. The rainfall last month was 2.1
inches. The hottest day, last Friday week, the mer-
cury rose to 102 in the shade.

Levi Pownall, of Sadsbury, said the season had
been unusually favorable ; the corn and potato crops
were very large ; the fruit crop was a failure ; grass
better than usual; wheat not so good; oats heavy
and pastures never before looked so well at this time
of year.

President Cooper said that East Lampeter would 'j
yield a full average of everything ex«ept fruit.

.Mr. McComsey, who had traveled through WestJ
Lampeter, had never seen a finer prospect for abuD'^
dant crops.

Mr. Kafrotii, of West Earl, reported corn, clover,!
grass and potatoes all good, and tobacco remarkably!
fine.

Levi 'W. Groff's Experiments with Wheat.
Levi W. Groff, of Earl, presented the following
report of his experiment of cultivating wheat :
To the Laiirastci' Cou^d-y IforiicuUural Socifty:

I have threshed the wheat grown on one acre, and
it made 61 bushels and one peck. It is of the "cham-
pion amber" variety. The seed was obtained from "
Mr. Heiges, of York, at f.5 per bushel. One and a
half bushels were sowed on the acre reported.

Mr. Heiges succeeded in raising of this variety 71
bushels to the acre. I cultivated this wheat in the
spring of the year three times, between the drills.

The cultivated " Clauson " variety sown by me
last fall and now threshed yielded 36'^ bushels per
acre. The same variety side by side, not cultivated,
yielded 2.5 bushels and two pounds per acre.

It is my opinion that the "champion amber," If
raised under quite favorable conditions will yield
from 75 to 90 bushels per acre. Mine this year stood
on ground too low, and it was sowed a little too late.
I have no doulit but such yield is quite possible and
piobable ; ami if all the grains in my reported crop
were plump and full, ray yield would be .at least 75
bushels per acre this year. Levi W. Gkopf.

The committee appointed at the July meeting of
the Lancaster county agricultural and horticultural
society to visit Mr. Groflf 's farm made the following
report :

We, the undersigned, visited the farm of Mr. Levi
W. Groff about harvest-time and fully concur in his
report so far as we could judge at the time.

H.M. Engle,
Calvin Cooper,
Levi S. Reist,
Peter S. Reist.
The thanks of the society were tendered to Mr.
Grofl'.

Mr. Groff exhibited a bunch of wheat heads of
the "champion amber" variety, which were exam- i
ined and much admired, and at the request of Mr. I
McComsey, briefly explained his manner of cultiva-
ting wheat as it has been already printed in the daily
papers. His plan in brief is to drill the wheat in
rows twice as far apart as is usually done. This he
does by removing from the drill every alternate seed
distributer. Attached to the drill he has an equal
number of shovels, and these arc placed so as to run
between the rows of wheat, and cultivate it much the
same as the ordinary cultivator runs between the
rows of corn. There is room enough biitween the
rows to permit the horses to walk without injuring
the grain. After cultivating his whe.at in this manner
three different times, he sowed the ground with clover
and timothy, and although it is too soon yet to tell,
he believes he will have a very superior crop of hay.
Mr. Engle said he had examined Mr. Groff's
clover and timothy, and believed it would be very
superior. He trusted that not a few of our farmers
would adopt Mr. G's plan of cultivation. He would
do so himself on a small scale, and from his observa-
tion he was sure it would pay.

Mr. Pownall said that on a former occasion he
had objected to cultiv.ating the wheat crop in the way
adopted by Mr. Groff, on the ground that it would
injure the grass that was to follow the wheat ; but
from an ex|)criment of his own he was now con-
vinced that it would not. ]

Oleomargarine and Phosphates.

The rules were now susjicnded in order to take up
the discussion of some matter proposed by Thomas
J. Edge, Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture
at Harrisburg. Mr. Edge calls attention to the
objects for di6cussiou,which were two acts, and writes
as follows :

In regard to the proposed act to regulate the
manufacture and sale of fertilizers, it has been
claimed by some that it is not just to levy a direct tax
on the manufacturer, and that to a certain limited

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

125

amount tlic state eliould pay the cost of analysis.
On till' oilier liaml, it is ui-tfeil tliat such a licehse tax
gives tlio honest inanufaeluiTr a jiioleetion, wliieli is
worth I'ar more than the amount of the tax.

In conclusion ho asks for the opinion of the soeiely
on these points. The ai-ls prnposeil are as follows :
An Act to Regulate the Manufacture and Sale
of Fertilizers.

Section. 1. Be UmnHeil, i('c., That every paekafje
of conimereial fertilizer sold, olfereil or exposed I'or
sale within this Commonwealth shall he aecompanieil
by an analysis, statimr I lie pereentau;e therein eon-
taineil of nitroy:en oi- its e((uivalent in amnionia, of
potash in any lonn sohrMe in ilistilleil water, of
phospluirie acitl soluble in a neutral solution of
citrate of ammonia at a temperature of 100 lU'i^rees
Fahrenheit, ami the pereentaije of phosphoric acid
not thus solnlile : I'roviileil, That no analysis shall
be reiiuired for paekaires of fertilizers which are sold,
ollered or exposed for sale at a less jiriee than twenty
dollars per ton.

Sbc. 2 Kvi'ry manufacturer or importer of coni-
nu'rcial fertilizers, us spc<'ifiei1 in section one, hefore
otfcriiiir the same for sale in this Commonwealth
sluill take out a license as a manufactiu"cr or im-
porter, and pay into the Treasurer of the Common-
wealth the sum of dullars annually as a license

fee f<)r each kind of fertiiizei- sold or imi^ortetl liy
him, and shall al the same time tile willi the SiM-rc-
tary of tlic Stati' Hoard of .\u;i'iculture a paper j;ivinj;
the names of his principal aLrcnls,^iinl also the name
and comiiosition of tlie fertilizer maiuifactured or
imjiorted by him.

Skc. ;!. Any person sellina:, offcrins' or exposing
for sale any eommercial fertilizer without the analj-
sis requircil by section one, or with au aiuilysie
statins; that said fertilizer contains a larger pereent-
ajre of any one or more of the eonstitm'nts men
lioned aliove than is contained tlicrein, or Ibi- the
sale of whicli all the provisions of section two liave
not been complied with, shall forfeit tifty dollars fin-
the first oflense, and one hundred dollars i'or each
subscfiucnt olfense.

Sue. 4. It shall be the duty of the chemist of the
State Boarvl of Ai^ricuiture to analyze such specimens
of fertilizers as nuiy be furnished liini by the Hoard
or its agent, and he shall report to tlie St ate Board of
Agriculture the results ol'the analysis made by him,
and shall t"\UTUsh tlie Secretary of the Board with
such important information relative to fertilizers as
he may from time to time obtain.

Sec. ."). The lee of the chemist of the State Board
of Agriculture for such analysis shall not exceed the
usual and regular jirice f(u' such services, and shall
be payable from the Treasury of the Commonwealth
on the cert ilicate of the Secretary of the Board of
Agrieulture : Provided, Thai the total sum jiaid in
any one year for such service shall not exceed the
amount paid into the Treasury as license fees during
the same perioil. This act shall take etl'ect from and
after its passage.

An Act to Prevent Deception in the Sale of
Butter.

Section 1 . Be il enacted, ..te., Tliat every jierson
« lio shall manufacture I'or sale, or w ho shall olleroi
expose for sale, any article or substance injsemblance
of butter not the legitimate produi'.t of the dairy, and
not made exclnsiv.'ly (d' milk or cream, but into
wdiich the oil or fat of animalB not jiroduccd iVom
milk, enters as a component part, or into which
melted butter or any oil thereof has been introduced
to take the place of cream, shall distinctly and dura-
bly stamp, brand or mark upon every "tub, lirkiu,
iiox or package of such article or stdistance the wurd
■'(.leo-margarin," and in case of retail of such arli-
i!.> or substance in parcels, the seller shall, in all
. isrs, deliver therewith to the purchaser, a written
.1 printed label bearing tlie plainly written or printed
«ord "olco-margarin," and every article or substance
not so stamped, branded, marked or labeled, is de-
clared to be unlawful, and no action shall be main-
1 tilled in any of the courts of this State to recover
1 1 1, in any eontraet for the sale of any sueli article or
Md>stanec not so stamped, branded, marked or la-
beled.

Sec. 2. Every person who shall knowingly sell or
olTcr to 6ell,(U- have in his or her possession with in-
tent to sell, <'onlrary to I he provisions of this act, any
- t the said article or substance rc(piired by the first
lion of this act to be stamped, marked or labeled
therein stated, not so stamped, marked or labeled,
or in ease of retail sale, without delivery of a label
required by section one of this act, shall, for each
such offense, forfeit and pay a fine of one hundred
dollars, to be recovered with costs, in any of tlie
courts of this State having cognizance tlicreol', in an
action to be prosecuted liy the district attorney in the
name of the people, and the one-half of such recov-
ery shall be paid to the informer, and the residue
shall be apjilied to the support of the poor in the
county where such recovery is had.

Sec.o. Every person who shall knowingly sell or
offeror expose for sale, or who shall cause or pro-
cure to be sold or olVered or exposed for sale, any ar-
ticle or substance required by the first section of this
act to be marked, branded, stamiied or labeled, not
60 marked, branded, stamped or labeled, shall be

guilty of a misdemeanor, and on trial for such misde-
meanor, proof of the sale or ofl'er or exposure alleged,
shall be presumptive evidence of knowledge of the
character of the art iile so sold or offered, and that
the same was not marked, branded, stamped or la-
beled as required h^' this act.

Wm. MiComsev said that as far as the Lancaster
market was concerned there was no necessity for
such au act concerning butter.

U. iVl. E.Noi.E wasof the same opinion as to Lan-
caster county, but in the large cities there is a great
quantity of this stnll made. It seems very near the
true article, ami many who would not eat it from
choice might do so by chance. Let, it stand on its
own merits, and if it becomes pojiuhir under its own
name, all right; but do not let the stiill' be sold as
butter. He was in favor of passing the law.

A. IIoIjIjINoeu was not prepared to discuss this
sub,jcet, as he had given it no thought, and wished
it to be iiostponcd until next meeting.

II. M. ENiiLE said it was true that as yet it had
not afl'ected Lancaster county, but as it was made so
cheap, might it not come here in competition with
our own butter ?

Casi'Ek IIiM.EK was in favor of postponing the
question until the ne.xt meeting, and between this
time and that the members will have more time to
look up the (piestion. Next meeting will be time
enough for the State Board to receive their answer,
as the Legislature does not meet until .laniiary. lie
moved that the sutyeet be postponed, and the mo-
tion was carried. Both acts were held for discussion
at the next meeting.

Noxious Weeds.

Casi'ER II II. leu presented specimens of three
noxious weeds which he advised farmers to extermi-
nate as soon as they appear. The first is a good deal
like the ground cherry, and was recomm<'iided to
him some years ago as a good "pie plant ;" it is not
only worthless, but a very troublesome customer to
gel rid of; it s[ireads rajiidly, each plant contains
millions of seeds, and the smallest particle of the
root is capable of sending up a new plant. The sec-
ond weed was a "Mexican potato," whieli had been
sent him all the way from Mexico. It is utterly
worthless and hard to get rid of. Ills third "pet"
was the ox-eyed daisy — very troublesome in jierma-
nent jiastures, but may be destroyed by cultivation.
Rust in Wheat.

Prof. S. S. Kathvon read a learned paper on
"What Causes the Rust in Wheat ?" (Seepage iL'O.)

An interesting discussion of the subject followed,
participated in by J. H. Brackbill, .1. StaulTer, I'etcr
S. Keist, William .McComsey, Henry Kurtz and C.
L. Hunsecker.

How to Treat Lawns.

The question: "Should the grass be taken from
the lawn when cut by the mower?" was answered in
the aliirmative by Levi S. Reist, who favored cutting
it with a scythe, rather than with a lawn mower.
When well done it makes the lawn look like a tine
mcailow. In the fall the lawn should be manured.

Mk. Keniiio did not exactly agree with Mr. Reist.
He preferred the lawn mower to the scythe and
would generally leave the cut grass on the ground,
taking it off occasionally.

PitoE. Stauffek said many lawns were dying out;
too frecpient mowings and removal of the grass ex-
hausted both the soil and the roots.

S.P. EBVhad frequently killed weeds by piling
cut grass upon them. The same course would kill
the grass.

.Messhs. .J. H. BuACKniLL, C. L. Hunsecker and
President Cooper would mow frequently, but not too
close, and allow the cut grass to remain on the
ground.

A Fall Exhibition.

Levi S. Reist made a motion that a committee of
five be appointed to consult on the expediency of the
society holding a public exhibition this fall. The
motion was agreed to, and the chair apjiointed the
following gentlemen said committee : Levi S. Reist.
Henry .VI. Engle, Levi W. GrolT, J. Staun"er :"i'l '.. ,i
Pownall.

A New Corresponding Secretary..

Ai.EXANoEK Harris, corresponding secretary,
tendered his resignation as corrcs|)onding secretary,
and asked that it be acccjited. The resignation was
accepted, and W. J. Kafroth, of West Earl, was
elected by acclamation to fill the vacancy.
Agricultural Reports.

.loilNsoN Mii.LER laid before the society ten bound
volumes of the proceedings of the State Agricultural
Society and stated that they were presented by Sena-
tor Roebuck for distribution among the members,
and that members who did not now receive a cojiy
could obtain one by addressing Dr. Roebuck.
Testing the Fruit.

Casper Hii.i.er having laid before the society
specimeus of ap|iles, pears and lilies, Messrs. M. U.
Kendig, S. P. Eby and Levi Pownall were appointed
a committea to test their merit. The samples con-
sisted of the "all summer" apple; ".Manning's Eliz-
abeth" pear; the "Olt" pear; the "Kirtland" pear;

the "auratum" and "double tiger" lilies. The com-
mittee made a favorable report of all the fruits and

flowers.

The Centennial Diploma.

A coinmnnicalinn was received from an officer of
the late Intcrnationul Kxhlbilion, stating that a di-
ploma had been awarded the society, and asking
whether it should lie framed or not framed before
sending it to the society.

On motion the secretary was directed to Inform the
holder of the diploma to forward it to the society
without a frame.

Questions for Next Meeting.

The' liillcpwing questions were referred for discus-
sion at next meeting :

How shall a Lancaster county farm be managed
to produce the best pecuniary result i For general
discussion.

What is the best mode of constructing cisterns for
fanning purposes? To .\nihrose Pownall.

TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Tobacco (irowers' Association met on Mon-
liay, .July 23, in the Athcna'um rooms at 2J4 o'clock.
The following members were present :

M. I). Kendig, Henry Kurtz, I. L. Landis, A.
Eshleman, A. H. Long, Silas K. Eshleman, .Sylves-
ter Kennedy, (icorge A. Trban, C. M. Ilostetter,
Harry Mayer, H. Shilfncr, R. W. Ciarlier, Wash. L.
Hersliey, Mieliael .More, Adam Long, Hiram (farber,
Andrew (iarbcr, Andrew Brubaker, .Mr. Bailer,
Adam Bear, E. Huber, -lacob Kuhlman, Henry
Wolf, SamiKd Krb, S. Fleckenstein.

Thc^ regular SciTetary being absent, Silas K. Esh-
leman was elected Secretary pratem. The minutes
of the last regular meeting were read and approved.

Next in order were

Crop Reports.

I. S. Lanmiis, Manhcim, reported the crops In his
section as looking remarkably well, and fully equal
to last year's crop. Some patches lonk very irregu-
lar, and the cut-worm has committed some depreda-
tions. In the early part of flu.' season the green
worm, it was thought, would do some damage, but
it has disappeari'd. He had a few eases of old to-
bacco yet. A larger acreage was planted this year
than last.

Sylvester Kennedy, of Salisbury, said their
crop w;is a medium one, owing partly to cut-worms
and partly to dry weather. The cut-worm is doing
more injury tliiin the green worm. Nearly double
the usual numtn'r of acres was planted this year.

Henuy KiMtTZ, of Mount .loy. Tlnnr crop looks
tolerably well, but was planted too early, and some
of it is shooting into a head, and will not amount to
anything. Old tobacco is pretty well sold off, but he
hail about ten acres yet.

C. M. Hostetter and Henry Kurtz, both of Mt.
•Joy, were elected members.

ilENRY Mayer, East Hempfield. Crops look
pretty well in this section, but of course need rain.
Cut wfirm lias been trouliling them. Acreage somc-
^vhat. larger than last j'car.

Mr. Lanius here called the attention of the mem-
bers to a tobacco leaf measuring o^ixl'.l inches, pre-
sented by Mr. Ilostetter.

M. r>. Ken'iho, of Manor. Their tobacco is not so
large as some have reported, but large enough to
make a good crop with fair weather. Worms were
plenty in the early part of the season, but one or two
pickings cleaned tliein out. Old tobacco nearly all
sold, except one or two lots, both in ease and out,
but these do not amount to much.

Henry Kurtz spoke of a little black bug that
bothered the tobacco. It is something like the [lo-
tato bug and cuts holes in the leaf like a pin hole.

S. Kennedy described the manner in which he
lesscne*l the number of worms on his tobacco. The
fly that breeds this worm settles on the .Jamestown,
or as it is conimoniy called "Jimson" weeil, and at
nigh' he kills Hiese flies. It was his opinion that
e'cry I'y is equal to about a thousand worms, and
Jiis method saves a vast amount of picking.

Keiren tiARRER, Wcst Hcmpfield, said they had
a fair average crop.

Mr. Copenuavkr, West Hempfield. Crops look
very good, better than last year at this time, and
about Marietta and East Donegal exceedingly well.
Cut-worm bad at first but not now. More acreage
this than last year. Tobacco is better looked after
than usual, as the farmers find it pays better when it
is well attencled.

Ciiaki.es Rhodes, Safe Harbor. The thread or
heart worm is ravaging fearfully in his section and
in parts of York county, and between them and the
crows, which feast on the worms, the crop is being
killed. Some of the farmers laughed and rejoiced
when they got their tobacco out earlier than others,
as they thouirht they would come in ahead of their
neighbors, but now the rejoicing is on the other side.
That set out earlier is now very irregular, but that
planted later is growing finely. Old tobacco, some
fine small lots lying around, but buyers are fast
gathering il up.

There was some discussion about the thread or
heart worm, as to whether it began In the heart of

d26

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ August,

the plant or on thp outeide. There were mcmhers
who hafi seen both kinds, and it was decided that
there must be two varieties of the same worm. Prof.
S. S. Kathvon was consulted on the subject, hut he
could not classify it until he had seen a specimen.

Wash. L. Hershey reported the crops in his sec-
tion as being in a good condition.

Referred Questions.

Wjiat is the proper time and height for topping
(obaceo? This question had been referred to Mr. A.
.'^hifl'ner, but he not being able to attend the meeting
sent in his answer. It was as follows :

As the question of topping tobacbo was referred to
me I shall make a few brief remarks on the question.
As the time I'or topping is at hand I would lirst say
that every glower ought to be acquainted with the
soil he has planted. Rich, loamy soil will bear
higher topping; to the best of my knowledge twelve
to fourteen leaves is sufficient for any stalk, and in
soil that is not enriched eight and ten leaves will be
plenty. Tobacco stalks should not all be topped one
height.

In a i^atch some are more strong and growthy than
others. The small or backward ones should be top-
ped lower than the vigorous or growthy ones. The
time for topping tobacco, to the best of my judgment,
is about the time the seed bud makes its appearance.
<'are shoujil lie taken in pincl.iug ofl' the bud not to
scratch or tear the small, lender leaves. We should
all be sure to top low . If we do not we cannot get
in the high grades. It matters not how nice and
clean a lot of tobacco is if it don't come in to triple
and double A. We cannot get the highest price for
it without having that grade, and we can reach it
only by low toiJjiing and good attention.

Hexkt Kurtz endorsed the views of Mr.Shiflfner.
If tobacco is tojipcd low it is of a better grade, and
brings a better price. He would advise all to top
low.

Henry M.vyer agreed with the gentlemen who
had spoken, but did not believe that tobacco should
be topiicd too low. An ordinary sized leaf of good
quality will bring a better price than a large leaf of
poor quality.

S. Kennedy thought it would be a good idea to
have a good cigarmaker give his views on the sub-
ject. He thought a large leaf was preferable to a
small, as more wrappers could be cut out of it. The
cigarmakers always follow the veins in cutting
wrappers, taking the leaf between two veins for a
wrapper.

Henry Mayer denied this, and said only the point
of the leaf was used, therefore a small leaf was as
good as a large one.

Henry Kurtz said that he had a new kind of to-
bacco, which took a prize at the Centennial. It grew
to the leutrth of 4.8 inches and would bring at least
.SO cents- If of a tini' quality a big leaf is preferable,
but if coarse it is not.

M. D. Kendio said that it was his experience that
jobbers always look for long tobacco and do not pay
much attention to the quality. It is useless to try to
convince them that a small leaf is better than a large
one, as it certainly is. To get Ions le.avcs, top low.

Harry Mayer thought that a great deal depended
on the season. The last two weeks should be very
favorable.

Discussion closed.

Is there any advantage in scaffolding tobacco in the
fields ; For general discussion.

This was the ne.Kt question, liut the proceedings
were interrupted to allow Prof. Kathvon to read a
very interesting account of a new species of worm.
The account was clipped from a Marietta paper, and
is as follows :

"The tobacco growers in this section have found a
new worm at the plants this season, which is more
troulilesome than the cut-worm. It is a little over
half an inch long, of a brownish hue, and doi« not
operate like the cut-worm. It commences under-
ground, just at the top of the root, and bores into
the centre, and then eats out the heart of the stalk
until it reaches the top of the ground. The plant
thus hollowed out will remain green for a week or
ten days before it begins to wilt, but the presence of
the worm can be detected by the smallest leaf wither-
ing before it has long been at the root. The plant
once attacked by this animal, it becomes worthless
and might as well be pulled up. Messrs. John and
Calvin .Sidlzhach, who have three acres in tobacco
have had one-third of them destroyed by this new
I'est. It was supposed that the growers had as
much to contend with in the cut-worm in the early
stages of its growth as they could handle, but this
wire-worm, as it is called, promises to give tlicra a
good deal of trouble."

The discussion was then resumed. Henry Kurtz
said that it was his opinion that scaffolding in the
field was not of much account. If tobacco can be
housed without scaffolding it is much better. If it
can he scaffolded in the shade it is not so bad, but he
did not favor it.

-Mr. Copenhaver had scaffolded for twenty years,
ami was strongly in favor of it. He said that the to-
bacco wilted and was much easier to handle, and
could he hung up in half the time that It could
while green. Besides this it did not break as easily

as it did while green. Always let tobacco hang
out a few days.

Henry Kurtz said that alhough he was in favor
of shedding immediately, he was not in favor of put-
ting tobacco in its place at once. He first hung it
low down in the shed, and in a few days hung it uj)
higher.

Henry Mayer was of the opinion that it should
be hung in its place at once. If it was hung on
scaffolds it wilted and then when hung up it was
placed too close together. The consequence of this
was that in damp weather it swelled and rotted.
All growers should have a gauge by which to hang
tobacco. He hung about six stalks on a lath, plac-
ing them about eight inches apart.

Peter S. Ketst thought it depended on the sea-
son as to whether it should be scaffolded or not. If
taken off when the weather Nvas hot like at the pres-
ent time it should be housed immediately, (>r it
would scorch. If cut late it might be hung on scaf-
folds for a week or ten days.

E. HuMEit jireferrcd housing it immediately, as
did also M. D. Kendig, who thought then there
would be no danger of getting it too close. It might
not be out of pl.ice to wilt it down a little, but then
there was danger of frost.

S. K. EsHLEMAN wanted information on the sub-
ject of transporting tobacco. He said that buyers-
complained that it was injured by being hauled in
wagons, and told of several places where he had
seen wagons fixed specially for hauling tobacco,
with places to hang it as it was cut. He wanted to
know if this was general.

IlENin' Kurtz answered that he knew of a large
number of such wagons, and it was becoming general.

Discussion closed.

Ne'w Business.

Under this head I. L. Landis introduced the sub-
ject of butterflies that breed worms. (Ti'owers are
much annoyed by them. In the South the cotton
planters are likewise annoyed hy a cotton fly, which
they rid themselves of by building large fires. The
flies are attracted by these tires and flying into them
are burned to death. He had a plan, of which he
read in some paper, that he thought would be suc-
cessful. It was to take a tub of water into the field,
and place a strong light into the tub. The light
would attract the flies, and getting their wings
scorched they would fall into the tub and be drowned.

Prof. Kathvon exhibited some specimens of this
fly, and gave thfe Latin name for it.

Peter S. Keist heartily endorsed Mr. Landis'
plan, as he had tried it and found it completely suc-
cessful.

E. IIuBEii told of th^ manner in which they
cleai'cd their apple orchard of flies by building large
fires at the edge of the orchard.

The following

Referred Questions

were adopted for next meeting.

How soon after stripj)ing should or can tobacco be
cased * Keferred to Henry Kurtz.

Which is the best method to ])ut tobacco on the
lath, by splitting, spearing, pegging, or stripping the
leaves off the stalk i For general discussion.

How should sheds be managed after hanging the
tobacco, in order to have it cured properly? Referred
to W. L. Hershey.

Prof. S. S. Kathvon, and the members of the press
who reported the meetings of the society, were elected
honorary members of the societ}'.

THE LINNyEAN SOCIETY.

The Linuican Society met on Saturday, July '2S,
with nine members present and President J. S.
Stahr in the chair. After the collection of dues and
the consideration of the minutes of the last meeting,
a few

Additions to the Museum
were examined and found to consist of the following:

A small colcoptera ftjund infesting the .Sutnac, per
J. B. P^shleman. It belongs to the family "Chry-
somelidae ;" the " Blcpharida rhoix," "the only
species we have of this genus.

Mr. Bui.ton captured night-flying moths, which
proved to lie the ^^iJryoricnipa rubl cniida,^^

Mr. John Dufi-'y ifbund a circular body shaped
like a lady's small watch, in a tortoise-colored case,
and black band. He was fearful it might be a tor-
pedo, but it [iroves to be one of those curious sea-
beans, that grows on nobody knows what tree, and
yet are so common on the Southern seaboard. Sir
Hans Sloane notices it in his catalogue of Jam.aica
plants, as found both in the West and East Indies,
known as hose-eye, from the ebony colored hihis sur-
roiuiding the edge of the bean, the upper ami lower
side of which is slightly convex ; called also sea
lentil and sarogossa ; but this gives us no elue to the
tree or plant that yields them. Who will give the
desired information i

Several abnormal growths, one in a grape vine,
(Hartford I'rolilic) in which a second crop of llow-
ers came forth to bloom and set fruit — a simple sus-
pension and subsequcul action in the necessary juices.

An umble of a PclargouimUf in full flower ; one of
the peduncles, however, having an excess of vital

action, prolonged itself into a stem and formed a see
ond umble of flowers out of the first. L.aid on the
table by our worthy President, Rev. ■!. S. .Stahr.

Mii. Bolton also left some neatly moinited ferns,
('nmptosoriis rhizopliyllvs ; the walking fern, that is,
the leaf elongates its terminal point and again strikes
root — found on rocks in shady places. Also the pretty
little A.solnu'fni trii:hoinants.

To the historical collection was added a rare
ancient coin of Licinius Senior, A. D. 30~-o24, per
Kev. J. H. Dubbs. Also two envelopes of clippings
of historical interest, per S. S. Kathvon.

Additions to the Library.

American Philosophical Society, vol. xvi. Jan. !•
to May 1.S77, No. 99.

Printed circulars and two pamphlets of book cata-
logues. The Lancaster Farmer for July. The
published address of Rev. D. W. Gerhard, A. M.,
delivered at New Holland, to the Reformed Church.

An address by Ceo. F. Bear, delivered at the dedi-
cation of Palatinate College, Myerstown, December
2.S, 187.5.

An oration delivered at Reading, June 19, 1876, by
Hon. Daniel Ermcntrout — "Our Peojile." Donated
per Mr. A. F. Hostetter, member.

A copy of the aiuiual report of the Se<Tetary of
Internal Afl'airs, Part III., Industrial Statistics,
through Wm. McCandless, per Wm. H. H. Grier.
Papers Read.

The neat and sharply marked fossil presented at
the last meeting by Kev. Mr. Houpt, is described as
the PcntraiiUia f^orilonu. otherwise fiorials — belong-
ing to the crinoids, and Its relation, by S. S. Kath-
von— paper No. .508. Appended to this paper was a
resume on the former article "Matzabaum," which
he finds, according to Dr. Rultgers, an intelligent
German citizen, should be written ".Martzipan"
(pronounced Marr-tsce-pahn) or ".Marcusbread," a
Venetian sweet bread, (pants Marcius.)

Kev. Jos. H. Dubbs read a highly interesting pa-
per in reference to the coin donated, an excellent
specimen of the Roman third bronze. The inscrip-
tion (uii'cvAT- iftNLliiNivsPEAvci) wliicli translat-
ed, (ler Mr. D. reads, "The Emperor Galenius Val-
erius Liconianus Licinius, High Priest, Augustus."
This is on the obverse with the usual bust of the
reigning monarch. The reverse represents Jupiter
standing, with an eagle at his side, and in his right
hand a figure of Victory, holding a chaplet with the
legend — ".lovicONSERVATORY,'' that is "To Jove,
the Preserver." In the exergue are the letters s.mn.
i. e. "Sacra Moneta Narbonensis — no doubt struck
in the mint in the city of Narbonne, in Southern
Gaul. The interesting history about those limes
must be given in a special notice of the article pub-
lished at length.

A slip cut from an Easlon, Pa., newspaper was
read, which states that on the farm of Dr. AV. P.
Kisller, near Schecksvillc, is a chestnut tree that is
a great curiosity. The trunk is perfectly straight
and shoots to a great height, while the branches, in-
stead of stretchiug outward, rim perpendicular w.th,
or s])irally around it, making it impossible to climb
it. In appearance it looks more like a Lombardy
poplar than, a chestnut tree, which promises this
season to yield an abundance of nuts, as usual, of
a large size. This came up under scientific gossip,
with the other sports found in the vegetable kingdom,
in which the botanist took a part. Darwin was re-
ferred to, facts admitted, but theories questioned.
After all, as regards the chestnut tree, a playful
trimming of the lower branches of a chestnut sprout
and spirally turning the upper branches might sim-
ply verify the old adage — "As the twig is bent the
tree is inclined." There are wonderful trainings on
i-ecord.

The committee to till the bottles to preserve speci-
mens, reported having attended to that duty, at an
expense for alcohol and para ffine p.aper of 50 cents,
which was on motion ordered to be paid. Said com-
mittee was continued and authorized to have the
rooms cleaned up. Although very warm, the society
enjoyed the meeting and discussions, and on motion
adjourned to Saturday, August 25,1877.

Manure for Fruit Trees.
The Western New York Horticultural Society
lately discus^eil the question of manure for fruit
trees. One member said that he had used super-
phosphate of lime with good results. Another mem-
ber said he had seen more benefit resulting from
super-phosphate the second year than the first, es-
jiccially when the first was a dry season. Another
member preferred wood ashes. He once used 1,800
bushels of leached ashes on the sand soil of his or-
chard and vineyard with very great advantage, apply-
ing it at the ratio of :;00 bushels per acre. The
quality as well as size and yield of fruit was very
much improved. Another member considered barn-
yard mainire as the most jirofitable fertilizer for fruit
trees, as it furnishes all the elements required for
growth and fertility. Fruitgrowers should therefore
manufacture all the manure they can, by kcciiing
horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, and gathering up all the
litter, tS:c., for the manure pile. Some people are lia-
ble to make mistakes in using stimulating manures
as fertilizers for fruit crops.

1877.1

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

127

AGRICULTURAL.

A Bountiful Harvest.
The ro|XiHR which have hillipilo appcaipd in puh-
Uc press, c-oncoriiiiii; the oxi-i'llcnl rio|)8 in proeppct,
have not I'een premature (irexaniiiMMlcil. Tlic- wlie.Tt
rrop, now almost secured, is umlouliledly llic hirjrefit
ever harvested in lids country. Stimulated hy the
prospect of lictter prices, farmers exerted themselves
last fall and 8|irini,' to eet in as larifc an acreage as
possible, anil the result is that the total area exceeds
that of any previous year, while the average yield
per acre ie without doulit the hest on record. Some
writers put it at twenty-tivc hushels for the entire
country, hut this is evidently an cxasja'cration ; if it
reaches eifihtccn liu.sliels, and Ironi all reports we
think it will, it will excocd the avcra^;e of any [uevi-
0U8 year, and Hill make a nias;nifieenl cro|i in the
aggreeate. E. U. Mansfield, the well-known statis-
tical writer, places the avera(;e yield of Ohio at
eighteen Imslicis or more. The acreay:c hi- puts at
2,1(»,I1I)0, making a (rrand aggregate of :i7,.S0(),(l00
bushels of wheat— the greatest ever raised in the
State, both in acrcasrc and average. The Iburtecn
counties of the Miami valley produced ^..^O.^dO
bushels in bS74, and this year he says llicy will |iro-
duce 8,000,1101) bushels.

Ohio is scarcely ahead of other States in this crop,
as our reports from all points arc cipially encourag-
ing. Kair estimates place the incicase of this year
over that of ls74,at about tV.',OOO,IH)0 bushels, which
would brim: the aggregate up to :!71 ,00(1,0110 bushels,
and at Sl.W per bushel, will be worth S.Wfi.iiOO.OOO.
At present prices the bulk of this crop will be mar-
keted at once, and the elt'ect ufion the business of the
country can not help being good. Whether it will
h.-im; about an active revival of business or not, one
thing is certain, it will remove the fanning class be-
yond the influence of the depression that exists else-
where.

But wheat is not the only "big crop" of the year.
The hay crop is unusually large, and oats never
protnised better. I. ate reports also place the corn
crop among the bountiful ones of the year. Locali-
ties have been injured liy wet weather, but they arc
limited, and will have little efl'eel upon the general
result. Take all crops together, grainand vegetable,
and the aggregate yiebl will undoubtedly exceecl
largely that of any previous year — lor which men of
I all occupations will be thankful, but especially will
the farmer rejoice, as it i»laces him in a most en-
viable position. Those wlio an> able to hold their
wheat will have but one thing to worry about — and
that is, whether to sell it or lioM it for better prices.
Ft is a fpieslion we are not going to decide, but we
would suggest that it is best, always, to " let well
enough alone."

Cultivating Wheat.

in iierusing the various agricultural journals, I
see it. is claimed by some that wheat sown in drills,
IS to 24 inches apart, and cultivated in spring with a
plow similar to other hoed crops, will increase the
yield from one-thirtl to one-halt' more than without
cultivation. ..\s we have no cxpei'ience in this matter
in this part of the country, and being desirous of ex-
perimenting to some extent next autumn with winter
wheat, I would ask as a favor that you and all yonr
contributors, who have had any, would give their ex-
perience, that those who may desire to experiment
next season may have the benefit of it to begin with.
Harrowing wheat in the spring has been inaetiecd to
a limited extent here for some time, which it is
claimed bcnelits the eroj), but it does not meet with
general favor. — /■'. .1/. /i'., Hockinart, (in.

[It would be difficult to "plow" wheat, as
jou (iropose, without, covering the plants, and it
would not be economical of labor unless an imple-
ment were emi)loyed which would take several drills
at a time, as is practiced in England. Wheat, like
corn, would grow more vigorously for mellowing the
surface and breaking the crust. The experiments
»r liave tried have given ((uite favorable results, the
""rU, if thoroughly and repeatedly done, increasing
1 lie crop from six to ten bushels per acre in most
cases. In the experiments you mention, the harrow
iug may have been imperfectly performed, and with
an unauitabic instrument.] — Country (/cntlcmcn.

Treating Manure with Unslaked Lime.
Some years ago I knew a farmer who undertook to
itnprovc the mamirc in his barny.'ii-d by spreading on
it unslaked lime. The yard w.is sheltered, most of
the manure being in a basement to his b[irn, to which
the cattle had free access. Heturning one night
from a visit to town he observed an unusual light
under his barn, and on goinsr to the spot to ascertain
the cause, he found a pile of manure actually send-
ing out a small llame which would soon have reduced
the barn and contents but for his timely discovery,
lie put out the fire and abandoned the use of lime in
the manure heap, for the lesson satisfied him that
burning would not improve manure.

It is stated that more wheat was raised in North
Carolina this year than during any one year since 1835.

HORTICULTURAL.

Varieties of Late Turnips.

While the number of varieties of turnips given in
our seeilsmen's catalogues are frequently more con
fusing than instructive to the farmer, still we may
count the really distinct and valuable without going
la^vond the lindt of a baker's dozen, and jurrhaps the
half of this would be aluinilantly BUfliciciit for both
the early and late .soi-ts. Our |>rcferen<'e fortbclate,
or what is generally termed Hal tundps, is the (iolilen
Hall, or, to givt^ it a more high-sounding name,
Kttbertson's (lolden Ball. It docs not grow so large
as some of the whitc-fleshcd sorts, still it is large
cnoui;h I'or convenience in hanrlling and storing,
whib^ the roots ai-c smooth ami solid, the flesh of a
rich orange yellow, and very mitritive and sweet.
(l(dden-fleshcd turni[>s, like golden butter, look
richer than the white, even if they are not ; but we
are inclined to think tliey arc so in fact as well as in
appearance, and for these reasons we prefi'r them.
The yellow Aberdeen is an older variety, similar to
the last and a most excellent sort. Both of these
ycllow-ficshcd sorts retain their good qualities until
late in the spring, if kept in a cool place durinc; the
winter. Tlio Cow-Horn is a rcmai'kably large tui'-
nip ; that is, it contains a large amount of pulp or
flesh, and gi'ows very long instead of round, as Is
usual with this class of roots. The shai>e of this
root adndls of a greater weight being i)roduccd per
acre with the flat or round sorts, as the plants can
stand nearer together, a portion being buried in the
soil and the remainder rising above it. A turnip of
this form, a foot long and four inches In diameter,
will of course contain four times as much substance
as one of the same diameter and only tlu-ce inches in
depth. The (;ow-Horneii turnip is a white fleshed
sort, and gi'ows as freely as any, and quite as rapidly;
the Hesh, however, is not quite so solid, nor will they
keep quite as well as the more firm and yellow
fleshed varieties. Still, it is an excellent tunup, suc-
ceeding well on light, rich soils. These are, on
account of their shape, very easily handled, especially
in gathering and preparing for storiue: in winter, and
we believe would become more popular if better
known. — Jinral Ncti^ Yorker.

Value of Early Apples.

The remarkable fact that the Ked Astrachan apple
is po]iular over the whole United States, and which
fact has heretofore received considerable atteiilion in
the Ti:liiiritpU, is again receiving notice at the bands
of our contemporaries ; one of them suggesting that
for all this it is hardly a fruit that any amateur
would care to put on his dessert table. But then is
not this the case with all popular early apples ; When
we have an abundaneeof jiears, peaches, grapes, «^e.,
table apples are not anxiously sought ; but for cook-
ing purposes the early apples are always popular.
Thousands of bushels are annually sold for kitchen
purposes at the early season for every bushel of
table fruit. Of course a good apple is a good thing
at any season, and an amateur who wants every-
thing nice will find a place for an early Joe, an early
Strawberry, or some other early kind really good to
eat ; but the real value of an early apple to the world
at large, which means all who want to make money,
as well as those who want a good fruit to eat, de-
pends on how it takes to pies and sauce, dumplings,
ifce., and how it bears and otherwise behaves.

In this respect the Ked Astrachan very well fills
the bill. It is a large and pretty apple, a clear white
color, and as soft and free from pulp when cooked as
frozen cream. In this part of the world it is by no
means an over-abundant bearer, but it produces
crops every year, and as much as a tree ought to
bear to live a long and useful life. — OcrmaiUomi
Telegraph.

The Peach Crop.

After all we were told about the abundant peach
crop of Delaware, it seems the promise of the spring
is not going to be realized. Solon Robinson has ji'«'
investigated the prospects of a large yield.
Clares most positively that instead of 7,0ii ,000 bas-
kets, which was the expected yield, at the outside
there will not be more than S,(IOO,000. The really
good orchards are few ami far between. Some grow-
ers who looked forward to haudEome returns, will be
able themselves to eat every ])cach that hangs on
their trees. Middletown, Del., has always been
known as a "peach centre," and yet it is asserted asa
fact beyond contradiction that a single team will be
able to haul all the iieaches that will this year be
sent to market from thai iioint. There are some or-
chards where not a dozen peaches can be fouml on a
hundred frees. This will be as disagreeable to con-
sumers hereabouts, as to the peach growers them-
selves. Of late years large amounts of this delicious
fruit have been brought, f^rom Delaware and sold in
our markets, taking the place of the home yield,
which has been insufficient to sui]ply the local de-
mand. Our home crop is quite small, and it looks
as if we would have to get along on a very limited
supply of this, perhaps the most delicious of all the
fruits grown in temperate climates.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Household Recipes.

r'AMPMEnriNd Cakks.— A cu|iful of sugar, half a
cupful of butter, half a cu|iful of ndlk, two eggs, a
teaspoonful of cream of tartar, and two cupfuls of
Hour. Sprinkle sugar over before putting In the
oven.

AlM'LK C'heam. — Boll a ilozen apples of pleasant
flavor in water until soft, take oil' the iH:(d and press
the pulp thniugh a sieve upon half a pound of |>owd-
crcd suirar ; whip the whiles of two eggs, atld them
to the api)les, beat them all together till it becomes
viry stiff and looks quite white. Serve It licai>cd
upon a dish.

Hkuhs intended for dryint; should be picked just
before the plant blossoms. Wash them until they
are entirely fi'Cc from dust, anti place them on a sieve
to drain. Then put. them in the oven and let them
l-emain until lliey are j)crfe»'tly dry. Afterward rub
from the stalk, put in i;la6s jars and cover closely.

To CouK Si MMKR SyiAsii. — Unless very youiic
pare them and lake out the seeils. Cut in piecciand
boil in salted water until tender. Pressout allijf the
wafer and mash smooth. Season with bid ter, pepper
and salt, and a tablcspoonful of cream, put in a fry.
ing pan and let simmer for ten minutes or longer.
Serve hot.

Sassai-uab Beeh. — Pour two quarts of boiling
water upon two large spoonsful of cream tartar, anci
aild ten drojts of oil of sassafras, ten tlrops of oil of
8i>ruce, ten drops of wlutergreen, then add eight
quarts of cold water and a |iint of good yeast, and
sweeten to taste. Let stand 'J4 hours, and then bottle
it. This makes a delicious summer beverage.

To Prevent a Bonk FKi.oN.—When you find
that you have a bone felon condng, apjily a fly blister
to the afTecteil part immediately, and let it draw to
its fullest extent. An early application of this kind
will seldom fail to |iut back a felon. Of course, the
remedy is somewhat severe, but it docs not compare
in this respect to the disease.

lii.AcKiiEUUY Wine. — Measure your berries and
brui.se them ; to every gallon add one quart of boiling
water ; let the mixture stand twenty-four hours, stir-
rin(r occasionally ; then strain off the liquor into a
cask, to every gallon adding two pounds of good,
clean sugar, cork tight, and let stand till the follow-
ing Ocfofier, when it will be ready for use.

Of all fruit conducive to health, to the blackberry
is conceded the highest place. Thousands of lives,
especially of children, might annually be saved by a
free use of this fruit during the summer. The fruit
is pleasant and wholest)me, and all who can obtain
it, should use it freely; can, and .put up in various
w.ays, according to taste, a goodly sui)ply for future
use. We apjiend a few tried recipes :

Bi.Ac KiiEuuy Jam. — .Mash the blackberries, cover
fhcni with white sugar, and stand them overnight
in a cool place. Use one pound of sugar to three
jwiuiidsof berries. In the moriuni; boil for twenty
mimites, stirring well, but using no water. Have
the jars hot the same for caniung fruit, put in the
jam while hot, and screw on the lids immediately —
tightening them airain, when cool.

Bi.AcKiiEKUv Jii.T.Y. — Take fresh ripe berries, put
them in a porcelain lined kettle with a little water ;
just enough to start to cooking. As soon as the
berries come to a boil, remove from the fire and strain
out the juice. Measure Ihc juice, put it back in the
kettle, and as soon as it begins to lioil, add one quart
of sugar for each quart of juice. Boil down to suit
taste. If you wish to make fine jelly, make a small
quantity at a time, and make ((uickly.

Bi,.V(KHEiiKV ConDiAL. — Let the berries get fully
ripe before they are gathered, then mash them, and
let the juice and pomace remain together for eight
or ten hours ; add to one gallon of juice, two pounds
of crushed sugar, lialf ounce each of finely pulverized
cinnamon and nutmeg, and two ounces of powdered
allspice. Boil the mixture gently for fifteen minutes ;
and when cold, add a half-[iint of fourth-proof
brand-, < ;■ '.'a-- bist rye whisky. Bottle in pint bot-
f -.with the corks cutoff even with the top, and
voierwith wax to exclude the air. It is always
better to put cordial up in small bottles. If in large
bottles, if not usci) soon after opening, it is liable to
spoil or lose its flavor. This is an excellent remedy
for diarrhiea and summer comjilaint.

Ki.KEUiiEKKy Wine. — This is an old Knglish win-
ter beverage, always in that country being drank
warm and mulled with spices and sops of toasted
bread. We have also found it to be an excellent
remedy for cholera infantum, and for diarrlicea and
ilysentery in adults, being more efficacious, we think,
than blackberry bramly. From a teaspoonful to a
tablcspoonful may be given three times a day to in-
fants, according to their age, and to adults a tumbler-
ful three times a day, especially when going to bed.
Il acts as a carminative and sudorfie. We give a re-
ceipt for making it : Twenty quarts of elderberries,
masheil ; twenty quarts of water ; thirty pounds of
light brown sugar; of grotuid mace, cinnamon and
cloves each one-half ounce. Boil for fifteen minutes,
strain and let il stand to cool ; then put into a cask,
adding more water if there is not quite enough to fill
the cask. Place in a dry, sweet cellar, and let it fer-

i28

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ August, 1877.

ment ; when the fermentation is over bung it up,
and in the follovviner March bottle it if desired.

A RErRESniNG Dkink. — A refreshing drink for
the harvest days can be made of jelly — grape jelly
preferred — mixed in ioe water, one teacupiul jelly to
a quart of water; stir well and drink directly after it
is mixed. A little ginger added, improves the drink
for some, and will satisfy thirst better than water
alone. Grape jelly is considered very healthy, and
is recommended by jihysicians iu many cases of sick-
ness— acting as a cooling stimulant in many cases
of weakness and fever; gives strength without con-
sequent debility, or drag of the system.

PRE.SERVING PEACHES. — As pcach time will soon
be here, I send you my method of preserving them.
Select fruit just ripe, pare, halve, and throw into
cold water to preserve the color. After everything is
ready, lay them in the cans, putting a little sugar
over each layer. Now set the can iu a vessel con-
taining water, set on the stove and let it remain until
the fruit is thoroughly he.ated through, which will
take half an hour with a brisk fire. The tempera-
ture should be 1I50O. (Every woman should keep a
thermometer.) Seal at once, and put a weight on
the cover — that i%, if you use cement. With self-
sealers it is not required. This method makes the
nicest kind of preserved fruit.

To.MATO Preserves. — I can not make wine — never
tried — do not believe in wine — but I can give the
readers of The Far.mer a good recipe for preserving
tomatoes. Take smootli, round fruit, ripe, and
scald and peel them. Then add a pound of white
sugar for each pound of tomatoes, and let them
stand ten hours. Now remove the tomatoes from
the syrup which will be formed, and boil the latter,
removing the scum. Then put in the tomatoes and
boil gently for twenty minutes. Talve out the fruit
and boil the syrup agani until it is quite thick. Put
the fruit in jars, and when the syrup is cool, pour
over it and add a few slices of lemon iu each jar, to
give flavor.

^

Recipe for Butter.

In a small work, describing the method of making
butter in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, celebra-
ted in the market of that city, I find the following:
"Take of saltpeter one part, of loaf-sugar one part,
of fine rock-salt two parts; beat the mass to a fine
powder, and use one ounce of the composition to one
pounil of butter. This will give it a peculiar, rich
flavor, but it should not be used before two weeks
old. Butter is often injured by using too much salt
in preserving it; but this composition renders it un-
necessary to salt to excess. For immediate use, salt
alone is preferable." This recipe is for butter that
may be kept perfectly sweet for months. The best
salt must he used (Ashton's Liverpool is the most
used), or butter cannot be depended on to keep
long. The following is a good test before using it :
Dissolve a little in a glass tumbler; if the brine form-
ed is clear and free from bitter taste, the saltis good;
if, on the contrary, it is of a milky appear-
ance, leaves any sediment or throws scum to the
surface, it should be rejected. There are times when
the butter comes, that it is soft and warm, and diffi-
cult to take out. Then the milk should be removed,
and the churn half filled with ice-cold milk or pure
ice-water, and churned until the butter hardens. If
the ice disapj)ears before this takes place then it must
be renewed. If the butter comes rather warm put in
twice the salt you usually do, work your butter just
enough to mix the salt well through it, and set it
away in a cool place for 24 hours, then lake it up and
work it over ; much of the salt will be dissolved and
work out. — Fanners' Frieml.

The Spare Bed.

One rule ought to be invariable With every good
housekeeper: Tliat the bed in the guest chamber
shall never be "made" except when it is to be direct-
ly used. Let it lie fallow between whiles, and turn
the mattresses every few days, with all precau-
tion against dampness gatherng on them.
Then, when put in order, "with fresh sheets and
blankets, having the dry hc.at of the kitchen fire
in them, there will be small risk of that chill
which the travelers dread. We repeat it, a room
that is kept undamped, sweet and wholesome, with a
dried bed and plenty of well-aired bed clothes, is
within the reach of all to give tlieir guests, and is
all that sensible visitors ask. It is better than a hot
stove in the room, or hot bottles, jugs or India rub-
ber grannies in the bed, and whoso complains of
this — let him complain.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

The abundant harvests which are everywhere so
promising this fall, with a good demand at fair
prices, will suggest to our readers the propriety of
purchasing a good and reliable piano. To those who
would buy a strictly first-class instrument, we would
recommend to look into the merits of the Mendels-
sohn Piano Co., No. 56 Broadway, N. Y., whose ad-
vertisement appears elsewhere. This Company is

regularly incorporated under the laws of the State of
New York, and composed of eminent Piano manu-
facturers, with the express object of selling Pianos
direct to the people at Factory Prices, without the
intervention of agents or dealers, thereby saving
them more than one-half the prices usually charged.

The Pianos, including Grand, Square and Upright,
made one of the finest displays at the Centennial
Exhibition, and were iinauimouxly recommended for
the Diploma of Honor and Medal of Merit.

The leading papers of the country speak in very
high terms of the Company and their Pianos.

We would recommend any of our readers who have
any idea of ever buying a piano, to send for their
Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue, which will be
mailed free to all.

Art Publishing. — Few people are aware of the
wonderful progress that Art has made in this country
during the last quarter of a century. It is but a few
decades since, that those who desired to beautify and
adorn their homes, were obliged to depend almost
entirely on foreign artists. But such a state of affairs
in this age of progress and improvement could not
last long with the great American people. Genius
from the East to the West, from the North to the
Gulf of Mexico on the south, answered the demand
for beauty, taste and refinement, and to-day our
leading artists are not surpassed by the leading
modern masters of Art in Europe.

Great Art publishing establishments have sprung
up, and by various processes the finest and most ex-
pensive p.aintings are reproduced in all their elegance
and beauty, and at a price within the means of the
masses. So that no one need be without the refin-
ing influences of beautiful pictures at home.

Among the progressive leading Art Publishing
firms of the country, we take pleasure in mentioning
George Stinson & Co., of Portland, Maine; they were
among the first in the business, and we can only
understand the colossal proportions their trade has
assumed by remembering that this is a great and
mighty Nation of nearly fifty million people. We
cannot better illustrate the magnitude of their busi-
ness than to state the amount of money paid by them
for postage stamps during the year 1876 ; we have
the figures direct from the firm, or we should think
there was some mistake. They paid for postage
stamps during the year 1876, thirty-three thousand
one hundred and four dollars and ninety-two cents
(.$3.3, 10-1.92) and, in connection with this it should he
remembered that only the small orders were sent by
mail, the larger going by express and freight. George
Stinson &, Go's., agents are to be found in every
State in the Union and Dominion of Canada, and in
every county, with scarcely an exception.

Long since, this enterprising firm recognized the
value of printer's ink judiciously used in advertising,
and they inform us that without it they could never
have extended their business as it is to-day, in three
times the number of years. A short time since they
paid in a single day twenty-four thousand dollars
($24,000) on a contract for newspaper advertising.
They evidently long since found the road to success,
and have neither turned to the right nor the left.
Three things are necessary for eminent success in
business. First, standard honest goods that the peo-
ple generally need and desire — let them be the best,
whatever the line of business. Second, let your
prices be reasonable — as low as possible. Third, let
the people know what you have, and what you can
do, by lilicral and persistent advertising, and you
will find low prices, made known and proved, will
bring trade that will give a larger income than can
be made in any other way.

Sorrento and Inlaid Work ; by Arthur Hope.
Price, $1.. 50. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Phibadelphia.
Mr. Hope is evidently a veteran in the art of wood
carving. He tells us that his first rude attempts at
scroll-sawing were made twenty years ago with a
roughly whittled saw frame, fitted with a blade made
from a watch spring, in which "teeth few and far
between had been unevenly and laboriously cut with
a common file."

The object of Mr. Hope's book is to furnish a man-
ual for alt who are interested in scroll sawing and
carving, both beginners and experts, and with this
in view, he has treated of every branch of the sub-
ject, from woods and their preparation on through
the various branches, to overlaying, inlaying, silhou-
ettes, etc. The book is illustrated with full page
designs, many of them the choicest silhouettes, the
designs alone, if bought at retail, amounting to more
than the price of the book. We do not see how any-
thing better than Mr. Hope's little volume could
well be prepared. It is remarkably explicit, and yet
remarkably full in explaining and describing the
very things that the amateur worker most wishes to
know, and being himself an enthusiast, he can have
little difiiculty in awakening a corresponding inter-
est in others. The chapters on overlaying and in-
laying are the best we have ever seen on the subjects,
and contain instruction to be found in no other form.
Altogether Mr. Hope's book is a gem, and no ama-
teur can afford to be Without it.

Circular and Price List, for summer »nd fall
of 1877. Those who are engaged in — or who prt)pose
to engage in — the cultivation of the Strawberry,
Raspberry, Gooseberry, Currant and Blackberry

plants, &c., will no doubt be greatly assisted in their
enterprises, of this kind, by having on hand and
consulting the circular and price list of E. P. RoE,
Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, Orange co., New York.
Wenever have halfcnough of what are usually termed
"small fruit," in Lancaster county, and there are
never half enough persons engaged in their cultiva-
tion, nor ever half enough acres of land devoted to
their production. Mr. Roe has the reputation of be-
ing very successful in originating new varieties of
seedlings, which have been endorsed by some of the
best fruit growing names of the country, and there-
fore it might pay to have his circulars and a copy of
his " Manual on the culture of small fruits" on hand_
Ellwanger and Barry's catalogues, Nos. 1 and
2, for fall 1877. We acknowledge the receipt of
these descriptive lists of fruit trees, ornamental trees,
shrubs, roses, flowering plants, bulbs, ifec, &c., now
in ample stock at Mount Hope Nurseries, Rochester,
N. Y., by these enterprising nurserymen. These
two catalogues comprise 186 royal octavo pages, ex-
clusive of title pages and covers, with many fine il-
lustrations, and include all that is good, ornamental
and useful in the nursery line, both foreign and do-
mestic; and we are almost tempted to say, that what
they have not got, is not worth having. "These lists
are the most systematically arranged, and the easiest
consulted, of any we have yet seen; and we could
not imagine a more satisfactory source of informa-
tion on this subject, except a personal visit to the
nurseries themselves.

Butter and Butter Makino, with the best
methods for producing and marketing it. By WilHg
P. Hazard, President of the Chadd's Ford Farmers'
Club, author of "the Jersey, Alderney and Guernsey
cow," &c. Published by Porter ife Coates, No. 822
Chestimt street, Philadelphia. Price 2.5 cents. A
royal 12mo. of 48 pages, in paper covers, with four
well executed illustrations of imported cows, which
took high premiums at the Centennial, namely, the
Jersey Cow, "Duchess," "Tiberia," "Niobe" and
"Milkmaid." The value of the book may be inferred
from the subjects it so ably discusses — cleanliness
and attention ; important rules ; chemistry of butter ;
feeding for milk and butter ; coloring butter; method
of milking ; care of the milk ; skimming and care
of cream ; spring-houses, ice-houses and dairy
rooms ; churning ; working ; washing, marketing, &c
Don't Put the Poor Working Man Down ! —
This is the title of the greatest motto song ever pub-
lished in America. Written and composed by Bobby
Newcomb. Will be sung in almost every theatre in
the land. Price 3.5 cents per copy. If you cannot
get it from your regular music dealer send to the
publisher, F. W. Ilelraick, No. .50 West 4th St., Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.

chorus.
Let capital sliaiie lianda with labor,

Let the. jioor fiave ttie bread tliat they earn,
For surely tliey need every peuuy,

Iri a leasou quite easy to learu.
Remember the poor love their children,

So give them a smile, not a frown,
Live, and let live, lie your motto.

Oh ! don't put the poor working man down.

In the July number of The Farmer we called the
attention of our readers to a new and useful cooking
utensil recently invented, which is knoivn as the
Centennial Cake and Baking Pan, made of Russia
iron, and is so constructed that after your cake is
baked, you can instantly remove it from the pan
without injuring it; and having a raised bottom the
cake can not possibly burn. It is also provided with
a slide on the bottom, so that when you remove the
tube, you can close the hole, making a pan with
plain bottom for baking jelly or plain cakes, bread,
etc.

Since then we have seen one of the pans, which was
shown us by Mr. B. G. Lefevre, formerly of Quarry-
ville, who 's agent for this county, and who is now
canvassing for the same.

National Agricultural Congress. — The sixth
annu.al session of this body will be held at the Grand
1'acifl.c Ifotel, in the City of Chicago, 111., commenc-
ing at lOo'clock, A. M., on Tuesday, the 25th of Sep-
tember, 1877, and continuing three days. All agri-
cultural societies, boards of agriculture, agricultural
departments, colleges, periodicals, grangers' clubs,
and other organizations in the interest of agriculture,
in the United Stales and British America, are re-
quested to send delegates. Specimens of agricultural
productions are solicited for exhibition and compari-
son from all parts of the country. The Chicago
Inter-State Exposition will be open during the meet-
ing of the Congress. W. C. Flagg, President; H. J.
Smith, Secretary.

We call the special attention of our readers to the /
advertisement of Mast, Foos & Co., in this number!
of The Farmer, and to the article and cut, on pagej
118, illustrating the superior qualities of their "Iron
Turbine" wind-wheel.

Attention is called to the advertisement of E.^
Moody & Sons, Lockport, N. Y. This house is onel
of the oldest and largest in the nursery trade ln|
the United States.

We would call the attention of our readers to thol
advertisement of Marsh & Comp, Mt. Joy, Pa., who!
manufacture a new and improved double land roller.j

THE LANCASTER FARMER

III

If you want to be Strong, Healthy and

VlKOVoux tiiki' E. F Knnkers Diner Wms of Iron. No
lauKMBKO can convcv an iideqiiate iiira o the inimeJwto nrni
almoBt miruiMiloUK change i.rodnced liy lak.nK K. r. Kuu.
kcr« Ulltor Wiueof Iron in the aiM.a.e.l, ilehiljtatcd and
BhiltlerednervoilMBVStem. Whethor lir.ikcn d.iwll b.vcxCTBB,
ivelk by nulnre. or imimired liy sn-kiu'an, the leluxed and
unutrnnn orguni/.aliou is reBtond to iH'rfwt heallh and
vigor. .Sold only in $1 liottlea. SSold by all druggiBta and
dealers everywbere.

Nervous Debility ! Nervous Debility.

Debilily. a depressed, irritable stale of niiud, a weak,
nervous, exbuusled feeling, no energy or animation, con-
fused head, weak nieinoiy, the couaeqnenoeB of excesses,
mental overwork. This uervoiis debility lludB a so\ereiKn
cure in E. F. Kunkils Bitter Wine of Iron. It tones the
BTiteni. dlsiels the mental gloom and despomiency, and
rejuvinates the entire svBtein. Sold only in $1 bottles. Get
the genuine. Take only E. F. Knnkels: it has a yellow
wraniier around it, his photograph ou the outside. Sold by
TOUr druggist. K. F. Kunkel, Proprietor, No. iS'.l North
Ninth .street, I'liiladelphia, Pa. Send for circular, or advice
free. Trv iny great remedy. Get it of your drnggiat, six
bottles for J;5. It cannot tail. It is guaranteed to do as is
recommeDded,

Worms ! Worms ! Worms !

E, K. Kuukel's Worm Syrup never fails to remove all
kinds of woima. Setit, Pin' and Stomach Worms are readily
removed hv Kunkel's Worm Syrup. Dr. Kunkel is the only
«ucceBsful Physiciau in the country for the removal ofTipe
Worms. He i-emoves them in 2 or :^ hours, with head and
mil complete, alive, and no fee until head is passed. Com-
mon sense teachea if Tape \\'orm can be i-emoved, all other
worms ean be readily destroyed. Ask your druggist for a
bottle of Kuukel's worm Syrup. Price $1 per Ijottle. It
never fails. If he has it not, have him get It, or send to
Proprietor, E. F. Kunkel, 2.')9 North Ninth street, Philadel-
phia. Pa. ( Vdvice at oflice free, or my mail.}

0^ 0^ m m^ Great chance to make money. If you
■ ■ 11 I I M can'e get gold you can ^et greeul)ack8.
Um III II B^^*^ ii*ied a person in eveiy town to take
^Jl ^^ BBB^ Isubscriptions for the largest, cheapest

li West Illustrated family pubiicatiou in the world. Any

• ■ can become a successful agent. The most elegaut
.stiks of art given free to subscribers The price is so low
thai almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak-
ing over Sl.'iO in a week. A lady agent rei'Orts taking over
407 subscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money
fast. You can devote all your time to the business, or only
your spate time. You need not l>e away from home over
night. You can do it as well as others. Full particulars,
directions and terms free. Elegant and expensive outfit
free. If you want profitable work send us your address at
once. It costs nothing to try the business. No one who

u'ages fails to make great pay, Addrtss "The People's

irual." Portland, Maine.

War in Europe.

niQM A DPl'*^''* ■^"'^^'^*''^ Biognipby, Private Letters
DIolVlnnUN.iiiid Memoranda. lutroduction by Bay -
ar<l Tnylor, Graphic aud eutertaiuiug. Full of auec-
il>ie. wii, roniautrc iucideut, aud great historical eveutH.
Profusely IlliiAtrntod with actual sketches from Bis-
i,;irk'8 life — home, studeut, ijolitical aud battle sceues, por-
I -its. laudscapes, etc. This Lafe of Europe's greatest

iresiuan is just the book for the times , deliueatiug as it
^ all the famouH Rulers. Geuerala, aud Diplomats — co-

:orB ^^ith Bismarck. Special Canvassers wanted to sup-
, .V the urgent demand for this liz-e hunk- Good pay. Circu-
1 .r. free. Write to J, B. FORD & L"0 . Few York. 9-5-6m.

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877
CI-OXMS,

CASSIMERES,

t'OArixtis. >v»it.s'i't:RitN.

VESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, striiit-d mid diagonal, t«>r Spring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring aud Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(EstabHf*hed in the year 1H40'.

Corner of North Qneen aud Orange-Sts.,

LANCASTER, PA.

Extra finished and trimmed. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOYS,

aud clothing cut or made to order in the most satisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ly PriiotU-al Tailors.

M. HABEEBUSH,

MANUFACTURER OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

.SADItl^FN.

COLLARS, WHIPS, &c.,

ALSO DEALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Ruga, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-I-ly LANCASTER, PA.

$7771

, ia not easily earned in these time8,but it can be
made in three mouths by any one of either
sfx, in any part of the country who is willing
to work steadily at the employment that we
furnish, $66 per week in jour own town. You
. i<i not be away from home over uigbt. Yoti can give your
ijiil&timeto the work, or only your spar** moments. It
-ts uothing to try the business. Terms and $5 Outfit free.
A<idrees at once, H. Hallett & Co., Portland. Maine.
'.'-3-ly

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

, lauuuauiuuml ,
I.inpii and Paper ('ollars an«l <'iitls

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

E.. J. EHISS/IAN'S,

No. no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Ho'tel.

t'-l-ly

AMOSMILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANCFACXrUKR OF AND DKALEK IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

IJritUes. Whii-s, &c. Also u fiue lot of Trunks. Valises,
Ciri^et Bugs. Buffalo Kobes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. G. RHOADS.

A GREENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR,

For $1.00 we will send free by mail,

TlTr A TTNESS RELIEVED- N
XJSU.i\.S2 Book tree. G. J. WOOD. Ua

omediciDC.
UadiaOD, lud.

8 distinct varieties. Monthlv Kosc?. Winter flowering.

8

Bogonias, "

Carnation Pinks, "

8 '»

Chiaesy Chrysanthetnui, "

Zonal Geraniums, "

8

Double. " "

8

Ivy Leaved " "

Hcliotropea, '*

2 »

Double C»melifls. "

Azaleas, "

Lobater Cactus, "

Bouvardfaa, *'

SteviaBand Eupatoriums,'"

Fuchflias,

Double Violet.s, "

Polnsotta, Scarlet & White, do. do

Plumbago, do. do.

Ferns, fox Wardian Caaci.

4 "

Palais, "

6 "

6 •*

Marantaa, "

8 "

Uvacinlb Bulbi.

20 aaaorted Tullpa, Bulba.
50 " Crocus "

2 " Jacobean Lily, Bulbs.
12 " Oxalla.

4 Lily of tho Valley.

8 New Poari Tuberose,

OB BY EXPRESS:

3 of any of th« above $1 colloctiona l^r t2.
5 " " " 3

7 " " •• 4.

9 " '■ •• 6.

Or the whole eoll-'otton or2d8 Bulba and Plsnti aent by
Express on receipt of #I.5.(«l. to which cithcref our booki,
GARDENING FOR I'KOFIT, PRACTICAL FLOHICUL-
TUKE, or GARDENING FOR PLKA.sURE (value #1.50
«ai.h), will be added. lii'scri|»livc Catalupui' irec.

PETER HENDERSON & CO.,

Kee<l!4iii4-ti ami Fl4iriN(M,

35 Cortlandt St., N. Y.

9-T-ls)

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

\VIioI(>s:iIl> ami lirtail Dealers iu

DIAMONDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVERWARE, SPECTACLES,

Bronzes, Clock: and Watcimakers' Mmk

JOBBEI\.S IN i\MEI\ICAN WaTCIIES.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

ERRORS OF YOUTH.

A GENTLEMAN who ^suffered for year§ from Nervous
Debility, Premature Decay, and all the effects of youtli-
fui indiscretion will, for the sake of Buffering humanity,
send free to all who ue<d it. the receipt and direction for
making the simj.'le remedy by which he wub cured. Suffer-
ers wishing to profit by the advertieer'a experience can do
ao by addressing in perfect couddeuce,
9-1-€bi) J0H>' B. OGDKN. 42 Cedar St., Hew Yorj**

9-l-ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HARDWARE,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TERRA com, lEONaiil LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

AgrentH for the

" Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann'a Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont'a Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, &c., <fec.

We have the largest stock of Reueral Hardware in the
State, aud our prices are us low uud terms as liberal as caD
lie found elsewhere. 9-1-tf.

E. IT. FRESHMAN & BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,

186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Arc aiillloriziMl tit enntrnvt for aclvorl King:
ill lliis piiper.

Estimates

Send lor a Circalar.

FZMPZ.SS.

I will mail (Frcei the receii^t for preparing a Bimple Veg-
etable Balm that will remove Tan, Fkeckles, PIMl LES
aud BLOTCHES, leaving the akin Hoft. clear and beantlfal;
alao instructions for producing a luxuriant growth of hair
ou a bald head or smooth face. Address Ben. Vaudelf k
Co.. Box 5121. No. 5 Wooster St., N. Y. [9-l-6m

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[ August, 1S77

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUNDAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STOItE,

A KEW LOT OF

HAMBDRG EMBROIDERED EDGINGS

AN»

INSERTINGS,

A T TUB VERY LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Ki<I GIovoh,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CR.A.PS VKXIaS.

OEAPE BONNETS & HATS,

RHCHINGS,
all styles and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR,
that ie good, desirable and cheap.
Give ns a call at

Sos. 14S & 144 North Qnceii-st, Lancaster., Pa.

9-1-1 y

NEW CROP

N

TEW AND ENLARGED EDITION OF OUR

"^ -.ics fur i'tslJences, Public f;,.„
«'=»'=''' Cemeteries, or "'"'*,

Farms from 50c. to $50 per Rod.
NELLIS' O. H.H. H. FORK, WITH NELLIS'
Patent method for moviug and stacking Hay or Straw,
■without extra charge to the Farmer. Agricultural Steel
finished aud tempered by Nellis' process to suit all kinds of
soil. Medal awards on all our goods exhibited at the Cen-
tennial. Information free.
9-7-lm) A. J. NELLIS & CO., Pittsburgh. Pa.

A NEW BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRUIT CULTURE,

BEING A flUIDE TO THE PROPER

CulHvation and Management of J^ruit Trees, and

of Grapes and Siaall Fruits,
with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most
popular vai'ietiee. \\ith upwards of one hundred engravings.
By Thomas Gregg. Ptice $1.0(t.

A book wiiich should be owned by every pereon who owns
a rod of available laud, aud it will serve to aecure euccesa
where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fully, without teciiuicalities, aud is a work on

Fruit Culture for tlie Million.

It tells of the cost, how to plaut, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, iusects, borers,
bhghts, cultivatiou, how to prune, manuring. layering,
budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Frvat, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, ete. It is
a most complete

Guide to Small-Fruit Ciilture.

with many illustratiouB and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of (.Trapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries,
Gooseberriee, Cui rants, etc.

The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmer and How
to raiee Frxiits, Vill be furnished at $1,75. Address

I., KATHVON.
22,Soatb Queen St.. I^aneasler, Pa.

TuRNlP SeEdS

EXTRA FINE AND CHOICE SEED.

NEW CROP OF

Early White Flat Dutch, Red Top Strap

Leaf, only 55 cents per lb. postpaid,

5 lbs. by Express for $2,00,

All other varieties of Turnips and other Seeds for sowin g in
the Summer and Autumn, at LOWEST CASH PRICES.
SEED WHEAT, &c.

BLOODED LIVE STOCE.

THOROUGHBRED ALDERNEY,

AYRSHIRE AND SHORT-HORN

CATTLE AND CALVES.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD

AND LEICESTER SHEEP,

SWINE AND POULTRY A SPECIALTY.

t(fg,We have now fine GROWTHY PIGS for sale, in pairs,
not akin, of Chester Whites, Yorkshires, Eerkshires, Essex
and Poland China,

BIIEEDEE'S HA1TT7AL

1b just out. Price. 25 cents. Every farmer should have it.
It contains 56 large double-column pages of valuable reading
matter, besides 16 full-page cuts, from )ife,ofourstock.

BURPEE^S INFALLIBLE

Is sure and speedy death to all Flying or
Creeping Insects. It speedily and effectually
• ■ destroys Lice, Fleas, Roaches, Centipedes,
Moths, Ants, Flies, Mosquitoes, Bed Bugs,
Meal Worms, Spiders, Scorpions, and every ■— W
species of Insects.
It Contains No Poison ! It is harmless as water to
human and animal life, but sure death to Insects. It is strong-
ly recommended by all who have tried it. We have yet to
hear of a single complaint. We guarantee every box, and if it
does not do all we recommend, it can be returned (even if half
of the powder be used) and we will as cheerfully refund the
money. One trial will convince any one of its merits. It is
invaluable to Farmer?, as it thoroughly kills all lice, fleas and
insects on animals without the slightest danger to the animal.
It destroys all troublesome insects on vegetables and plants.

PRICE, 25 & 50 CENTS PER BOX, POSTPAID.

BENSON (Si BURPEE'S Seed Warehouse, 223 Church St., Philada.fl

o

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FRUIT AND
ORAMENTAL

TREES!

LA-RGrE iSTOCK.
LOW li^TES.

STANDARU PEAR TREE8 A SPECIALTY.

l^~Send siainp for trade list.

AGENTS WANTED,
E. MOODY A SONS, Lockport. ]». Y.

NiAGAR.\ NuBPERiKS. Establlehed lS:i9.
9-8-2m

EZRA E. BOWMAl^,

Practical Watchmaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 108
East King: Street, a new aud well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

Ame.iicau WatcheK from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver Cases, in Wrjighte to suit jrurchasers. American and
imported Clock"^ in over fifty different styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and wai-ranted according to their
quality. Watches and Clocks carefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
all. U-l-6m

ESTABLISHED 1832.

THE BEST OFFER !

We will Bell during these hard times

$000 Haiios for $250,

And all other styles in the same proportiou, including Grand,
Square aud Upright— nll.rtr«(-cta.«— sold direct to the people
at factory priced. No ageuts; no coinmissious; no dis'jounte.
These Pianos made oue of the finest displays at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, aud were uuauimously recommended for
the Highest Honors, Regularly incorporated Manufac-
turing comvauv— New Manufactory— one of the larfjest and
flnest in the world. The Squave Grands contaiu Muthushek's
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment in the history of Piano making. The uprights are the
linest in America. Pianos st'nt on trial. Don't fail to write
for Illustrated and Discrii.ti.e f;iialogue— mailed free.

MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO.,

li-T-lv >'«. ."56 Br«a*lway, Jf. Y'.

EDWTN iliDENQ
ADWRlisiOT^i\AilNGY5^

. 174 EEJM^STRBJEJ-T.
ClNeiNJSilTI. OHIO.

Advertisements inserted in any paper,
Before advertieing Bendformy catalogue,

SEN EH

Mautifacturers aud de;ilers in a
tiiiisbod

I kinds of rough and

The best Sawed SHI X«l.ESiu the country. Also Sash,
Doors. Bhuds. Mouldings, &c._

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT ELIND,S. which are far superior to any
other. Also best t'OAL, constantly on hand.

CiFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Wiirunt-sts.,

LANCASTER, FA..

9-l-:y

cfcH o V/aow (To subscribe™ i
^JL cL I Cdl \ tlie county.

sutgle cofxes lo cents.

To iubBcribers ont of \ <t-( OK
thecouuty. / Jpi.^O

Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER. SEPTEMBER 15, i877.

LINN5;iIS EATHVON, Publisher.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

The Tobacco Bug, 129

The Cucumber, - - - - - 129
TheStiufc of lusects — Their Nature autl Treatment — The
Best Remedy of Thirty Years Experience — How to
Treat Inaect Stings, - - - - 130
The Codling Moth— The Orape Procris and Grape Leaf-
Folder, 130

Black Bass and Baea-Bait, - - - - 131

Oliver Dalrymple the '• Great Wheat King " of Minn., 131
State Fair, ...... 13]

Our Local Organization and Ourself, - • - 131

A Singular PoUto, ----- 182

Wheat Crop of 187T, ----- 132

Monthly Reminders, ..... 133

Queries and Answers, ..... 132

Culinary Contributions, .... 132

New Feed Buckeye Grain Drill, - - .133

Artificial Butter — ' Stauff'er, - - - 138

Kebraska Notes — Sijtlnty A. Oai/lur, - - -134

Around the Farm — Machinery — Tobacco Moths— iJtira?-

ist, VM

Description of a Roman Coin, . - . . 134

The Flemish Beauty Pear, - - . - 1 35

Htunbugs, Swindles and Frauds, as Practiced on the

Farming Community, - . - - 135

Dew, and its Cause, ...... 136

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Lancaster Co. Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 137
Crop Reports — No Horticultural Exhibition — Premi-
ums for Best Crops — Oleomargarine — ,\n Act to
Regulate the Manufacture and Sale of Fertilizers —
Committee to Test Fruits- Testimonal to Prof.
JFUthvon — The Professor's Repl> — Social Inter-
course and Testing of Fruit — The Codling Moth —
Fruit Report — Business for Next Meeting,

ToUacco Growers' Association, - - - . jgs

Crop Reports — Referred Questions — Management
of Tobacco Sheds— A Plea for the Birds— Banging
op Tobacco.

The Linniean Society. - - - . - 139

AGRICULTURAL.

Woking Land on Shares, - - . .140

Compoet, -...-. 140

Killing Canada Thistles, . . . . .140

Sugar Com vs. Hungarian Grass, - - 140
Fall Plowing, .--... 540

Coal Ashes, _--... 144^

HORTICULTURAL.

Management of Fruit Trees, . - - - 140

A Propagating Secret, .... 140

Cracking of Pears, ...... 1411

Watering Trees, ..... ]41

Shall Old Orchards be Plowed 7 • - • -141

American Fruit in Europe, .... 141

Soot as a Garden Pert ilixer, . . . - 141

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Setting Milk for Cream, . - . - 141

Cleansing Feathers of their Animal Oil, . . .141

Ventilation of Closets, .... 14]

Simple Cure for Ear-ache, - - . . .141

Shakers' Pickles to Keep Ten Tears, - - 141

Wax for Cans, - . . . . .141

Household Recipes, ..... )4i

LIVE STOCK.

How to Have Healthy Pigs, .... 142

Potatoes for Cows, - - . . . :42

How to Fit Horee Collars, - . . - . 142

Cleanse the Manger, .... - 142

Stimibling Horses, ...... 242

Full Feeding, ....-- 142

How the Price of Cows has Risen, ... 142

A Lamb with a Cow for a Mother, - • 142
Age of Sheep, ..... .142

ENTOMOLOGICAL.

Bot and Bot Flies, ..... 142

The Potato Bug Abroad, - - - - - 142

Industry of Ants, - - - . . ]4h

Codling Moth, - • - - - - 143

THE POULTRY YARD.

Eggs and Ways of Using Them, ... 143

Change of Color or Moult, ..... 143

Effectsof Cold Storms on Poultry, - . 143
Non-Sitters, - - . . . - .143

Profit in Poultry Keeping, . . - - 143

Errors in Poultry Keeping, .... 144

Profit in Poultry, ..... 144

Capouizing, -•-.... 144

Gapes, ....... 144

The Number of Hens to a Cock, - - - - 144

Chicken Choleia, - .... 144

Lime Dust, - - - - . . - 144

Literary and Personal. - . - . 144

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a promioent feature, with epecial reference to tbe
wauts of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited by Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

TERMS:

To eubscribers residing within the county-
One Copy, one year, .----- $1.00
Six Copies, one year, - - - . . . 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50

To Bubscribers outside of Ltincaeter county, including
poetage prtvpaid by the publlfihere:

One Copy, one year, • - - - . . $1.25

Five Copies, one year, - . - . . . 5.00

All eubecriptiouB will commence with the January num-
ber unless otherwiae ordered.

LINN^US RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

The larpe)»( niiri moHt oomplete .Htorh «f
Fruit »n<l 4»rnHiii4-nlal Treea in the ('. A.
Prlrefl ^'ntnlueneii M'til an rollonm: No. 1,

Fr-iit*-, w.th .■iilnr^Tplatf. ISctR.; 5. lam, lOctH. No. ft,
OrQaiu^nlal Trees, etc., withplave, 25ctH.; plain, IScW.
Xo. a, GreenhouB<>; No. 4, Wh.ilesaie, aud No. 5, Llii
f.f yew H'-ff-y. FREE. A<ldie«a,

ELLWANOER A BARRY. Rochester, N.Y.

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DEALRR IK

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole At'*-nt for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

i;<[ air.u^' ctrictly attended to.

North Qtieen-st. and Centre Sqnare, Lancaster, Pa.

9-t-ly

9-9* 11

RATES OF AOVERTISIBTCi — Ten CC'nUi a
line Tor eocb inttertion. Twelve hue* to tb« moL

ten +ft C^^ ' ^'*** '" Agfnts. $10 Outfit Ftu.
W90 to ^ I I P. O. VICKEKV, Aagueta, Maine,

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

A CpVASSER WpTED

IN

EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY

TO TAKE

SUBSCRIBERS

FOR THE

FARMER.

Rates of .4rtv«'rtlsiiiS 1" the Farmer.

Farmers' Sons and other

Young Men during their

leisure hours

CAN MAKE

GOOD WAGES,

We want a thorough canvass of every

district, and will pay canvassers

liberally.

Address,

L. RATHVON, PuUisher,

LANCASTER, PA.

1 li-.

2 lu. 6 m.

4 lu.

5 111. siu.

$1.00
2.00
8.50
3.00
4.50
6.00
9.00

$ 2.00
4.00
4.50
6 00
9.00
12.00
18.00

$ 3.00
6.00
6.75
9.00
13.50
18.00
2T.00

$ 4.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
18.00
24.00
36.00

$ 6.110'$ 3.00

12.00 16.00

13.501 18.00

18.00 24.00

27.00 36.00

S ino

1 year

36.01) 48.00
.54.00] 72 00

C:sf"Si..eciJil aud business notices 15 cents per line

GOOD BOOKS

FOR THE

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The foUowiug is a list of Valuable Booke, which will be
supplied by the Editor of the Lancaster Farmer, No.
101 North Queen St. Any cue or more of these books will
be sent -po^t pa)d to any of our readers ou receipt of the
regular price which is named against aach book.

Allen's (R. L. & L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50

Allen's (L. F.) Araericau Cattle.* 2 50

Atwood'8 Country and Suburban Houses 150

Bommer's method of Making Manures 25

Breck's New Book of Flowers 1 75

Brill's Fai-m-Gardening and Seed-Growing 100

Dadd's Modem Horse Doctor, JSmo I 50

Dadd's Amerieau Cattle Doctor, 12 ino 1 50

Flax Culture, (SeveuPrize Essays by practical growers,) 30

Fuller's Grape Cult urist 1 50

Fuller's Small Fruit Cvilturist 1 5»

Fultou's Peach Culture 1 50

Gregory on Squashes paper.. 30

Hiirris on thePig 150

Henderson's Gardening for Pleasure 150

Henderson's Gardening for Profit 1 50

Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers 1 75

Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivatore 30

Hunterand Trapper 100

Onions— How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acres. Pa„ 30c.; Clc, 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00

Parsons on the Rose 1 50

Quiuby's Mysteries of Bee-Keeping 1 50

Quiucy (Hon. Josiah) on Soiling Cattle 1 25

Quinn's Money iu the Garden 1 50

Quinu's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00

Riley's Potato Pests Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 75

Roe's Plav and Profit in my Garden 1 50

Stewart'slrrigatou for the Farm, Garden Bnd Orchard I 50

Stewart's Stable Book 1 50

Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 150

Stoddard's Ann Egg Farm . , paper, 50 eta.; cloth 75

Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 150

Tim Bunker Papers . or, Yankee Farming 1 50

Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25

Waring'a Draining tor Profit and Health 1 50

Waring's Elements of Agriculture -. 1 00

White's Cranberry Culture 1 25

Wright's Practical Poultry-Keeper" 2 0(»

FRENCH KID BOOTS

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUBEB OP

FRENCH CALF BOOTS

FOR

ttEJTTI.EMESr. LADIES.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUsVBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.
9-l-ly

KmaSFOED'S

Is Ihe BEST and MOST ECONOMICAL in the World.
Is perfecily PURE— free from acids and other foreign

substances that injure Linen.
Is STRONGER than any other— requiring much less

quantity in using,
is UNIFORM— stiffens and finishes work always the same.

Eingsford's Osweg'O Corn Starch

Is the most delicious of all preparations for

PUDDINGS, BLANC-MA^fGE, CAKE, Etc.

9-7-4m]

J. STAUFFER,

LANCASTER, jeENN'A.
235 EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA-
DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS,

promptly attended to. His experience, success ad faithful
ateation to the interests of those who engage his Services
are fully acknowledged and api^reciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reUable As
sistant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing
or description. [9-1-tf

Great Stock- Breeder's Monthly.

,THE NATIONAL

LIVE-STOCK,

JOURNAL,

Pablished at
CHICAGO, ILLS

THIS GREAT MONTHLY is uuiverBiillyacknowl-
ledged to be wi'hout a rival in ils department of
Journalism. Each number coutaiuH 48 large- pages,
three columns to the page, with a handsome cover,
Hud is Beautifully Illustrated with elegant double-
t'late engravings. It is the only pai>er iu the world
devoted exclusively to live-stock and the dairy. It
discusses the science of breeding, the merits of the
various breeds, the most approved methods of feed-
ing and handling, and everything pertaining to the
successful management of live stock on the farm.
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149 North Queeu-3t., Lancaster, Pa.

The Lancaster Farmer.

Prof. S. S. BATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., SEPTEMBER, 1877.

Vol. VL No. 9.

THE TOBACCO BUG.

The " I'listiilatftl .soUlicr-buf;," [EwidusUs
pustulatus.) This iiisfcl belongs to the order
IlKMl'TKUA, or "half-wings," so called be-
cause llie wins; covers are more or less both
opaiiue and transparent, from the half or two-
thirds of the basal liorlioii beini; thick and
leathery, and half or one-third of the apical
portion being membranaceous. .Speciint;ns of
these insects, their eggs and their young,
were given nio by Mr. Kennedy, of Salisljury,
subsequent to the niceling of the Tobacco
Growers' Society in .July last. On compari-
son I find these "insects identical with speci-
mens in my collection, which I obtained
twenty years ago, and before tobacco became
a plant of conmion culture in Lancaster
county. I <lo not distinctly remember tlu^'ir-
curastances under which 1 obtained them, but
I am ([uite sure I did not find them on tobac-
co plants. These insects belong to what are
properly called "bugs;" the chinch-bug,
Sfjuash-bug and bed-bug, belonging U> the
same order. In June last I took two speci-
mens on tlic young and succulent Caralin
plants near McCall's Ferry, ou the Susque-
hanna, and I also observed one on a black-
berry bush; and as there are several species of
them, some of which I have always found on
the blackberry, it is quite probable that the
specimens in my collection were found on that
plant. It is not at all remarkable that an in-
sect shoidd leave its native plant and show a
partiality for a different plant, especially when
its last preference is more juicy, and has be-
come a subject of ciUtivation and solicitude.
We have e.Kamples of that peculiar character-
istic in the "Colorado potato-beetle," in the
"codling moth," in the "striped apple tree-
borer," in the "curculio," and many others.
But, it is remarkable that the same insect
should feed both on vegetation and on other
insects; for if we can credit a writer in Field
and Forcsty a scientific journal published in
Washington city, a species belonging to this
genus (Ettsi-hisl'es 2)uncticep.f) was found in the
very act of plunging its dagger into the soft
body of the larvie of the "Colorado beetle,"
and sucking its sul)stance, as men would tlie
pidp of the grape. It is well-known that the
"spined soldier-beetle," {Arma :fpinnsa) which
belongs t<5 the same family, and is generically
allied to this insect, is in the habit of preying
upon the potato-beetle in its larva state, and
I have had many .specimens sent to mo that
had been captured while they were .so engaged.
But these suctorial insects do not only punc-
ture vegetation and animals, and tlien pump
out their vital fluids, but they also secrete a
poison and infuse it into the wound, which
causes the plants to wilt, and is perhaps more
injurious to the plant than the simple punc-
tures of the bugs. On one occasion an indi-
vidual belonging to this order (a species of
Pirates, an account of which we have record-
ed more in detail elsewhere, in an article on the
"Stings of Insects") penetrated one of my fin-
gers with its piercer, which for some minutes
gave me intense pain, causing the persjiiration
to stand in drops on my body, followed by nau-
sea, nervousness, and a giddy stupor. On an-
other I captured a ferocious "tiger-lieetle"
and put it into my collecting bottle with other
insects. About fifteen minutes thereafter 1
captm-ed a small "pirate-bug," (Firates) a.m\
on introducing it into the bottle I found that
the tiger had torn all the other insects to pieces,
and Wiis "niasterof the situation." As soon as
the pirate entered the tiger sprang upon him;
but he made no special resistance, merely e.x-
tending his jointed piercer and introducing it
into the soft part of the tiger between the
head and the thorax, and in much less time
than it has taken me to tell it, the tiger be-

came powerless, trembled a little in his limbs,
and was dead as a door-nail.

It would be difficult to suggest a remedy
for the destruction of these, and perhaps
more difticult to apply one, if it were known.
As they absorb tbi; inner fluids of the plants,
an external poisoning of them might liave lit-
tle effect on the bugs, moreover, they sire tol-
erably active, and run under the leaves when
molested, or fall to the ground, and the nui-
ture insects can very deftly manipulate their
wings when there is occasion to use lUein.
The eggs are deposited on the tender ends of
the plants, but they are too small to elicit
easy observation. Perhaps liquid Paris green,
a tobacco decoction, or strong soapy .solution,
thrown on the i)lants by an atomizing ma-
chine might be effectual. F would have more
confidence in crushing them between the noz-
zles of a, largo pair of wooden forceps, as is
done to the "squash-bugs."

^

THE CUCUMBER.
(Cueutnis SttHvus,}

"A seraph was sick with the colic one day,
And, weeping, leaneil over the moon ;

The tears, as they fell, tloateJ lii^htly away
Ou the possamer piulons of June.

But one, as it drifted along in the damp.

Sank wearily down to the earth ;
As Iremhliug it lay, 'twas embraced by a cramp

And the cucumber blushed into birth."

The two most prominent and most distin-
guishing characteristics of the cucumber are,
its great antiquity and the universality of its
dissemination. At what period in the world's
history the mythological event occurred
which is celebrated in the foregoing stanzas,
has perhaps never been chronologically re-
corded, or if so, no doubt the record was
burnt with the great Alexandrian library ;
and it is just as undoubted that there are
some sanitary or hygienic curmudgeons in the
world who honestly believe that if all the cu-
cumbers and cucumber seeds in the aforesaid
world had been destroyed with the library
aforesaid, a greater blessing on the human
family would have been entailed than can
possibly grow out of their cultivation and use,
as popular as they seem to be, unless some
other use for them can be devised, than con-
verting them into pickles and salads.

In the Mosaic history it is recorded that the
children of Israel made a free use of cucum-
bers during their sojourn in the land of Egypt,
and that they murmured ui their journeyings
through the wilderness on account of the ab-
sence of this edible gourd ; and perhaps this
was, symbolically, (me of the "flesh-pots"
after which they so ardently and so religiously
longed, during those remarkable peregrina-
tions.

As regards cucumber salad, somebody has
facetiously remarked that they should be taken
from the vines when they are about six inches
long, cleanly washed, pared, sliced, salted,
peppered, vinegared and (;reamed, and then —
tluown into the pig-swill, especially in such
localities where many indiscreet parents and
children and fevers and agues abound.

Cucumbers are suppo.sed to have been intro-
duced into England and on the continent of
Europe from th* Levant, but the precise date
when, has not been carefully recorded. It is
known th.at they were highly esteemed by the
Romans, and that thei/ were very successful in
their culture. But then it does not follow
that it would be a special virtue in us, of the
nineteenth century, to esteem what the
Romans esteemed, because tliis might l>e
proving more than is desirable in modern
economies. The Romans highly esteemed
gladiatorial contests, bull-fights, wild-beast
victimizations, and many other barbarous

enormities ill-.suited to modern civilization,
but it is hoped we do not.

The Emperor Tiberius is said to have had
cucumbers for his table, fresh from the vines,
all the year round, by the employment of
artificial heat. Now, Tiberius was the second
Emi)cror of Home, and succeeded Augustus
in the fourteenth year of the Christian era ;
and the significance of this fact, illustrates at
what an early period in history hot-house
culture was practiced, and with what success.
We are sometimes vain enougli to think that
we know everything, can do everything, and
have originated everything ; but when we
refer to the pages of history, we discover that
much of our knowledge is only second-
handed.

The cucumber is a very prominent article
of food in many of the Oriental countries, but
whether they are eaten raw, pickled, boiled or
fried, the records do not say. It mu.st I)e con-
fes.sed that there is an aroma or fragrance
about cucumbers that is grateful to the
olfactories and the taste of nearly everybody,
even if they do not habitually partake of them
as food, but the nutriment they contain is 80
Umited, that no man or anim.al (except per-
haps some noxious insect) could ever get fat
eating them.

In England thus vegetable has been a great
favorite from its first introduction into that
country, and at this day large tracts of land
are devoted to its cultivation to supply the
demands of the market. John Bull loves his
beef, his ale, and his cucumbers ; and the last
named perhaps as an appetizing condiment, in
order to enable him to eat more beef; we
mean the well-to-do John Bulls, for in Eng-
land as in American there must be many who'
cannot get enough of beef to appease their
appetites, without resorting to stimulants to
increase the demand for " more." The
" Oliver Twists" of society surely do not need
them.

Even the poet Cowper thought it not be-
neath the invocation of his muse, to sing the
praises of " the green and prickly-coated
gourd," and has written some verses on its
growth in winter, which in minuteness of
detail shows that he had a comprehensive
knowledge of the subject that would be
worthy of the study of the professed gardener.
Notwithstanding the fruit is pleasant and
agreeable to the taste, and "as cool as a cu-
cumber," has become a significant and well
understood every day expression, yet, phy-
sicians maintain that it has little or no nutri-
tious value, and that to most persons, especi-
ally those of delicate constitutions, it is
absolutely unhealthful, and is often attended
with unpleasant, if not injurious eflects. The
cultme of the cucumber— in season— is too
well understood in onr own counti7 for us to
attempt to venture any instruction on that
point at this time. But we question whether
much is done in this country in cultivating it
out of season ; and yet, there is more money
in the latter culture than there is the former,
especially in London and Paris, and no doubt
it would be the same in New York and Phil-
adelphia. As an illustration of this, we may
state that in the fruit stalls of London, during
the month of March, cucumbers readily bring
a guinea a dozen, whereas in the month of
August they may be obtained in abundance
for a sixpence, and sometimes as low as a
penny, per dozen.

We confess that our interest in the cucum-
ber is m.ainly historical and scientific ; not be-
cause we don't like them, however, but because
they don't like us ; and, therefore, these " cu-
curnbcr cogitations," suggested by aproti-acted
" cucumber time," make a partial approxima-
tion to that standpoint, leaving the question
of their hot, or green-house culture, to some

130

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ September,

future occasion, should it be desirable and
useful.

In conclusion, we desii-e to say that wc do
not think the popular use of cucumbers is the
right use. They come into season at a period
when it is most dangerous to partake of them
as a salad or a pickle, and therefore, as they
will be cultivated, they ought to be jn-epared
for the table by a culinary process. We have
heard of them being stewed and fried, and
we believe, by a little art in their preparation,
they might become fashionable and popular
as the tomato has become. But when we
think of the long lapse of time smce their
first cultivation by the human family, and the
slow development of their healthful use, we
are unable to anticipate for them a future
differing very materially from the past.

Tlie genus Cucimiis contains twenty-one
distinct and well-defmed species, including
the watermelon, cantaloupe, muskmelou and
cucumber, and these run out into almost end-
less variety. The last named alone ( Cucumis
sativus) has many varieties, of which those in
the following list are the most prominent :

1. Early short green prickly 4 inches long.

2. Early long green prickly, 7 inches long.

3. Most long green prickly, 9 inches long.

4. Early green cluster, 6 inches long.

5. White Dutch prickly, 6 inches long.

6. Long smooth green turkey, 10 inches long.

7. Large smooth green Roman, 10 Inches long.

8. Flanegans, 15 inches long.

9. Russian, 12 inches long.

10. White Turkey, 15 inches long.

11. Nepaul, 17 inches long.

12. China fluted, 9incheslong.

13. TheSnake, 12 feet long.

14. Brownstown hybrid, 15 inches long.

15. Victory of England, 21 inches long.

16. Ringleader, 15 inches long.

17. Pratt's hybrid, 18 inches long.

18. Sion House, 9 inches long.

19. Duncan's Victoria, 28 inches long.

20. Allen's Victory of Suffolk, 24 inches long .

21. Victory of Bath, 17 inches long.

22. Prize Fighter, 16 inches long.

Besides the long early frame, the Manches-
ter prize, the early white spine, the extra
early Kussian, and a few otliers, of which the
lengths are not specially recorded. Some of
the species of the genus Cucumis and their va-
rieties— for instance the watermelons, the
muskmelons and tlie cantaloupes (cantelopes)
— are luscious and pleasant summer refresh-
ments, and need no preparation to make them
edible; but when we look at the size of many
of the varieties of sativus, we cannot help
thinking they must have been intended for
some other purpose than the merely convert-
ing of them into condiments.

THE STING OF INSECTS.

Their Nature and Treatment— The Best Rem
edy of Thirty Years Experience.

Bad Bees, Bugs or Beetles: A week or two
ago. Rev. J. B. Soule was stung or bitten on the
hand by an insect. He brushed it away without
seeing it, and paid little attention to the matter until
the wound began to swell and become very painful.
His hand is now iu a terrible condition, and he has
been unable to sleep day or night.

Day before yesterday a little daughter of D.avid
Roth, West Marion street, was stung on the right
forefinger by wh.it she called a " white humbler."
Last evening her hand was more than twice its natu-
ral size, ami still swelling, the pain continuing to in-
crease.

We clip the above from the columns of a
cotemporary, and our object in doing so is
to suggest the remedies we usually have ap-
plied, with good results, wlien stung by in-
sects. As a preliminary, we may say that
the stings of all insects are more or less poison-
ous, whether that sting is inflicted by a caudal
appendage, as iu bees, wasps and hornets, an
anterior proboscis, as in those properly de-
nominated "bugs " — squash bugs and bed-
bugs, for instance— or by their mastieatoi-y
organs (maudi))les or jaws) as in solue beetles,
spiders, etc. The best remedy — and almost
the only one — we have found m an experience
pf thirty years, dm-ing which time we have
often been stung or bitten, is the immediate
application of volatile ammonia (spirits of
hartshorn) either bathing the wound or laying

on a clean white rag or a piece of paper satu-
rated with the liquid. When out in the fields
and ammonia was inaccessible, we have found
reUef in clay or common earth, mixed with
water, or even spittle, to the consistence of
of putty.

On one occasion our left index finger was
pierced by the proboscis of a Hemipterous
insect, (a true "bug") the pain of which was
so intense that wc almost fainted, the per-
spiration raised in drops upon the whole upper
portion of our body, and we were affected
with nausea for half an hour afterwards. We
were destitute of both ammonia and alcohol,
therefore had to resort to clay and spittle,
which removed the pain within half an hour,
but a hardened whitish tubercle, with a small
red spot in the centre, where the proboscis had
entered, only gi-adually disappeared after
eight or ten days. To illustrate the virulence
of the poison ef this msect, on placing it in a
bottle with some living predaceous beetles, it
grappled with them, and penetrating a soft
part between the thorax' and the head, it
killed them almost instantly.

These effects, however, do not invariably
follow the bites or sting."? of insects. Some-
thing depends upon how much of its poison
has been previously voided — as in venomous
reptiles — something must be attributed to the
physical constitution of the person who has
been stung, and something also to the peculiar
constitutional state of the same person at the
time he or she is stung. It is well known that
persons are diflerently affected by the bites or
stmgs of moschitos, (mosquitos) and also by
coming in contact with vegetable poisons —
poison sumac {Bhus) for instance.

We once knew a man who was almost inva-
riably poisoned by handling or eating paw-
paws, of which he was very fond. Injudicious
subsequent exposure, through which inllam-
mation is excited by what is commonly called
"taking cold " in the wound, has also an un-
friendly effect.

We cannot even guess what insect is re-
ferred to m the above extract under the name
of "white humbler." If it was a white-
faced wood-borer, he is destitute of a sting.
.No male species, the female of which is armed
with an abdominal sting, has' a sting at all;
that pernicious implement is peculiarly the
endowment of the female. The mouth parts of
the female mosquito are prolonged into a thin
proboscis with which she penetrates the liuman
body and pumps up the blood, but the mouth
parts of the male are entirely wanting, and
therefore he never stings or partakes of any
food. But in hemipterous insects (bugs) both
male and female are provided with a proboscis,
and,' therefore, if they choose, both of them
can inflict a sting. In addition to our simple
remedies, we subjoin the following, partly as
a corroboration and partly as suggestive of
other remedies, which, no doubt will be equally
efficacious.

How to Treat Insect Stings.
The pain caused by the sting of a plant or insect is
the result of a certain amount of acid poison injected
into the blood. The first thing to be done is to press
the tube of a small key firmly on the wound, moving
the key from side to side to facilitate the exjiulsion
of the sting and its accompanying poison. The sting
if left in the wound, should be carefully extracted,
otherwise it will greatly increase the local irritation.
The poison of stings being acid, common sense
points to the alkalies as the proper means of cure.
Among the most easily procured remedies may be
mentioned, soft soap, liquor of ammonia (spirits of
hartshorn), smelling salts, washing soda, quicklime
made into a paste with water, lime water, the juice
of an onion, tobacco juice, chewed tobacco, bruised
dock leaves, tomato juice, wood ashes, tabacco ash
and carbonate of soda.

If the sting be severe, rest and*toolncss should be
added to the other remedies, more especially in the
case of nervous subjects. Nothing is so apt to make
the poisou active as heat, and nothing favors its
activity less than cold. Let the body be kept cool
and at rest, and the activity of the poison will be re-
duced to a minimum. Any active exertion whereby
the circulation is quickened will increase both pain
and swelling. If the swelling be severe, the part
may be rubbed with sweet oil, or a drop or two of
laudanum. Stings in the eye, ear, mouth or throat,
sometimes lead to serious consequences ; in such
cases medical advice should always be sought as
soon as possible. — London Garden.

THE CODLING MOTH.

The Grape Procris and the Grape Leaf-Folder.

Some time ago an attachee of the Intelli-
fjfnctr presented to Prof. S. S. Rathvon, the
eminent entomologist, a box of insect-infested
apricots and a few grape leaves, with a re-
quest that he would examine and report upon
them. Following is his reply, from which it
will be seen that a hitherto received theory
that the codling moth will not attack stoned
fruit, is refuted :

Mr. J. M. J. : The "batch" of insects sub-
mitted to me by you, on the 20th of July last,
consisted of three distinct species, belonging
to as many ditterent genera : namely, the lar-
va of the "Codling Moth," the American
"Grape Procris" and the grape "leaf folder."
I examined all the apricots — about twenty
in nimiber — and found five larva of the cod-
ling, (Carpocapsa 2)0 monella) the same species
that infests the apples, the pears and the
peaches. These, with some of the fruit, I
confined in a small box witli a glass lid to en-
able me to observe thek operations — retain-
ing one specimen for identification, which I
immersed in alcohol. They were of a pink
color, about J of an inch long, and possessing
all the characteristics of Lepidopterous laiwte.
On the 22d two of them spun themselves in ir-
regular cocoons, in the angle at the bottom
of the box, and the remamder of them died.
On the 30th they evolved from the cocoons in
the perfect moth form, beautiful, lively little
insects, with their wings deflexed, and wrap-
ped so closely around the body as to almost
form a cylinder. Their color is a gray ground,
dappled with iiregular bauds of brown, and a
large brown spot near the ends of the anterior
wings. They are a little over a quarter of au
inch iu length, and expand over half an inch.
The entomological record that the codling
moth confines Ttself to pip-fruit, and never at-
tacks stone-fruit, becomes discredited, for we
have now bred them from the apricot and the
peach.

The second is the "Grape leaf-folder," the
larva of which is a glass green m color, over
an inch in length, and the head and three an-
terior segments blotched with dark patches.
This larva was exceedmgly active, wriggling,
jerking and jumping backward or forward at
the least disturbance. We confined this larva
in a box, a short time after which it returned
to its leafy ceU and changed to a pupa; and,
on the 2d of August the moth appeared. It
is a beautiful insect, expanding over an inch
from tip to tip of its wings. The ground
color is blackish, with a pearly reflection, the
wings fringed with white, two large white
spots on each of the wings, and two white
bars across the abdomen. This moth is dou-
ble brooded; the first brood appears about the
1st of June, and the second about the 1st of
August. It is the Dcsmia inaeulaiis of ento-
mologists, and when numerous — which fre-
quently occurs — it is very destructive to the
foliage of the grape vines. Of course, the
only remedy is to clip off all the folded leaves
and burn them; but, tliis should be done when
the insects are in pupa% between the 20th of
July and the 1st of August, but particularly
before the leaves fall in autumn; because the
last brood hibernates in the pupa form during
winter, and emerges about the end of May or
beginning of June, and lays the foundation
for the first brood. If the leaves are cut off
while the insect is still in the larva state, it
will wriggle itself out of its cell and escape,
and your object would be defeated.

The third species is the "American Grape
Procris," (Procris americana,) little pale
yellow larva, with black heads, and a trans-
verse row of black spots on each dorsal seg-
ment of the body. These, after about the
third moulting, arrange themselves side by
side, hke the knives of a mowing machine,
and cut a clean swath across the grape leaves,
devouring all except the larger nerviires and
midribs. These larva> did not feed in concert,
in confinement, as tliey do in the open air.
They were rather discontented, and always
retired to the sides of the bell-glass to moult.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

131

.0 spin their scale-like cocoon, and to puiiato.
This last ti-ansformation commenced on the
id of Aufrust, and is not yet ended. The
:)ni)a is a liijhl l)idwn, as seen Ihnmgh the
t;lass. As we havo freiiuently bred these in-
Kecta we will not delay this ]iapei- nntil their
linal transformation, wliich will pmhahly not
iicrur for a week or ten days yet. Tlie mature
moth is a slender little insect, with nairow
'wings, expan<ling three-fonrths of an inch,
jand with a tnft, or hnish, at tlu^ end of the
J)ody. Th(! color is totally lilaek, except a
narrow orange-colored ring aronnd the neck.
Whilst in the larva state they are easily de-
stroj'ed, as they make no attempt to eseai)o ;
('Specially as they are gregarious, and thus a
Iwhole colony may he secured by cutting off a
iSingle leaf Cutting olV the infested leaves
and huruing or scalding the infestors, is the
only remedy wo can recounnend, and, por-
liaps, thoonlyone that is worth recommending.

BLACK BASS AND BASS-BAIT.

1 The stocking of the Sustpiehanna river and
its tributaries with black l)ass seems to have
ueveloped an industry liitherto unknown,
namely, the procuring of such baits for their
jcapture as are taken by them the most readily,
and which aflbrd the anglers for thcni the
(most sport and the greatest success. Of
niursc, there are a number of baits that these
ii>lies take, but there are three kinds for which
,lhey appear to have a special partiality, and
(these tln-ee kinds readily command a penny
ifor each separate bait. Perhaps the very best
bait is a small fresh-water "crayli.sh," com-
monly called "crabs," although in point of
lut it is more nearly allied to the U)bster, both
jii its form and its habits. This is tlic Aslacus
[Bartonii, a small crustacean found in t)ur
rivers and creeks, but especially in small shal-
low runs or rivulets, where they may be
I'liuud under .stones. But until it was dis-
ci uered that they were a capital bass-bait, we
\iiiture to say that but few people knew that
tlicy were so abundant. We have it from
i^iiiid authority, that nearly three thousand of
Ithese crustaceans were obtained the present
jseason in the river and the small streams in
Mild about Columbia, all of which were sold
:i 1 not less than a cent a piece.
; The next in value — if not of equal value —
is what is vidgarly called the " Ilellgramito."
This is the larva of the " Horned Coiydalis,"
(Ciiri/d(tHs corm(Uis) Vihich in its larva state
is aquatic, and when fully matured is three
inches in length ; the head and thoracic seg-
ments black, and the abdominal portion of a
'lurk swarthy color. In our boyhood we called
these larva, "Alligators,'" because they bear
N.ime resemblance to a miniature animal of
I hat tyiie. But of these animals we have
never seen more than a dozen or so ina whole
S( ason ; and yet, within the past week, we
have been credibly informed that one man in
' iiknnhia cai)tured seven hundred of them in
:i single day, which he sold at a cent apiece.
Tliese are surely windfalls in times like the
inesent, but it is likely to result in the extinc-
tion of the Ilellgramites. What derangement
. in nature's economy this may produce, is more
I than we are able to determine, but if they
' were not of some use, they probably would
not be. Aquatic insects doubtless are bene-
(irial to Stagnant waters, as it is claimed that
I liey purify them by devouring both animal
and vegetable matter, which would otherwise
render the water impure or jiutrid. But of
course, neither the bass nor the bass-fishers
will ^ive any heed to this, when self-gratillca-
tion is the end.

The third bait referred to, is a juvenile
specimen of the common toad {liu/o Ameri-
cana), of which there are now many to be
found in the viciinty of the streams in which
they liave passed their haiipy " tadpole" days,
if such an advent is iiossible, surroimded as
they are by a nndtitude of dangers. In com-
parison with the number of eggs deposited by
toads, the multitude of tadpoles often noticed
in the shallows of streams, and also the great
numbers of young toads often seen on beaches
and flats in proximity to the stream, after

they lo.so their tails and their transition to the
toad stale, it is singular how few of the adults
are .seen and how few survive the season.
There must be a great mortality among them,
either from natural causes, from accidents, or
from their appropriation by other animals.
Snakes and wading fowls devour many of
them, anil now that it has been discovered
that they nuike a good bass bait, tho innocent
little things have a fearful ordeal to pass
through before they can attain to mature
toadhood ; for a hoy to pass over a bar or Hat
and see these little toads, it is equivalent to
finding .so many pennies, and an embargo is
therefore immediately laid upon. them. The
adult toad is a capit.al insect scavenger, but
there is danger that but few of them will reach
that state in the vicinity of localities where
the bass abounds. We await the result.

OLIVER DALRYMPLE THE "GREAT
WHEAT KING" OF MINNESOTA.

A fiientl in (ieneya, 111., writes us that he has
heard a ffrcat deal about the " Daliymple farm,"
uoar Kargo, and has aleo seen many contradictory
statements about tho size of the farm and tlie
amount in wheat this year, and asks us to give him
a " liill of particulars." For the benefit of our cor-
respondent, and others who may be interested in
largo farming operations, we will state that what Is
called the " Dalrymple farm" is a tract of about
11,000 acres of land near Casselton, twenty miles
west of Fargo, on the line of the Northern Pacific
Railroad. It is owned by George VV. Cass and P. B.
Cheney, of New York, and Oliver Dalrymple, the
" wheat king of Minnesota," as he is termed.
Twelve hundred acres were broken in 1875 and sowed
to wheat last year. This year there are 4,000 acres
in wheat — and a splendid crop It is, too — and 3,000
acres additional were broken this season for seeding
next year.

Mr. D.alrymplc also owns a half interest in what is
known as the " Grandin farm," a tract of 40,000
acres just north of Elm Kivcr, in Traill county, D.
T., 35 miles north of Fargo. Tlie other owners are
the Grandin Brothers, bankers of Tidioute, Pa. On
this farm there are 3,500 acres in wheat this year,
and some 3,000 acres broken for next year. To
harvest this crop of 7,500 acres on the two places, it
required 42 self-binding reapers, 325 horses and
mules and l.M men. Nine steam threshers, each
with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day, are now at
work threshing the grain.

In addition to his interest in these two immense
farms, Mr. Dalrynlple owns 2,000 acres of land in
Cottage Grove, Minnesota, near St. Paul, 1,.500 acres
of which is in wheat — so that either as sole or half
owner, Mr. Dalrymple is interested in 9,000 acres of
wheat this year, which will be increased to 15,000
acres next year.

Oliver Dalrymple has five steatn threshers now at
work on his 4,000 acre farm at Casselton, each one
threshing an average of 1,000 bushels per day. The
grain is hauled directly to the cars as fast as thresh-
ed, and shipped to New York, via Duluth and the
lakes. He loads and forwards 1.5 cars per day. At
350 bushels to the car, the crop on this one place
will make 2.57 car loads. Ylie yield, from what has
been threshed so far, is estimated at 90,000 bushels
—an average of 23^' J bushels per acre. Add to this
the 3,500 acres on the Grandin farm, in which Mr.
Dalryrapli^ has a hall interest, and which will aver-
age equally well, the two farms will produce 1HS,750
bushels of wheat this year. A nice little plum to
have, surely.

We may add that it is the intention of the owners
of these two liuge farms to break on an average
about 5,000 acres each year, until the whole 51 ,000
acres are brought under cultivation. They have
abundant means, and the experiment so far has
proven (hat it is not possible to make a better invest-
ment of money. This is tho second year of the en-
terprise, and so far the net profits have been over
j^lO per acre each year, for every acre under cultiva-
tion. Go thou and do likewise, and there is plenty
of room here to do it in.

The above we clip from the editorial col-
umns of the Fargo (Dakota) Tunis, of August
'2.5th, 1877. We reproduce it in the columns
of the Fartner, more to give our readers a
knowledge of what is transpiring in the great
wheat p-owing interests of the country, and
as an illustration of personal enterprise, than
as a recommendation to "fJo thou and do
likewise ;" for we cannot see that immense
farms, in the possession of a few men, are
more conducive to the public welfare in the
long run, than immense monopolies in other
tilings. AVe believe it would be better for the
country at large, better for the farming inter-
ests, better for the himdrcds and thou-sauds
who are now out of employment, and better

for till! moral and materitd developent of so-
ciety, if tho 5:!, DDIJ acres of land which Mr.
Daliymple and less than half a dozen others
own itv control, were divided into about four
hundred farms, than to be amassed into one
single concern. The ambition to (lossess the
largest farm in the Union, and to rai.se tho
kuge.st crop of wheat, merely for the eclat
which attaches to sucli achievements, or for
the wealth which it ]iuts into the pockets of its
possessors, is not calculated to engender that
contentment, or inculcate Ibtit republican
simplicity, which are so essential to the hap-
liiness and the welfare of a free country, al-
though we are fat from attaching anything to
it that savors of civil or social criminality.

STATE FAIR.
Our patrons will not forget lliat Pennsyl-
vania's annual agricultural exhibition will be
held at Erie, commencing on Monday, Sep-
tember the 24th, and continuing to Friday
the 2Sth. Although, from the proceedings
of our local society, it will be iierceived that
it Wiis deemed inexpedient to liold a county
exhibition the present season, on account of
the poor .show of fruit, which is usually the
chief attraction, still, some of our famiera
and manufacturers may be able to mtike a
creditable display at tlie State fair. To those
therefore, to whom distance is not an insur-
mountable objection, the event at Erie may
afford an opportunity to advertise them.selves
iiiid their productions in a useful way, and
we call the attention of such to the subject.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATION AND
OURSELF.

By referring to the proceedings of the Sep-
tember meeting of the "Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society," it
will be perceived that we have been the sub-
ject of ii handsome testimonitd, in the form
of a gold-he;uled ebony cane. Whether we
merited such a token of the Society's kind-
ness or not, is not within our province to dis-
cuss. Acting in perfect freedom in the mat-
ter, we must presume that the .society itself is
the most competent party to determine that
point. It is sullicient for us to know that the
act was entirely spontaneous on its part, and
that our acceptance of the gift was as disin-
terested as it was unexpected. What we
desire to record here, is a more grateful ap-
preciation of the gift than oiu' feelings would
Iiermit ns to express at the moment the event
transpired ; and our thankfulness for this re-
cognition of our feeble efforts to advance the
interests of agriculture, as well as the mental
and material welfare of those who are en-
gaged in an occuiKition, upon the success of
which iire bti.si'd the foundations of civil soci-
ety. Under any circumstances, this manifes-
tation of personal esteem ought to constitute
a social landmark in the wilderness of our
days, to which we can always return witli
sentiments of grateful remembrance.

Viewed from a conespondential standpoint,
this act of the generous donors is of a deeper
significance than they may have apprehended,
although not more so than they may have in-
tended.

A cane, or staff, in proportion to its strengtli
and gracefidness, signifies those powers of our
spiritual and and liioral natures which have
their origin in goodness and truthfulness.

The socket, or base, is iron, (or steel) which
is a symbol of natural or rational truth, in its
most obvious sense — the natural light of man
— or that natural degree of knowledge wliich
illnniinatcs his niiinl in natural things alone.

The shaft is ihimy, which signifies a diviner
form of truth, in its outward expression —
truth, as it Hows into, and gives quality to,
ext«rnal actions.

The head is fjohl, which, according to the
subjects with which it is conncct<?d, has vari-
ous symbolical meanings, or correspondential
significations. In its common and mo.st ob-
vious moraf sense, it represents the goodness
of that love which comes from God; and its
spiritual and celestial significance are indicat-
ed fty the fineness of its quality.

132

THE LANCASTER FARMEI^

[September

This moral analysis of the subject must en-
hance the value of the s;ift in the estimation
of both the givers and the receiver; and illus-
trates that we cannot separate anything that
is made from Him who made it, or through
whose divine energies it is permitted to be
made. And furthermore, that in our ex-
pressions of thankfulness to our fellow men,
our sentiments should be purified by the re-
cognition of God in everything— that every
outward manifestation is but the expression
of something that is within, and has its source
ia the unseen, whether it be good or evil.

^

A SINGULAR POTATO.

(Singular, only, however, if there is no mis-
take in the facts of the case. )

Haydn H. Tshudy, esq., of Lititz, ra.,has
placed in our hands a potato supposed to be a
imion between an "Early Rose" and a "Snow-
flake. ' ' These two varieties had been planted
side by side in parallel rows, and on taking
them up on the 30th of August, this tuber-
six and a half inches long, and the same m
circumference— was found to have a vine at
each end, one of which belonged to the "Rose"
and the other to the "Flake." The tuber is
slightly contracted in the middle, and from
that point towards the ends, there is a slight
difference in color, as well as in the texture;
but, had we found it separated from the Tines,
we should not have noticed anything very ex-
traordinary, either in its form, texture, or
color.

Potatoes, however, are subject to some very
pecuMar malformations, and can accommo-
date themselves to almost any adverse circum-
stances, such as gi'owing through and
around an iron ring; one growing within an-
other, growing through an auger hole and de-
veloping into a "clinch" on each side, &c.,
&c., and we cannot positively say that one—
in its juvenile state of ductility— will not grow
into, and finally blend with another. The
only thing that raises a doubt in our mind in
the present instance, is the fact that the "eyes
and brows" all look in one direction, and
therefore the stem of attachment at the apical
end, must have been abnormal; or, one of the
eyes stimulated to an umiatural growth,
forming an additional stem. This is however
merely suggestive, and the case must rest for
the present on its external merits.

^

WHEAT CROP OF 1877.
Accordmg to the Chicago Tribune this year's
■wheat crop in the great wheat-producing
western States compares witli that of 1875 and
1876 as follows :

1S75. 1876. 1877.

Bushels. Bushels. Bushels.

Minnesota 27,000,000 16,000,000 35,000,000

Iowa 29,000,000 18,000,000 .37,000,000

WlscoDBin 25,000,000 15,000,000 25,000,000

Kansas 12,000,000 12,000,000 20,000,000

MONTHLY REMINDERS.

The fall crops will now be growing rapidly,
and will require hoeing and other attentions.
From the 15th to the 25th cabbage, cauliflower
and lettuce seeds may be sown, for young
plants to winter over in cold frames. Shallots
and onions should be planted, and spinach
and German greens sown for next spring's
crop. Earth up such celery as may be wanted
for next month.

The shallot is a species of onion, the root
of which is composed of numerous small
bulbs, united at their base, and covered with
a thin skin. It is chiefly used in a green state,
early in spring. It thrives in any soil suitable
for the onion, preferring, however, a light,
warm soil. It is chiefly grown by divining the
bulbs and planting the offsets. They may also
be planted in April for later use. When the
tops die oft the bulbs should be taken up,
well dried, and kept in a warm, dry place; as
damp and cold cause them to decay rapidly.
There are five or six varieties, but none of
them are better than the common sort— ^Z-
liuin ascalonicum—tiom Ascalon, in Palestine.

QUERIES AND ANSWERS.
The Locust Catcher.

■Total 93,000,000 61,000,000 117,000,000

Here we have an increase of twenty-five
per cent, over the crop of 1875, and nearly
one hundred per cent, over that of 1876. The
increase is general throughout the country
also, and for all kinds of grains. The grain
crop of this year will be the largest, in all
probability, that has ever been produced m
the United States. The cotton crop will not
fall below 4,500,000 bales, and the yield of
sugar in Louisiana is an exceptionally abund-
ant one. The west and southwest are rejoic-
ing in the fine prospect before them and in
the signs of returning prosperity. The trans-
portation of these immense harvests to the
Atlantic seaboard will create a rush of busi-
ness among the railroads. Tlie farmers and
planters will have more money and will con-
sume more. In anticipation of the demand,
merchants are already repairing in considera-
ble numbers to the Eastern cities, and buying
freely assorted stocks of goods. The elements
of a new era of prosperity are being rapidly
formed. An eminent banker of New York,
and one of the most sagacious observers and
best-informed financiers of the country, pre-
dicts that within two years the United States
will be overflown with prosperity and wealth. [

Marietta, August 14, 1877.
Prof. 3. S. Rathvon — Dear Sir: I send by mail
an insect knotrn here as the " locust catcher."
Whether it catches locusts I do not know. But I do
know that it is armed with a powerful " jaTclln," as
Josh Billings would say. They made their appear-
ance here four years ago ; one pair burrowing in the
road. From there they emigrated to the garden
walks, where I counted no less than twenty-liTC holes
which they bored out this year. The sample that I
send I suppose is a male, as it is larger than some
others. Very truly, Horace M. Engle.

Your large wasp-like insect is the Styzus
sincio^s of Say ; but from my boyhood up to
the present time it has been known in Lan-
caster county under the common name of the
"Locust-catcher." Perhaps "Cicada-catch-
er" would be more appropriate. This insect
generally makes its appearance in the month
of August ; therefore it does not catch what
is commonly called the "Seventeen-year
Locust," for the period of that insect passes
away before this one makes its appearance.
Moreover, if it had to depend upon that in-
sect, it would have to suspend its wants to
suit the long intervals in the periods of its
prey. But it catches the annual locust, better
named "Harvest-fly," (Cicadopn/inosa) which
makes its appearance about the time it does.
And now, what does it do with the locust after
it catches it ? We will endeavor to answer.
This insect belongs to a tribe or famUy of fos-
sorial wasps, which n;ake burrows in the earth
and stock them with various kinds of insects,
each species generally confining itself to a par-
ticular kind of insect. The Siyxus uniformly
confines itself to the annual cicada. It does
not feed on the cicada itself, nor does it kill ;
it only paralyzes it and crams it into its bur-
row, in which it also deposits its eggs, supply-
ing as many cicadas as it lays eggs. In due
time these eggs hatch out, and the young grub
feeds upon the cicada, in such a way, too, as
not to entirely destroy its vitality mitil it has
matured its larval development, and is ready
to assume the pupa state, after which it re-
mains in the earth, in this form, until July or
August of the following year, when it comes
fortli a winged insect, so educated as to know
exactly what to do and how to proceed in imi-
tating the life and progress of its parents.
The old Styzus does not survive the season,
nor repeat what it once has done, after the
deposition of all its eggs, but soo» thereafter
dies, and we have found more dead ones in
September than we have live ones in August.
There is a singular economy in only paralyzing
and not killing its prey. If it is killed its de-
composition would take place before the de-
velopment of its grub was accomplished, and
starvation would follow. The grub is equally
gifted in its economic instincts, for it does not
consume the most vital part of its host until
there is no longer any need of its vitality.
There may be something in its paralyzed con-

dition which arrests decomposition also.
Some of these fossorial wasps appropriate
caterpillars, and therefore, if it cannot be re-
garded as an insect friend, it may be classed
with the innoxious kinds. " Twenty-five bur- ^
rows in one garden-walk" is more than we j
have ever seen at one place. '

Berlin, Pa., September 3, 1877.

Prof. S. S. Rathvon — Dear Sir: I send by to-
day's mail, enclosed In a small box, a small animal,
insect, worm or what it may be. In appearance it
is entirely strange to me, and to every person in the
community who has seen it. It was found on the
bark of a tree— couldn't say what kind. Don't
know on what it feeds. If you examine it will you
please let me know what it is. Respectfully yours,
J. P. Brubaker.

Your box came to hand, one day after your
letter, a perfect wreck, and it is a miracle that
its contents were not entirely destroyed.
(Boxes for the transmission of such objects
through the mail should be stiff paper or tin.)
The " small anirtKil" it contained had under-
gone a complete metamorphosis since its in-
carceration, and was inclosed in a thin spher-
ical shell or cocoon, about the size of amanow-
fat pea, leaving us in a measure to guess at its
species. It, however, belongs to a Lepidop-
terous family called Lamicadans or "Hag-
moths." This subject is very probably the
species called the " saddle-back moth" (iJin-
pretia stimula.) The whole animal— which
was the larval form of the insect— has the
form of a cart saddle, with two erect fleshy
horns, or "pummels," at each end, and a
large purple spot with a green margin on the
centre of the back. There are several species
of them, but judging from the size, form and
texture of the cocoon, we think it is the one
above-named. They are omniverous feeders,
and we have found them on at least twenty
different kinds of trees, shrubs and plants.

The moth will not appear until next season.

Mn,LERSviLL«, Pa., August, 1877.

Prof. S. S. Rathvon.— i>«ar >Sir.— The enclosed
worms I found on the Desmodium viridiflorum, grow-
ing near the Conestoga — the smaller ones skeleton-
izing the leaves, and the larger one consuming them
completely — It ate an entire leaflet last night.—
T. P. B.

There were three different kinds of larvoe
(worms) in the box. The large green bristly
one, with lateral party colored stripes, was
the larva of Saturnia lo, perhaps the nearest
representative of the true silk worm, (Bomhyx
mori) that we have in this country. Two of
the smaller ones were the larva of a species
of Oaleruca or Haltica,, (coleoptera); they soon
died, and were too young to determine the
speciss. The third was a geometer or
"Looper," but it somehow made its escape
before we could make a close examination of it.

H. M. E. The large white grub worm, in-
side of your potato is Areoda lanigera, very
likely, or perhaps Oymmtus nitides, or one
of the May-beetles (ioc/inosferna.) Now we
confess this is very indefinite, but the larvse
of the whole family MELONLOTHiD^bear such
a strong resemblance to each other, that un-
less we have bred them from the larva to the-
mature insect, under our own personal super-
vision, it is almost impossible to identify the
species, from seeing tlie larva alone. We have
found both Areoda and Oymnetus in the po-
tato, and especially in "potato patches," in
May and June. This is a very voracious
subject, but we shall try to raise him to th«
beetle state, and if we succeed, we shall let
you know the result.

^

CULINARY CONTRIBUTIONS.

Potatoes, a Side Dish.— Take mealy
potatoes, pare, cut in slices half an inch thick ;
put in a stew kettle, cover with water, put in
salt to your taste, a little saffron, and parsley
or celeiy, or both if liked, stew till done ; take
one tablespoonful of flour, and stir in cold
water to make a batter, pour over the potatoes
and boil a few minutes longer. Serve.

To Can Celery.— Boll it in water, after
it is cleaned, till soft, drain, fill up your jars,
pour over good cold vinegar till full ; shut up

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

133

tight, set in a cool place, add the other things
when you use it.

Wild Ciiekry Pie.— Line a pie plate with
paste, put in wild cherries, tliree or four
tahlespoonfulls of sugar, a little ciiuiamon to
taste ; if the cherries are juicy, no water, a
little Hour strewed over, cover with paste,
bake in a moderate hot oven fifteen minutes.
It's equal to cranberry pic. Try it.

GratH .Ieixy.— Take ripe s^P^'s, squeeze

out the pulp, discard the liulls, use only the

, juice of the pulp ; to every pint take one

i pound of pure while sugar, boil fifteen Minutes

' and you will have a jelly like pine apple.

! LEOLINE.

NEW FEED BUCKEYE GRAIN DRILL.
This popular Agricultural implement is
mauufactured at the celebrated " Buckeye
Agricultural Works," at Springfield, Ohio,
under the proprietorship of P. P. M.\st&Co.,
and only needs to be tried to supersede many
if not all of the best in the market ; and from
the fact tliat it is favorably known in Eng-
land, Germany, Russia, and other remote and
near i)arts of Europe, as well as to dealers in
drills all over the United Slates, those who

For The Lanoabteb Farmer.
ARTIFICIAL BUTTER.

In the published report of the Lancaster
County Agricultural and Horticultural
Society of September 4th, 1877, under
the discussion about the Oleomargarine,
" Casper Ililler asked wliether any one could
tell anything about its manufacture ; tliere
were no responses." In No. 48 and 4(1 of tlie
Scicnlijic American supplement, November,
1870, is a full hi.stoi7 of the subject, witlx .six
illustrations, covering eiglit columns of read-
ing matter. M«ge obtained the first patent
on record, in England, July 17, 1809. Wm.
Palmer is said to nave taken out a patent in
1840 for treating fat or fatty matters from
beef, mutton, veal and Iamb, but this product
did not resemble butter; it was intended for
culinary purposes instead of lard. Mege's
patent was not issued in the United States un-
til December :50, 1873, for the manufacture of
artificial butter. II. W. Bradley's patent,
January .3 JL871, was for a new composition for
lard, butler or shortening. Bradley got an-
other patent Octolier 7, 1871, which had for its
object "to deodori/.e and render palatable
cotton seed oil for culinary purposes. Tlie|nexl

Garret Cosine, Fel)rnary 1.5, 187C, for an im-
proved process for making arlificial butter.
Dr. Chandler and Henry A. Moll, jr., E. M.
Ph. 1)., had previously used several of the
processes claimed l)y patentees, all more or
less approximating to the secret of purifying
fats and manipulating tliem. The process of
Mege's being about e(iual to the later patents
obtained — each for a di(lcr(!nt mode to accom-
jilisli the same end. To sum up the matter,
without detailing the various modes specified,
we may state tliat the first matter to be attend-
ed to, when a good i)roducl is to be manufac-
tured, is cleanliness. The strictest attention
to the washing process, caro being taken to
have the fats fresh and pure, and all carefully
removed and separated, and thorougldy
waslied in separate tanks ; covered in tepid
water and left at rest an liour, then the fatty
matters are removed an<l waslied with cold
water, and covered witli fresh water and re-
peated. After this the fatty matters, sweet
tallow, &c., is passed through a "meat
hasher," piece by piece, cut by revolving
knives and forced through a fine sieve into a
tub, accomiilished by steam power. The
meUiug process is carried on in tanks (heated

are in need of an implement of the kind (and,
what fanner does not, when he is sure of lind-
ing a good one '?) cannot make a mistake in
patnmizing the Buckey:^ with its kew
FEEDER attachmemt. This feeder is very
simple in its structure, not liable to get out of
order, and can be readily adjusted to throw
out a small or a larger quantity of see<l, by a
simple device attaclied to the end of the hop-
per, and which uniformly changes all of the
feeders at once, and is equally effective
whether applied to a peck or a pint. The
al)ove cut is a fair illustration of the tout en-
semble pf tliis implement, but for the details
we wo\dd recommend our readers who arc in
need of a drill to send to the establislnnent for
an illuminated circular and catalogue. Tliere
are several other economical devices that can
be attached to this drill, as occasion, or fancy
may need. We may instance the " Guano
Fertilizer attachments," the " Plaster Sower,"
the "Spring Hoe," and Uie " Hoe Shifter,"
as well as a "new method of attaching the
Gum Tubes."

See advertisement of P. P. Mast & Co., in
our advertising columns ; and in the matter of
a grain-drill, if possible, get the best, which
will always be the cheapest.

process was the patent of Peyrouse, November
2, 1871, for a substance intermediate between
butter and lard. The next was the patent of
Paraf, April, 1873. In this is claimed " the
true process of the manufacture of artificial
butter, ' ' an imitation of Mege's process, and he
gave it the name of "Oleomargarine," as
butter at one time was considered a compound
principally composed of olein and margarine ;
but later investigations have shown tliat mar-
garine is a mixture of palmatin and stearin.
Paraf started a large company in New York
for its manufacture. This, when just made,
resembles butter at a distance, but on exami-
nation with a microscope, it seems to ])ossess
distinct grain, which is very distinguishable
on tasting. Before Mege's American jtatent,
Joseph Brown obtained one for purifying
tallow, December 23, 1873.

The following is a simple li.st of patents to
show the struggle and com]ietition : Francis
Kraft, July 21, 1874 ; Wm. E. Andrew, Aug.
11, 1874 ; John Nolibi, August 18, 1874 ; Wm.
L. Churchill and Jacob L. Englehart, August
25, 1874 ; George Bloom Van Brunt, October
13, 1874 ; Wra. E. Andrews, August 24, 187.");
John P. Kinney, October 19, 1875 ; Wm. E.
Andrews again (re-issue) November 10, 1875 ;

to WCP Fahrenheit), heated by steam, the fat
being continually stirred at an even tempera-
ture. The "scraps" settle in the bottom
on leaving the melted fat at rest, a clear yellow
oil floats on top, covered by a film of white
emulsion of oil, with the water contained ui
the fat. "Wlien the scraps have completely
subsided, the thin layer of emidsion is bailed
ofi", and the clean yellow oil is drawn and
received in wooden cars, which when nearly
filled are removed, to allow the oil to solidify.
The melting process properly performed occu-
pies from 3 to 4 hours; it takes from 12 to 24
hours to gi-anulate, in a room 70^ Fahrenheit,
and must not be hurried, otherwise the stea-
rin in the fat will not have time to ci7stallize.
It is then submitted to the press, in a press-
room, kept at a temperature between 85'^ and
90 Fahrenheit. The refined fat must Ije so
solid that it cannot be worked with the fingers
with ease. When in the right condition, it ia
packed in cloths, set in moulds to form pack-
ages. These packages (4 by 8 inches) IJ thick,
are placed on galvanized iron plates in the
press, at equal distances apart, piled upon
each other. The pressure forces the oil out,
which is collected in tin vessels. These cakes
of pure white stearine are obtained (8 by 5

134

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ September,

inches), i thick. The steariue, after the re-
moval of the cloths, is ready for sale.

The oil collected is removed to the churning
room, which is at 70° Fahrenheit. To 100
pounds of oil, 15 to 20 pounds of sour milk are
added iu the churn ; solution of annatto, to
which is added A to J of an oimce of bicarbo-
nate of soda, and the whole agitated for 10 or
15 mmutes, till thoroughly mixed ; when it is
withdrawn from the churn at one end into a
tub containing poimded ice ; when kept in
motion until solidified ; worked on a table and
salted about | to 1 ounce of salt to the pound
of butter. This butter is preferred by some —
the milk used is not sufficient to make it
rancid, but quite sufficient to give to this
butter the so much prized flavor and odor.
Hon. X. A. Willard, the President of the New
York State Dairymen's Association, who is
deemed good authority, as well as other ex-
perts who have tested it, pronounce it equal
to the genuine butter in flavor and quality.—
J. Stauffer.

For The Lancaster Fabmkb.
NEBRASKA NOTES.

Schuyler, Nebraska, )
August 13, 1877. I

Editor. — About five miles south of this
place, near the confluence of Skull Creek with
the Platte river, are the crumbling ruins of
an ancient town, the houses of which must
have been circular in form, as the remains are
similar in appearance to the common circus
ring, though not generally quite as large. By
digging here, bone fragments, pieces of pot-
tery, pebbles, beads, sharp stone arrows and
lance points, etc. , are foimd. The doorways
in each case are plainly marked, and were
evidently covered entrances or projecting
hallways. The streets and play-grounds are
beaten deep into the earth, and the streets
wind around irregularly through the town,
so there was no street here that could proper-
ly have been called "straight." In the cen-
tral portion of the town is a large rock, having
a smooth depression in its upper surface, and
which must have been brought from a distance,
as there are no similar rocks in the vicinity.
This rock was the corn-grinder or "City
MUl," over which many a woman may have
turned her melancholy song years ago. No-
thing more is known of the inhabitants of this
place tlian may be inferred from the above-
named remains, and Pawnee legends.

Notwithstanding the obliterating effects of
the perpetually recurring autumn fires and
spring rains, the bufl'alo "wallows," bleach-
ing bones, and their ancient trails remain on
the prairies and hillsides throughout this
region. Twenty years ago this portion of the
great Platte Valley was lonely, silent, grass-
covered hills, valleys and plains with unbroken
solitude save the whistling winds, the buffalo
tramp, or the twang of the red man's bow-
string; no white man dwelt here, but now
Butler county alone has about five thousand
live, intelligent, prosperous and hajipy people,
a majority of whom are from New York, New
England, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.

This country is well watered by the Platte
river flowing entirely across tlie north side,
and receiving Wilson, Elm, Deer, Bone and
Skull Creeks from about the middle of the
county south, near where the Big and Little
Blue Rivers and Oak Creeks, with their
numerous affluents, rise and flow south and
east into the Republican and Missouri Rivers,
altogether giving this region a very large area
of wonderfully rich valley land, the produc-
tiveness of which may be inferred from the
fact that last year there were eight hundred
and seventy-eight car loads of wheat and other
farm products shipped from Schuyler over the
Union Pacific Railroad. The altitude of this
place is about one thousand five hundred feet,
and the healthfulness is remarkable. Natural
forests are not extensive iu Butler county, but
there are fifteen or twenty thousand acres of
forest trees being successfully cultivated, in-
cluding black walnut, ash, maple, elm, cotton-
wood and box-elder. The cotton wood grows
most rapidly, often reaching a height of from

twenty to thirty feet during the first four
years. As fencing material is not yet plenti-
ful in this plains coimtry, a peculiar system
of caring for live stock is adopted. Work
animals and milk cows are " picketed" with
ropes long enough for them to secure sufficient
grass by changing tlie i)icket-pin once or twice
a day ; but all others are herded, generally by
a boy, pony and dog, at a cost of about thirty
dollars per month, for a herd of from fifty to
five hundred cattle.

By jtroper planting and cultivating, good
osage orange hedge fences may be grown in
four years, and the settlers are fencing in this
way very rapidly tlu-oughout this great plains
country, and they unanimously claim that
they could make farms here much easier and
cheaper even if they had to buy lumber for
fencing, than in a tuuber country where so
many stumps and stones are to be removed
before cultivating. The wheat harvest is past
with a large yield, and grain of good quality.
The corn and other crop prospects are very
promising, and the people general)^ are much
encouraged.

Land may be bought in Butler county, of
the Union Pacific Railroad company, at from
two to six dollars per acre, on long credit,
giving the purchaser ample time to make the
money to pay for the farm from its products.
The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern,
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, and Union
Pacific raih-oads, form the best route to this
portion of the great Platte Valley, because
the shortest, and from Chicago the C. B. & Q.
and U. P. make special greatly reduced rates
of both fares and freights. — Examiner.
^

For The Lanoabtkb Fabmeb.
AROUND THE FARM. No. i.

"What! Yoti write for the "Lancaster
Farmer ?" It takes an abler pen than yours
to WTite for that paper, as it is one of the
ablest of my farm journals;" thus remarked
the "friend at my elbow." I confess my
spirit was considerably dampened at being
thus addressed, but when I remembered that
the lesss able have sometimes contributed
facts and items that benefited others, I was
again enconraged to write for our home jour-
nal, believing it is the duty of every farmer
to give his experience and practical knowl-
edge for the benefit of others. We shall try
to give om- own views and experiences
"Around the farm," from time to time, but
if we fail to benefit others, we are at least
conscious that we shall do no great harm.

There is a matter to which I wish to call
your attention, that is, the proper manage-
ment of stable floors in summer. I have been
experimenting in regard to keeping them
sweet and clean, and find the following meth-
od excellent : Stables with earth floors are
considered best, but soon become foul from
neglect. My plan is to have them slope to
the rear, so as to carry off all liquid manure,
and then clean them at least twice a week,
taking a rake and stiff broom to go over, after
manure is removed, pushing and sweeping
very clean. Have a box containing ashes and
dry earth mixed in equal proportions in some
convenient place; dust a shovelfull or two
over each stall as an absorbent, and drop four
or five drops of carbolic acid over that, and
you will have no trouble to keep your stable
clean. Horses should be turned out at night,
if practicable.

Machinery.

Now is the time to clean and put away ag-
ricultural implements; overhaul your reapers
and mowers to ascertain what parts are worn
and need replacing, and put them in repair
for next year's haying. JPeople too often neg-
lect this important work till a day or so before
haying, when they find they must order from
the factory, often losing three or four days,
which they can ill aflbrd. Take your ma-
chines apart and clean with a sharp piece of
steel, scraping all oil, gum, and dirt off cogs
and bearings; finish off the bearings with
benzine, wipe dry, replace, and your ftiachine
will mow 20 per cent, easier.

People make a great mistake in oiling or

greasing cog wheels at reapers. Unless cased
very tight, the drive wheels wiU throw dirt on
the greased cogs, which sticks, and they will
wear faster than if they are not greased at all.
I have run a combined reaper and mower for
3 years, without a particle of grease on the
cogs, and they are not injured perceptibly.
Tobacco Moths.

Most of our farmers are also tobacco raisers, '
and I would appeal to every one to try poison- i
ing the flowers of the Jimson weed {Datura
stramonium) next season. A neighbor of
mine has succeeded in killing upwards of
150,000 tobacco worms by this means, and as
a consequence, he has one of the cleanest lots
he ever raised. Few things are more tedious J
than hunting tobacco worms, and by this I
means they can be destroyed in the night.

The following is the best receipe we know
of; Take of the best arsenic, dissolve in
sweetened water, and drop a few drops into
each flower every evening during the warm
season, and you will have no trouble with
worms. Every moth killed is as good as
hunting 300 tobacco worms, as each one lays
about that many eggs.

Mr. Walk, the neighbor referred to, had
very few worms, while patches but a few
hundred yards away were full. So try this
method next year, every one, and we will get
rid of that troublesome pest— the tobacco
worm. Of course, one man or a few men can-
not do it, but in union there is strength, and
by a combined effort we can do it. — Buralist,
Cresswell, Septemher 3, 1877.

DESCRIPTION OF A ROMAN COIN.

LiciNius, Senior, a. d. 307-321.

The coin which I have the honor of present-
ing to the Linnsean Society is an excellent
specimen of the Roman third bronze. Though
not very rare it is exceedingly well preserved;
and as the planchet is more nearly circular
than is usual in ancient coins, we have the
whole legend without the loss of a single letter.

The obverse of the coin bears, as usual, a
bust of the reigning monarch, with an inscrip-
tion (impcvrllicinlicinivsffavg), which
I translate, " T/ie -Emperor Qalerius Vahrivs
Licinianus Licinius, High Priest, Augusttcs.'"

The reverse represents Jupiter standing,
with an eagle at his side, and iu his right hand
a figure of Victory, holding a chaplet, with
the legend "Joviconsekvatori," i. c, "3b
Jove the Preserver.^'' In the exergue are the
letters smn, i. e., Sctcra Moneta Narhonensis,
which indicates that the piece was struck at
the branch mint of the city of Narbonne, in
Southern Gaul.

The "image and superscription" is that of
a Roman Emperor who reigned from A. D.
.307 to .324. His full name was Publius Fla-
vius Galertus Valerius Liclnianus Li-
cinius ; but he is generally known in history
as Licinius, Senior. He was by birth a Da-
cian peasant, and the early friend and com-
panion-in-arms of the Emperor Galerius, who
raised him to the rank of Augustus and in-
vested him with Ihe command of the Illyrian
Provinces on the 11th of November, A. D.
307. About the same time GonUantine, after-
wards called the Great, assumed the govern-
ment of IJritain, Gaul, and Spain, though the
Emperor could be persuaded to give him only
the inferior title of CVsar.

A full account of the career of Licinius may
be found in Gibbon and elsewhere, so that we
ueed not enlarge. It will be remembered
tliat after the death of Galerius an attempt
was made to divide the empire between Max-
iminus and Licinius, by which the Bosphorus
was to be the lioundary of the two empires.
In 313 Maximinus invaded the dominions of
Licinius, and was utterly defeated and crush-
ed. In the previous year Constantino, who
continued to hold western Europe, had de-
feated Maxentius, who had seized the imper-
ial power at Rome. It was on this occasion
that Constantine is said to have had his cele-
brated vision of a cross in the heavens with
the inscription iu xnvria uika, by tuis con-
quer.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

135

Constantine and Licinius were now the
only emperors, and together they issued in
Marcli, A. I). ;ii:5, the celel)rated edict of Mi-
lan, which granted to the Christians ol' the
empire full civil and religious rights. I.icin-
ius, however, did not really care for the Chris-
tians, and when in JJlo war Ijrokeout between
the two emperors he rescinded his former
acts, and again deprived them of tlieir i)oliti-
cal privileges. Licinius was defeated after a
severe struggle, and was comitelled to pur-
chase peace by ceding to Constantino, Vireece,
Macedonia and Illyri(;um. Having married
the sister of Constantine, Licinius reigned
quietly as emperor of the east for nine years;
at the end of that time hostilities were renew-
ed. Having lost the great battles of Adrian-
ople and Chaleedon, Licinius was placed at
the n\ercy of Ctmstantine, who spared his life
and sentenced him to honorable imprison-
ment at The.ssalouica; but a few years after-
wards found a convenient pretext for putting
him to death.

The coin which we have described appears
to have been struck about the beginning of
the first conflict with Constantine (A. 1).
31,i). Tlie device and inscription on the re-
verse would .seem to indicate a religious re-
action, or at least a protest
against the movement in the di-
recti<m of Christianity. It is
issued by Licinius in the char-
acter of Pontifex Maxbmis, or
iiigh priest of the religion of the
Roman state; and is dedicated
to Jm-c the Preserver, who holds
victory in the hollow of his
hands. This would seem to in-
dicate that Licinius believed
that Jove would preserve the
ancient religious order, and
grant victory to its faithful
champions. The tact that the
coin was struck at Narl)onne
also, proves the fact, that it can-
not have been coined at a later
(late than A. D. ;!!;"); because
after that date Licinius was
emperor of the east, and all
western Europe was under the
undisputable sway of Constan-
tine.

This little coin may. therefore,
be regarded as one of the last
products of cla-ssical lioathenism.
With the single brief exception
of the reign of Julian the Apos-
tate, Roman coins, from this
time forth, hear Christian em-
1)1 ems, strangely intermingled
with ancient devices.

When this coin was struck Ro-
mau heathenism was rapidly
jiassing away. Men had lost all faith in de-
ities, the creatures of the imagination of poets
and artists; and it was therefore little better
than a piece of impudence on the part of the
government to place a representation of Jupi-
ter Conserv((tor on the coin of the empire.

There have l)een modern writers who, from
an ipsthetic point of view, have mourned over
the downfall ot ancient heathenism. Schiller
says :

"Eiiien zu bericlicrn uiiter alien
Musstc dicse Ootterwelt vcrgclin."
In the heart of a sincere Christian the
sight of these relics of antiquity produces no
such emotions. It rather strengthens his
faith to be assured, that while there is noth-
ing to remind us of Jupitir Conservator but an
occasional relic of antiquity, the kingdom of
his Lord is an everlasting kingdom; that
while the name of Jupiter ''the king of gods
and men" is but '■'■vox et prueterca nihil,'' the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ remains in the
hearts of his peojilc in undying freshness for-
ever.— ./. If. D., Lancaster, August 2~lh, 1877.

IjrpoRTANT. — In our October or Xovcmber
number, we propose to publish a list of prem-
iums for 1878. Our patrons and their friends
will therefore, in nuiking their selections, hold
in remembrance their own local journal in the
distribution of their favors for next year.

THE FLEMISH BEAUTY PEAR.

The subject of our engraving is a most ex-
cellent variety of tlie pear (Pijrus communis.)
A good pe.'ir is an exceedingly rich and luscious
fruit, and second to none but the apple in im-
portance. The fruit under consideration is
large, the skin a iittla rough, pale yellow,
with marblings and patches of light russet ;
the sunny .'sido reddish-brown at maturity ;
tlesh yellowish-white ; and very fine grain, but
jucy, melting, very sweet and rich. Ripens
the last of Septem>)er. The Flemish Reauty
is one of the most superb pears in this climate,
sometimes measuring twelve inches in cir-
cumference. The tree is very luxuriant, and
bears early and abundantly. The fruit should
be picked before it parts readily from the tree,
and allowed to ripen in the houise, when it be-
conses very line; but if allowed to remain on
the tree until dead ripe, it loses its flavor and
soon decays. Small trees can be obtained at
any first-class nur.scry.

Pear culture is yet, comparatively speaking,
in its infancy in many portions of our country
— especially at the west and southwest. This
is mainly owing to the prevailing error that it
takes a very long time to procure fruit after
planting — many people are not willing to wait

so long. But this is a very mistaken idea, for
good fruit, in moderate quantities, can ho ob-
tained from the planting of the pear, as .soon
as from the apple, or even the peach. Crops
have been secui od in two or three years.

For Tub LANCASTEn Farubk,
HUMBUGS, SWINDLES AND FRAUDS,
AS PRACTICED ON THE FARMING
COMMUNITY.

In looking over the humbug column of the
American Agriculturist, one is struck with the
variety of swindles, &c., perpetrated, and
more particularly the number that are espe-
cially prepared to catch farmers and others
living in the country.

Although all the terms at the head of our
article might be included under the single
term of cheats, yet the cheating is pretty
easily classilied as above.

To humbug is to impose on, and is in most
cases so simple and transparent as to be easily
avoided; and that so many persons are yet
the victims, in spite of daily, weekly and
other papers, is only to be accounted for on
Barnum's opinion that people want to be
humbugged.

One of the most popular articles to humbug
farmers with are seeds of newly discovered
and wonderful grains, &c., or, new varieties

of old-established species, which are guaran-
teed to produce twice or three times as much
per acre as any hitlicrto in cultivation. The
seed of surgham (iS. Vulgare) is the favorite
grain and has been advertised under perhaps
as many as a dozen different names, such as
ivory wheat, Japan wheat, sugar cane that
will stand the northern winters {laccharum
ojjhriarum, which is cultivated only in warm
countries). It is remarkable that all these
wonderful seeds are advertised Ijy persons not
in the seed business, whose usual address is at
some out-of-the-way post office. It should be
borne in mind that our wide-awake 8ee<lsmen
are very active and enterprising in trying to
get hold of any promising new varieties, and
that new species and novelties are always
given to the public through them.

In some sections tree agents introduce
peaches grafted on poplar or willow, cherries
on wild cherry, curculio-proof plums, &c. If
"nature abhors close union," she also protests
most emphatically against anything but the
closest relationship, and grafting and budding
must be practiced in accordance with this.
We have a few instances in which this does
not seem to be the case, such as pears on
quince, apricot on plum; but these are in all
cases species of one genus, that
is to say, brothers. As long as
curculios are about, stone fruits
with smooth^ tender .skins will
be stung by them, and they will
not even now-a-days spare the
wooly peach.

Many of the readers of the
Farmer have doubtless seen ad-
vertisements of some wonderful
chemical cornpound by which
butter could be made out of milk
at an expense of but a few cents
per pound. How the owner of
kine must have felt his heart
sink at the idea of the flood of
butter that would be thrown on
the market until prices would
sink so low that it would not
even pay for the taking to mar-
ket; or perhaps his heart was
elated and he would take by the
horn, not his cow, but the oppor-
tunity, invest some of llic hoard-
ed "dollar of the fathers" in the
"compoimd," and reap a harvest
of golden eagles by selling lots
of golden butter before his slower
brethren of tlic dairy knew on
which side of the bread the but-
ter was.

Then there are ii lot of hum-
bugs that are practiced on town
as well as country folks, such as
powders to keep coal oil lamps
from exploding,powdersto put into white-wash
lime to keep tlie flies from alighting on the
ceiling and walls of rooms ; and scores of
others that we have not space to enumerate,
but any person that has only a moderate
amount of common sense, and uses it, will
rarely bo cauglit, though the vender have an
"oily tongue and a brazen face."

There is one class of Innnbugs that should
not 1)6 omitted, but as long as people know so
much better what ails them, and what may
cure them, so much better than the regular
physician would, and besides is so much
cheaper, it is useless, and probably a waste of
time, paper and ink to mention patent medi-
cines. Persons who have spent time and
money to cure incurable diseases have our
pity and sympathy.

Swindles, as a species of cheating, are usual-
ly on a larger scale than h)iml)ugs, and are
different from the latter in this, that there arc
no uncertainties as to being the right thing or
not, but are in all cases traps into which the
diipe steps unawares, and is awakened as by
a clap of thunder.

Themost usual form of swindlcs,practiccd by
the shaii)ers, is to appoint the .subject on whom
tlie operation is to be peif ormed,as an agent for
selling something. The paper mentioned at the
beginning of this article has the following :

136

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[September

" As a general rule, it will be safe for farmers
to refuse all agencies, as the risk of getting
swindled is altogether too_ great. Traveling
agents come along and propose to farmers to
take an agency to sell this or that thing. The
story is a plausible one ; the farmer is to be
the only agent in the vicinity — the goods are
of a salable kind, and are not to be paid for
until sold — while the profits to the fanner,
who sees but little ready money, seem so
liberal, that the offer is a really tempting one.
StUl, we say, don't do it. If all were as repre-
sented, it would be another thing ; but there
is quite sure to be a catch somewhere — some
"after clap," as old Col. D. used to say —
and the chances are so gi'eat that a traveling
agent of this sort is a swindler, that it is
safest to give them all a wide berth. The
spring-bed swindle is one of these agency
affairs that farmers should look out for. It
appears to be mostly caiTied on in New Eng-
land. A smooth-tongued cliap comes along
to establish agencies ou behalf of the manu-
facturer ; he finds some one willing to act as
agent for the sale of the goods, from wliom he
gets an obligation to pay for the goods when
sold, and an order for the goods to be sent.
The beds come, the agent pays freight, and
takes them home. In a few days a party,
claiming to be the manufacturer, comes along
to collect the bill. The agent says that the
goods were oaly to be paid for when sold ; but
this is laughed at ; they never sold goods in
that way ; no one had authority to make any
such terms ; tliere was the agent's, order for
the goods, and there was the bill, (some $"200
or $300,) and if not paid for at once, it would
be put in the hands of a lawyer for collection.
The pretended manufacturer understands the
blufl-game, and too often succeeds in frighten-
ing his victim into paying the bill, or in set-
tUng the matter by giving him .S50 to take
away his beds. One of our readers who had
accepted the agency, and was called upon and
threatened, wrote to us for advice in the case.
Our advice was to stick to the agreement and
let him sue. We afterwards learned that a
lawyer from a neighboring town came to collect
the bill ; finding that he could not get the
amount, he proposed to settle for S75, then
for $50, and then for $25, and take the beds
back. But our correspondent would pay no-
thing, and agree to nothing, except take the
beds to the depot, which he did, and comes
out of the transaction minus the freight
he paid when he took them. This shows
that in such cases firmness is a good invest-
ment.

The above swindle has also been carried on
to some extent in this county ; but when they
got hold of Mr. W., near this place, they got
hold of the wrong man. Mr. W. would not
only not pay anything, or compromise, but he
has actually held the beds for over a year for
freight paid, and for expense of hauling to his
place, and storage, and threatened to sue the
party for attempting swhulling and extortion.

Wild-Cat Mming and Coal 00 Companies,
Prize Associations, Riverside Library Insti-
tutes, Lotteries, &c., are ahvayg as plenty as
blackberries, and the originators must find it
a lucrative business, considering the numbers
engaged in it ; and looking at the expense in-
curred in advertising, one must come to the
conclusion that more gulls are to be found in-
land than along any sea shore that has ever
existed.

A neat swindle was perpetrated a few years
ago on a farmer living near the Susquehanna
river, in the following, or nearly a similar
manner. One evening a traveling trader, in
other words, a peddler called at a farm house;
he was better dressed than the general run of
these useful folks; this was no doubt to be
attributed to the fact that he was not of the
Tulgar needles and pins sort, for he was a
veritable silverware merchant. The farmer's
family did not indulge very much in liis ware,
only a few dollars, I believe, but by this time
our merchant was afraid to venture out, as he
did not like to expose his valuable stock of
knives and spoons to a possible misappropria-
tion by some unauthorized person, and so

would the kind woman of the house keep him
over night. The request was readily granted
by the farmer and his wife. The next morn-
ing our roaming dealer in goods, made of
precious metal, complained of not feeling well,
and was afraid he would have to leave his
"case" in the care of the farmer, as he had
important business which must be attended
to ; he found himself short of about forty dol-
lars, of which he would be very thankful to
have the loan for a few days luitil he came
back for his "case." Would he be asking too
much y Oh, no ! the farmer was always ready
to help any dcsei"ving fellow-creature in
trouble. Our silverware dealer and the forty
dollars went forth ; neither have come back
yet. That " case" of " silver ware" is still at
the farm house, but the silver used in the
manufacture was not much — there was more
of it on that fellow's tongue.

Frauds are harder to guard against than
either humbugs or swindles, as they generally
are deceptive with regard to quality. At the
present writing, artificial fertilizers are the
staple articles dealt in by the harpies who
hope to fatten on the farmer's well earned
savings. These men are too respectable to
deal in humbugs ; too cowardly to risk the fate
that sometimes overtakes swindlera, and so
they descend to a lower deptlHiy deceiving in
articles, the composition of which few men
are capable of determining.

We believe that business of all kinds, in-
tended for the public good, should lie as un-
trammeled as possible, but we midoubtedly
need a strict license law for dealing in fertil-
izers. This subject has been agitated in
various parts of the State, but I think that in
most cases a uniform license has been thought
of, wliereas the license should be as to the
amount sold. To guard against frauds, the
dealer, in receiving his license, must be held
in bonds that he state on each package the
composition, and heavy penalties be provided
for not doing so, or for making fraudulent
statements.

In a nut shell : To avoid humbugs, use
common sense. To keep clear of swindlers,
sign nothing. To i>revent frauds, deal only
with known reliable parties. — A. B. K.

For The Lancakteh Farmer.
DEW, AND ITS CAUSE.

What we term dew is the " moisture pre-
cipitated from the atmosphere on the surface
of bodies. It is thus distinguislied from fog,
which is moisture precipitated within the
atmosphere." — D. Olmstead. The cause and
nature of dew has been a subject of much di.s-
cussion and experiment since the days of
Aristotle, until more successfully investigated
by Dr. Wells, in 1814. He seems to have
clearly established the fact, " that tlio cold is
the cause of the dew;" I quote, "for he
found, 1st, That in certain circumstances
bodies would become colder than the air with-
out being dewed, whence it is obvious that the
cold could not be the effect of tlie dew ; and,
2nd, That when dew was formed, its quantity
and degree of cold that appeared with it, at
different times, were very far from Ijeing
always in the same proportion to each other."
He also invariably found that bodies became
colder before dew began to appear on them.
The formation of dew is therefore a phenom-
enon precisely of the same kind as the precipi-
tation of moisture which takes place on tlie
outside of a vessel into which a liquid colder
than the air is poiu'ed.

The difl'erent degrees of temperature of the
air determines the quantity of water contained,
and that the quantity is greater as the tem-
perature is higher. Hence, when a stratum
of air comes in contact with colder bodies, a
precipitation takes place — thus a second
stratum, and so on, with great rapidity — and
in a short time a cooUmj body is covei-ed with
dew and moistiu'c. The laws of radiation of
heat explain the cause why bodies, when ex-
posed to the cloudless sky in clear and calm
nights, become colder than the surrounding
atmosphere, as explained by Leslie and Rum-
ford. We know that during calm and serene

nights, the upper parts of the grass radiate
their heat into the regions of space, from
which they receive back no heat in return ^
its lower parts, from the smallness of their
conducting power, transmit little of the
earth's heat to the upiier parts, which at the
same time receiving only a small quantity of
the atmosphere, and none from any other
lateral body, must remain colder than the air,
and condense into dew its watery vapors, if
this be sufliciently abundant.

On this point Mr. Prevost, of Geneva, (radi-
ation of heat) differs from Sir J. Leslie, who
ascribes the effect to the descent of cold air
from the upper regions of the atmosphere :
"The application of the ffithrioscope, " he re-
marks, "has not only ascertained the exist-
ence, but measured the intensity, of the cold
pulses which are at all times darted downwards
from the successive strata of air, though often
partially intercepted by clouds, or more com-
pletely obstructed by low fogs. It may be
computed that in fine bright evenings those
cold pulses, rained from the sky, are sufficient
alone to depress the temperature of the ground,
according to the seasons, sometimes eight de-
grees, but generally about three degrees of
Fahrenheit's scale. The blades of grass,
thus chilled from exposme, cool in their turn
the damp air which touches them, and cause
it to drop its moisture. "(Encyclopedia Bri-
tauuica, art. "Dew.")

My attention was called to this subject by a
letter from a graduate of Franklin and Mar-
shall College, Rev. Jas. G. Dengler, pastor at
Sellersville, Bucks county. He says: "A
question by a number of my young friends
here. I felt unable to answer it. It is a
question I often asked myself. " It is about
tlie dew-drop that gathers on the very points
of a spile of grass" — "a sea of pearls," as
Gfethe calls it — strange that a drop of dew,-
should, contrary to the law of gravity, gather
in that manner. How do you account for it ?
What law governs it V I cannot account for
it satisfactorily on capillary attraction, along
the grooves on leaves,as water or oil is drawn
up by a wick. Dr. Fretz, a botanist, and one
of my members, thinks there is some electri-
cal principal at work in bringing about the
result. Would you please give us your opin-
ion; we could find nothing on the subject to
explain it.

I mention tliis because few have given the
subject thought, and the question certainly
involves more than we think. I find in the
old American Cyclopedia seven full pages
giving the conflicting experiments of Mr. Du
Fay, of Paris, and those of Muschenbroeck,
and Dr. L. Stocke: " none fell on rusty iron,"
polished metal scarcely any, if at all, was
visible. Dr. Watson, Bishop of Landaff,
relates his experiments. Dr. Hales. The
oxydation of metals renders tlieiii also unfit
for the experiment. A dispute of considerable
interest took place some years ago between
Mr. Du Fay and Mr. Muschenbroeck respect-
ing the origin of dew.

Mr. Dalton sums up :

1st. " That aqueous vapor is an elastic fluid,
std generis, diffusible in the atmosphere, but
forming no chemical combination with'it."

2d. "That temperature alone limits the
maximum of vapor in the atmosphere. "

3d. "That there exists at all times, and in
all places, a quantity of aqueous vapor in the
atmosphere, variable according to circum-
stances."

4th. "That whatever quantity of aqueous
vapor may exist in the atmosphere at any
time, a certain temperature may be found,
below which a portion of that vapor would
unavoidably fall, or be deposited, in the form
of rain or dew, but above which no such dim-
inution could take place, chemical agency
ajiart. This point may be called the extreme
temperature of vapor of that density."

5th. "And that whenever any body colder
than the extreme temjieraturc of the existing
vapor is situated ui the atmosphere, dew ia
deposited upon it, the quantity of which va-
ries as the surface of the body and degree of
cold below the extreme temperature. "

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

137

Tliis extreme temiieratiire or actual tem-
perature ol" tlie atmosphere varies all tlu^ way
to ten, lifteeii, twenty or more degrees below
it. The point may he found" in the hottest
months hy pourinj; cold spriiiK water into a
dry and clear glass, and marking what degree
of cold is sullicient to produce a dew on the
outside of the glass; at other times frigorilic
saline solutions may be used. Independently
of the radiations of heat, etc., the action of
electricity .seems to be in a great measure con-
cerned in the production of molecularattraction
to form the phenomena of aqueous beads, like
pearls. Yet Mr. I'revost who has bestowed
a good deal of attention on this subject, dis-
believing the interference of electricity, ad-
vances tlie theory that its formation dcpeude
on the action of heat oidy; and explains his
reason thus : 1st. "The le.ss the temiieiature
of glass is elevated the more humidity it at-
tracts from the air." 2. "Metals attract it
very little." 3. "Gla.ss sensibly exercises its
action on the humidity of the air, at ;i dis-
tance, and notwithstanding tlie interposition
of dillerent bodies, such as plates of metal,
&c." 4. "Metals give to glass {as it were)
near which tliey are placed, the property of
more speedily attracting caloric from hot air,
and on the contrary, that of yielding it more
speedily to cold air. " My individual ojiinion
is that they lost sight of the oxygen in the
aiiueous vapor, being absoibed by metals,
both annulhng the heat and f/cc(r!cj7.(/— and
simply setting the hydrogen free; thus the
difference is readily accounted for between
metals or subjects liaving a greater allinity for
oxygen, and on do.se ins))ection of the diver-
sity of results, by adopting this latter view
all these seeming contradictions will vanish, is
my opinion.

We may now glance at some singular phe-
nomena, besides those that occupied the
learned investigators, some of whicli have a
sanitary and otliers a horticultural relation.

It is recorded in I'hi'osopliical Transactions
thilt in the year Ifi',).") there fell in Ireland, and
liarlicularly in the provinces of Leinster and
Monster, during a great jiart of the winter
and spring, a fatty substance, somewhat like
butter, instead of the usual dew, which, from
its color and consistency, the natives called
dtw-buUcr. It fell during tlie night on the
moorish low grounds, and was found in the
morning attached to the leaves of grass and
to the thatches of houses, &c, in tlie form of
pretty large lumps, and it is added that it
seldom fell twice in the same place. It liad
an offensive smell, like that of a church-yard ;
yet it lay upon the groulid a. fortnight before
it changed color, after which it dried up and
became black ; but it never bred worms nor
did it prove noxious to the cattle that fed in
the fields where it fell. During the same
winter some very stinking fogs were observed
in the same places when: the dcw-hxdkr fell.
During volcanic eniptions (17H.'{) a peculiar
clamminess was observed on the leaves of
trees, as if a dew of a glutinous nature had
been deposited from the atmosiihere. This
must-not be confounded with what is called
"Honey-dew," a sweet viscid liquor, found
sometimes in great abundance on the hazol,
lime, clra, etc., and on fruit trees.

It is found that in some instances the dew
is a very compound substance, so that nothing
positive of its nature can be stated. In gravel-
pits, for instance, and in high, dry, and
healthy grounds of a large extent, there is
collected but a very smad quantity of this
vapor, and that almost entirely watery ;
whilst that which is collected about standing
waters, fens, marshes, and fat, bituminous
grounds, abounding with petrified llsh, and
other animals, is of quite a dillerent nature,
and very often pernicious to mankind and
vegetation. Chemists have found such differ-
ent results, that scarce any two are agreed
about them. Some dew that ha.s been collected
in a certaiti part of the earth, has afforded a
liquor, by distillation, which struck the colors
of the rambow upon glass, as notto be effaced
by friction, alkaline lixiviums, or aqua-regia ;
it also burnt like spirit of wine, etc. In short,

we find the nature of dew differs surprisingly
with the different seasons of the year, and
the various successions of metors ; hence
spores, animalcides or the invisible eggs,
mingled therewith, may cause some of the
blights and diseases of vegetables and fruit.s —
often not under.stood whence or how they
arise. But, alas ! I must stop — without ex-
hausting the subject. — ./. Stanjkr.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

A very intpri'stinp: moptini^ of tlir I.anp.istor County
Agricultural and lloiliculliiial Society was licld in
their rooms in tlic CMty Hall on Monday, Sept. .Sd.

The following mcnihcrs ami visitors were piespiit :
Calvin Cooper, Paradise, prpsiilent; .lohnson MiUor,
Warwick, secretary; Henry M. En,i;le, Marietta;
Levi W. Orotr, West Earl; )'. .S. Reist, Orei;on, .Man-
heim to\vnshl[); Levi W. firolT, Manheim; Jacob
Uollingcr, Warwick; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy; Levi
Powuall, Sadslniry; .John C. Linvllle, .Sali.«lii'iry; ,M.
D. Kendiir, Manor; Prof. S. S. Kathvon, city; Hobcrl
Dysart, city; A. 8. Bard city; I.L. Landis, Manheim;
David G. Swarl/,,city; Casper Hiller,('onesto;;a; J. H.
Landip, Manor; .John B. ErI), StrashuiR; Joseidi F.
Witnicr, Paradise; Samuel L. Seldom ridije, Eptirala;
David Bender, West Earl; David W. UaneU, Bird-in-
Hand; Joseph Hupp, Karl; Joseph L, Witmcr, Para-
dise; Welister L. Hershey, East Heniptield; Samuel
Burliholdcr, Farmcr6ville;.Iohn 8cld<iniriil(,'C, Ephra-
ta; .John B. Heist, I'enn; Abraham Summy, Mari-
etta; John Miller, Oregon; John Huher, Warwick;
David Wolf, Millway; S. A. Hershey, Salunga; Ja-
cob Herr, Manor; (J. L. nunseckcr, Manheim; Heury
Erb, Manheim; Eph. S. Hoover, .Mauhcini; Elias
Hershey, I'aradise.

Crop Reports.

Reports of the condition of the crops being called
for, the president stated that hereafter sirii'tures on
the reports presented by aoy member would not lie
permitted.

Mit.JoHN C. LINVII.I.B, of Salisbury, reported
that the wheat crop was gt>otl: corn pretty good;
grass not very gooil; oats a full crop; few peaches:
tobacco fair.

11. M. Enoi,;:, of Marietta, said the drouth was
very great, but be could report wheat ipiite good;
corn not so promising; young clover liurning out; the
fruit ero[> ilwindling down; grajies pretty good.
The rainfall (or the month was the smallest for
years — being less than one inch.

Henky Kiiktz, of Mount .Joy, reported the wheat
crop at a little more than one-half of an average
crop of •_'5 or 30 bushels; corn will not be a full crop;
grass looks pretty well, but the timothy has been
I)revented from starting by the drouth; tobacco in
some places looks very well and in other places very
[loor.

I'ASPBR Hn.LEU, of Conestoga, had no report to
make; indeed he did not see any great advantage in
making crop reports, unless .some remedy can be of-
t'cvrxi to malie a bad crop better.

Henkv M. Kngi.e, of Marietta, said the object of
these reports is to secure correct data on which to
base an estimate of the total crop of the county. lie
looked upon them as being very valuable.

I'kesident Coopek said that- where Imd crops
were reported inquiry would be provoked to ascer-
tain the cause, and the cause, when found, might bo
removed, or its recurrence provided against.

1'. S. Heist, of Oregon, Manheim township, said
the weather bad been very dry; but the erojts were
pretty good; corn would yield (JO bushels to the acre
— some fields much more — wheat does not thresh
out as well as it was snpposed it would before liar
vest; grapes are pretty good, but many of them are
dropping oir, owing to the drouth; tobacco is not as
promising as it was a month ago, but some of it is
nevertheless very tine, and a good i)ortion of it has
been cut oti; peaches are very scarce, but what there
are of them are very fine. Mr. Keist took occasion
to explain that when be said at the last meeting of
the society that from .5,000 to 10,000 mechanics and
laborers could find employment in the county, in
erecting tobacco sheds and harvesting the crops, he
did not mean to invite that number of workmen from
abroad, but to say that there was more of that kind
of work to be done in the county than that number
of workmen could do, and that if the army of tramps
with which the county is overrun were honest work-
men they might find work. He would not now in- I
\ito workingmen to come here from other places, j
and he had go written to several i)erson6 from whom |
he had received letters. He believed there had been
more hard work done within the past two weeks in
Lancaster county, by the men, women and children,
than ever before in the same length of time. The
grainbeingquickly di8iK)8ed of by the steam threshers,
and the ground being too dry to plow, the men had
had plenty of time to work on the tobacco sheds. |

J.vcou BoiiLiNOEK, of Warwick, reported a full ,
crop of corn; potatoes above an average crop; applee

•carcc and Imperfect; no clovcrsced cut; young grass
fields look well, but weather very dry.

.Mautin D. Kenuki, of Manor, reported the
growing crops withered by the drouth; wheat had
yiehled from twenty to Iwcnty-flve bushels [jor acre,
corn not much over half a crop; potatoes a good
crop; tobacco a fair average; fruit very scarce;
grapes don't ripen well. The raiafall for the past
month was only six-tenths of an inch.

No Horticultural Exhibition.

Li;vi S. Reist, from the commltti^e appointed to In-
quire into the expediency ofhaving a society exhibition
of fruits and vegetables this fall, reported that the
Northern market house company had kindly offered
the society the use of their market house for the pur-
pose of the exhibition, but owing to the scarcity and
imperfection of most kinds of fruits, and the late-
ness of the season, the committee deemed It Inexpe-
dient to hold an exhibition this Kcas(m, an<l so rc-
|)orled. The report was received and agreed to.

Premiums for Best Crops.

Henrt M. Enoi.b, from the committee appointed
to prciiare a list of premiums to bo awarded to mem-
bers of the society growing the best crops, presented
the following schedule of premiums :

Kor the largest crop of corn on not less than one
acre, first premium, ?."); second largest crop, second
premium, ?4; third largest, third premium, ?.'i.

Kor largest crop of potatoes, not less than half an
aero, first premium, $4; second premium, f:i; third
premium, 9-.

For the best essay on the culture of wheat, $;!; sec-
ond best, ?;;; third best, ?1 .

Kor best small fruits, ?:!; second best, $2; third
best, .?!.

The conferring of the above awards to be discre-
tionary with the judges apiiointed to examine the ex-
hibits.

Mu. Hii.i.ER asked whether the proposed premi-
ums would be awarded for crops grown this year.

Mh. Enole answered that It was now of course
too late to award premiums for small fruits and
wheat, for these bad been gathered, but It was early
enough for corn and potatoes.

Joseph L. Witmer, of Paradise, suggested that
a diploma from the society or a subscription to some
good agricultural journal would be more suitable
and more highly [irizcd than a money premium.
The Oxford society has adopted the system of award-
ing newspaper subscriptions instead of money pre-
miums.

Hevry Kcrtz moved to amend the report of the
committee by awarding diplomas instead of money
premiums.

Mr. Enoi.e said if diplomas were given the so-
ciety woulil have to have one engraved, and this
would take time and money ; while a newspaper
prize would cost as much as the n»)ney proposed to
Ije awarded.

The amendment was withdrawn and the report of
the committee adopteil.

Oleomargarine.

A proposed act of Legislature regulating the
manufacture and sale of oleomargarine (bull fat
butter) was re.id by the secretary. It provides that
each package of the manufacturer shall be plainly
marked "olooinargarine," and fixes a i)enaltyof ?100
for ollering it for sale as dairy Imtter.

John- C. Linvim.e moved that the proposed act be
approved by the society.

I'ETER S. Reist favored the passage of the act,
but thought the penalty excessive. A person might
be imposed on and sell a few pounds of It without
knowing it.

I'KESiDENT Cooper explained that the act pro-
vlilcd no penally against any one excei)t such as
'•knowingly" sold the oleomargarine as butter. It
is an act to protect our dairies and the people who
use dairy butter. It does not propose to prevent the
manufacture of oleomargarine, but only that it shall
bo sold for what It really is. • Let it stand on Its own
merits, and let those who like it buy It. As for him
self, be wants none of it.

A vote was taken and the act was almost unani-
mously approved.

An Act to Regulate the Manufacture and Sale
of Fertilizers.

This act, which had been previously discussed and
|X)St|)oned, came up for further consideration. [Both
it and the act relating to oleomargarine have hereto-
fore been published In the Farrjier .]

.Mr. Linville moved Its adoption.

.Mr. 1. L. Landis thought there were some pro-
visions In the proposed act which had better be
omitted. It requires that the Ingredients used in the
manufacture of fertilizers shall ht made public.
Many of these fertilizers arc patented and the paten -
tecs cannot be compelled to make known the ingrcd'-
ents of the article manufactured by them. To do
so would be to render their patent valueless.

Casper Hillek said the subject of artificial fer-
tilizers was one of vast importance to our farmers,
who were pushing farming to its highest state by the
use of fertilizers. High farming will cause the land
to deteriorate and t>ecome poor, unless wc can fall

138

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ September,

back on some good fertilizer to eupply the soil witli
the ingredients taken from it in croijping. For some
years past very inferior fertilizers have been thrown
upon the market. Two years ago Mr. Hillc-r had
purchased two tons of superphosphate at a high
price, and he could not see where he had placed it.
Sines that time he has bought some that showed ex-
cellent results. It is necessary, therefore, for the pro-
tection of the farmer, as well as the honest manufac-
turer, that the analysis of the fertilizer should be
known. He favored the passage of the bill.

Mii. LiNViLLE said that a law similar to the one
now being considered had been passed by the Georgia
Legislature some years ago, and since its passage
the fertilizers offered in that State are 30 per cent,
better than they were before. The law docs not pro-
hibit the manufacture of any kind of fertilizer but
compels the manufacturer to furnish an analysis of
its constituents.

Levi W. Groff thought it would not be long be-
fore every farmer in the county would manufacture
his own phosphates, then no such law as the one
proposed will be necessary ; you can go to Stein-
man's, purchase the necessary articles and make
your own.

President Cooper s.aid the passage of the pro-
posed act would not prevent any one from doing so.

J. H. Landis, of Manor, said that South Carolina
rock could be sold in Wilmington for §8 per ton, and
can be sold iu Chester and Lancaster counties for
less than |16. lie thought the operations of the law
should not be restricted" to those kind of fertilizers
which sold at $20 or more per ton.

Secretary Miller explained that the law said
"less" than S-0 per ton, not "more."

Mr. Landis withdrew his objection and the act
was approved ; but having again read the bill, and
discovered that his objection was well founded, he
moved a reconsideration of the vote, by which it was
apiiroved, ami it was accordingly reconsidered.

Mr. LA>fDis then asked "for information why
samples of artilicial feltilizcrs selling for less than
§20 per ton were exempt from analysis and inspection.

Mr. Linville said that where fertilizers were
offered at such low figures farmers would know that
they were not good and could look out forthemselves.
When the prices were higher the temptation to fraud
would be greater.

Mr. Landis contended that if a 520 article should
be inspected, so should a $19 article. He moved to
strike out the figures "§20" in the last line of the
proviso .

Mr. Hiller said it was well known to all that a
concentrated fertilizer could not be made for less
than ^-tO, ?.50 or $00, and therefore cannot be sold
for $20. To have inserted all kinds of fertilizers in
the bill would perhaps necessitate an inspection of
lime, plaster and other manures.

Mr. Landis then moved to strike out the entire
proviso.

Mr. Wither approved striking out the proviso.

P. S. Reist said he thought there was a good deal
of humbugging in these artificial fertilizers, and read
a paper by a toliacco expert to show that much of
the imperfection in the quality of tobacco leaf was
caused by using them instead of barnyard manure.
He moved that the further consideration of the sub-
ject be postponed until next meeting.

Mr. Engle opposed further postponement. It had
already been postponed for one month, and members
are as well qualified to vote npw as they will be iu a
mouth hence.

Mr. Keist said that Prof. Calder, of the Pennsyl-
vania Agricultural College, hooted at the analyza-
tiou of fertilizers.

Jacob Bollinger did not use any artificial fertil-
izers, nor did any of his neighbors. He thought every
farm should produce enough manure to keep it up.
As only those who use the' fertilizers would have to
pay for them, he thought it would be as well to pass
the act.

A vote was then taken on postponing its further
consideration and lost — yeas, 10 ; nays, 12.

A vote was tlieu taken on the rejection of the pro-
viso— yeas, o ; nays not counted.

The act was then adopted without division.

Committee to Test Fruits.

The president appointed Casper Hiller, John H.
Landis and John C. Linville a committee to examine
the very flue fruits on exhibitiou before the society.

Pkof. S. S. r.ATiivoN moved that the librarian be
instructed to purchase a dozen more chairs for the
use of members. Carried.

Mk. Englk read a communicatiou he had received
from the officers of the York County Agricultural
Society, requesting the Lancaster society to appoint
four judges to assist iu making the awards at the
coming York county fair, and to send the names and
postofflce addresses of the appointees to the secretary
at York .

Mr. Engle moved that the request of the York
county society be complied with, and that the presi-
dent appoint the judges and shall be a member
thereof. The motion was agreed to, and the presi-
dent named them as follows : Henry M. Engle, Ma-
rietta; Johnson Miller, Lititz; Ephraim S. Hoover,
Manheim; Calvin Cooper, Paradise.

Testimonial to Prof. Rathvon.

Mr. M. D. Kendig stepped up iu front of Prof. S.
S. Rathvon, who was seated near the president, and
spoke as follows :

Professor : Permit me, on behalf of the members
of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticul-
tural Society, in recognition of your valuable and
self-sacrifleing labors in said society, towards promo-
ting its welfare and success, and the great pleasure
with which your efibrts were exercised in its behalf;
therefore, as a slight testimonial of our appreciation
of your kind recognitions of our wants, and the phil-
osophical explanations you have given us from time
to time on the various subjects which have come be-
fore us, we present you with this cane, and desire
you to accept it with our best wishes. May you
lean upon it for support in your declining years, as
this society has ever leaned upon you, and when your
life's labors are finished here, may you have a beau-
tiful entrance into that world of blessedness, where
all is peace and rest.

The cane is of ebony, with a heavy and beautifully
chased gold head containing the following inscrip-
tion : "Presented to S. S. Rathvon by the Agricultu-
ral and Horticultural society of Lancaster county,
Pa., Sept. :-!d, 1S77." It was gotten up by H. L.
Zahm &, Co., on the order of a number of Prof.
Kathvon's friends, members of the society.
The Professor's Reply .

Prof. Rathvon was much affected, and his sur-
prise was so complete that it was some moments be-
fore he found utterance. He said he was at no time
a fluent off-hand speaker, and that now he was so
astonished and overwhelmed at the receipt of the
testimonial, and the complimentary manner in which
it had been presented, that he could not coin words
with which to express the emotions of his heart.
From his heart he thanked the givers, but feared the
honor done him was but poorly deserved. He had
done nothing for the society but what he had done
from a sense of duty. His efforts had been only a
labor of love, and he was not sure that a man who
did only that which he loved to do was entitled to as
much credit as he who acts contrary to his inclina-
tions in doing a good work. He accepted the cane
in tlie same spirit in which it was bestowed, and
would lean upon it for support in his declining years,
and hope for an entrance into the better life when
this shall have ended.

Social Intercourse and Testing of Fruit.

A recess was then taken to examine and test the
fruits on exhibition, and after this had gone on for
some time John B. Erb moved that all the fruit not
wanted by the exhibitors be donated to the newspa-
per reporters. There was laughter and applause
among the members, while broad grins distended
the reporters' mouths from ear to ear.
The Codling Moth.

Prof. Rathvon presented specimens of the cod-
ling which he had hatched out and developed from
eggs deposited in apricots presented by J. M. Johns-
ton. He said he had raised the codling moth from
the apple, pear, peach, quince, nectarine and apricot,
and these experiments exploded the theory that the
codling moth attacks only pip fruits.

Fruit Report.

The committee appointed to examine and test
fruits presented the following report :

The committee to examine and report on the large
array of apples, pears and grapes brought by some
of the members, submitted the following :

Henry M. Engle made a splendid display of
grapes, consisting of the following varieties : Jessie,
Delaware, Massasoit, Telegraph, AVilder, Liudley,
Iowa, Paxton, Rogers No. 19, Creveling, Lady,
Salem, Rogers No. 33, Croton, Adirondack, Agawam,
Antachon, Ives, Clinton, Canada, Martha, Concord,
Maxatawney, Cornucopia. The grape Jessie is espe-
cially good and is worthy of trial.

John Huber exhibited a bunch of Lady, a new
white grape, very good and very promising.

Calvin Cooper also exhibited a very flne lot of
grapes : Northern Muscadine, Merrimac, Massasoit,
Concord, Catawba, Hartford, Prolific, Herbert, Tele-
graph, Wilder, Martha, Agawam, two other varieties
of Rogers.

Levi S. Reist exhibited ten varieties of pears :
Ouondago, Belle Lucretia, Bartlett, Howell, Flemish
Beauty, McLaughlin, Buffum, Seckcl, Liiwrcnce,
Schaum. Peaches: Morris White, Early Crawford.
Apples : Shoonhauer, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Apple-
butter, and a sweet for name.

Samuel Binkley exhibited extra fine specimens
of Concord and Martha.

C. Hiller — Bonni St. Ghistain pear, pronounced
very good .

H. M. Engle, Pears— Bartlett, Seckel, Howell,
Duchess de Bonne, DcsNonnes, Flemish Beauty.

B. Frank Taylor, of Chester county, sends a fine
bunch of hulless oats.

Casper Hiller,
J. C. Linville,^
JonN H. Landis.

Mr. Engle thought this society should be repre-
sented in the annual meeting of the American Pomo-

logieal society, which meets in Baltimore, on the 12th
loth and 14th inst., and the Maryland Horticultural
society, which meets at the same time and place.

Levi S. Reist moved that a committee of throe be
appointed by the chair to attend said meetings.
Agreed to, and M. D. Kendig, Levi S. Reist and H.
M. Engle were appointed. Messrs. Engle and Reist
were also appointed last January to represent the
Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Society at the same
meeting.

Business for next Meeting.

The committee on business reported the following
questions for discussion at next meeting :

What grade of horses are best adapted for farm
use ?

Does it pay to fatten stock when we get no more
than market price for the grain fed ? Adjourned.

TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.

A stated meeting of the Lancaster County To-
bacco Growers' Association was held in their rooms
in the city hall, on Monday afternoon, August 20.
The following named members and visitors were
present :

M. D. Kendig, president. Manor; W. L. Hershey,
secretary. East Hempfleld ; Henry Mayer, East
Hempfleld; Adam Bear, Lancaster twp.; P. S. Reist,
Oregon, Manheim twp.; I. L. Landis, Manheim;
Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy ; Jacob F. Frantz, Manor ;
Heiu-y Shiffner, Leacock ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salis-
bury; John M. Stehman, Manheim; Aldus Gross,
East Hempfleld ; Ephraim Hoover, East Hempfield ;
Levi S. Reist, Manheim; Prof. S. S. Rathvon, city;
Sihas K. Eshleman, Leaman Place; Wm. D. Hoar,
Salisbury ; J. M. Johnston, city ; Andrew Lane, city ;
B. Ritter, Litiz ; Levi Gross, East Hempfield; Wm.
McComsey, city ; Frank R. Diffenderfer, city ; Clare
Carpenter, city; H. B. Harnish, Conestoga ; Mr.
Long, and a few others.

The minutes of last meeting were read and
adopted.

Crop Reports.

The condition of the tobacco crop throughout the
county being called for, Israel L. Landis, of Man-
heim, reported that in his section it was very good —
a considerable portion of it had been already cut and
housed and was equal to any grown for some years.
A number of new tobacco sheds are being erected,
and there are other evidences of a growing interest
in the cultivation of the weed. Not much old tobacco
remains in the hands of the growers, though he
(Mr. Landis) and a few others have a few cases on
hand.

Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, reported some
very good tobacco in his neighborhood, some not so
good, and some very poor indeed.

Silas K. Ebhleman, of Leaman Place, said that
owing to the late dry weather a good deal of the to-
liacco has a stunted appearance, though there are
some patches that are very fine. The tobacco worm
has not been troublesome this season.

Henry SniFFNER, of Leacock, reported some of
the tobacco very fine, especially that which was
planted early. Some of the later planted was not so
good. In Paradise, Lower Leacock and other
neighboring places there will not be more than two-
thirds of a crop. He thought his own crop might be
rated as "thribble A." He had not been troubled
with the tobacco worm, and had secured a large and
fine crop by low topping, which he regarded as es-
sential to the growth of first-class tobacco. By care-
ful cultivation and low topping he had raised excel-
lent croiis for six years in succession on the same
land. He set his plants 20 inches apart in rows 29
inches apart.

Sylvester Kennedy, of S.alisbury, reported the
crop doing well — better than any one expected earlier
in the season. The acreage is from 50 to 100 per
cent, greater than it was last year. TbS early
planted is better than that which was set out later;
it escaped the ravages of the worm, which did not
appear in any considerable number until a week or
two ago. Some farmers have already cut their to-
bacco and others have one-half or one-quarter cut ofi".
The "stink-bug" and the dry weather have done
more harm to the worm. A number of new tobacco
houses have been built, and should the present crop
prove to be a profitable one, almost all the farmers
in Salisbury will engage in its cultivation next year.
His plan of killing the tobacco moth was to put
sweetened water in the jimson blossoms, and strike
down the moth with paddles when they come to
feed . Some of the late tobacco is yet very small, but
with a favorable season it has yet a chance to turn
out well.

Jacob F. Frantz asked Mr. Kennedy whether the
moth did not fly more during moonlight nights than
dark nights.

Mr. Kennedy thought not; he had frequently
killed them in fhe evening before dark, and after
dark when there was no moon and it was raining.

IIabry Mayek, of East Hempfield, reported some
very good crops of tobacco in his neighborhood and
none that are very poor. As to quality he did not
think it would prove as good as last year's crop.
The plants grew too rapidly in the spring and then

1877.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

139

the dry spell of weather which followed had injured
the leaf and he feared it would, not erne so welUs
isdesirablc. His own crop and some of his nei-hbors
had heeu nuich injiu'cd hy the laic hail storm espc-
dally that which had heen topped. '1 hat which had
not been topped was improved l.y removmij I he rid-
dled leaves, (most of wliieli were on one side only ol
the plant ) and thus throwiiif; additional slienKth
into the uninjured ones. The crop generally looks
promising, hut wants rain. Many farmers have
TOramenced cutting. Worms have not been Iroublo-

°°T^F Frantz, of Manor, concurred generally with
what .Mr. Mayer had said-the crop in Manor being
m about the same condition as that ot Hemplield,
except that it had not been injured by hail, llie
bulk of the tobacco is larger than last year s crop,
and the crop equally as good. Much of it has been
already cut. .

Prter S. Keipt reported an increased acreage and
a cood crop as to quantity; did not know enough
■ibout it to report Us qualily. In some seetions it is
of immense growth and some of it is very backward,
but healthy looking. With favorable weather there
will be a very large crop. There are a number of
new sheds going up in his neighborhood, and more
would be built were it not for the scarcity ot lumber
and carpenters. On this account some larmers are
cleaning out their barns and preparing them lor the
slora.'e of tobacco. He thinks that from five to ten
thousluid people might be prolit.Tbly employed ii.
putting up she B and doing other work necessary to
secure the present crop.

Henry SiiitTNER, of Leacock, thought the qual-
ity of the growing crop very good— especially that
which was planted early; believes it will cure better
than last year's crop.

Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, hoped this might
prove true, but feared it would not. The tobacco
looks too much like that of 1872. He has noticed a
creat many patches with small, sickly looking leaves
that stand straight up as though they were looking
for rain. This tobacco will not be likely to sweat
well He believes tobacco cut off in August will not
cure as well as that cut in September. He would
like to hear from the southern section of the county.
J M. .JouNSTON, city, said in reply, that he had
seen Squire Housekeeper, of Chestnut Level, who
told him the crop in that vicinity would be very good.
He had himself paid a visit to the southern end ot
the county two or three weeks ago, and at that time
the tobacco was growing finely. Although there Is
not so much attention given to tobacco in that as in
some other sections of the county, the acreage has
been considerably increased, and an increased crop

is expected. ,

President Kendio, of Manor, reported a good,
fair growth of the leaf, but feared it would not cure
so well- it seemed to be dry and stunted and wants a
trood soaking rain to bring it out; otherwise it will
not be of first quality. There are some very fine
patches; not ten per cent, of the crop has been yet
cut. Worms have been scarce.

JoBN Brady, of Millersville, said his son had cut
an acre, and it seemed to be curing very, well. He
favored low topping. Three or four good leaves to a
stalk arc worth a dozen little ones.

Aldus Gross, of East Hempfield, reported a good
deal of the leaf stunted by dryness. If cut now it will
not cure well, and even if it gets a good rain, it is
now too late to help it much. , , .

Levi S Rei.st, of Mauheim, said there had been
rain enough until the first of August, and the early
planted tobacco is as good as any he ever before saw.
A rain now will help the late plowed.
Referred Questions.
"How soon after strijiping could and should to-
bacco be cased?" a question which had been at last
meeting referred to Henry Kurtz, was answered by
that gentleman, who said that the proper time to
pack tobacco is three or four weeks after it has been
stripped and ranked. It must be ranked with the
buts outwards and the leaves well lapped over. He
had packed tobacco with favorable results after its
first sweating, and had been told by old packers that
they had cased tobacco when it was so wet that the
water ran out of it and it turned out to be the best.
John Brady, of Millersville, said when tobacco is
fit to strip it is fit to case. Let it cure well on the
scafl'old and case it at once.

Mr. Kennedy, of Salisbury, knew that tobacco
could be packed more easily immediately after it was
stripped than if it was ranked and subsequently
packed ; but he was not sure that it was the way to
secure the best tobacco.

Jacob F. Frantz thought this subject should be
well considered. We should not talk about what will
be the result if the tobacco is strijiped before it is fit
to strip. We should assume that no intelligent
grower will strip it until it is fit, and then we should
endeavor to find out how soon it should be packed.
His own opinion is that if stripped at the right time
it may be packed at once. It should not he stripped
when the but or ribs are green, as every sensible
farmer knows.

Mr. Kurtz insisted that three or four weeks
should elapse between the stripping and casing, and
Mr. Brady was equally certain that it should be cased

at once, and so warmly did they advocate their re-
spective plans that they were ready to wager money
on the result. ,, ,,. ,

Henry Siiifkner, of Leacock, said if tobacco was
not fit to case it was not fit to strip , and it certainly
was not fit to strip so long as the ribs remained

Pkesiprnt Kendig thought we were driaing
away from our real business— the growing of to-
liaceo- and entering a field that is already occupied.
There arc plenty of export packers to take the busi-
ness of iiacking ofl'our hands as soon as the crop has
been properly prepared for them.

Mr. Siiikfner also thoughtthe present discussion
premature. There is a belief entertained by many
tliat this society intends to establish a commission
house to which farmers will be expected to bring
their tobacco, and sell it for what it will fetch.
Some dealers also think the society intends interler-
ing with their business. The prevalence of these
l)cllef8 is the reason the meetings of the society are
not. more largely attended. We should confine our-
selves to the growing of tobacco, and aciiuainting
ourselves with the best methods. When we get
eight or ten miles away from Lancaster we find very
little tobacco that is grown or handled as well as it

should lie. _ :, .t , ,, r

V. S. Keist, of Manheim, favored the adoption of
a resolution to the eflTect that the object of the society
is to grow tobacco and prepare it for the use of buyers.
Mr. Kurtz predicted that In a few years every
tobacco farmer in the county would case his own to-
bacco, whether this society approves it or not.

I. L. Landis thought the subject a very proper
one for discuesion. Farmers should know how and
when to pack their own tobacco. They cannot
always sell when they would like to, and their own
interest requires that they should know what to do
with their tobacco when they cannot sell it. That
the subject may be thoroughly discussed, as it is now
growing late, he moved that Its further consideration
be postponed until next meeting. Agreed to.
Management of Tobacco Sheds.
In answer to a question as to how tobacco sheds
should be managed after the tobacco has been hung
up in order to cure tobacco in the best manner,
Jacob F. Frantz said In order to answer the ([uestion
intelligently it would be necessary to presume that
all tobacco sheds were built alike, and this was not
the case. He would say that it was of primary im-
portance to have eflTective ventilation and light. To
xure tobacco properly the shed must bo so arranged
that light may be readily admitted or excluded. He
recommended the horizontal ventilators as far pre
ferable to the perpendicular once. The shed should
be built close and tight, so that ventilation and light
may he regulated at will. As soon as the tobacco
has been partially cured the shed should be closed in
daytime and opened at night, so that dampness may
be diffused through the whole mass. If there be a
long spell of murky weather the shed should also be
closed at night. It is a settled principle that to-
bacco, hay and grain must go through a sweating
process before they are fit for use.

Ephraim Hoover, of East Hempfield, said in re-
gard to the relative merit of horizontal or perpen-
dicular shutters he would not express an opinion ;
but he knew of one man who built a shed with per-
pendicular shutters and used It for some time. The
shed was blown down and he rebuilt it with horizon-
tal shutters and found that he did not like them as
well as the old kind. This summer he built another
shed with perpendicular shutters, saying they were
cheaper and better than the others. The water that
gets into the crevices soon dries off, while it lies
upon the horizontal shutter and is often blown in
upon the tobacco. Several other farmers have told
him they prefer the perpendicular shutter, although
they are more troublesome to open and close. Mr.
Hoover's own shed had upright shutters and he
found them to answer very well. He though a to-
bacco shed should lie built with a view of using it for
the storage of grain as well as tobacco.
A Plea for the Birds.
Mr Sins K. Eshleman, of Leaman Place, read
a long and interesting essay, in which he took the
ground that birds- and especially partridges— were
the farmer's best friends ; but as the law has made
the partridge a "game bird," farmers as well as
others join in their destruction. He deplored the
cruel " sport" as it is called, and hoped the law
would soon be amended so as to give all InseetlTorous
birds the protection they are entitled to. If there
were more birds there would be less insects to destroy
the crops. Since the senseless destruction of prairie
hens, pheasants, quail, Ac, by Western si)ortsmen,
the crops in the West have been devastated by grass-
hoppers. It may not be generally known that a brace
of partridL'CS will destroy a whole colony of ants that
are so destructive to corn, cucumbers and other vege-
tables There are no doubt other birds that feed up-
on the tobacco worm and would assist the farmer in
ridding his fields of this pest if they were protected
and permitted to live. He hoped the cruel " sport
of murdering the innocent birds would soon be aban-

°A%ote of thanks was given to Mr. Eshleman for
bli able essay.

Hanging up Tobacco.

" What IS the best method of hanging up tobacco
to cure it best ?"— a question whicli had at last meet-
ing been referred to Harry Mayer, of East Hempfield
—was answered by that gentleman. To illustrate
his filan, he exhibited before the society a jiretty lit-
tle model of the trestle and lathe be uses in hanging
up his tobacco. The tri^stlc is over live feet in height,
anil long enouch to hold a hit h four feet in length,
one and a-lialf inches In width, and three-quarters of
uii inch thick. In this lath six sixpenny nails are
driven obliifuely (three on each side) eight Inches
afiart. The obll(iue oiieetlon is given to tlia nail so
that its point, when the l.ath is hungup, may be a
little higher than Its head, and thus form a sort of
hook on which the tobacco can be hung. To give
uniform direction to the nails, the lath, before they
are driven. Is placed upon a graduated piece of hard
wood in which beveled slots have been cut to turn
the point of the nail in the desired direction. The
lath having been thus prepared to receive the tobac-
co is [ilaced in the trestle, which is also furnl»hcd
with slots to receive It. The cut tobacco Is hauled to
the trestle on wheelbarrows, and the butt ends of the
stalks forced upon the points of the nails, and the
lath of tobacco hung In Ita jilace In the shed. Mr.
' Mayer says that by this plan ho can hang up tobacco
nearly twice as fast as by any other method. Ho
has entirely discarded the patent tobacco hook In
general use. When the tobacco is ready for strip-
ping the trestle is taken to the cellar under the shed.
The lath containing the tobacco Is placed In the tres-
tle and the leaves are stripped while it hangs there.
All damage to the leaves is thus avoided, and Mr.
Mayer Is enabled to sell as "seconds" a great deal of
tobacco that would otherwise be counted as fillers.
The little model was much admired, and several
members expressed a determination to adopt Mr.
Mayer's plan.

On motion of Mr. Landis the president and secre-
tary were appointed a committee to confer with the
ollicers of the .Agricultural and Horticultural Society
as to the expediency of having tobacco exhibited at
the proposed horticultural exhibition In the Northern
market house next month. „ . o

The following question was referred to Peter a.
Keist to be answered at next meeting :

"What method of preparation of soil is best adapt-
ed to promote the prospectsof a good eroi>of tobacco,
having reference to kind of fertilizers and time and
quantity of application ?"
On motion adjourned.

THE LINN/EAN SOCIETY.

The Linniran Society held their stated meeting on
Saturday, August 2.5th, 1S77. Seven members (.resent,
the President, Kev. I. S. Stahr, in the chair. After
the preliminary business had been attended t(», the
donation^ to the museum were examined, and found
to consist of nine small jars and bottles, containing
sundry mammals (upland mice), reptiles, arachno-
Ides or spiders, mirlopods and sundry insects, snails
and eggs of lepldoptera, the fruit of a day's hunt by
Prof S. S. Rathvon, In Sadsbury township, near
Christiana, Lancaster county, while on a visit to Mr.
Levi Pownall, on the 17th ult. , , .u

A very minute egg, fully formed, taken out of the
yolk of a common barn fowl egg, sent per Col. Joel
LIghtner. , . ,,

Prof. T. K. Baker, Millersville, brought a small
fish which he Informed us, however small, is wholly
rejected for bait by fishermen. Without special in-
siieetion. It was pronounced an exoglosson, originally
so named by Mr. Ilaldeman, a fish quite abundant
in all the tributaries of the Susquehanna, and as yet
not known in other waters and easily known by its
peculiar under lip or mouth : a sluggish fish, but
ready to take the hook, and never deemed worth
having, even if fully grown.

Beetles In wheat, per Prof. Baker.
Bottle of beetles, per J. StauR'er, one a fine large
specimen of that beautiful beetle, the Calislma
Scrutator. , ^, . ,

A large sexton, or burying beetle, Necrophrls
gr.andis, per Mrs. Gibbons.

\ siiinous leaf of the agave, by Mr. Zimmerman.
I)r Baker submitted sundry plants for names-
four species of verbena, one of which seemed new ;
a thistle, closely resembling the Canada thistle ; the
singular long-leafed clgrass valisnaria, found grow-
ing In the Conestoga, near Kockville.

W P. Bolton sent a letter (with a specimen ol a
very remarkable growth of the joe pie, F.upatorlum
puipureum) to, and It was read by .'^Ir. Stauirer.

Addltionstothe library : Charles V.; Kiley s book
on " The Locust Plague of the Kocky Mountains,
illustrated; the Lancastek Farmer for August ;
two copies of the XoturalUt'ii Monthly linlMw, per
A. Foot, M.D., Philadelphia.

Papers read— No.. 570. J . StaufVer read an Illus-
trated paper on the abnormal growth of tiro Eupa-
torium purpureum, found by Mr. W. P. Bolton near
the mouth of the Fishing creek, In Drumore tow-n-
ship, this county. Tills common plant in low grounds,
growing from 2 to 12 feet high, on a simple stem,
withthcleiivesinwhorlsof 3 or 6 at a joint, the
dense corymb of fiowers terminating the stem, M also
those growing from the axillary of the upper leaves.

i40

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ September,

The flowers are similar to those of the thorouffhwort
or boneset, ouly of a purplish cast in the iuvolucral
heads. But in this plant, which must have been over
six feet in height, the smooth stem has the epidermis
striated, or etiped, with slightly purplish bands,
somewhat spirally arranged in regular order. This
epidermis forms a raised welt or seam longi-
turnally along the entire stem on one side,
almost in a straight or vertical line, and from
this welt or ridge every leaf and axillary and terminal
branch of the entire plant springs, so that the
whole stem, from top to bottom, is perfectly free of
leaf or bud, except on this line, one above the other,
apparently somewhat grouped so as to indicate the
ordinary internode between the whorls or leaves.
The science of "I'hyllotaxis," or the arrangement of
the leaves, hardly accounts for this vertical arrange-
ment, however elaborately investigated by Dr. Gray
and other writers. Leaves are usually alternate,
opposite or verticillate. These are normal modes
and accounted for on the ground that the nodes are
In cycles, two, three or more ranked, also oblique
series or secondary spirals are accounted for. Prof.
J. S. Stahr suggested that the stipes on the stem
might indicate an untwisting of the ordinary spiral
elongation, so as to bring all the nodes in a vertical
row as we find them; but is the fact accounted for
by such a supposition ? The raised welt is suggestive
of an injury in its earliest development, sufficient to
twist the molecules that give rise to the leaf nodes,
while the stem was tender and succulent and emerg-
ing perhaps from between stones, causing the em-
bryotic leaf matter to be presssed to one side, and
thus carried up and developed successively in this
one sided manner. All growth is governed by laws,
but counteracting laws also e.xist, and hence comes
a disturbance to normal law, and abnormal results
arise. Whether we can determine exactly how or
not — the matter is curious and of interest.

S. 8. Ratiivon read a descriptive paper (No. 571)
on the collection deposited by him, stating interesting
particulars respecting the upland mouse (Arvi'cola
pinelorura). The red salamander and " Amblystoma
punctatum." The " Spirobolusmarginatus," Arach-
noida colebptera and larvye — grape vine insects — and
about the " Agave Americana," raised by Mr. Zim-
merman from a seed sent him by Mr. Frank Diffeu-
derfer in 185i), I'rom El Paso, in New Mexico, called
Century plant, and American aioe, which is found to
flower at the age of 10 or 1.5 years, instead of 100, as
the name implies, as tliis plant has proved, having
bloomed, though raised from seed as stated.

A hill presented for cleaning rooms, &c., fl.90,
was ordered to be paid.

On motion of S. M. Scner, a committee of three
was appointed to consider the expedience of having
a semi-monthly meeting, on some evening, in addition
to tl(f regular meeting. The chair appointed S. M.
Sener, S. ti. Katiivon and J. Staufl'er said committee.

On motion, adjourned.

AGRICULTURAL.

Working Land on Shares.

Working land on shares seems to be a poor business
for both parties. It is to the interest of the tenant
to spend as little for extra labor as possible, because
the owner of the land gets half the benefit, without
bearing any of the expense. When the country was
new and the land rich, a man could, perhaps, afford
to give half the products, as he could get fair crops
with little labor ; but now that the land is more or
less run down, and it is necessary to build it up with
manure and good culture, it is impossible for a man
to expend the necessary labor and give half the pro-
duce for rent. It may be done for a year or two on
land in high condition ; but the farm must inevitably
deteriorate under the system. A man might afford
to rent a grass farm on shares, but not an arable
farm. It is difficult to take one of our ordin,nry run-
down farms and raise enough from it, for the first
few years, to pay the coat of labor and support the
teams. It would be cheaper, so far as immediate
profit is concerned, to pay one hundred dollars an
acre for a farm in high condition, with good build-
ings and fences, than to accept as a gift one of these
run-down farms. It is time this matter was under-
stood, so that those uneasy mortals who are always
expecting to sell, and consequently make no efforts
to keep up and improve the land, should be com-
pelled to turn over a new leaf, or else dispose of their
farms at a low figure. — Oliio Farmer.

Compost.
Are not many of our farmers mistaken in their
ideas of the value of compost manure ! Is it not
often the case that they rate the increased value of
the manure by the number of cart loads of earth
which they have added to it ? We must not forget
that the earth adds very little manurial value to the
pile, and in reality does little but induce a much
quicker and more rapid action by shortening and
dividing the manure and producing a morerapidand
much earlier decay. It is ouly a question of the
rapidity and duration of action. If quick and rapid
action is needed for a short time, then composting is
the plan, and the only question in doubt will be
whether this kind of action will repay the increased

expense of composting. If from the nature of the
case a gradual and prolonged action is needed then
composting is not the proper plan. Through all we
must bear in mind that but little is added by this
plan, and that for this gain alone it will not repay
the expense. A similar mistake is often made in
valuing barnyard manure for the large amount of
straw which may have been passed through the
stables and into the yard. If enough straw or fodder
has been supplied to absorb all liquids and prevent
their waste, but little is gained in value by a further
addition, and in the after-handling the extra amount
of long straw may prove an actual loss, and in many
cases it would be more economical to apply it directly
to the land. We must not mistake bulk for value.

Killing Canada Thistles.
I had on my farm a four-acre field covered with
Canada thistles. I say "had," because I am con-
vinced that the present season's treatment has made
it too hot for them and I shall see no more of them.
The land was strong — "it takes good land to raise
good thistles." One-half the field was seeded, im-
mediately after plowing and a thorough working
with a two-horse cultivator, with soiling corn. This
was put in drills, 30 inches apart, with a large one-
horse seed drill — about S}.^ bushels per acre. By the
frequent use of she cultivator the space between the
rows was kept clean, and directly in the row the few
that have stuck up their heads look very yellow and
sickly, being shaded by the dense growth of corn.
The remainder of the field was seeded heavily with
Hungarian grass. Timely showers have made the
season favorable for this crop and it has grown
rapidly, smothering the disagreeable former occu-
pants of the soil. I do not consider this so success-
ful a mode of treatment as the former, because Hun-
garian grows so slowly on the start and the thistles
had an opportunity to gain a foothold. The crop is
nearly ready to harvest. Here and there, in looking
over the field, a thistle is seen, but a stranger would
never mistrust how foul the field was seventy days
ago. At any rate what few there are will be cut
before they mature seed. — P., Lichtfleld county , Con.
^

Sugar Corn vs. Hungarian Grass.
The ScloUific l'\trmer, Boston, has a good word
for Hungarian grass, saying . " We recommend a
bushel of seed to the acre, on rich ground. On
poorer ground the quantity may be increased. Yet
fertile land is desirable for this crop, as well as
others, and a dressing of dung or fertilizer will be
apt to bring its reward in a thick and luxuriant crop.
Hungarian is a more dillicult crop to harvest than
hay. Always cut during a dry time, if possible, for
it will take three good hay days to prepare for the
liarn. Wc do not always, however, have our choice,
for as the crop ripens very rapidly, and should he
cut just when in blossom, a little delay at the critical
time, in order to secure favorable weather, is apt to
result in over-ripening, or the formation of seed.
Dead-ripe Hungarian is ])oor stuff for food, and may
even act as a poison, or at least as an injurious food,
wlien fed to horses, and hence it is preferable to
harvest I'athcr early than too late." This is good
advice ; but belter advice would be to substitute an
acre or two of sugar corn, sown broadcast. For fall
food it comes justS in the nick of time ; or to cut for
fodder just before it gets into tassel, and curing it
for winter feeding. It is relished exceedingly by cat-
tle and especially so by horses, and is very wholesome.
The fodder crop of corn, when Lucerne and Hunga-
rian grass are under consideration, should always be
borne in mind and be allowed its full weight.

HORTICULTURAL.

Fall Plowing.
Mr. Harris says, in the American Agricidturist : I
am convinced that wc shall find it to our interest to
work our land more and more in the fall — and the
earlier the better. Our springs are short, and we are
in a hurry to get in the seed ; tlie land is wet, and if
plowed in this condition we do more harm than
good. If we wait until it gets dry it is apt to turn
up lumpy, and much harrowing, cultivating and roll-
ing is required to get it in anything like good condi-
tion. And as everything is crowding us, we are often
oljliged to put in the crop with some of the land so
hard that unless we have an unusually wet spring
the seed is a long time in coming up, and the crops
are "spotty." And it is these poor spots that pull
down the "average yield" to such a low figure. I
have in my own barley field to-day portions that will
probably give fifty bushels per acre, and spots where
the yield will not be ten bushels. And yet these lat-
ter spots are naturally the strongest and richest land
in the field.

Coal Ashes.
Bliss, the seedsman, recommends the use of coal
ashes for potato patches, and say.s that persons who
are in the habit of throwing ashes away as useless
are making a great mistake ; they are found by ex-
perience to be of great benefit in the culture of pota-
toes. Many ashes are dumped in the streets and
alleys, when they could be used to improve th^ soil
of gardens. Save your ashes and use them for the
pur])ose of manure. Wood ashes are counted among
the first fertilizers, and they command a good price
by those who know their value.

Management of Fruit Trees.

What may be now a tender, qiiick-growing sprout
will, in October, be a strong, woody branch, and per-
haps a branch just where it is not wanted, and which
must be removed by the use of a saw or a strong
knife. At the right time the shoot could have been
rubbed ofi', and not only the trouble of removing the
branch avoided, but the useless growth would have
been directed to parts where it was needed. If one
has a careful eye to his young trees, he can, by rub-
bing off a bud or shoot here, and pinching a shoot
there, so direct the growth that by the time the trees
come into bearing they will be of proper form, and
very little work will be required for the pruning-saw
and chisel. If large limbs are to be removed from
neglected trees, this month or next (according to lo-
cality, at any rate, when the spring growth is made
and the leaves have attained full size and substance)
is by many preferred for the work, as wounds now
heal rapidly. Cut all large wounds smooth with a
drawing-knife and cover with shellac varnish, melted
grafting-wax, or thick paint. Borers do not breed in
the tree, as some suppose. Every borer in the treo
went in. The parent winged insect laid the egg on
the liark. The little borer hatched out at once bored
its way Into the tree, and there it will stay until it
comes out a perfegt insect, or is cut out or is punched
to death in the hole. But please observe, no patent
stuff that is to be laid in the crotch of the tree, no
stuff' that you may paint on the trunk, no "invigora-
tor" or anything that you may apply to the soil, to
be taken up by the roots and thus poison the borer,
will be of any earthly use. While you are fussing
with such treatment the borer is quietly at work,
perhaps stopping now and then to laugh at the folly
of the performance. Cut with knife and punch with
wire. The slug, so called, but wliich is really a cater-
pillar, will appear, especially on the pear and cherry
leaves, and, unless checked, often makes sad work.
It is a dark-green leach-like creature, that leaves a
slimy trail. Slaked lime, dusted from a coarse bag
at the end of a pole will soon end it. In a dry time
fine dust from the road may he thrown into the trees
with good effect. — Inilepemlfnt.

^

A Propagating Secret.

Under this head the London (Jardmrr'A Chronicle
says : It will be rcinemborcd that a month or two
ago wc alluded to an alleged extraordinary secret for
pi-opagating trees and grafting roses, whereby much
time could be saved, offered for a small sum by an
.\u6trian nurseryman. This gentleman has since
communicated an article on the subject to the Wietier
narlcnfreimd. Briefly, his new method is as follows :
Cuttings of shrubs and trees are taken otf at the be-
ginning of July, from six inches to twelve inches
long, according to the kind. The leaves arc removed
from the lower portion which is to enter the ground,
but those which will come above the ground are left.
Beds are prepared for them in the open air by thorough
digging and leveling, and afterwards apjilying a
superficial layer, aViout two inches thick, of rotten
manure from a spent hot-bed. The cuttings are then
stuck in aliout two inches apart, and in a somewhat
oblicjue direction. Each bed when filled is surrounded
with a lath fence, so that 8h,ide m.ay be given when
the sun is very hot, and the cuttings are well watered
with a rose-spouted can. This completes the opera-
tirn. The only further care necessary is a sprinkling
overhead three or four times a day during the first
week, if thff weather be very hot, and once a day
afterwards. In the course of five or six weeks treated
in the manner indicated, the cuttings of most plants
will have formed a callus, and further shading will
be unnecessary. Late in the autumn a layer of rough
manure, two Inches or three inches thick, is spread
over for winter prorection. It also serves as manure
when the cuttings start growing in the spring; and
cuttings treated thus make extraordinary progress —
forming plants equal to two-year old plants from
winter or spring cuttings. Very few, it is asserted,
fail. The new method of grafting roses is the inser-
tion of growing eyes early in spring, instead of dor-
mant eyes in the summer. They are inserted in the
main stem, one on each siele, to form symmetrical
heads. These make, it is said, as much growth the
first season as the dormant eyes the second season.

Cracking of Pears.

Why some pears crack, seems one of those queer
things which no one can find out. We have never
claimed much luck at finding out these riddles, but
wc do think that there may be several reasons and
that all kinds of pear-cracking are not from the
same cause. All around everywhere, except in
closely built up cities, so far as we know, the old
Butter pear, or white Doyenne, cracks badly. It is
rare, indeed, that we see a perfect fruit. The Seckel
never cracks — at least we never knew of a case. But
some seem to crack sometimes and not at others,
and why this should be so is more of a mystery than
in the case of the Butter, which has the disorder as a
regular thing. In this region the Bcurre (Jiffard is
one we have frequently recommended in our lists and
elsewhere. So far as we know, it is regularly good
everywhere about here, and no one need fear to

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i4i

plaul it asono of the best early fruits. Yet we read
onee in awliile in some distunl placetliat tlie "(iilfard
craclts Itailly." 'I'his ean liarilly 1)0 a close eoiistitii-
tiODal matter as in the case of the Butter ]iear, but
prohalily is owinp; to some very loeal and temporary
cause.

We see the same thing of the Tyson jiear, a native,
by close neighborhood, of I'hiladelphia, and one
which in aeeordanee with the spirit of the good old
observation that a prophet is not without honor ex-
cept iu his own country. It is extensively planted
and valued here in its native home a.s among the
highest type of the pear race. It is sometimes saiil
that it does not bear as freely as some others, hut no
one ever thought of charging it with the meanness of
cracking. Yet we see it suggcefed in a distant con-
tcm|iorary who, after enumerating a long list of vir-
tues, adds, "hut it once in awhile cracks. — Herman-
town Teleijraj^h.

Watering Trees.

So far generally throughout the country s|n-ing-
planted trees have not needed much watering owing
to the moist season we luive had. But it often occurs
that, in such seasons as we have liad this year, the
latter part of the summer will be very dry, and we
may have a drought in August.

Should this be the ease newly-planted trees may
require watering. By watering the surface of the
soil, a large proportion of the water is soon evapora-
ted by the heat of the surface soil or by the heat of
the sun, ami if the soil is any way heavy the water-
ing causes it to bake, thus exeluding the air and
preventing the moisture from being drawn up from
below. To counteract these injurious etl'eets and to
get the water into the soil uii'lerueath the trees,
make three, four, or five holes with a crowbar, or
stout pointeil stake, about IS inches deep, and the
same distance from the tree, and jiour the water into
these holes. It will soak away into the soil and come
into immediate contact with the roots, keeping them
moist and cool.

It repays the extra labor of making the holes, in
that it does not require as much water for a giveu
number of trees as does surface watering, and so
saves the labor of carrying.

Shall Old Orchards be Plowed ?

The editor of the Rural llvtae, in describing the
farms of the Genesee Valley makes the following
mention of an orchard owned by a Mr. Greenwood :
" He has a remarkable orchard of four and a half
acres, which for the last eight years has been the
source of a liberal income. It averages about three
hundred barrels a year. About ten years since it
yielded over 600 barrels, which he sold for §5.70 a
barrel, making a nice little income of $3,400 that
year. It is composed of Baldwins, Greenings and
Rox-Russets ; Baldwins predominating and giving
the best satisfaction. This orchard has been in pas-
ture, without plowing for eighteen years, pastured
by'sheep, swine and horses. Think it would ruin it
to plow it after remaining so long in grass. Some
neighbors tried the experiment a few years since,
tearing up and drawing off large quautities of roots,
but It ruined the orchard."

American Fruit in Europe.
Europe is now taking a surprising quantity of
American fruit. The purchases have amounted, ac-
cording to the New York Tribune, to over ?_',. 500,000
worth since June, ls70, compared with (ji(500,000 in
the same period the year before. Dried apples figure
largely in this movement. This country has exported
over ?12,000,000 pounds of them since last June, as
compared with rys2,0i}0 pounds the previous year.
This new addition to the trade of the United States
is due to invention, which has occupied itself of late
with improved methods for drying and preserving
for transiiorting fruit. The greatest progress has
been made in the way of dryers. Within a year some
notable inventions in this line have been perfected,
which are a great requisition to the resources of the
country. The fruit dryer tnds fair hereafter to be as
much of a necessity to every farming community as
the cider mill and the cheese factory.— .SVicK<i^f
Amerkan .

Soot as a Garden Fertilizer.

Perhaps it may have occurred to some of our lady
readers that the refuse soot of our chimneys is one of
the most valuable stimulants and feftili/.ers they can
have lor their garden flowers. The following inci-
dent of practical experience is from a lady contribu-
tor to the liural Carolinian :

"During two seasons we nursed, fed, and petted
the Hartford Prolific grape vine, as much for Its
shade over the window as for its fruit; but it persist-
ed in remaining a stunted cane, yellow and refusing
to climb. Despairing of a shade iu grapes, and
roses, we finally bethought ourselves of soot as a ma-
nure, and forthwith made a "soot tea" by steeping
a teacup of soot in a quart of water. This we ad-
ministered, two doses each, to both the tree and the
vine. The vine grew six feet in height in the space
of six week«, the rosebush four feet in the same
length of time. Both, therefore, rejoiced in living
green."

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Setting Milk for Cream.

It is not to be wondered at that the average dairy-
man'of our State is pu/zlcd to know wliat to iTo for
the best. Professor Wilkinson tells liim [ilainly that
nothing but shallow i>ans and sub-carlli dui'ts will do;
while Professor Hardin is equally certain that deep
pans (20 inches), sunk to the rim In water, at a tem-
pei'ature of .'iO ilegrees, alone insuri: the largest yield
of the best (luality of butter; and now these are over-
toppeil by the new t'oolcy system, which proposes to
enclose the milk in a ileep narrow can, with a water-
tight lid, and sink it under water, which is carefully
kept at a low temperature by the use of ii-e.

Our own experinu'nts satisfy us that both extreme
rules are right, provided, certain rules, as unaltera-
ble as those of the Medes .Tud Persians, arc observed.
At a tem[)erature above 00 degrees, deep cans will
not do; the milk will usually sour before all the
cream reaches the surface. When this temperature
is unavoidable, shallow and broad [)ans will give the
best results. When eohl water is abundant and the
means of keeping it at .50 degrees or lower are at
hand, it will be Ibund that cans, twenty inches deep,
and eight or nine inches in diameter, will save much
labor, and at the same time make quite as much and
better butter. Those dairymen whose situation Is
covered by the first case shoidd be cautious iu the
use of deep cans. It Is no doubt for the want of a
proper observance of these simple rules that we now
have a conflict of sentiment as to the comparative
merits of dci-p and shallow setting. — Phila. 2'iine^.

Cleansing Feathers of Their Animal Oil.

The following receipt gained a premium from the
Society of Arts : Take for every gallon of clean
water one pound of quicklime, mix them well to-
gether, and when the undissolved lime is precipitated
in fine powder pour off the clean lime water for use.
Put the feathers to be cleaned into another tub, and
add to them a quantity of clean lime water, sufficient
to cover them .about three inches, when well im-
mersed and stirred about therein. The feathers,
when thoroughly moistened, will sink down, and
should remain in the lime water three or four days ;
after which the foul liquor should be [separated from
them, by layingthem in a sieve. The feathers should
be afterwards well washed in clean water, and dried
upon nets, the meshes of which may be about the fine-
ness of cabbage-nets. The feathers must, from time to
time,be shaken on the nets, and as they get dry will fall
through the meshes, and are to be collected for use.
The admission of air will be serviceable in drying.
The process will be completed In three weeks; and
after being thus prepared, the feathers will only re-
quire to be beaten to get rid of the dust.

Ventilation of Closets.

Too little attention is paid in the construction of
closets to their proper ventilation. It is not always
convenient to have a closet door stand open, and if it
were, full ventilation cannot be secured in this way.
There should be a. window or an opening of some
sort from the closet to the outer air or to a hall, so
that a current of air might remove any unpleasant
odors arising from clothing that has been worn, from
shoes, or from anything else kept in the closet. A
garment that has been hung up for a length of time
in a close closet is as unfit to wear, unless it has been
thoroughly aired, as though the unwholesome vapors
it has absorbed were visible to the eye. The charm
of clothing new and clean lies far more in the absence
of these vapors than many people are aware.
■»■

Simple Cure for Ear-ache.

Many years ago two of ray children, one aged 3,
the other 1 year, had a terrible attack of ear-ache all
one day and night. I worked over the little sufferers,
doing all I could think of, and trying remedies sug-
gcsti^d by our neighbors. On the second morning of
the attack, a lady came hi and asked me if I had
tried burnt sugar. I told her no, that I had not
heard of tliat. She told me to put some live coals on
a tin plate, sjirinkle some brown sugar on them, set
a funnel over It, and then hold the child so that the
smoke could go into the ear. I did so, using the
remedy for both little ones. The result was marvel-
ous ; the pain stopped instantly, and soon both little

sufl'ercrs were in a sound, refreshing sleep.

^ ^"

Shakers' Pickles to Keep Ten Years.

Half-grown cucumbers fresh gathered, wash clean
and pack In jars. Make a pickle of salt and water
that will bear an egg ; put in a piece of alum the size
of a nutmeg to a gallon of brine ; boil and skim it,
and pour hot over the cucumbers; let it stand till
cool, then pour ofl. Boil enough vinegar to cover
your pickles, spice to taste, pour it over hot, first ad-
ding a small piece of alum. In two days these are
ready to eat.

^

Wax for Cans.— Hosin, eight ounces ; two ounces
gum shellac ; beeswax half an ounce. If you wish it
red, take F.nglish verraillion, one and a half ounces ;
melt the rosin and stir in the coloring (if used), then
add the shellac slowly ; afterwards the beeswax. It
can be heated whenever needed.

Household Recipes.

PicKi-ED Qi'iNTKs -Pare and quarter ; to 10
pounds quinces add three i>ouuds brown sugar, one
pint vinegar, one ounce cloves, one ounce cinnamon ;
boil until tender.

To SoUH Condensed Mti.K.— Dilute as usual with
water, pour into an earthen dish, and set In a warm
place; use vinegar, a dessertspoonful to a pint of
milk ; and trust heat and time to aeconiiillhh the rest.

Steamed Biiown Bkkai>— I.— Two cupfuls meal,
two cupfuls (lour, two cuiifuls milk, a teaB|)Oonful
salt, two tcaspoonfuls soda, and a cupful inolassce;
butter a pail, cover tight, put into a ketfle of Imlllng
water; steam two hours, and, removing the cover,
bake two hours In the pall.

II.— One pint milk, one teaspoonful soda, one of
salt, one cupful flour, and two cupfuls meal ; steam
two hours, and bake half an hour, pail cover removed.

GiiAHAM BicEAO.— One quart Graham Hour, one
quart wheat Hour, one eupyeast, one-half cup sugar ;
let it rise over night ; in the morning knead It and let
it stand in llie jians a short time before baking.

Yeast lOit (iuAUAM Bread.— A handful of hojw
put ill a lace bag; seven good sized potatoes; IkiII
together in three pints of water ; before the (xjtatoeg
all! quite done take the hops out ; mash the |Hitatoee
and let them cool ; then add one-half cup (lour ; put
it in the w.atcr and let it boll up, and add one-half
cup salt, one-half cup sugar, and enough yeast to
raise it; it will be ready for use in about 1'^ hours.
Good for all kinds of liread.

Bread-makino. — Make a thin batter of flour and
tepid water, and add sufncient salt ; then. If two
loaves are intended, dissolve a third of a cake of
compressed yeast iu lialf a cupful of tepid water and
add to the batter, stirring all together, and set in a
warm place over night. lu-the morning the sponge
will be light : add sulhclent flour, and work well, and
set iu a warm place until the dough beeomss light ;
then work again, and set In pans and allow to rise,
say from 1.5 to 20 minutes, but do not let it stay too
long, or it becomes sour; then place In an oven until
cooked ; after the bread is sulliciently done it should
remain in the oven with the door open to dry the
bread half an hour or so. Bread thus made com-
bines everything desirable in being light, white, and
jierfectly sweet for two or three days after baking.
1 lielievc bread made thus would keep sweet for a
week, but it has never been tested longer than three
or four days.

Boiled Karhit with Onion SAi:rE. — Peel five or
six medium sized onions and put them into cold water;
boil them till tender; cut up the rabbit into joints
and put it into a saucepan, with sufficient cold water
to cover it, and simmer gently for an hour and a
half. After it comes to boiling heat chop the onions
and season them with asaltspoonfulof salt, the same
of white pepper, and put them into a small saucepan,
with an ounce of butter and two tables|)oonfulB of
milk. Stir and Iwil up, lay the rabbit neatly on a
hot dish, pour the sauce over it, and serve at once.

Peach Jelly.- Wipe the down well off your
peaches, which should be free stones, and not too
ripe, cut them in quarters, crack the stones, and
break the kernels small. Put the peaches and kernels
into a covered jar ; set them into a kettle of boiling
water, and let them boil till they are soft ; strain them
through a jelly bag ; allow a pound of loaf sugar to
a pint of juice ; put the juice into a preserving kettle
and boil fifteen or twenty minutes briskly ; then add
the sugar and let it dissolve ; skim carefully ; jiour
the jelly into glasses ; when cold cover with thick
paper.

Corn Cake with Fruit. — Pour one quart boiling
wateron one quart corn meal, and stir quickly. Wet
the hands, and form the dough Into small round
cakes one-half an inch thick. Bake in a hot oven.
The .addition of a few raspberries, huckleberries, or
any other sub-acid fruit, is a decided improvement.
Sweet apples, chopped tiue, are also excellent.

Water Pisino for Bread. — Take a quart pitcher
and a spoon, scald them; fill the pitcher half-full of
boiling water; cool to the temperature of good hot
dishwater; stir in flour to make a batter as thick as
flour pancakes; and a quarter teaspoonful of salt and
as much soda, cover closely, set where it will keep
<iuite warm, stirring occasionally; It will rise in five or
six hours. Some prefer this to hop or brewers' yeast.

Baked Batter PuijDiNU wnn Friht. — Take a
half-pound of flour ; one pint of milk ; the }'olks of
four and whites of two eggs, ami half a teaspoonful
of baking powder. Hub the powder till smooth, mix-
ing it well with the flour, and as much milk as
will make a stiff batter; beat it till quite smooth,
then add the remainder of the milk, and the eggs,
well beaten. Put some apples, c ut as for a pie. Into
a buttered dish ; pour the batter over, and bake In a
moderately hot oven. Damsons currants, gooseber-
ries or rhubarb may be used In the same way.

Salt on Steak. — It is much better to broil or fry
the steak without salting, adding the salt after the
meat is on the |)latter, as the salt draws the juice
out of the meat if jiut on before it is cooked, thereby
making it dry and indigestible. In cooking steak the
object is to keep in the juice as much as possible, hence
the meat should lie seared over as quickly as possible
on both sides, and fre<|ueutly turned while cooking
over a very hot fire.

W2

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

t September,

LIVE STOCK.

How to Have Healthy Pigs.
Prof. Law, of Cornell University, writes as follows
in regard to the proper treatment of swine for the
prevention of disease : Keep your hogs clean. Pro-
tect them from the hot, reeking bed of manure and
close sleeping place, where the emanations from de-
composing dung, urine, straw and other organic
matter are added to those of their own skins and
lungs when huddled together ingreat numbers. See
that both food and water are clean, in the sense of
being free from disease germs, and from the micro-
scopic particles of decomposing organic matter
which, within the system as well as outside it,
furnish appropriate food for the disease poison, and
favor its increase, while they depress its vital powers,
and lessen the chances of the virus being thrown off.
And it is here that the pork raisers are most fre-
quently at fault. Fifty or a hundred pigs are allowed
to crowd together in a filthy manure heap, a rotten
straw stack, or under a barn, subjected to the drop-
pings of other animals as well as their own products.
Their feeding troughs and drinking water are so sup-
plied that they can get into them with their tilthy
feet, and they must devour the most obnoxious mat-
ter or starve. If under this abuse disease is devel-
oped, the healthy are left with the sick, as " they
will all have it anyway," and the result is usually a
clean sweep.

When hog cholera exists, the sick should be placed
by themselves under a special attendant, and the free
use of disinfectants ; the healthy should be carefully
watched, and on the first sign of illness or increased
temperature, as ascertained by the introduction of a
clinical thermometer into the rectum, they should
bo at once taken from the herd and carefully seclud-
ed. This, with active disinfection, will enable the
owner to cut short an outbreak, and save, perhaps,
the great m.ajority of an already Infected herd.
Again, the sale of animals from an infected stock,
to be removed from the premises alive, should be
severely punished, and the disinfection of the build-
ings where the sick have been, should be made im-
perative. We shall obtain the greatest success with
this disease when we treat it as a contagious malady,
and wherever it is found to exist, give our main at-
tention to prevent the further generation and dis-
semination of the poison.

— ^

Potatoes for Cows.
Cows in milk may be fed so much of certain kinds
of food as to derange their digestive powers, and thus
dry up their milk. The Live Stock Journal states
that it has been found that a large feed of potatoes
will lessen the percentage of hay digested, but we
think the large amount of starch contained in the po-
tato causes a looseness of the bowels, and thus im-
pairs the digestive function.

We often fed potatoes to cows in milk with great
benefit. Our plan has been to run potatoes through
a root slicer and feed four quarts at a time mixed with
cut hay and a pint of oil meal or pea meal, or a
quart of oats. And since the experiment mentioned,
we have again tried this mode of feeding, and fonnd
it to work admirably well.

The ixrtato is a very imperfect food alone, being
principally starch, having too litte nitrogen and plios-
phate of lime to make milk; but it is the richest root
raised on the farm, and when fed in small quantity,
raw, will regulate the bowels, and have a very simi-
lar effect to gi-een grass. It is a very laxative food
in the raw state, and that is probably the cause of
its peculiar effect upon the digestion of hay. When
the potato is cooked the effect is quite different, and
its value is increased. A small quantity of potatoes,
say four quarts as a feed, will increase the yield of
milk nearly as much as so mnch grain, provided they
are fed with other food rich in the constituents of
milk.

The American dairyman is prone to feed one thing
at a time, almost wholly, instead of giving variety in
food, which will furnish all the elements required in
the proper proportion. We found an olyection to the
use of oil meal when fed above two poimds per day
to a cow, as it is too laxative. We found one quai-t
per day the most profitable, and have also found one
peck of potatoes per day, in two feeds the most profit-
able.—&.

How to Fit Horse Collars.

It is very important to have a collar fit nice to the
shoulders of the horse. It enables him to work with
a great deal more ease, and to apply a great deal
more strength. It prevents galling and wounding,
as the friction is avoided. Collars are made, or
should be, to throw the chief force on the lower part
of the shoulders. The horse can apply but little
strength on the upper part, and for this rea-
son breast collars are coming greatly into vogue, as
the strength is exerted on the lower part of the
shoulder.

But we started out to tell our readers how to make
a new collar fit the shoulder of the horse. The collar
should be purchased of the proper size ; just before
putting it on the first time immerse it in water, letting
it remain about a minute, and immediately put it on

the horse, being careful to have the hames so adjusted
at the top and bottom as to fit the shoulder, and then
put the horse to work. The collar by being wet will
adapt itself to the shoulder, and should dry on the
horse ; when taken off it should be left in the same
shape it occupied on the horse, and ever after he will
have a snug-fitting collar and no wounds.

Cleanse the Manger.

The mangers of horses, cows and oxen, when sup-
plied with cut fodder and meal, frequently become
offensively sour in consequence of the decomposition
of the wet meal that adheres to the corners of the
feed boxes. This is apt to be the case especially
when animals do not lick the corners entirely clean.
If a small jiortion of feed is allowed to remain in the
manger only a portion of a warm day, it will become
sour, and the offensive effluvia will taint the entire
manger, so that an animal will often refuse to eat his
accustomed allowance, unless compelled by keen
hunger. The true way to manage mangers is to
scrape the corners clean at least twice a day, re-
moving every particle of rejected food. Then if the
manger does not smell as a butter bowl, let the
corners be washed out with hot water, wiped clean,
and a handful of caustic, of slacked lime be sprinkled
in the manger. If mangers are kept clean they will
seldom become offensively sour. If an animal leaves
a portion of his feed, a new mess should never be
given on the rejected feed. — M«u< York Herald.

Stumbling Horses.

The best horse, indeed, may stumble. If it arises
from a heavy fore-hand and fore-legs being too much
under the horse, or being too narrow in the breast,
no one can alter the natural shape of the ■' critter."
A young, overgrown animal, and one of spirit, if not
properly broken in, will commonly stumble. If it
arises from tender-footedness, knock-kneed, or with
feet turned in or out, you will find it a difficult mat-
ter to remedy. A tight rein is a caution that should
not be omitted. In purchasing a horse — I say the
best horse may stumble ; but if he has scars, or the
hair be broken on his legs, and if he springs out
when he stumbles as if he feared a whip or spur, you
may beware of a stumbling jade and perpetual
faller. Show me a big horse and I will show you a
stumbler. In the majority of cases tripping is found
to be practiced by young, overgrown horses before
they have arrived at maturity. A known stumbler
should never be ridden, but should be put to slow
and heavy work.

^

Full Feeding.

No profit can result from keeping a common dairy
of cows in the scant mode of fee<]ing. Full and
generous feeding, on a varied diet the year round, so
that the cow will give milk nearly the year through,
is the only profitable dairy management. The cow
can make milk only from her surpus food.

Her system must be supported before she can
secrete milk, and the beef animal likewise can only
lay on flesh and fat from extra food. Full feeding,
with other judicious management, will bring full re-
turns and a pleasant account at the end of the year ;
poor feeding only loss and; disappointment. — Live
Stock Journal.

ENTOMOLOGICAL.

How the Price of Cows has Risen.

An old cattle dealer gives the following prices paid
by him for milch cows, in Montgomery county. Pa.:
In 183.5 and previous years he paid an average price
of fl.S to 24; in 1835 and 1836, $20; in 1837 and 1838
«32; in 1839, $38; in 1840, $30; in 1841 and 1842,^19;
in 1843, ?32; thence up to 1S49, 832 to |2.5; in 1849,
1850, 1851, 1852 and 1853, $25; in 1854, $28 (highest
$40, lowest $22;) in 1855 and 185li, $30; in 1857, $34;
thence to 1860, $29; in 1860 and 1861, $-35; the next
three years, $65, (some good ones going over $100;)
and since then prices have been as high or higher,
and market good. The prospect now is for a de-
cline for some time.

A Lamb with a Cow for a Mother.
A short time ago a fine Cotswold ewe belonging to
Major McDonald, of Daviess county, gave birth to a
buck lamb, immediately after which she died. About
the same time a young heifer on the Major's place
dropped a calf which died. The Major's son, after
consulting "Randall's Sheep Husbandry," placed the
lamb with the heifer, first holding it up to the cow's
udder until it sucked. The result of the affair is that
the heifer at once adopted the lamb, and it is now fat,
thrifty and vigorous, being about seven weeks old
and weighs oyer fifty pounds. — Sedalia (Mo.) Bazoo.
^

Age of Sheep.

A sheep's front teeth the first year .are eight in
number appearing all of a size. Second year two
middle ones are shed out and replaced by two much
larger than the others. Third year two very ismall
ones apjicar— one on either side of the eight. At the
end of the fourth year there are six large teeth. Six
years all begin to show wear— not till then.

Bot and Bot Flies.

The following valuable article from Prof. C. V.
Riley to the Scientific American we give our readers
this month for its thorough explanation and timely
suggestions on the subject of bot and bot flies :

" A correspondent, engaged in the tanning business,
asks why 'wormals' get into the backs of cattle, and
how they undergo their transformations ?"

Almost all cloven-footed animals, and many other
herbivorous species, are infested with bots. These
are legless grubs which fall into three categories :
1. Gastric, or those which are swallowed by the
animal infested, and which live in the stomach in a
b.ath of chyle. 2. Cervical, or those which crawl up
the nostrils and inhabit the frontal sinuses. 3. Cu-
taneous, or those which dwell in tumors just beneath
the skin. They are all the larvaj or early state of
two-winged flies (diptera) belonging to the family
a'slrtdie, characterized by having the mouth parts
entirely obsolete, and popularly called gad flies or
bot flies. In the first series, of which the horse bot
{gastrophilus equi) is the most familiar example, the
eggs are hatched by the female fly to the hairs of the
body, and principally on those parts of the body
within easy reach of the animal's mouth. The egg
opens with a lid, and the young maggot upon hatch-
ing clings to the tongue as the animal licks itself,
and is thus carried into the fore-stomach, to which
it holds tenaciously by a series of spines around the
body, but principally by a pair of sharp hooks at the
head. When fully grown, they leave their post with
the fieces, burrow in the ground and undergo the
final transformatioft. In the second kind, of which
the sheep bot {icstrns oxis) will serve as an example,
the egg generally hatches within the body of the
parent, and the young grub is deposited alive on the
slimy nostrUs of its victim.

By means of a pair of long and sharp hooks at the
head, and of bands of minute spines on the venter,
the young grub works its way into the sinuses of the
head, and when full grown permits itself to be
sneezed out, when it also burrows into the ground
and transforms. In the third kind, the parent lays
tlie egg on those parts of the body which cannot
well be reached by the mouth of the animal attacked,
and the young grub, which soon hatches, burrows
into the flesh and subsists upon the pus and diseased
matter which results from the wound inflicted and
the irritation constantly kept up. The well-known
wormal or ox bot (hypoderva hovis), so common
along the backs of our cattle, and especially of year-
lings and two-year-olds, and dreaded as much by the
tanner as by the animal it infests, is typical of this
kind. Residing in a fixed spot, we no longer find in
this species the strong hooks .at the head, and the
spines around the body are sparse and very minute,
the parts of the mouth are soft and fieshy.

"All these bot larvae breathe principally through
two spiracles placed at the blunt and squarely clock-
ed end of the body, and in the ox bot these are very
large and completely fill up the hole to the tumor in
which the animal dwells. When ready to transform,
it backs out of its residence, drops, and burrows
into the ground, and there, like the other species,
contracts' and undergoes its final change to the fly.
The eggs of this ox bot are olliptic-ovoid, slightly
compressed, and have at the attached end a five-rib-
bed cap or stout stalk with which to strongly attach
them to the skin of the back.

"The gastric bots are best prevented by proper
grooming of the horses to remove the eggs or nits
from the forelegs and flanks. Horses, too, that are
properly stabled and kept in the shade during the
hotter summer months are less frequented by the
IJarent fly. Scarcely any mode of drugging will dis-
lodge the bots when once they are attached to the
stomach, without injuring the parasitized animal.
Cervical bots are also with dilHculty dislodged , except
when they are full grown and ready to naturally let
go their hold. Animals msiy, however, be measurably
protected, by enabling them to bury their noses when
the parent fly is seeking to deposit. This they will
iu.stinctively do, if portions of their pasture be turned
up and the ground kept loose. The cutaneous species
may be removed by pressure of the thumb and finger,
or destroyed by the application of kerosene. If re-
moved while small, the wound in the skin heals up,
and no hole will occur in the hide.

The Potato Bug Abroad.

G . W. Smalley writes to the Tribune, from London,
concerning our old friend, the potato bug :

Next after Gen. Grant, the greatest American
celebrity of the London season Is the Colorado beetle.
He Is not invited out to dine with dukes, but his
movements are watched with an attention most flat-
tering to him, and his appearance at Millheim on the
Rhine produced intense alarm on the Thames. Fol-
lowed as it was, yesterday, by an announcement that
he had been seen in Dublin crawling ashore on a
cable, the alarm became a panic. This morning the
panic is abated, on the assurance of an eminent en-
tomologist that the Dublin insect was not a Colorado
beetle at all, but only looked like him. Long before
his, however, extraordinary precautions had been

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

143

taken respectinK the dreaded visit. Questions are
asked about liira In Parliament, and letters written to
to the newspapers — those liein;; the two resources of
the Briton on all oecasions ol' peril or annoyance.
The privy couneil has sent out circulars about liini —
for it Is one of many oddities of Enijllsh aduiiniistra-
tion that her majesty's privy council deals with such
agricultural calamities as the cattle plague and the
potato plafjue. Pictures of the interesting animal
have been sent all over the kingdom, more pai'tieu-
larly in Ireland, where an enter|irising farmers' jour-
nal has given him the widest possible circulation.
His biography has lieen published. Minute accounts
of his habits and haunts are In the hands of the
police, and of everybody who is concerned in hia ex-
clusion from these islands. Town councils debate
about him. The lord provost of Glasgow told the
police board this week that he had seen tlioueands of
beetles heaped upon the American shores as they had
been washed In after attempting to cross the Atlantic '
It is imjiossibie to suspect the wortliy Scot of mean-
ing to joke, and it must be supposed that he believes
this dreadful creature capable of flying 3,000 miles,
with or against the wind, as the case may Iw. I sec
Capt. Nolan is to ask another question to-night in the
House, which implies, perhaps, that the beetle is to
be pressed into the service of Home rule. He would
make a very suitable recruit to the faction of Irish
obstructives or destructives. But his identity ought
not to be in dispute, as it is. Has he stripes across
his back or not ? Tlie highest authorities differ, but
the balance of testimony is in favor of longitudinal
stripes, and none across. There are specimens in the
possession of naturalists, and more are promised
from (Germany, where they have made models of the
animal, waiting the moment when a few thousand of
him shall be hatched and forwarded by post. lie can
not be a rarity on your side, and your evidence on the
point of the stripes will be received, if dispatched
without delay.

Industry of Ants.

In industry ants are not surpassed even by bees
and wasps. They work all day, and in warm
weather, if need be, even at night too. I once
watched an ant from six in the morning, and she
worked without intermission till a quarter to ten at
night. I liad put her to a saucer containing larv!e,
and in this time she carried oil' no less than a hund-
red and eighty-seven to the nest. I once had another
ant which I employed in my experiments, under ob-
servation, several d.ays. When I came up to Loudon
in the morning, and went to bed at night, I used to
put her in a small bottle, but the moment she was
let out she began to work again. On one occasion I
was away from home for a week. On my return I
let her out of the bottle, placing her on a little heap
of larvaj about three feet from the nest. Under
these circumstances I certainly did not expect her to
return. However, though she had been six days in
continement, the brave little creature immediately
picked up a larva, carried it oil to the nest, and after
half an hour's rest returned for another. We have
hitherto had little information as to the length of
life in ants. So far, indeed as the preparatory stages
are concerned, there4s little difliculty in approxima-
tely ascertaining the facts — namely, that while they
take only a few weeks in summer, in some species,
as our small yellow meadow ants, the autumn larv;i?
remain with comparatively little change throughout
the winter. It is much more dillicult to ascertain
the length of life in the perfect insect, on account of
their gregarious habits, and the difficulty of recog-
nizing iutlividual ants. It has, however, generally
been suiiposcd that they live aljout a season, and
this is probably the case.

Codling Moth.

Nearly all the orchards in .Jo Daviess County are
becoming more or less infected with the Codling
Moth. Orchardists should know that there are seve-
ral remedies for this insect, among which is one,
fruitgrowers near Cliicago have used successfully
the present season. It is arsenic, applied in the fol-
lowing manner : Take one pound of arsenic to a
barrel of water, boll It in the open air (as boiling
within doors niiiy endanger life), and apply with a
hand pump, showing the whole tree. One man with
a team can shower 500 trees in a day. Tlic arsenic
can be obtained for 3 or 5 cents per pound. Paris
Green ajiplicd in the same way is equally eflicacious
but not so chea]). Several barrels of water can be
hauled through the orchard on a wagon, at one time,
and with an ordinary hand-pump, the mi.xture can
be thrown from the wagon on the trees. We have
seen a number of line orchards within the past few
days nearly destro.ved by this pest, to the owners of
which the above recipe is worth much, if they will
use it.

A Texas sheep raiser says there are about
2,«00,000 head of sheep on the borders of the Rio
Grande, the fluest sheep raising country in the
world.

THE POULTRY YARD.

Eggs and Ways of Using Them.

Dr. Edward Smith says : " It would not be pos-
sible to exaggerate the value of eggs as an article of
food, whether from their universal use, or the conve-
nient form in which the food Is preserved, presented
and cooked, and the nutrinn!ut whicli they contain."
Again he says, " There is no egg of a bird known
which is not good for food, or which would not be
eaten by a hungry man." The white of egg consist.*
of nearly pure albumen, oils, sulphur and water.
Albumen is considered the most im|)ortant single
element of food. It is found in all compounded ani-
mal structures, and in the vegetable productions
most valuable as food, though in a modified form.

There is a great diflerence in the value of dillcrcnt
eggs, as there Is in their size and llavor. Well fed
domestic fowls yield far richer food In their eggs
than common, wild fowls. .Many suppose that raw
eggs are more easily digested than those that are
cooked, but for most persons this Is not the case, If
the eggs are not cooked improperly. Dr. Smith
thinks it is a mistake to give a mixture of raw eggs
and new milk to invalids, such a mixture tending
more to hinder than to promote digestion. Dyspep-
tics often tliiuk that they cannot eat eggs at all, and
It is the case that delicate stomachs do sometimes
sufler greatly from eating any but tlie freshest of
eggs. When we cannot be sure of the age of the
eggs provided, it is always most safe to break them
before cooking. For invalids, the very safest way is
to drop the eggs from the shell without disarranging
its form, into water Ijoiling in a shallow disli. A
few minutes boiling is sullicient and no dressing is
necessary, except a trifle of salt for those who eat
anything salted, though, of course, good butter and
pe])per may be added, or the egg may be carefully
laid upon a slice of toast. For a family of children,
it is often more convenient, in all respects, to serve
eggs in scrambled form, or in omelettes, than cooked
separately. Some children arc notional, and will
not eat the white of an egg, others think they dislike
the yolk, but when they are both cooked together
they think nothing about it, but eat, with pleasure,
all that they can get. In most receipt books, the
directions for scrambling eggs, advise a "good piece
of butter" with which to cook the eggs, seasoning
them with salt and pepper, and with chopped jiars-
ley, if you choose and can. But if for any other
reason you prefer it, you can use milk instead of
butter, and for children, this is best. The propor-
tions used for an omelette are very good, " a cup of
milk for six eggs." This increases the quantity.
The eggs are broken "but not beaten, and are stirred
simply to mix well, and prevent burning while cook-
ing.

Omelettes are not common in the country. The
usual recipes are enough to frighten one, because
they enjoin extreme caution, lest the omelette may
fall or be heavy. At our house we have always had
good success with the Ibllowing recipe, perhaps be-
cause of the (lour or corn starch used, perhaps be-
cause we baked it in the oven in a shallow dish,
which we set upon the tabic, and so had no trouble
in turning it over or turning it out : Six eggs, the
whites beaten to a froth, the yolks well beaten ; one
teacuii of warm milk, in which a small bit of butter
ia melted ; a tablespoonful of flour or cornstarch, wet
to a paste with a little of the milk, and stirred into
the cup of milk ; a teaspoonful of salt and a little
pepper. Mix together, adding the whites last ; bake

immediately.

«. .

Change of Color or Moult.

A corre6i>ondent oT Land and ITf/Zt^r, in discussing
the subject of change of color in birds, says :

To me rubbing ami wearing means destruction of
substance, and abrasion of surlacc, neither of which
I believe will be found to exist on any bird after
change of plumage by moult or change of color only.
A binl's plumage may be compared to the coat of
a horse, where we find rubbing produces a finely
shining and even coat, but where wearing commen-
ces, we find from the bearing of the saddle or har-
ness on a particular spot, there is cither a bare spot
or shortening of hair, producing change both in
color and eveness of surface, which remains in that
state until the horse casts his coat and gets new
hairs. Such, I believe, under the same circumstan-
ces, would be the elVect on a bird's jilumage, and how
a process when applied to a bird's tail should destroy
the tail, but if applied to the head and cheek should
have a renovating ctVect there, is more than I can
possi ly understand. The little time I have had to
spare from my usual occupation for more than forty
years has been chiefly pleasantly passed in making
observations on various departments of natural his-
tory, more particularly In ornithology; and my ob-
servations show me that birds assume In the autumn
a plumage they carry on through the winter months
without the slightest appearance of rubbing and
wearing up to the end of .January, or even longer,
when a change commences, and iu a few-
weeks they have assumed the nuptial dress, which,
in most cases, continues until the autumnal change
again takes place. The spring change is not confined
to any particular parts of birdt, but is a general

brightening of the plumage, while in some parts an
entire change of color, all this, I believe, produced
by a change of color, as rhown by Mr. J., takes place
by a jiourlng In of color In the head of the blackbird,
gull, and In the feathers on the back of the great
northern diver. It Is nearly twelve years since I
noted the same change In the autumnal change of
the great nortliern diver, and then ventured to pre-
dict that on future Inquiry many changes In the
()lumageof birds would be fouml to be change of
color, not moult : and why Mr. J., seeing how beau-
tifully nature has provided for the change of color In
these liirds, should seek for a clilferent method of
change in the birds he mcmlions, is seeking for the
unnecessary and is quite nsedlcss.

Effects of Cold Storms on Poultry.

Kai h season of the year brings Its special work
and care, demanding the attention of the kie|>cr8 of
IMHiltry. Excepting the first bleak anlumn storms,
no period of the year is so trying to the constitution
of fowls as cold, spring rain storms. Birds that have
stood the severity of winter without any apparent
signs of disease, often succumli to the effects of a
chilly rain storm. The germs of iliseasc^ however,
are sometimes contracted during confinement In win-
ter, and the sudden change of weather, experienced
during a cold rain, will develop the malady, which Is
likely to Ijccomc contagious. Fowls that have been
highly fed and kept warm to induce laying, « ill, like
a forced plant, l>e too tender to stand neglect during
the early drenching rains that penetrate to theirvery
skins.

The danger need not be feared, however, by those
who will take a little extra care of their stock during
such weather. As soon as the earth softens under
the first mild breath of spring, fowls are all awake
to the prospect of getting worms and other insects
from the ground. They will then be off, prowling
about before it is light enough even to sec their prey,
but as they evidently know that the early bird catches
the worm, they are on the ground betimes. Perhaps
the next day there Is a severe change In the weather,
with sleet or rain, and you will see the birds hunting
about. In hopcsof finding insects, till they get soaking
wet through their feathers, and if not weU cared for
this often proves fatal.

Most fanciers have noticed that a cold storm fre-
quently stops hens from laying for a week. Now, this
delay and risk of sickness may often be prevented by
giving them a liberal mess of soft, warm food, with
a little cayenne pepper in it. To this should be added
a generous amount of animal food, either scraps or
haslets, to take the place of the supply of worms,
which is stopped when the fowls cannot get out.
With this little extra care hens will often keep on
laying, retain perfect health, and be profitable to
their keepers.

Non-Sitters.

The Black Spanish, the Polish, the Leghorns, and
the Hamburgs are all great layers, and not inclined
to sit. Some prefer one breed and some another.
One cock to every ten or twelve hens is sufficient, at
most, and some of our best poultry men keep a less
proportion than that.

In the egg-producing class, the Leghorns stand
pre-eminently above all others. This variety con-
sists of the white and brown. The browns appear
to be favorites, being hardy, easily raised, and ma-
turing quickly, the jiullets often laying at four
months. Pullets of this breed fri'iiuently lay as high
as 2fi0 eggs during the year. Their large comb, and
pendants require warm honses during our rigorous
winters.

The next in high favor is the Black Spanlsli; these,
like the former, arc non-sitters, and prolific, but not
so easily raised. They do not, until nearly grown,
gel their full feathers, being generally half naked
lor a considerable time after hatching. These, like
tlic Leghorns, require comlorlabic winter quarters,
owing to their large comb anil wattles.

The HoudaHs, a French breed, come next as lay-
ers and non sitters. This Is what they call a made
breed, between Poland and Dorking — showing the
characteristic crest of the former, and the fifth toe
of the latter. Although not as continual layers as
the two varieties mentioned, yet they possess points
superior to the others in size, delicacy of flesh, and
haidihood, but are very liable to disease.

The small breeds, the different varieties of Hara-
burg.s and Polands, have their admirers as fancy
foH is. They are excellent layers, partially non-in-
cubators, but are not recommendable, owing to their
size, as likely to improve our present stock of com-
mon fowls.

^ — ' —

Profit in Poultry Keeping.

We do not keep hens as we do canaries, as pets,
but they are kept for the profit they will bring us in
eggs and poultry. Now, the Income from our [multry
will be large or small just to that degree In which we
are successful in making our hens forget or ignore the
season of the year, and our profits will be large or
small just in proportion as we accomplish this with-
out incurring unnecessary expense. If we can so
euiround our poultry with the conditions which be-

144

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[September, 1877.

long to spring that they will not realize that it is mid-
winter, then we can have eggs. Some poultry keepers
do have eggs all winter long, and always obtain good
prices and make large profits from their investments.
Poultry, if properly managed, we believe, may be
made to pay the largest per cent, of profit on the
amount of capital invested of any of our live stock.
The outlay Is small on each fowl, and the returns are
qutckly made. We do not have to wait two, three
or five years, as is the case with cattle or horses, be-
fore the harvest season begins. A chicken is fit for
the market in a hundred days from the shell, and a
good pullet will pay for herself in eggs before she is
a year old.

^

Errors in Poultry Keeping.

In confirmation of what I said in a previous article,
in regard to keeping none but one year old fowls for
layers, I annei the following : "Although there are
many widely different breeds of fowls, adapted more
or less to the varied wants of the farmer, there are
some general rules for their management which are
applicable everywhere ; and many flagrant errors are
made by most farmers. One serious error is the com-
mon custom of keeping hens until they become too
' old for profit, because they were choice birds and
good layers when young. A hen of any breed will
lay only about half as maiiy eggs the second year as
the first after she commences laying. All fowls kept
by a farmer after they are two years old are kept at
a loss, as far as money ie concerned. When a whole
flock Is allowed to run without killing 08' the old
ones and replacing them by pullets, disease is sure to
attack them. They become liable to cholera, etc.,
after they become aged. If the practice of keeping
only pullets is once followed I am sure that no farmer
will ever abandon it." — The Farmer's Friend.

Profit in Poultry.
The Philadelphia Times says : As a general rule
we do not think farmers pay sufficient attention to
the production of poultry for sale. Carefully-kept
accounts will demonstrate that one pound of poultry
can be produced at about half the cost of the same
weight of beef or pork, and alwaj s meets with a
ready market. Another advantage is that it can be
attended to quite as well, if not better, by women
and children than by men, thus economizing the la-
bor of the whole family, and directing it into the
production of profit for the general purse. Try the
experiment of allowing the children, if large enough,
to take care of the poultry for a share of the pro-
ducts, either in eggs or dressed poultry. Charge
them with all the food consumed and credit them
with all the eggs and flesh consumed by the family,
and note your percentage in the speculation and the
benefit it has been to them.

Caponizing.

It is the universal practice of mankind with their
domestic animals, when intended either for food or
work, to deprive the males of their productive organs.
The flesh of males nut castrated, of many species of
animals, is strong, disagreeable, and hardly fit for
use ; and yet poultry raisers generally fail to recog-
nize the fact that a cock is as much improved for
table purposes by the operation as a bull or ram.
Those who give the subject thought are deterred
from undertaking the matter, fearing it is a delicate
and difficult process. Yet it much resembles the
epaying of a sow or heifer. With the convenient
instruments of the present day the operation, after a
little practice, is easily and quickly performed on
both cobkerels and pullets. An expert in the business
can caponize two hundred in a day, with the loss of
only five per cent.

^

Gapes.

Gapes is supposed to be caused by a parasite, which
infests the heads of young chicks. These can be de-
stroyed by greasing the heads of the chicks or the
hen, as described in treatment for lice. When once
infested the following remedies are said to be good :
Cover the bottom of the coop with quick lime.
Another is a lump of tailow of the size of a hen's
egg, melted and stirred up with a quart of oatmeal
for feed. Another, pluck the web from both sides of
a feather, leaving the tip, which wet with a solution
of 20 drops of carbolic acid and 1 oz. of glycerine ;
run the feather down the wind-pipe, give it three or
four turns and withdraw quickly ; repeat a few times
with a new feather. The acid paralyzes and the
glycerine sticks the worms to the feather, so that
they can be drawn out. In treating sick fowls all
matter, etc., should be burned, to prevent exposure
to the rest.

^

The Number of Hens to a Cock.

Houdans, tan hens to one cock ; CreveciEurs, eight
hens to one cock ; Cochins, eight hens to one cock ;
Gray Dorkings, ten hens to one cock ; White Leg-
horns, fourteen hens to one cock ; Spanish , twelve
hens to one cock ; Brahmas, eight hens to one cock ;
Hamburgs, fourteen hens to one cock ; Polands,
twelve hens to one cock ; Game, ten hens to one
cock. With this proportion of hens to a cock, the

vitality of the eggs will prove good, and at least
eleven out of twelve eggs set should produce
" chicks." — American Poultry Journal.

Chicken Cholera.
In the last week's Farmer, N. W. inquires how to
cure chicken cholera. It was very bad here last
spring, and if you will allow me space in your paper,
I will tell your readers how we cured it. \ For every
forty fowls we took a piece of asafietida the size of a
hickorynut, broke it in small pieces and mixed it in
about a pint of corn meal, wet it thoroughly with
boiling water, and place it near the roosting place,
so that the chickens can eat of it the first thing in
the morning. If they are not too near dead to eat, a
cure is certain.

^

Lime Dust.

The following has been recommended as the best
mode for preparing lime dust for slugs and other in-
sects, for mildew, etc. : Take say a peck of fresh or
sharp lime, broken up into small pieces; then add
four pounds of flour of sulphur, or in like proportions
if in smaller quantity. Add one-third as much boil-
ing water, or just enough to slack the lime to dry
powder, and cover the vessel as soon as the water is
poured on. By adding water, it may be made into
an excellent whitewash for trees, the sulphur increas-
ing its efficacy.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

We respectfully call the attention of our readers
to the advertisements which from time to time appear
in the columns of the Farmer, which we have
reason to believe are all reliable.

Parties desiring trees, plants, or bulbs, are refer-
red to Ellwanger & Barby's advertisement, now ap-
pearing in our columns. Their establishment is
recognized as one of the largest and most reliable in
the United States.

E. Moody & Sons' semi-annual wholesale trade
list of fruit and ornamental trees, evergreens, roses,
shrubs, small fruits, climbing plants, cuttings, grafts,
cions and buds, for the fall of 1877, will be found of
interest to those who are engaged in the nursery busi-
ness. Niagara Nurseries, Lockport., N. Y.

Art of Propagation. — A concise practical work
on the rapid increase and multiplication of stock —
amply illustrated. Price pre-paid by mail, .50 cents.
Published by Jenkins' Grape and Seedling Nurseries,
Winona, Columbiana county, Ohio. Send for it, and
for free catalogue.

Worth $100.00 for 3 Cents. — We have just re-
ceived Helmick's Centennial Cook Book, containing
over 100 valuable receipts for cooking, besides other
useful information. The same will be sent to sub-
scribers of our paper only by sending a three cent
postage stamp to the publisher, F. W. Helmick, 50
West Fourth street, Cincinnati, O.

"Out of Work."— A very touching and insigfi-
cant title in these days of great financial depression;
and the attention of our readers is directed to our
advertising columns, if they desire to possess one of
the most beautiful and expressive ballads we ha have
ever read — or perhaps that has ever been written by
any author — the hearty appreciation of which, under
our present circumstances, is a natural sequence.

By referring to our advertising columns our
readers will see that Benson & Burpee, Fine Stock
and Reliable Seed Dealers, No. 223 Church street,
Philadelphia, have associated with them Mr. Wm.
H. Maule in said business, and that the title of this
firm is now Benson, Burpee & Co., and with su-
perior facilities to meet the increasing demand of
their business they solicit a continuance of public
favor.

Monthly Report of the Kansas dtate Board of
Agriculture, for July 1877, an octavo of 34 pages,
three folded diagrams, and one page illustration of
an improved Hshway. The statistics of the State are
very full, and don't at all look as if the State had
ever been visited by the "Rocky Mountain Locust."
It exhibits enterprise. When will our Pennsylvania
State Board do likewise ?

E. P. Roe's Circular and Price List, for summer
and fall of 1877, including gooseberry, strawberry,
raspberry, blackberry and currant plants, &c., on
hand and for sale. Address E. P. Roe, Cornwall, on
the Hudson, Orange county. New York, and get a
circular at least. Their patrons think it will pay to
keep their circular on hand for future reference, be-
cause he makes a specialty of "small fruits," and
has them in all varieties and prices.

Fruit Farm, and Small Fruit Nurseries. Whole-
sale price list for 1S77. Samuel Kinsey, Dayton,
Ohio. Branch Nurseries at Columbia City, Indiana.
This enterprising nurseryman includes in his list :
Deciduous trees, ornamental and flowering shrubs,
evergreen blooming plants, fruit trees, flowering
bulbs, evergreens, hedge plants, cuttings, fruit scions,
and miscellaneous plants. Send for catalogue, and
get " 3[onarch of the West" Strawberry.

I. C. Plumb & Son, Green Hill Nursery, .Milton,
Wisconsin. Descriptive price list for 1877-78, with
advice to tree planters. Hardy fruits for the north
made a specialty, and as they are an establishment

of 30 years standing fruit growers would do well in
this section, and might be benefited by making a note
of this.

In the July number of The Farmer we called the
attention of our readers to a new and useful cooking
utensil recently invented, which is known as the
Centennial Cake and Baking Pan, made of Russia
iron, and is so constructed that after your cake is
baked, you can instantly remove it from the pan
without injuring it; and having a raised bottom the
cake can not possibly burn. It is also provided with
a slide on the bottom, so that when you remove the
tube, you can close the hole, Qiakiug a pan with
plain bottom for baking jelly or plain cakes, bread, etc

Since then we have seen one of the pans, which was-
shown us by Mr. B. G. LeFevre, formerly of Quarry-
ville, who is agent for this county, and who is now •
canvassing for the same.

Poppleins' Siltcated Super phosphate or
Lime, embracing new ideas on fertilization ; com-
posed of vegetable silica, soluble phosphates, and
jiotash salts. General office. No. 11 German street,
Baltimore, Md. They base their formula for each
crop on the analysis of the ash of the plant to which
it is to be applied. This, to our apprehension, is the
true theory of fertilization, and we believe it will
eventu.ally be confirmed by experience. For sale by
Joseph Tatnall & Co., northeast corner Front and
Orange streets, Wilmington, Del., and at Stanton
Mills, Stanton, Del. The philosophy of this theory
is in harmony with views upon the subject we have
entertained for a long time, and which we embodied
in an essay on " Rust in Wheat," a month or two
ago. Wheat grower notice this.

Viok's Floral Guide, No. 4, for 1877, it a splen-
did demi-octavo of 35 pages of capitally executed
letter-press, on fine calendered paper, and over 125
well executed illustrations of plants, flowers, flower-
stands, brackets and flowers groups ; together with
copious lists of flowering and ornamental plants, and
directions for their proper cultivation. It also con-
tains a circular announcing that No. 1, Vol. 1, of
Vick's Ncvi Illustrated Monthly MagaziJte, will be
'issued in January, 1878.

This is an enlargment and improvement of the
Floral Onide, each number of which will contain
thirty-two pages of reading matter, and numerous
fine wood-cut illustrations, and one colored plate.
Subscription $1.25 a year, and five copies for five
dollars. Vick's antecedents are such, that the bare
announcement of his new anterprise must secure for
it a liberal Support, and there is no journal in the
country, on a similar subject, that we would sooner
have as an exchange.

The Cabbage Family, its varieties, qualities,
and culture. By David Landreth & Sons (Bloom-
iiigdale) Philadelphia. Price 25 cents. This is a
beautiful octavo pamphlet of 35 pages, and eight
finely execufed engravings of the leading varieties of
cabbages,, including Landreth's Large York ; Early
Sugar Loaf ; Bloomsdale Bullock Heart ; Bloomsdale
Early Market ; Jersey Wakefield ; Bloomsdale Bruns-
wick ; Bloomsdale Early Drumhead ; Bloomsdale
Late Flat Dutch ; Drumhead Savoy, and Curled
Savoy. The Landreth establishment is 90 years old,
and as an illustration of its standing it is only neces-
sary to state that at the International Centennial Ex-
hibition the firm was awarded seven International
Reports, four medals, four diplomas, and three
special prizes of $100 each. Send for a phamplet at
once.

The Locust Plague in the United States ; being
more particularly a treatise on the Rocky 3Iounlain
Locust, or so-called Grasshojiper , as it occurs east of
the Rocky Mountains, with practical recommenda-
tions for its destruction, by Charles V. Riley, M. A.,
Ph. D., State Entomologist of Missouri ; Chief of
the U. S. Entomological Commission ; Lecturer on
Entomology in various colleges ; author of " Potato
Pests," etc. With 45 illustrations. Published by
Raud, McNally & Co., Chicago, Illinois. This is a
handsome royal I2mo. of 236 pages, with three full-
page colored maps, in addition to the other illustra-
tions, printed in clear type, and on fine tinted and
calendered paper. The name of the distinguished
author alone is a sufficient guarantee that the two
chapters into which the book is divided contains the
most valuable information that has been yet de-
veloped on a subject which is deeply interwoven with
western and southwestern agriculture, and no farmer,
gardener or horticulturist in that region should fail
to possess a copy of it. But this is not all. On
looking at the infested region of 1876, as indicated
by the coloring on the maps, we find that in that
year it extended down to about the twenty-eight de-
gree of north latitude, which is below Galveston,
Texas ; therefore it has reached the Gulf of Mexico,
with the eastern margin of said district or region,
about midway between the fifteenth and twentieth
degrees of west longitude from Washington, em-
bracing British America, Montana, Dakota, Wyoming,
Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory and "Texas, and
parts of Minesota, Iowa, Missouri, and a corner in
Arkansas ; and all that is required is for the belt to
shift eastward to sweep over the larger portion of the
United States ; but whether there are any circum-
stances to limit its eastern border, arbitrarily, will
require time to fully develop.

THE LANCASTER FARMER"'

HI

E. F. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron.

Has uever been known to fail in the cure of weakness, af
tended with sjmptoms. indisiwsitiou to eiertion, loss of
meniorv, dimculty of breathing, Reuerul we^ikuesB, horror
of disease, weak, nervous tiemblinK, dreadful horror of
death, niRht sweats, cold feet, weakness, dimness of vision,
lauffnor, universal lassitude of the muscular system, euor-
mousapjietite. with dvsiieptic system, hot hands, flushing
of the body, dryness of the skin, pallid countenance and
eruplioua on the face, purifying the blood, pain in the back,
heaviueKsof the eyelids, fref[ueut black spots flying before
the eyes, with temporary sufl'usion and loss of sight ; want
of attention, etc. These symptoms all arise from a weak-
ness, and to remedy that use E. F. Kunkel's Hitter Wine of
Iron. It never fails. Thousands are now enjoying health
who have used it. (let the genuine. Sold only in $1 bottles.
Take onlv E. F. Kunkel's.

Ask for Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron. This truly valu-
able tonic has been »■) thoroughly tested by all classes of
the community that it is now deemed indispensable as a
Tonic medicine. It costs but little, purities the blood, and
gives (one to the stomach, renovates the system and pro-
longs life.

I now only ask a trial of this valuable Ionic, price $1 jier
bottle. E. F. KUNKEL, Sole Proprietor, No. 2m North
Niuthstreet, below Vine, Philadelphia, Pa. Ask for Kiliikers
Bitter Wine of Iron, aud take uo other. A photograph of
the proprietor on each wrapper, all others are counterleit.

Beware of counterfeits. Do not let your druggist sell you
»ny but Kunkel's, which is put up only as above represented.
Tou can get six bottles for $.''). All I ask is one simple trial

Tape Worm Removed Alive.
Head and all complete in two hours. No fee till head
puses. Seat, Pin and Stomach Worms removed by Dr.
KUNKEL, yri9 North Ninth street. Advice free. No fee
until he;td and all passes in one, aud alive. Dr. KUNKEL
is the only successful physician in this country for the re-
mov.il of Worms, and his WOEM SYKUP is pleasant and
safe for children or grown persoi s. Send for circular or
ask for a bottle of KUNKEL'S WORM SYKUP. Price $1.00
a bottle. Get it of your druggist. It never fails.

0^ 0^ m m^ Great chance to make money. If you
M B ■■ I 1^ can'e get gold you can get greenbacks.
!■ Ill II H^^e need a person in every town to take
^Jl %0 ^mmm Isubscriptious for the largest, cheapest
and test lUustrated family publication in the world. Any
one can become a successful agent. The most elegant
■works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low
that almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak-
ing over $1.50 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over
4UT subscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money
fast. You can devote all your time to the business, or only
your spare time. Y'on need hot be away from home over
Dlght. Y'ou can do it as well as others. Full particulars,
directions and terms free. Elegant and expensive outfit
free. If you want profitable work send xis your address at
once. It costs nothing to try the business. No one who
engages fails to make great pay. Address " The People's
Journal," Portland, Maine.
9-S-ly

War in Europe.

PIQM A pPI/iHie Authentic Biography, Private Letters
DlOlVInnUlx.aud Memoranda. Introduction by Bay -
(»r<l Taylor, Graphic and eutertaiiiiug. Full of anec-
dote, wii, romantic incident, and great historical events.
Profusely IlltiNtrated with actual sketches from Bis-
mark's life — home, student, political aud battle scenes, por-
traits, landncapes, etc. This Life of Europe's greatest
statesman is just the book for the times, delineating as it
does all the famous Rulers. Generals, and Diplomats — co-
actore i^-ith Bismarck. Special Canvassers wanted to sup-
ply the urgent demand for this live book. Good piiy. Cireu-
lar, free. Write to J, B. FORD & CO , Few York. 9-r»-6m.

, is not easily earned inthesetimes,butit can be
made in three months by any one of either
sex, in any part of the coimtry who is willing
to work steadily at the employment that we
furnish. $66 per week in jour own town. You
need not be away from home over night. Y^ou can give your
whple time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
ooBts nothing to try the business. Terms aud $5 Outfit free.
Address at once, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-.S-ly

SiilFLTS 1
Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

$777i

I.iii«n and Piippr Collnrs and CufTN

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

AT

E. J. EEZSMAK'S,

No. no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Hotel.

9-l-ly

AMOSMILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

M.\NrF.\rTUnKR OF AND DE.VLER IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

Bridles, Whips, &c. Also a fine lot of Trunks, Valises,
Carpet Bags, Buflfalo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatl'v reoaired.

9-l-ly

1877 post-centennial 1877
CI-OXMS,

CASSIMERES,

COATINti.S, ^tt'ORSTERDS,

TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltona, Chiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, striped and diaKOunI,for S])ring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Established in the year 1840),

Comer of North (Jnecn and Orange-Sts.,

LANCASTER, PA.
Extra finished and trimmed. Ueady-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOYS,

and clothing cut or made to order iu the most satisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' l-'tJRNISHING GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece,

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-l-ly Practical Tailors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MAN0r.\CTURER OF

Plain and Pine Harness,

COLLARS, ■W^IPS, &c.,

.M>iO DE.\LKK IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-l-ly LANCASTER, PA.

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. G. RHOADS.

A GREENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR.

For $1.00 we will send free by mail,

8 dUtlnct V

8

8

8

8

8 "

8 "

8 "

6 "

3 "

4 "
4 "
6 "
6 "
8 "
4 "
2 "
4 •*
8 »
4 "

TlTT A T?NESS RELIEVED. N

X-^ XLJ.rV JD Book free. G. J. WOOD, Ma

9-7-4m]

o medicine.
Maduoa, Xud.

, Monthly Roses, Winter flowering.
BeRonifls, *'

Cftmstion Pinks, "

Chinese Chryganthcmui, "
Zonal Ueraniuuis, **

Double, " '*

Ivy Leaved " "

Heliotropes, *'

Abutllons, "^

Doubl^f Camelias, "

Azalea.i, "

Lobster Cactus, '*

Bouvardtas, '*

Steviasand Eupatoriums,'*
Fuchsias, *'

Double Violets, "

Polnsctta, Scarlet & Wbite, do. do.
Plumbago, do. do.
Femtf, fur Wardlan Cases.
Palms, **

Mosses, *'

Marantas, **

Uyaclnib Bulbs.

20 assorted Tulips, Bulbs.
50 " Crocus "
2 '* .Tacobean Lily, Bulbs.
12 " Oxftlis.
4 Lily of the Valley.
8 New Pearl Tuberose.

OB BY EXPBESS
3 of any of th*abo
5

12
14

$1 eullectioDS for $2.
3
'• 4.

6.

Or the whole collection of 238 Bulbs and Plants sent by
Express on receipt of ^iJ.Uf', tu which either of our books,
C.AKDENINtl FOR PROFIT, PRACTICAL FLOKICIX-
TCKE, or CAKDEMNC, FOR PLEASURE (Talue 81.50
each), will be added. Deccriplfve Catalogue free.

PETER HENDERSON & CO.,

SoedHiiioii ami riiiriHt*«,

35 CorUandt St., N. Y.

3-T-lyl

NONPjA.Ft.E:iI.

I^'UP, I'ruR, »n.l Sjine Mill*. Ic iili«t,
for Uaii'l or I'o^'t, (_"<'Qi-»1 French
Burr .siooe Flooring and Corn Mills.

(r7*R*ceiT»d tb« Orand Award Di-
ploma aod Uedal at Ccotcnoial.

Oj'Illiatraled pamphlet sent Fre«.
, Addr«Ri. L. J. MIIXER.
'181 B. Front St.. Clnoinnatl. (X

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wholesale ind Retail Dealers lu

DIAMOHDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVESWAEE, SPECTACLES,

Bronzes, Clocks and Watchinakers' Mmili

JOBBEI\S IN AmEI\^[CAN WaTCI^BS.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR

Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

9-1 -ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West Eing-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDIK G HARDWARE.

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TEEBA com, IRON aii LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

A§:eiit!< for the

" Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann'e Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Pcwrder,
Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c.

»-8-6m

We have the largest 8tock of general Hardware in the
State, aud our prices are as low aud tonua as lil>erai as caa
be found elBCwher... 9 1-tf.

E. IT. FRESHMAN &, BROS.,

ADVERTISING AGENTS,
186 W. Fourtli St., Cincinnati, 0.,

Are nnthorlztMl to rontrnrt for adrertinlnK
in tbis pnper.

Estimates [oniistiedfree.

Send lor a Circular.

FZMFZ.SS.

I will mail (Free* the receipt for preparing a simple Veo-
KTABLE Balm that will remove Tan, Freckles, PIMPLES
aud BLOTCHES, leaviDg the akin soft, cle«r and beaatifal;
also iiiHtructions for producing a luiuruint growth of hair
OD a bald head or amooth face. Address Ben. Vaod^lf k
Co., Box Sl^l, No. 5 Wwwttr St., N. T. C9-l-«iu

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER,

[September, 1877

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A NEW LOT OF

HAMBDRG EMBROIDERED ED&ISGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT THE VERT LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid Gloves,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CR.APS V-JCXX.S,

CEAPE BOXNETS & HATS,

EUCHINGS,
all Btyles and widths, and everytliing els* in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAB,
that is good, desirable and cheap.
Give us a call at

S08.142 & 144 North Qncen-st, Lancaster., Pa.

9-l-ly

"OTTT OF "WOB-K."

60NG AND CHOBUS, BY

ALICE HAVrmORNE.

Atithor of '* LiBten to the Mocking Bird," " I'll eail the seas
over," '* What is Home without a Mother," etc., etc.
" Out of work, without a penny,
Pleading helrj before thy door.
Without friends among the many-
Look with pity on the poor."
• . • One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever
■written, will give the author a more extended popularity
than anything she hae ever written. Price 35 cents — or,
iUuBtrated title page 40 cents.

For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on
receipt of price by the publishers,

J. M. 8T0DDART & CO.,
9—9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

A NEW BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRUIT CULTURE,

BEING A GUIDE TO THE PBOPEB

Culitvation and Management of Fruit Trees^ and
of Grapes and Small Fruite,

with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most
popular varieties, with upwards of one hundi'ed engravings.
By Thomas Gbegg. Price $1.00.

A book w^ich should be o^vned by every pereon who owns
a rod of available land, and it will serve to secure success
where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fulJy, without technicalities, and is a work on

Fruit Culture for the Million.

It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers,
blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering,
budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is
a most complete

Gxiide to Small-Fruit Culture.

■with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari-
eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries,
Gooseberries, Cut rants, etc.

The work ehowe the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Sent by mail, poet-paid, price $1 ; or The Fabmer and How
t« raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,76. Address

L, RATHTON.
2S,Soath Qneen-st., I^ancASter, Pa.

SHEEP & LAMBS.
SUPERIOR POULTRY.

BE2TSOIT, BURPEE <& CO.,

OFFER FOR SALE A FINE LOT OF

THOROUGHBRED LIVE STOCK,

Including Alderney asd Ayrshire CATTLE and CALVES, of the finest herd Registered Stoci.'

v^v^^ ^ a O^^ir^^T A T nn^^ BerUahireB eired bv our Celebrated Imported Boar, "THE
F'llTrJa .^L ^ Ik F^\ / A f\ JiJ 1 X t COLLIER;" winner of Six High Honors and First Prizf 8 in
Euglaud. TOKKSHIHESof our Duke II., and the best imr.octationB;.CHESTER WHITE, POLAND CHINA AND
ESSEX PIGS.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD, AND LEICESTER SHEEP AND
LAMBS.

All the leading varieties of best class LAND AND
WATER FOWLS.

Breeder's IHaiinal and New IllaNlrated Descriptive Catalo$;iie of Thorongrhbred Cattle,
Sheep, Hogs, Polliiry, etc Second Edition. JCVr OITT. Contaiiiiner over 50 Pn^es Vala-
able Rea«llnsr. besi<lcs 16 Fnll Page Slocli Cnts, from life, of our finest Imported and Prize
Animals and Fon Is. Price. 2't cents. Postpaid, Every Tarmer needs ii.

SEED WHEAT AND ALL SEASONABLE SEEDS.

<55,Our Annual Illustrated Descriptive Seed Catalogue, for 1878, will be issued December Ist, offering many Choice
Novelties. It may be had Free for the asking.

BENSON, ST7BFEE & GO-, 223 Chutcli Street, Philadelphia.

WE know no breed of Poultry that lias gained a more Wonderful Popularity, in bo short a time, than the PLYMOUTH
ROCKS. This popularity is wonderful when we consider tl;:it Pure Bred Poultry is chiefly cultivated by Fan-
ciers, whose aim is artistic beauty, and the Plymouth Rocks possess few fancy points— their merits being in their econom-
ical qualities. This is almost the only breed of Poultr\' in which nothing has been sacrified for mere fancy. They
originated by crosses of several breeds, thus gaining great vigor auu strength of constitution. They have large, well-
shaped bodies, with a superabundance of choice meat on the breast and most esteemed parts. They will attain a weight
of FIVE POUNDS at four months, when they make splendid market fowls, while the Asiatics are not ready to market
until eight months old. The Plymouth Rocks have bright yellow legs, free from any feathers, and beaatiful yellow skin.
They are good lavers, and are not hard to break from sitting. They make first-class mothers, and the chicks are hardy
and easy to raise. They are in a pre-eminent degree the FARMER'S FOWL, combining as they do more excellencies for
general farm use than any other breed now known. They pay better to raise pure for market than any cross-breeds op
mongrels. We think the day is not far distant when these fowls will be bred by Farmers everywhere for market. The
outlook at present points this way, as all farmers who have tried them pronounce them all that can be desired. The de-
mand for them already far exceeds expectancy — out-selling now any other breed,

"W. ATLSE BURPEE, Philad^lpliia. Pa.

FRUIT AND
ORAMENTAL

TREES!

LAROE STOCK-
LOW R.A.TES.

STA7VDARU PE.4R TREES A $iPECIAI.TT.

I^"8**nd stamp for trade hst.

AGENTS WANTED.
E. MOODT A SONK, L^ckport, N. Y.

Niagara Ndbsebies. Established 1839.
9.8-2m

EZRA F. BOWMAN,

Practical Watchmaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 100
East King: Street, a new and well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,

Axnejdcan Watches from the different Factories of good rep-
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and
Silver Cases, in weights to suit jiurchasers. American and
imported Clocks in over fifty different styles, which are of-
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their
quality. Watches and Clocks carefully repaired and war-
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to
all. 9-4-6m

THE BEST OFFER I

We will sell during these hard times

$600 Pianos for $250,

And aU other styles in the same proportion, including Grand,
Square and Upright— all lirst-class—soli direct to the people
at factory prices. No agents; no commissions; no discounts.
These Pianos made one of the finest displays at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, and were unanimously recommended for
the Highest Honors. Regularly incorporated Manufac-
turing company— New Manufactory— one of the largest and
finest in the world. The Square Grands contain Mathushek's
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment in the history of Piano making. The uprights are the
finest in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't tail to write
for Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue— mailed free.

MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO.,

9-7-1 y

Bfo. 56 Broadway, Jf. T.

EDWItN ilDENQ
An^EEaisiiiRi^VACENCrr,^

. 174 EIiM^STKB:E^T^ •
CINeiN3«A3BI. OHIO.

. , Adyertisementa iiiBerted in »ny paper.
Before advertiBing Bend_for my catalogne.

ESTABLISHED 1832.

Gr. SENER & SOlSrS,

Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

The best Sawed JSHIKCEE^i iu the country. Also Sash,
Doors, BUnds, Mouldings, &c,

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best COAL, constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND TAED :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-st8«>

9-l-ly

I

$1 a Year

jTo Bttbscriliers in
( tbe comity.

SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS.

To snbficrlbers ont
♦he county.

°'} $1.2B

RATHVON, Editor,

LINNiETJS BATH70N, PTibllsher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Mnde a promineut feature, ^litli special reference to tbe
wants of the Farmer, the Clurdeuer aud Fruit-Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited Ij Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

TERMS:

To subscribers reeiding within tbe county —
One Copy, one year, -.---- $i.oo
Six Copies, one year, - - ^ -■ - - - j.oo

Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50

To subscribers outside of Lancuster county, including
postage pre-paid by the publiehers:

One Copy, one year, - - . - - _ $1.25

Five Copies, one year, - . - - . . 5.00

All euViecriptions will commence with the January num-
ber unless otherwise ordered.

All communications Intended for publication should be
addressed to tbe Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
in his bauds by the first of the mouth of publication.

All busiuees letters, ooutaiuing subscriptions and adver-
tisemeuts, should be addressed to the jmblisher.

The Lasoastsu Faemee haviug completed its eighth
year under various \nc:is8itudes, now commences its ninth
voUmie under, it is hoped, more favorable auspices than
attended its former volumCH. ^^'he^ tbe publishers of the
last two voliunes assumed the respousibilities of its publi-
cation, it was with a determination to make such improve-
ments as would place the farmer's oryan of this great agri-
cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural jour-
naljsm. That this has been accomplished we think our
readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasoniibly sus-
tained, our aim is to make it still more iutereHtiug aud in-
structive under ts new proprietorship. In thin, however,
we need the co-operation of every friend of tbe enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on
enbjects connected with the science of farming, and partic-
xUarlJ? that specialty of which he is so thoroughly a master —
entomological science— some knowledge of which has become
a necessity to the successful farmer, are alone worth much
more than the price of this publication.

The Fakmer will be published on the 15th of every
month, printed on good paper with clear type, in con-
venient form for reading aud binding, and mailed to sub-
ecribers ou the foUovi-iug

LINN^US RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATES OF ADTERTISIlfG — Ten C«nt8 R
line Tor «scb insertion. Twelve liuee to the iach

CONTENTS OrmiS NUMBER.

Farmers and tlieir Relations to the Country, - 145
Bees Stinging Fruit, ..... 145
Do Swallows Emigrate, ..... 146

A Beet Hard to Beat, 14C

Fine Tobacco Leaves ..... 146"

Recipe for Decorating Eggs, .... 147

Smeych's Seedling, ...... 147

Monthly Reminder for October, - - 147

Cattle DisiMse, No. 1, - - - - - 147

The Cattle Disease— No. 2, .... 148

Splenetic Fever, ....-- 148

How it was Introduced — Its Symptoms and Cause
—The Tick Theory not Tenable— Post Mortem Re-
sults— The Symptoms Described — A Post Mortem —
The Tick Theory Disposed Of— The Only Sure Pre-
ventive— Other Theories Advanced — Veterinarians —
Nothing but SpleneticFcver.

The Continental Strawberry, - - - - 149

Queries and Answers, ..... 149

Saliccacea; — Willowworts — Cuttrebra buccata, or

"Squirrel hot"— The Hair Worm — Phnltus impudi-

cus — Wheel-bug — Danais Archippti — Horned Toad

— The Yellow Crab-Apple Tree.

Southwest Missouri, ..... 150

The Gravcnstcin Apple, ..... 151

Wheat and its Culture, .... 151

Italian vs. Black Bees, ..... 152

Forests — Their Destruction and Restoration, - 152

Hard Times, - 15.i

15.3
153

1.54
154

155

Letter from North Carolina ...
Around the Farm — No. 2, . - -

Ho^ Styes — Cornstalks — Papaw.
Nebraska Notes .....
Potomac Fruit-Growers' Association

September Meeting — Fruits in Disease.
Our Local Organizations, ...

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricultural
and Horticultural Society — American Pomological
Society — Crop Reports — Essay on Wheat — Death of
a Member — Fattening Stock — T'he Cattle Disease —
Fruit Committee — Questions for the Next Meeting.

Tobacco Growers' Association, ... 156
Crop Reports— The Society's Anniversary — New
Members F-lectcd — Debate on Preparation of Soil —
Plowing Down the Stumps — Business for next Meet-
ing— Subscription to Newspapers— Thanks to Brother
Kurtz.

The Bee-keepers' Society, ...

The Liun;iean Society, - - - .
Donations to the .Museum — Papers Read.
AGRICULTURAL.

Wheat-Growing in -America,

Home Manures, .....

Hungarian Cirass, - . . - .

Soiling Doubles t lie Acreage, . . -

Liquid Excrement, ....

Hints to Growers of Tobacco, ...
HORTICULTURAL.

The Original Seckel Pear Tree,

Grafting and Its EtTects, ....

Salt as a Fertilizer, ....

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Weight of Milk,

Effect of Tea on the Skin, . . -

Rest Before Eating, . . . - .

Convenience, --....

Old Frames, ---...

Household Receipts, ....
LIVE STOCK.

How to Bi-eak Colts, ....

The Cow for Small Farms, ...

How to Grow Pigs,

POULTRY.

Packing Poultry for Market,

"Plymouth Rocks,"

Charcoal and Lime, ....

To Preserve Eggs, .....

Literary and Personal, ....

157
157

1.5S
158
158
15S
158
158

1.58
158
1.58

159
1.59
1.59
1.59
159
159

159

1.59
159

160
160
160
160
160

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DSALKn IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Kfpairiu^ ptrictly atlendfd to.

ZjfVKnX'S COFUNTEFt.,

North Queen-st, and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa.

9-«-ly

THE IRON TURBINE
WIND ENGINE

The Only Wind Engine

ID thp mnrkt^^t tbai la
PROOF AUAI^'MT vrOK7l

atid i-xpo^ureto tlic w««tti-

er. t)elog

Made Entirely of Iron.a

Wfighi 00 Rtorr Ibno tbtfl
crititinrv wood wh<'<'l<. fl

Rrculut4« ltji«lf In a*
llUch Wlud b; iu«iiuii or a

Automatic Governor.

Gives more Power
than any other for
the same diameter
of wheel.

Simple in ronstni-
tioii and well ma'l'
They are giving
Perfect Satisfaction
where other
mills harefailed.

Every farmer aod
ftock nUer should
bav« one. A contUill

T^y

■uppi; of pare wtt*
ter will Keep Toor
Block In better condl-
Uon, aud tbus lo tt ^
■horl time aaTtf ibe ^'
ocit of ao IroD Tar-
bloc Wind Eogloc;
■a; Dotfaiog of '
gnat Rarlott o' '
acd oiber adfaouiRei. wtii
DK f.ir clrcujiir irivliii; [iriepd t^'nA iu'i:

Tar. r-
oc; to k|^

r the W

labor ~-

MAST,

ro «tK>ot hr wrltlog («

Sc, CO., Springfield, O.

CHRONIC

IHmra^fm Cured. New

patbu marked out by that
plaiueHt uf all booko —
"Plain Hotnp Talk and
Medical Common SeuHe,''
—nearly ],0<K> i*ages. iiMi illustratioufi. by Dr. E. B. Kootb^
of 12<t Lexington Ave., N. T. PurchaeerB of Ibifn Book ar»
at liberty to r«n#u/l it R aathor in persou or by mail free.
Price by mail td. 26 for the Slanr/an/ edition, or $1.60 foi
Ui» ftoftular t^diliou. whidi. coutaiui all the »iame matt«>
aud lilyetratioDe, Contvnta tabltre fre«. Afff-MtH WaiUed.
MURRAY HILL PfBLlPHIXd CO , . i
»-10.1y |129 Kabt 2Sth St. N. T.

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER

PEXXSYI.VANIA RAILROAD
Traina leave the Depot iu this city,

Leave
WE TWARD. LancaBter.

Pacific Express' 2:40 a. m.

Way Passengert 4:50 a. m,

Niagara Express 9.35 a. m.

Col. Accommodatiou T:20 a. m.

Wail train via 3It. Joy 11:20 a. m.

No. 2 via Columbia 11:20 a. m.

Sunday Mail 11:29a. m.

Fast Liue*. .. 2:10p.m.

Frederick Accommodation. 2:15 p. m.

Harrieburg Accom 6:10 p. m.

Columbia .Accommodation.. 7:20 p. m.

Harrisburg Express 7:25 p. m.

Pittsburg Express 9:25 p.m.

Cincinnati Express" 11:30 p. m.

SCHEDl'LE.

as follows :

Arrive

Harrisburg.

4:05 a. m.

7:50 a. m.

10:40 a. m.

Col. 8:00 a. m.

1:00 p. m.

1:25 p. m.

1:30 p. m.

3:25 p. m.

Col. 2:45 p. m.

8:10 p. m.

Col. S:00 p. m.

8:40 p. m.

10:50 p. m.

12:45 a. m.

LaucaB

er.

Philadelphia

12:30 a.

m.

3:1)0 a. m.

4:10 a.

m.

T:00 a. m.

7:35 a.

m.

10:00 a. r-.

9.2Sa.

m.

12:30 p. m.

1:20 p.

m.

3:45 p.m.

2:00 p.

m.

5:00 p.m.

3:05 p

m.

6:00 p. m.

5: IS p

m.

7:20 p. m.

5:50 p

m.

9:00 p. m.

EASTWARD.

Atlantic txpress'

Philadelphia Expreast

Harrisbujg Express

Columbia Accommodation..

Pacific Express*

Sunday Mail

Johnstown Express

Day Express '

Harrisburg Accom

The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster
with Niagara Exj^ress, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodatiou, west, connects at Lancas-
ter with Fast Liue, west, at 2:10 p, m.. and runs to Frederick.

The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will
stop at Middletown, Elizabethtowu, Mount Joy and Landis-
TiUe.

'The only trains which run daily.

tRuns daily, except Monday.

300O Eii^ra%-iiig;s ; 1840 Pag:e i^iiarto.

10,000 W<>''''*' rt'i'^ Meanings not in other Du-'ionaries.

POUR PAGES COLORED PLATES.

INVALUABLE IN ANY FAMILY,

AND IN ANY SCHOOL.

More than 30«000 copies have been placed in the pub-
lic schools of the United States.

Recommended by State Superiutendeuta of Schools in
30 different States.

The sale of Webster's Dictionaries is 20 times as great
as the sale of any other series of Dictioudriee.

Contains 30OO iHustrations, nearly three times as
many as any otber Dictionnry.

C^^CjOOK. at ^^^ three pictures of a Ship, on page
1751— these alone illustrate the meaning of more than IQO
words and terms fur better than they can be defined in
words.]

'* A^igast 4. 1877. The Dictionary used in the Government
Printing OflSce is Webster's Unabridged.''

Published by G. * C. MERRIAM, Springfield, Mass.

9-10-lm ^

THE JOURNAL.

A Paper Devoted to the Interests of the So-
ciety of Friends.

" Frieud-i, Mhid tin' Light." — Gkokge Fox.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY ON 4TH DAY (WEDNESDAY,)

Price $2.50 per Annum.

JOSEPH GIBBONS,
Editor and Proprietor, Bird-in-Hand, Lan.co., Pa.

Philadelphia Office, 103 North 4th st.

The Journal will complete its fifth year in the first month
(January), 1S7S. Its success, considering the stringency of
the times, has been remarkable. It circulates all over the
United States, and has a number of subscribers in Canada.
It is therefore especially valuable as an advertising medinm.
Friends and persons interested iu their testimonies will fiud
that it supiilies the. want long felt of a medium of commu-
nication between the members of the Society, and a vehicle
for the expression to the world of widely differing, but
honestly held, opinions upon the momeutous questions of
the day, particularly those in which Friends are especially
interested. Tne terms of The Jovrnal are very moderate.
It is offered to clubs of five at $2,25 per year, per copy, free
for six mouths to the getter up of the club. To clubs of ten
at $2.l»0 per year per copy, with h copy free for the year to
the getter ui» of the club. Subscriptions may begin at any
time. ^^^^^^^

A TEUE FARMER'S PAfEB.

SGIENTICFARMER.

In Bie Interests of Prcfltal)le Agncntlare,

IT TREATS OF FACTS. IT IS THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL.

Science is Kuowledge. Scientific is Knowing.

only that and notliing leas or more.

Every Intelligent Farmer Should Take it.

Clrctilates In every State.

PRICE ONLY $1.00 A YEAR.

Send stamp for Bpecimen copy and circular of special in-

ducettients.

SCIENTIFIC FARMER CO.. Boston, Mass.

9-l(Min

Rates of .Idvrrtltiiis^ In tho Farmer.

1 mo....

2 mo....

3 mo

4 mo....

6 mo

8 mo

1 year.

1 in. I 2 iu. 'd iu.

.J lu. , 5 in.

$l'.O0l$ 2.U0 $ 3.00 $ 4.00 $ 6.00$ S.OO

2 00
2.60
3.00
4.50
6.00
9.00;

4.O0
4.50
6.00
9.00
12.00
18.00

6.00
6.75
9.00
13.50
18.00,
27.00

8.00
10.00
12.00
IS. 00
24.00
36.00

12.00
13. .W
IS. 00
27.00
36.00
64.00

16.00
18.00
24.00
36.00
48.00
72 00

it^~S].>ecial aud business notices 15 cents i>er line

GOOD BOOKS

rOK THE

Farm, Garden, and Household.

The following is a list of Valuable Books, which will be
supplied by the Editor of the Lancaster Farmer, No.
101 North Queen St. Any one or more of these books will
be sent pout paid to any of our readers on receiiit of the
regular price which is named against aach book.

Allen's (R. L. & L. F,] New Ajnerican Farm Book $2 50

Allen's (L. F.) American Cattle.* 2 50

Atwood's Country and Suburban Houses 150

Bommer's method of Making Mauures 25

Break's New Book of Flowers 1 75

Brill's Fami-Gardeuiug and Seed-Gro\ving 100

Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, ISnio I 50

Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, la mo 1 50

Flax Culture, (SevenPrize Essays by practical growers,) 50

Fuller's Grape Culturist 1 50

Fuller's Small Fruit CuUurist 1 5»

Fuhon's Peach Culture 1 50

Gregory on Squashes pajjer. . 30

Harris ou the Pig 1 50

Henderson's Gardening for Pleasure 1 50

Henderson's Gardening for Profit 1 50

Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 50

Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers , 175

Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivators 30

Hunter and Traj^per , 100

Onions — How to Raise them Profitably 20

Our Farm of Four Acras. Pa., 30c.; Clo., GOc, Ex. do. 1 00

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Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., OCTOBER, 1877.

Vol. n. No. 10.

FARMERS AND THEIR RELATIONS TO
THE COUNTRY.

Tliero are in this count rv <i,91lli,H(10 fanners, 1 ,'J0(),-
000 trades people, L',T(I()',()(I(» ineelianies, 2,(;(KI,()U()
professional men, 4;i,()(IO clergymen, 4U,()0I) lawyers
VJ8,KL"-' teachers, I!-.',(I01I doctors, 2,U()0 actors, 0,i'UUO
journaliBtB, 1,000,000 laborers, and 97.5,000 domestic
Bervants.

From tlip above "cliiiping," from the iiew.s
cohmiiis of a daily i>aiier, it will be jicrceived
in what nunu'i-ical proportions fanners stand
to any other single oeeupation in theeounhy,
and yet they occupy fewer public places, re-
ceive less legislative favors, and are -sub-
ject to lieavier governmental l)urdens than
any other single class of American citizens.
In numerical strength they are more than all
the traders, mechanics ami i)rofessionals put
together, by some hundred tliousands, and it
would not lie hazarding much to say, that,
excepting laborers and domestics, there is not
a single one of the above classes that has not,
proportionally, litty or a hundred times the
political and otlicial inlhicuce they have. This
is all radically wrong. Under circumstances
as they ought to be no one can presume to
know what the farmers of tlie country need
by way of protective laws and social and do-
mestic privileges so well as the farmers tliem-
selves. If they don't know then it evinces
that tliere is something wrong somewhere. It
has long since been written that '■' knatfledge
!.s jDOU'tc," but where and how is that power
to be obtained V Not by clo.sing their eyes
and ears against that which is "written," for
that would involve the rejection of the oracles
of divine truth; and we would further .say,
that there is no real truth that is nut divine.
Knowledge is, or ought to be dillusive, and
the most eflicient means for its diffusion is the
printfng press ; and if farmers desire to occu-
py the social plane for which nature and na-
ture's God designed them, they must avail
themselves of the medium of the press,
" Here shall the prcsit the people's rights maintain,'
" L'uawed by conquest and uul)ri!)ed by gain,"

has become an axiom of uiuversal rec-
ognition, in all lands under the dominion of
civil liberty; and it behooves every one to
read, for it is the only means of preserving
social, civil and religious equality. The indi-
vidual who cauuoj read, is to be i)itied; but
the one who will not read, surely merits some-
thing worse; else, why are we admonished to
''search the Scriptures," and how search them
if we cannot read ? Time was, in the most
ancient days of the human fomily, when there
were no Scriptures, and man had direct inter-
course with his Creator; but when he fell from
his original integrity, other means of coniiuu-
nication became necessary, and the Scriptures
were wrillen ; and then the obligation to learn
to read gradually devolved upon the human
family, and has now become a solemn injunc-
tion, and will remain so until the end. Re-
turning again to our "text" we find tliat there
are in roimd numbers, 40,000 lawyers, 40,000
clergymen and 00,000 doctors, either one of
which, as the world goes, weighs as much in
the social and political scales as the 0,000,000
farmers do, and all because they read — indeed
it would be impossible for them to become
cither lawyers, doctors, or clergymen, unless
they learned to read. It is the gravest error
that anv class of men could possibly make, to
argue that superior intellectual (lualifications
only enable those who possess them to become
superior adepts in knavery, dishonesty, sin
and fraud; for this is only the abuse of a no-
ble privilege, contrary to the apostolic injunc-
tion to "use all things as not abusing them."
The popidation of our country to-day is sup-
posed to be about 40,0(X),000, and estimating
one-half of these to be females, would
leave 20,000,000 of the male sex. Now,

the different cla.sses in our text, foot up
about sixteen nnllions in round numbers,
leaving four millions of vital .' i'erhaps bank-
ers, drovers and iienltoncn, with a liberal
sprinkling of nondescripts that cannot be
cla.ssilied, l)ut who, nevertheless, subsist upon
the productions of tho farmer. Tiike up a
biographical history of the world, or any sepa-
rate nation, and it will be foimd that much
the largc^st number of the lives of the distin-
guished men recorded therein have been l)orn
in some obscure village or rural district, and
comparatively few eitlier in a town or city.
Many of thein sprang from farmer parentage,
and when they became distinguished would
point to that ancestral origin with pride; and
when they have had a surfeit of (aiblicor pro-
fessional life, hav(! returned again with long-
ing desire to the (luiet and ))eaceful shades of
the farm. We opine this world, in its civil,
.soci.al, and ecimomic ilffairs, will never be
quite right, until that class of men who feed
the world exercise more of the controling in-
tlueuces that give character to its domestic
goverimient — its official administration. But
to (pialify any class of men for the eliicient
discharge of their ollicial duties they must
read, observe and think. We do not, however,
advise farmers to an energetic mental culture
for the sake of merely qualifying them for
othce — indeed (unless like Cincinnatus of old,
ttiey are sought after,) we would counsel them
against ever permitting their aspirations to
runofliceward as a speculation. But we w'ould
recommend a wider scope of intelligi^nt labor
in the development of our agricultural re-
sources ; a more intelligent discrimination in
the exercise of their political franchi.ses, and
a larger and more diversietid field of social
culture, as .aims far above the aims of office
for the sake of office.

"BEES stinging;fruit."

There is a great complaint throughout ftcading of
Ijees stinging fruit and thereby making it rot. It is
alleged tliere have been many bushels of the most
valuable peaches and pears efung by the bees and
ruined. The other day a lady in preserving fruit was
literally surrounded by bees. They flew about her
head in a large swarm, lit ujjon the stove, clung to
the vessel containing tlu' fruit and were also by the
dozen on the ladle used in stirring tiie fruit.

It is said fully a pint of bees were killed while the
preserving was going on, and it is fortunate the pre-
serves were not ruined. As it was, dead bees were
Ibund in the preserves. Besides stinging tlie fruit
the bees have now attacked the grapes and are ruin-
ing valuable bunefics of them. It is said the bees
come from luves kept in the city, the owners of
which sell the honey.

From year to year this business of keeping hives
of bees in Iteading has grown until the number of
hives of bees now kept amounts to hundreds. In
the city, outside of the sugar and molasses hogsheads
in grocery stores, and scattering flowers, the bees
have little else to live ujion except fruit, and hence
it is tliat tlie fruit is stung by them.— Biy/t.

This is a subject upon which there seems to
be a great diversity of opinion, and perhaps
no tw'o observers would be able to record the
same testimony — indeed the above heading,
which we often notice in relation to this sub-
ject, is not a true representation of the fact,
for in the sense in which alone a bee can sting,
we can assure our readers that it is altogether
improbable, if not impossible, that a bee
would sting fruit. That they could cut the
tender skin of a ripe peach, pear, plum or
grape, is (juite probable, but as to whether
they xrould do it or not, tliere are various opin-
ions, founded upon various experiences. Even
if it is certain that they are guilty of this
habit, it does not constitute a case siifliciently
strong to warrant the total extermination of
the bees, for tliis would be like destroying all
sailing crafts because they sometimes capsize
and destroy life, or like demolishing all rail-
road cars because they sometimes run over

and kill or mangle Imman beings. If the
question wa.s naiTowed do^vn to bees or no
bees, sailing vessels or no .sailing vessels, rail-
road cars or no railroad cars, tliere would be
little dilliculty in coming to a unanimous
opinion, and we feel certain that it would not
be an tidverse one. S(mie .special admirers of
Ih'cs, especially if they po.ssess thrifty bees,
aii<l have no fiuitthat they iiarticularly value,
will testify not only that bees will not cut the
skin of fruit, f)ut also that they cannot: but
this is certainly not based upon a profound
knowledge of the character of bees, and of
their organic structuie. There are certain
organic characters that pertain to all the Ily-
menopterous insects, and some of them jjos-
sess it in a very liigh degree, and one of those
is their power to cut into and through liard or
tough substances, and they aft i)erform this
oiieration with the same instruments; namely,
their inandihles, or jaws. The common
*"Wood-borer," or "Carpenter bee," vf ill cut
a bole into a pretty hard piece of wood, al-
though it most generally selects soft pine.
Other wood-boring hymeiiopterous larva; are
known to have cut their way through a
dozen i>lies of black cassimere, in cases wliere
the cloth has been rolled around a piece of
wood that previously contained the eggs, or
the young grubs in embryo, and oa one occa-
sion we obtained the perfect t insects, under
these same circumstances. Tlie l;''Homet"
and the common ||"AVasi>" are well known
to possess great maudiliular or cutting power,
and often lacerate apples, pears, peaches,
plums and grapes, destructively, and without,
much effort. Every woman that has raised
roses, has had occasion to deplore the depre-
dations of the little (S"llose-leaf cutter bee,"
using its jaws as deftly and with as mucli
lirecision as a practiced garment cutter, in
cutting circular disks out of her rose
leaves. Now, this last named individual is
not far removed from the common H "Honey
bee," for it belongs to the same family. In-
deed when we consider that all Ilymenopter-
ous insects have to cut their way out through
the pupa skin or cocoon that envelopes them,
the iiitegument of which in many instances is
infinitely more tough than a fruit skin, espec-
ially that of a grape, we need not be .surprised
that bees would cut grapes, if they had not
easier access to other food. We well remem-
ber in our boyhood how we used to imprison
bees of various kinds in the flowers of the
"morning-glory," and other trumpet shaped
flowers, ju.st to see how very easily many of
them could cut a hole through the side and
make their e-scaiie. We could cite hundreds
of cases illustrating the mandibular or cutting
powers of Hymeuopterous in-sects, but let
these suffice for the present.

We have never ourself detected liees in the
act of cutting the skins of fruit, but we have
seen thousands of them extracting honey from
fruit, tlie skin of which had cracked, or had
lieen previously broken through other causes;
but from our knowledge of the organic struc-
ture of their mouth iiarts,we are veryfar from
asserting tliat they coahl not do so, or n-ould
not do so, under certain provocations which
they could not resist.

1' he editor of a Reading newspaper, some
weeks ago, came out in a vigorous a-s-sanlt
upon tlie char.acfer of bees, and although all
he says of their grajie-cutting propensities
may be as true as much that we receive from
similar sources, yet his preventive recommen-
dations are of a malignant, if not a diabolical
type, to speak as mildly of them as we i)0ssi-
bly can; and are not justified by a considera-
tion of all the circumstances. In thisconnee

•Xylocopa VirKiuicii. tUroc«rUB cyarieUB. :Veiipii Miicu-
lala. iPoUatea tHiBcalui. jC'elioxys octodeutata. ^lApli
MulUaca.

146

THE LANCASTER: FARMER.

[October,

tion we may remark that bees, like other ani-
mals, not even excluding the hinnau species,
when they become hungry, in obedience to an
instinctive impulse which they cannot resist,
will make an effort to gratify their present
demands, or future wants, even if they have
to steal it. Any human being in health is
fully sensible of the goadings of lumger, and
regards the idea of starvation with feelings
of unmitigated hoiTor. Need we then be sur-
prised that animals, not endowed witli re-
flective reasoning, should purloin those ali-
mentary substances which are so essential to
their own healthy development, and the per-
petuation of their species ? "We have the tes-
timony of several intelligent observers, whose
reports are altogether reliable, notwithstand-
ing they are somewhat conflicting on a mere-
ly superficial examination. One gentleman
of veracity and of close observation informs
us that, notwithstanding he has kept a vigi-
lant watch over his fruit and the insects that
visit it, yet he has never in a single instance
detected a bee cutting or lacerating tlie skins
of his grapes, although his observations have
been conducted from morning to night, and
for several days in succession. He has seen
bees extracting the juices of the grapes wliere
the skin had been cut by wasps or hornets,
or where they had been broken from other
causes. Another testifies that he has fre-
quently seen the larger Italian bees cutting
the skins of the grape berries, and afterwards
our native species follow them up and continue
the work of destruction thus begun. This
fact, he states he has witnessed over and over
again, but he has never seen our local variety
making the original incision. Another one
testifies that both varieties of bees, in connec-
tion with wasps and hornets, cut the skins of
grapes, peaches, and also plums, and that
they have visited the fruit in his enclosure
apparently for that purpose alone. Now,
these things being so, does it not suggest that
no one in a large town or city, who has not
sufficient land to furnish food for his bees,
should be allowed to keep them, more than
he should be allowed to keep sheep, pigs, and
cows, and let them trespass upon the property
of his neighbors for their daily supply of the
necessary quantity of food to sustain them.
It might also suggest, whether, if bees appro-
priated the whole crop and converted it into
lioney and wax, it would not pay as well as to
sell the fruit, or convert it into wine, &c.

In conclusion we may state that the ques-
tion is still an open one, and if it can be dis-
cussed with a strict regard to the truth of the
matter in issue, some use may grow out of the
discussion — at least no harm.

DO SWALLOWS EMIGRATE.'

From the Country Gentleman.]

Seeing the remarks of Observer, on pasre .555, I
am led to ask tlie question whether swallows go,
like other birds, to a warmer climate to winter, and
where they go. Can the readers of the Country
Oenllcman tell us certainly ?

When I was a boy we were cutting some coarse
grass in a swampy place, near some small trees and
bushes of stinted swamp growth, around a very
muddy place, sometimes covered over with water.
This was on the 2.5th of August. All the time we
were at work that day swallows sailed and hovered
around over the swamp in great numbers. I remcm-
her asking my father what made the swallows so
thick. He asked me if I knew what day of the
month it wap, and I replied I did not know. He
said he believed it was the 25th, and the swal-
lows were preparing for their departure for the
season. I asked him where they went so early in the
season. He said they were "going into the mud in
this swamp ; toward night you can see those bushes
and trees around that mud hole, covered with them,
and to-morrow you will see no swallows flying about."
This was astounding news to me, and I asked if they
really went into the mud for winter quarters. He
replied, "yes, I know some of them do, and believe
all do, for I once helped to excavate mud from an
old mill pond, and on one side the mud was quite
thin, and in that we dug hundreds of barn
swallows in a dormant state, which on being exposed
to the air and warmth showed signs of life." This
BO worked upon my mind that I thought I would see
if I could not dig out some, and When I had a leisure
time I intended to repair to the swamp hole for the
purpose, but rain set in, the mud hole was a bad
place to go into, and I did not attempt it.

The next year, about the same time, I was sent to
the mill, about three miles, to get rye ground for
bread. While it was being ground I was fishing, and
in the middle of the mill pond was a peninsula covered
with water only when it was very high. On this were
dwarf and dead willows completely covered with
swallows. I called the old and much respected mil-
ler's attention to it, and asked hJm if they went in
the mud for winter quarters. He said that he sup-
posed they did, "for they come there in just such
numbers about this time every year, and are not seen
afterwards." I watched them while fishing, and
could see them fly down and up, but they wei'C so far
off, and so numerous, and in such commotion that I
could not watch each individual swallow, or see that
their ranks were growing thin while I remained. I
have many times since seen them gathering around
swamps, -and noticed their sudden disappearance,
.and did the present year. Now, am I alone in this
(theory) or are there others who think the same?
Can those living at the South tell where northern
swallows winter? — L. F. Scott, Litchfield co., C'oim.

The theory of swallows hibernating in mud
holes is a very old one, and just as erroneous
as it is old ; and observations made, "when I
was a boy," are entitled to no credence what-
ever on that account. This tlieory obtained
when ice were a boy, more than half a century
ago, and we believed it, but neither then nor
ill the long period that has intervened, have
we ever seen anything in confirmation of it ;
and it is astonishing that in the present ad-
vanced state of ornithology any person of in-
telligence should entertain such a notion for
a single moment. Swallows and martins de-
part for the West Indies, Central America,
and Northern South America early in Sep-
tember, and there they have been seen many
a time during our northern winter seasons.
Always gregarious just before their departure,
they become more so during the day and
towards evening, but separate to their vari-
ous abodes during the night. They usually
take leave of us very early in the morning,
and hence if they should have been seen in
large or small numbers about a mud hole or a
pond of water the evening before their depar-
ture, the unwarrantable inference has been
drawn that they hibernate in the mud, because
nothing is seen of them the following morn-
ing. And why do they assemble about mud
holes, marshes, ponds and stagnant waters V
Simply because about the end of summer such
places aflbrd them the greatest amount of
food. Swallows are purely insectiverous birds,
and they take them mainly on the wing ; and
where insects most assemble they most assem-
ble. They confine themselves to the smaller
species of insects, and especiallj' -the Diptera
(two-winged flies) such as gnats, mosquitoes,
"gallinippers" and the like, and these breed
in stagnant waters, and as summer wanes
they are found in greatest numbers in such
places. During midsummer, or early in the
season, insects fly higher and farther away
from their breeding places, but as the weatlier
cools they are most abundantly found near
those places. Has it never occurred to the
reader that he has suffered more annoyance
from mosquitoes after the 1st of September
than he has prior to that date ; and has he ever
reflected that this may have been because the
swaUows had all left the vicinity of his abode,
and consequently the mosquitoes liad in-
creased ? Are we progressing or retrogTessing
in scientific knowlege ?

A BEET HARD TO BEAT.

We were fortunate enough to become the
recipient of the large re"d-beet which Mr.
Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, had on exhibi-
tion at the meeting of our local society, on
Monday, the 1st of the present month. Tliis
Chenopodiacean subject of the vegetable king-
dom, was of a deep crimson color and of the
turnip-rooted variety, measuring nine inches
in its vertical diameter, from the base of the
leaves to the beginning of the tap roots, and
about the same in its transverse diameter,
making it about twenty-seven inches in cir-
cumference, and weighing fully ten pounds.
True, we liave seen larger vegetables of tlie
beet kind, weighing from twenty to thirty
pounds, and we have read of some weighing
from iorty to fifty pounds, but they were not
of the red or turaip variety, and were too

hard, coarse and insipid to be used as human
food — only fit for stock — but this specimen
possessed all the edible qualities we find in
tlie ordinary sized turnip variety of red-beets.
AVe were also the recipient of some fine Iler-
bamot, Lawrence, Dix, Chinese Sand, Beurres
Bosc, Anjou, Diel, Clargeau and other pears,
as well as apples and grapes, kindly donated
by Messrs. Casper Hiller, H. M. Engle, Dan-
iel Shmeycli, I. L. Landis, L. S. lleist and
others, whose names did not come to our
knowledge.

We feel grateful for these tokens of person-
al consideration on the part of these gentle-
men, (both tlie known and the unknown) and
hope nothing may transpire in our relations,
to illustrate that they have discriminated
falsely in our behalf, either in the past, pres-
ent or future — and we do assure them that
these things, both in their moral and mater-
ial bearings, afford an agreeable and healthful
stimulant to oiu' editorial labors; and the
more so because of their unfeigned spontaniety
and disinterestedness, qualities whiclt enhance
the value of any gift.

But, if "troubles never come single," so
neither do favors, for here comes, on this aus-
picious 8th of October, our genial friend,
Wm. Weidle, and lays us under a special ob-
ligation f(3ra luscious lot of Lawrence, Erben-
iste, Grey Doyenne, Buerre Clairgeau, Buerre
Diel, and Buerre Morea pears, and Israella
grapes. It is just as difficult to discriminate
where everything is good as where everything
is bad ; nevertheless we cannot refrain from
mentioning the superior, juicy, and buttery
qualities of the unpretending little "B. Morea"
pear. In its melting edibility we realize that
rustic description which declares a thing "as
slick as goose-grease, and goose-grease as slick
as butter, and butter the slickest kind of
grease," for so indeed it was. It seems to us
that we never before have had such a striking
exemplification of the keeping qualities of the
Israella grape. It ripens simultaneously with
the Hartford Prolific, and yet here on tlie 8th
of October, it was plucked from the vines as
plump, as solid, and as luscious as the first
clusters that ripened six weeks ago.* That
surely is a quality not to be disregarded.

^. «

FINE TOBACCO LEAVES.

The following is a detailed description of
some specimens of tobacco exhibited by Mr.
Henry Kurtz, at the meeting of the "Tobacco
Growers' Society, " held in this city on the 17th
of September last, two days after the issue of
the September number of The Farmer'.
These leaves were eight in number, and al-
though they are not represented as the true
average of his whole crop, yet they were all
in a vigorous growing condition, and woidd
have increased much in size had they been
permitted to remain a week or ten days longer
in the field, and might have remained there
until the 1st of October, so far as the weather
was concerned.

No. 1. Centennial seed, 30 inches wide by;|S
42 inches long ; grown in sixty days from the
"stock," or planting out.

No. 2. The same seed, 47 inches long by 37
wide, in GO days.

No. 3. The same seed, 40 inches long by 26
wide, cut September 17th; planted the stock
on .July 1.5tli.

No. "4. The same seed, 42 inches long by 26
wide, raised from small plants and cut Sep-
tember 5th.

No. 5. The same seed, 47 inches long by 28
wide, planted July 23d from seed stock.

No. 6. The same seed, 45 inches long by 26
wide, planted July 23d, grew 60 days.

No. 7. Hartford seed, 35 inches long liy 22
to 20 wide, plants small, and grew subse-
quently to 46 days.

No. "8. Hartford, 36 inches long by 22 wide,
planted July 19th, and cut September 15th to
17th.

Mr. Kurtz's tobacco fields are near Mt. Joy,
in Rapho twp., and his crop, on the whole,
has done well, which is more than a good
many others can say, although the crop in
Lancaster county has been, generally speak-

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

147

mg, pretty fair. The averagn weather was
too dry u]! to th(^ 17lh of Seiitoniber, but the
"latter rains'' greatly helped those plants
that had not been cut and housed before they
occurred.

Jlr. Kurl/ is a clean and thoroui^h cultiva-
tor, and makes a free use of "uiislit" from tlie
barn-vaid. It is becoming; every day more
manifest that thor(iu;j;li culture, clean weed-
in;;, and sti'oug manuring, are es.sential fac-
tors in the raising of tobacco, and tliat it is
not safe to leave anything to chance ; but
these are not more essential than vigilant
"worming."

RECIPE FOR DECORATING EGGS.

Tako an og!? nmt eovor it ovur with beeswax.

Prick the letters on tlie beeswax and tlioii scrape all

the wax oil' tlie shell except where letters are, and

1 then ilip the <■:;■!;■ into the acid. The shell will then

■ pee\ oir, all Iml the i)art where the letters are, thus

I niukin;? \\ hut is known iie ''raised letters." It can

he done every time, and done to nicely that even the

hen can he fooled Into thinking she laid the egg.

Waiving the usefulness of the proce-ss con-
tained in the above "recipe," in its details it
certainly is as "clear ;is mud." When the egg
has gone through a certain preparation wo
are instructed to dip it "into(/i( acid." What
acid ? Not the slightest allusion, either by
word or implication, is made iireviously tormy
acid, either nitric, sulphuric, muriatic, oxalic,
tannic, formic, prussic, or malic. And then,
airain, what is the object of such a decora-
tion y AVith the shell "peeled off" it can be
of no use as a plaything for children ; and if
only intended as an ornament to the table it
must be a poor all'air, and certainly would go
no farther in satisfying human appetite than
a plain egg. What occasion "every time "
nuiy relal<' to we are left to guess, and if it
even means eternity it would be hardly worth
peri)etuating if its object is only for the pur-
pose of "fooling hen's" into tlie "thinking
tliey laid them."

SMEYCH'S SEEDLING.

This is a luscious yellow clingstone peach,
produced from tlie "seed, by Mr. Daniel
S^meych, of this city. A specimen of this
peach before us measures over eiglit inches in
circumference both ways, so that it is nearly
round. The suture is very indistinct, the
stem very short, and the cavity moderately
deep— indeed the fruit hugs the branch so
closely that it leaves the impression of the lat-
ter oii the fruit. The llesh is a golden yellow,
nwidcrately firm, juicy aud pleasantly sweet.
The skin is almost as clean as. a nectarine, al-
though it has a soft and velvety feel, and it
has a moilerate blush towards the upper end.
As a clingstone, nothing has come under our
obsea-vation that is superior, and it is worthy
of extended culture.

MONTHLY REmTnDER FOR OCTOBER.

Earth up celery, dig up potatoes, sweet-
potatoes aud other roots, as they mature, and
store them away for use ; collect squashes and
pumpkins, and expose them in a dry place to
a good airing, prctvious to storing them away.
IJlanch endive, hoe and weed out fetticus and
spinuach, plant out cabbage and lettuce plants
in cold frames. — Dkk's (l<x'nkncr. "

This is the be.st season for setting out rlui-
bavb. Divide the old roots, leaving a good
bud to each plant, and set in .soil made very
ricli. In taking out sweet potatoes let the
tul)ers lay in tlie sini an hour or two before
putting away, (irajies carefully gatliered and
placed in a cool, dark, dry cellar will keep for
several months. Handle with care and pre-
serve the liloora intact. There is no better
time to set out raspberries and blackberries
than the month of October. It is preferable
to spring planting. A patch of rye sown in
tliis montli early, the ground being well ma-
nured, will come in good use for feeding milch
cows next spring, before the pasture tield is
ready to turn out ui>on. Evergreens may be
set out now, and the sooner the better. Select
small trees, preserve all the fibrous roots pos-
sible, and do not allow them to become diy. —
Farm Jmirnnl.

THE CATTLE DISEASE— No. i.

The unusual widcsiireading and fatal epi-
demic now prevaihiig in this comity, and over
a very large portion of the norlhern aud mid-
dle sections of the country, must be an apology
for the introduction of so much on that sub-
ject into this nmnber of our paper. So far it
has almost entin-ly balUed the profoundcst
skill of the veterinary profession ; and if the
doclors cannot make headway against it, there
seems' to be but littU; prospect of success to
the ellbrts of amateurs. Tliis disease mani-
fests itself somewhat dilTerently in differently
circinustanced districts, and is called "sple-
netic fever," "Tiixas cattle disease," "pleuro-
pneumonia," "murrain," "lung fever," and a
number of other names.

"There is now prevalent anionq: the cattle of some
townships of this county a ty[ihus disease known as
the Texas fever, vvhicli has not only caused the loss
of many vaUiable aninuils, but which is in danircr of
taintiuir the milk and beef used by the peojtle ol' this
city. The disease has been located in this section
by tlic importation of Texas cattle, larire numbers of
W'hicli are brought to Ohio to be fattened for market.
These cattle arc infested by a small parasite, an in-
sect about the size of the conunon house lly, which
burrows in the skin, leaves a poisonous stinij which
infects the blood, .acts disastrously ujion the spleen
and liver, and, if not arrested by prompt treatmcnl,
causes death. On one farm in Brooklyn six valuable
cows have died. There are many cases in I'arnia,
and the situation is so tlireatening tliat in the latter
township the farmers bave held a meeting-, organized
and appointed a committee to ascertain and report
the best methods of treatment.

"The disease is making its appearance simultan-
eously in ditferent and widely separated parts of the
country, and owners of cattle may be pretty sure
that tlie Texas (n- Spanish fever will jirevail this fall
in neighborhoods where what are called "through"
Texas cattle have been fed or pastured, en route to
Eastern markets, and that the only cure yet discov-
ered ftn- the disease is to kill at once all the cattle
affected by it, aud to keep all imatfccted lierds away
from the yards or pastures where Tcxans have been
fed or yarded, luitil the frosts have disinfected them.
More Texas cattle have reached Eastern markets
during the last mouth than for the same period in
any previous year, and the favor with which Texas
beef has of late been received in all our markets has
led to a large direct importation from the plains of
Southern Texas and to indifTcrent inspection of the
cattle by the shippers. A general outbreak of Span-
ish cattle fever tliis fall would be a calamity at this
time. Beef has already made an .advance of nnn-e
than 2 cents per pound, compared with the price of
a year ago, and the loss of a small percentage of the
present stock in the country would put another dol-
lar per 10(1 pounds upon our beef sui)plieB.

The above extract from a western paper we
(hid in a recent number of the New York
Trihune, but we must confess that to our dull
apprehension, the more we read it over the
more it becomes "as clear as — mud." Cattle
arc now, and have been for many years, peri-
odically infected with a number of malignant
eiiidemic diseases, known by the names of
"lung fever," "murrain," "rinderpest,"
" foot and mouth disease," " Spanish fever,"
"Texas fever," but, perhaps, more properly,
"pleuro-pueuuionia" or "epizooty;" and, al-
though tiiese may fundamentally have their
origin in the inhalation of aninialcuUe, or fim-
gous sporules, yet^it seems impossible tliat tliey
could be caused by the infestation "of a para-
site, an insect about tin; size of a common
liouse lly, which burrows in the skin and
leaves a poisonous sting which infects tlie
blood, acts disastrously on the .spleen or liver,
and, if not arrested by prompt treatment,
causes death." It is true, cattle everywhere
are infected by "gad-llies," whicli dejiosit
their eggs on the backs and sides of these aiii-
iiials, and the grubs of these eggs, when
hatched, burrow under the skin and then form
an irritating pustule or tubercle ; but this is
only local — not constitutional — and after the
grub is fully developed it makes its exit of its
own accord, burrows into the earth, and in
due time comes forth a mature fly like its
progenitor.

It is also true that if these insect infesta-
tions become very numerous they might cause
the death of the animals they infest, as some-
times occurs in the horse infested with the
grubs of the "bot-lly," or sheep with the
"sheep-bot;" and it has also occurred tliat
animals have been killed by being numerously

stung by bees, wasps and hornets ; but these
are neither ei)idemic nor constitutional dis-
eases, tlu^y arc merely acute ca.ses of local and
temporary irritation or iiillanimation. The
diseases among cattle now in this country,
and wliich liavc been so fearful in their results
iu I'jigland and on the continent of Europe,
have an entirely dillerent origin, anil those
writers wlio allemiit to mix the matter up
with "jiarasites as big as a house-fly," are
only mystifying the whole subject. The pre-
\ailing disease is, doubtless, pknrD-jyncumonia,
perhaps one of tlie worst forms of epidemic
disease that animal "llesh and blood is heir
to." This di.sease was lirst imported into
Urooklyn, L. 1., in ISIS, by a Dutch cow ; iind
again, in IH'A), by an English cow ; into New
.lensey, in 1847, by English stock, and into
Hoston, in 1S.5'.), by Dutch cattle ; and we have
had more or less of it ever since; Iherelore
Texas is not to be considered responsible for
<tl!. of it ; and probably did not originate what
exists there at this time.

To illustrate how near the disease is to us
here in Lancaser counly, its fatal results, its
nature, and its treatment, we will adduce, the
substance of a correspondence between Mr.
.lohn I'atterson, of Chester county, V-.i., and
the editor of th Ohio Farmer, in August last.
Mr. I', says : " There is a disease among my
cows upon which 1 should like to have your
opinion and your prescriptioli for treatment.
Eleven of my excellent herd have already
died, iucludiiig one young bull, for which I
had refused Sf.'itiO. It is a fever, similar to
typhus, or lung fever, which appears to attack
the lungs only. They have generally died in
thirteen days from the time they first appeared
sick. When opened, after death, a quantity
of blood was found lodged aroiuid the heart
and lungs, and the cells of the lungs were
filled with a white mucus, and became jier-
fectly solid. 1 am anxious to save the re-
mainder of my herd aud feel that there is no
time to lose."

To this the editor replies: "The ili.sea.se
is plcuro-imLwnonia, and residts from the
hepatizdlion of the lungs, (that is, the lungs
change to a substance that has the apjiearance
of liver,) and it is epidemic among your herd.

"■Trcattnent. — Bryonia 2 drs., phosphorus 2
drs., dilute and mix; nux vomica 2 drs., bel-
ladonna 2 drs., dilute and mix. Give a one
dram dose, alternately, every two houi-s for
the first 24 hours, and then once every six
Ikuiis for three days thereafter. For each cow
get three ounces of the two remedies after be-
ing mixed. Administer all the medicine upon
the tongue. Allow them all the cold water
they want."

All the agricultural papere that have spo-
ken uiion the subject, both in England aud
America, as well as all the societies and the
veterinary organizations, concur in the opin-
ion that the disease tiught to be rooted out by
the most stringent measures, executed by the
central governments, and the expenses do
frayed out of the national treasury; and that
little good can be looked for by isolated ac-
tion by state, county or township, or by indi-
vidual efforts. Tlui danger threatens the en-
tire country, and therefore it is a national af-
fair. All the witnesses of every school have
practically agreed that in cast; of a general
outbreak of the disease, the ncces.sary meas-
ures for its arrest should not )>e left to local
enactments, but should be by all means vested
in central authority, which should also be
vested with ample powers; and the general
conclusion is, that if ever there was an oppor-
tunity for the national agricultural depart-
ment and its commissioners to distinguish
themselves as well as the national government,
it would be in taking special cognizance of the
whole subject, aud vigorously prosecuting it
with all their powers and their pecuniary re-
sources.

Up to the present date, it is estimated that
over fifty head of cattle have died of the prc-
vniling disease in Euncaster county since the
middle of July, whatever may Ijc the name
or character of th« disease.

148

THE LANCASTER FARMER

[October,

THE CATTLE DISEASE— No. 2.

A good deal of unnecessary ado is just now
being made about a certain large species of
tick that is found both on the living and dead
cattle ; just as if they were entirely a new
thing, when in point of fact, these little pests
have been in the country ever since cattle
have been here— if they were not here before
—for there are species that infest not only
cattle, but also sheep, dogs, deer, foxes, swine,
porcupines, and perhaps also bears, and other
wild animals ; and everybody that has done
anything at "blackberrying " knows full well
that there is a minute species that seriously
annoys him for several days after he returns
to his home ; but these are only cutaneous or
external infestations, and after a time the ticks
leave him, without aflecting his general
health.

We have three specimens of these cattle-
ticks before us, one of which we received
from Mr. Robert Dysart, and two from Messrs.
Marshall & Rengier. The first was taken
from an animal that had died of the cattle
epidemic, and the last from living animals
owned by Mr. Lorentz Knapp. They are
species of Ixodus, nearly allied to the
English species mnacetjs, and which in that
comiti-y are found on cattle, dogs, foxes and
hedgehogs. They are of light olive color,
have eight legs, and are over half an inch
long and a full quarter of an inch broad. On
the back some of them are clouded with a
yellowish color, and they have the power of in-
flation and contraction, causing thoracic and
abdominal longitudinal dorsal depressions.
They belong to the ACARI, their octopedal
character allying them to the spiders. But
they have no connection with, and are not the
cause of, the present cattle disease, which is
properly an infection, and not an infestation.
How far this disease is due to sporific or ani-
malculous inhalation, is more than we are able
to say, for this would require a very careful
and expert analysis to determine ; but we are
confldent that no animal the size of these
ticks, or of the "flies" alluded to in an arti-
cle in the Intelligencer a few days ago— could
produce such effects, and therefore people had
better at once begin to deal with the sub-
stance, and not exercise themselves so much
with the shadow. In addition to the article
above alluded to, a very excellent paper, on
the same subject, from a writer at Ephrata,
previously appeared in the Era, and also one
from Mr. Staufier subsequently, from which it
appears that the disease is inflammatory, af-
fecting the heart, the lungs, the liver and the
spleen— some one or more of tliese organs,
and sometimes all of them. There seems to
be some difference of opinion in regard to the
remedy for its prevention or cure, but the pre-
ponderance of opinion favors the killing im-
mediately of all infected animals, and subject-
ing others to a rigid seclusion or quarantine,
until the colder autumn or winter weather
sets in.

This disease (pleuro-pneiononia) has a very
diverse eflect on cattle, accordingly as they
inhabit uplands or lowlands, coast or moun-
tain ranges, swampy grounds or those that
are dry. It has been known to infect the cat-
tle in one field, whilst those in another field
would be entirely free from it, although there
may have been only a common ridge, a road,
or even a fence between them. It appears
also that droves of cattle passing through a
district where the disease had not previously
existed, have infected those districts very fa-
tally, whilst those in transit have been ai>
parently free from it; also cattle removed
from one district to another have become in-
fected, whilst those previously there and ac-
climated, as it were, have manifested no in-
dications of the presence of the disease. All
these circumstances add to the complication
of the case; but at the same time they evmce
that tlie disease is not caused by insects as
large as these ticks, or by others as large as
horse-flies. Not that these insects could not
produce death if they were present in sufB-
ciently large numbers (for animals have been
stung to death by bees), but cattle

have died of pleuro-pneumonia, or spleen dis-
ease, where no ticks or flies were present, and
those infested with both ticks and flies liave
not been infected at all.

SPLENITIC FEVER.

I

How it was Introduced— Its Symptoms and
Cause — The "Tick" Theory not Tenable.

Post Mortem Results.
Several weeks ago a drove of Southern cat-
tle passed through this section of the county,
stopping for several days on the farm of Mr.
Frederick, proprietor of the Ephrata Springs.
During last week four of Mr. Frederick's cows
sickened and died from a cause apparently un-
known to the owner. The symptoms were
clearly those of Periodic or Spleuitic fever.
The drove of cattle after leaving here went in
the direction of Reamstown Station, Schoen-
eck and the northern end of the county, the
owners disposing of cattle to farmers, and it
is from those parts that we hear of large num-
bers of cattle dying from the same disease as
those of Mr. Frederick.

The Symptoms Described.
On the first appearance of the disease in
those animals which we observed, the ears
drooped, the gait was lazy or sluggish. In
cows that yielded milk, there was a sudden
stop in the flow; the animal continued to eat
and also ruminated, though only at long in-
tervals; the paunch appeared full, rather as if
bloated; there was a general disposition to lie
down, the hind legs drawn under the belly,
the fetlocks knuckling over behind, the fteces
occasionally showing slight hemorrhage. As
the disease progresses, in some cases the urine
became bloody; in two of tlie animals we no-
ticed the muscles of the ttauks and thighs to
tremble constantly. There is, in the large
majority of cases, a weakness or feebleness of
the hind limbs, and when compelled to walk
they have a staggering gait, and when lying
down and desiring to rise, there is great difti-
culty in raising the hind quarters from the

ground.

A Post-Mortem

of one of Mr. Frederick's cows several hours
after death, was made with the following re-
sults : A marked cadaveric rigidity; the respi-
ratory passages perfectly liealthy; the lungs
seemed pale; the left lung was somewhat
ecchymosed. The heart was of normal size
and consistence; there was a slight ecchyrao-
sis over the outer surface; considerable blood
in right ventricle; left ventricle contained
dark blood; the alimentary canal, from tlie
mouth to the third stomach, seemed in a nor-
mal state; the contents of the third stomach
were quite soft and small in quantity; the
cardiac end of the fourth stomach was of a
very dark red color; on the folds yellowish
elevations appearing like vescicles, though
solid; the pyloric had a normal appearance;
the liver and gall appeared generally healthy,
with the exception of slight congestion of the
gland; the spleen was much enlarged, much
thicker in the centre than the outer parts, of
a dark purple tint. Not having a pair of
scales nearat hand to weigh, we should have
judged it over three times its natural size, its
'pulp soft and rotten to the touch; on making
an incision into it, its softened pulp exuded
without any pressure being made. The kid-
neys turbid with blood, and the urinary blad-
der filled wth bloody urine and much distend-
ed; its mucous membrane at the fundus was
much congested; the cranial contents appear-
ed unusually vascular, though otlierwise
healthy. The spinal cord in the dorsal and
lumbar region was slightly reddened.

Some of the cattle, we are informed, are
covered with a species of tick, and to this in-
sect is attributed the cause of the disease and
death of those cattle, the tick by eating into
tlie flesh of the animal depositing therein a
certain poison.

The Tick Theory Disposed Of.
This "tick" theory is, however, not in ac-
cordance with the theories of the most emi-
nent scientists iu this country who have in-

vestigated those diseases. Prof. Gamgee, who
was sent to Texas by the general government
to investigate, and, "if possible, find a remedy
for this fever, says : "Tlie 'tick theory' has ■
acqmred quite a renown during the past sum-
mer (1868) ; but a little thought should have '
satisfied any one of the absurdity of the idea ;
1. Ticks are not easily fenced in on a piece of
land by a wood fence, as cattle are ; a wood
fence sufficiently isolates cattle to prevent ■
splenic fever. 2. We have seen Texan cattle,
both alive and dead, and also dead western,
quite free from these parasites. There has
been no relation whatever between the abun- i
dance of ticks and the severity of the disorder, r
The malady has been quite as malignant
where few or no ticks occurred. The tick is
not confined to gulf-coast cattle, which we
know communicate this disease, but it is met ■
with in various parts of the States where cat- I
tie are reared that never cause splenitic fever, i
Why should the ticks not communicate the i
malady from western cattle to other cattle if i
they can induce it by crawling from the Texan j'
to the western stock ?" <,

The Only Sure Preventive. '

The great desiderata in this disease seems i
to be "prevention," as after our native cattle
once have taken this fever there is apparently
no cure, no alternative but death. Then no '
matter whether it is "tick" or "periodic,"die
they must, and the best plan that we know of
is that given in the Prairie Farmer in 1868, Hi it
which a correspondent says;

"Talk to a Missourian about moderation
when a drove of sick cattle is comiug, and he ■
will call you a fool, while he coolly loads his •
gun and joins his neighbors, and they intend
no scare either. They mean to kill, do kill,
and will kill uutill the drove takes the back
track, and the drovers must be careful not to
get between their cattle and the citizens i
either, unless they are bullet proof. No doubt
this looks a good deal like border-ruftianisra i
to you, but it is the way we keep clear of the '
Texas fever. Texas stock should not be al-
lowed to cross the 35th parallel of north lati-
tude alive."

This, doubtless, is a very effective measure, r
and any man driving Southern cattle through:!
should be given the cold shoulder, and he and i
his drove escorted beyond the county limits, i

Other Theories Advanced.
From our RMamatown Correspoudent.}

Farmers in this part of the country _,
considerably alarmed about an evidently ne#i
disease which only a few days ago made ItBt'
appearance among the cattle. Several farmers i
between this village and Lincoln have withini
the past few weeks suffered severely from the i
ravages of this much dreaded disease. Farm-
ers are of the opinion tliat it is the result of
poisoning from Paris green, which had been!
sprinkled on potato patches, which in many '
instances are in oatsfields, and are now, as
potatoes are being taken up, being pastured.
Veterinarians,

however, contend that the cattle is infested
with an insect of the species acarus, com-
monly called tick, which have undoubtedly
been imported with Texas cattle, and that the
bites or stings of these insects are venomous,i
and that tliis is probably the cause.

We were to-day shown one of these pesti-f
ferous fellows, which, when fvdl grown, arei
about the size of a potato beetle, by our affa-
ble veterinarian, Mr. Geo. Fry, who had it
corked up in a bottle. He said they are veryi
tenacious of hfe, for nothing but carboho
acid would kill this one.

Nothing but Splenitic Fever.

Mr. J. G. Garman, one of the most success-
ful veterinarians in this county, dissents from
the above-named theories, and says the to
ease is nothing but splenitic fever, for whicb
no relialile cure has yet been discovered. Upon
examination he found the spleen, in all cases,
double the size than when in a normal condi;
tion. He thinks the disease is contracteC'
through malaria generated during the droutl
among the withered and decaying vegetaDlf
matter, and inhaled by tlie cattle while graZ'
iug.— The New Erv..

877.]

THE ^LANCASTER FARMER.

149

THE CONTINENTAL STRAWBERRY.

The accompanying illustration icprescuts a
lingle fruit-stalk of the "Continental" and its
ruit, photographed from iiuture, and is one of
he Ceutt^nnial prizc-benies ; and for which
I niednl and diploma were awarded to Messrs.
Jibsomi Beimctt, Florists and Fruit-growers,
,f Woodbury, New Jersey, wlio cultivate and
lave for sale nursery stock, roses, grape vines,

fee, &c. This berry was recognized by the

;ommittee as one of the very best market

fierrics on*txhibition, and also one of tlu;

t>esl })ayin(i, which is a desirable ([uality. The

jContineiital Strawberry is especially valuable

pn account of its

great productive-

jiess, large si/,e,fn-m

texture, delicious

.flavor, and late

aipening; fruit very

Jarge, obtusely coiii-

pal; color dark red;

flesh very firm, and
t might' be said lui-
letiualed in its mild,
|c.\ceedingly agiee-
|able and delieions
lliavor. Many of the
parries at la in, a
ilengthof nearly two
linches, a transver.se
|diametcr of over
two inches, and a
circumference of six
and a half inches.
ilts late ripening is
one of its greatest
merits, because it
continues in the
market when most
other varieties lia\e
become exhausted,
and this is a gnat
df.tidcniiuiii w i t h
llidse who grow
lierries for profit.
This exceedingly
line variety of llie
si rawberry was ori-
ginated by Mr. t)s-
car Felton, of ('am-
den county, New
.Icrscy, who is a
practical, enterpris-
ing, and successful
Iruit-grower, hav-
ing |)roduecd hun-
dreds of excellent
varieties of not only
strawberries, b u t
also raspberries and
other fruits, dur-
ing a period of
tweniy-five years of
horticultural expe-
rience. The Conti-
nental is so much
superior as a profit-
able market berry,
that many growers
are, for the lirst
time, ready to dis-
card the Albany
seedling altogether.
The importance of
growing the finest
fruit for market is
becoming more ap-
parent every year,
and it becomes all
fruit growers and
market men to se-
lect carefully, and grow and patronize the best
only. The advantages of this policy may be
readily understood when we compare the
prices obtained in the Philadelphia markets,
last .summer, for the "Albany" and the "Con-
tinental," the former only bringing from 6 to
8 cents per quart, whilst the latter readily
brought 2.") cents per quart. Many of the
fruiterers in and about Philadelphia givetheii-
testimony in favor of the Continental. The
plants arc of a very vigorous and robust

habit, run well and multiidy rapidly ; foliage
very heavy, standing up from ten to fifteen
inches above ground ; fruit stalk very large
and strong, standing well up, showing the
blo.ssoms and green fruit al)ovo the foliage,
generally supporting the ripe fruit up from
the ground, but sometimes bending under its
unusual weight.

Judging from the reception these ImmtIcs
have already met with thus far, and from the
character of their originator, and those who
cultivate the stock for .sale, they will most un-
doubtedly win favor wherever they are intro-
duced, and figure largely in the markets of

QUERIES AND ANSWERS.

the great cities in our country, and also in
those not so great.

Thrifty plants may be obtained at 13 per
dozen ; $1!', per himdred ; $100 jier thousand ;
V)y addressing orders to (iinsoN & Bennett,
Nurserymen, Woodbury, New Jersey.

Unavoidable circumstances have delayed
this number of The Farmer beyond the
usual time of issue, but we hope to avoid this
in future.

Saliccaceae — Willowworls.

" O moot ni0 in the wilhnv Rleii,
When the 8ilver iiinou ih lieauiliif;."

An anecdote is related of a very ira.sciblc
carter, who Wcas in the habit of swearing mo.st
inordinati'ly at every trilling adverse occur-
riMice, who, on nearly reaching the top of a
steep hill, on one occasion, when the " tail-
gate " of his cart fell out, and twenty busliels
of loos(' apples went Icajiing down a half mile
hill, like .a whole academy of school boys in
pursuit of a rabl)it — his anger was immediate-
ly excited to its
highest pitch, and
those about him ex-
pected that tilings
.aroinid them would
become "sulphur-
ous." I!ut there he
stood and stared
until the last apple
boimded out a n d
off, like a ctdprit
released from a cal-
.aboose, when he
caught again his
breath, which seem-
ed to have gone
after the api)les,
and remarked with
en;phasis— "Well,
there's no use in
swearing. I can't
do the subject ju.s-
tice."

On seveial oeea-
siims Mr. ,T. M. >r.
ha.s brought us
liraiiches of a tree
during the present
Season in its various
stages of develop-
ment, inehidiiig
bud, bloom and
foliage, and it wa.s
only when the lat-
ter was fully matur-
ed that any aji-
proach could be
made towards the
deter/nination of its
species, although
its family we ap-
prehended from the
lieginning. In short
it is a si)ecies of
willow ; but when
we referred to the
family and saw its
magnitude, like the
disconcerted carter,
we felt that we
"could not do the
snbj ec t justice."
They have almost
every form of leaf,
from an almost per-
fectly circular to
the most delicate
lanceolate. The
family also includes
the poplars, and it
is sometimes difH-
cult to distinguish
between them.

Louden, in h i s
Cyclopedia of trees
and shrubs, de-
ucribes one hundred
and seventy si>ecies
belonging to the
genus Salix alone, besides many varieties,
and give.s illustrations of tlie leaves antl
tlovvers of a large number of them. Johnson,
in his Gardener's Directory, catalogues
two hundred and thirty species belonging
to the genus, and gives the original
localities of all of them, and also the dates of
their discovery and description. Mr. M.'s
species is the Salix nitaujt, or "shining-leaved
willow," blooming about the 10th of April,

150

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

' [ October

and is a native of Scotland. Louden inserts
it in his 18th group, Bi-color, in wliich the
upper surfaces of tlie leaves are a shining
green, and the lower surfaces velvety, and
whitish green ; characters which are con-
spicuous in many of the poplars and maples.
The terra salix is from the Celtic sal, near,
and lis, water, which is its natural place of
growth, and, accordingly, there is perhaps no
tree or shrub that is more easily cultivated.
A ripened shoot need only be inserted in the
soil, in either spring or autumn, and it is al-
most certain to grow and will soon form a
tree, especially if the ground is moist or
marshy — indeed we have seen vigorous shoots
strike out from a willow trunk one or two
years after it had been cut down, if kept in a
moist or shaded place.

Prof. S. S. Rathvon : I send you a specimen of
a fly, infesting the corn. Please state in next issue
of the Farmer, also in The New Era, the name,
habits, etc., of this insect. Yours, Erastus Reynolds,
Chestnut Level, Sept. I'd, 1877.

The fly and your communication were duly
placed in my hands — the former still living,
but the latter almost killed, by the— to us —
mistaken idea of its "infesting the corn." We
have been acquainted with the fly for more
than thirty years, and have never known it to
possess that habit. In short, it is a parasite —
one of the "gad-flies," and extraordinary as
it may appear, it is tni usually parasitic upon
the bodies of squirrels. This specimen is the
Cuterebra huccata, or "squirrel hot."

Its history is this : The parent fly deposits
her eggs on the body of a squirrel — black,
gray, red or striped— and when the grub is
hatched, it burrows into the body of the squir-
rel and remains there for several weeks or
months, feeding on its tissues. It is generally
located about the loins, but sometimes occu-
pies the scrotum of the male, and it is sup-
posed to be the cause of his occasional emascu-
lation. Some time during the month of
August the grub, or maggot, completes its
larval development, and passes out of the
body of its host and falls to the ground, when
it almost immediately burrows in the loose
earth and is transformed to a pupa, similar in
form to that of the common house-fly, only
many times larger. In ten days, or two
weeks thereafter the perfect fly is evolved, of
which you sent us a specimen. We knew one
instance where five of these parasites infested
the body of the "ground squirrel" {Tamias
striatus), and they almost destroj'ed him ; but
after they left him he recovered his usual ac-
tivity. Very likely they hibernate during the
winter in the pupa state under ground, if they
do not pass the winter in the larval form in
the body of the squirrel. Many animals are
infested by a parasite of some species, includ-
ing horses, cattle, sheep, swine, rabbits, &c.
We think you may be mistaken about its in-
festing the corn.

The Hair Worm.
Mr. I. L. L., of Manheim township, some
days ago, placed in our possession a "long,
slim, slender," hair-like worm, still alive, al-
most as white as chalk, and which had been
taken out of the solid head of a cabbage be-
tween the third and fourth outward concen-
tric layers. This is a species of "hair-worm, ' '
and we have alluded to it on a former occa-
sion as Gordius equaticus var. alhiniis, if it is
not a distinct species. These singular ani-
mals arc found under a variety of circum-
stances, and they have avcry singular history.
The white varieties have been usually obtain-
ed from cabbages, but at least on one occasion
a specimen was found inside of an apple.
The black and brown varieties we have foui^
in stagnant pools of water, in marshes, in gar-
den walks after a shower, in moist and deejily
shaded places; on several occasions in the
bodies of recently defunct and also in living
grasshoppers, and on one occasion in the body
of a large water-beetle. Tliey are sometimes
found swimming about, snake-like, in pools
of water, but more frequently they are tan-
gled up in a sort of knot, and hence they have

been called gorditis, in allusion to the "Gor-
dian-knot," which Alexander the Great open-
ed by catting through with his sword.

These animals belong to the class Articulatu,
section Vermes; subsection Nematoids, and
family Gordiaceidce. They are only "once
removed" from the Entozoa, or intestinal
worms, which belong to tlie same subsection;
and "twice removed" from the earth-worms
or angle-worms, which belong to the Annel-
ides.

All the Gordiaus, iu what may be termed
their larva state, inhabit some part of the
bodies of other animals, but not in their adult
state. They are commonly called "hair-
worms," from their resemblance to the hair
in a horse's mane or tail, and many people,
who are unacquainted with their history, sup-
pose them to be horsehairs animated, or trans-
formed into worms, but this is altogether a
mistake.* They are distinct organisms and
have a distinct development. We have fe-
male specimens in the Linnsean collection
that are full of eggs, and we have one
specimen in which the eggs are deposited like
a tangled string of minute beads, adhering to
her body. Allied species, in addition to the
animals we have already named, have been
found in the bodies of calves and pigs, in the
brains of owls, hawks, nightjars, and in the
eyes of horses. The worms that cause the
"gapes" in fowls have a family alliance to
them, and they have been found in the eggs
of fowls. It would be difficult to describe
just how they got into such places, but there
they are, and we have seen them protruding
an inch or two from the bodies of grasshop-
pers, and have witnessed their entire escape.
Of course a good deal concerning their histo-
ries is yet involved in doubt, but their iden-
tity is unquestionable.

S. S. Rathvon. — The excresence which I send,
grew about four feet from the ground, in the side of
an icehouse. If thee considers it worthy of notice,
please mention through the i^afmcr. Respectfully,

/. C. M.

QuARRTViLLE, 9th mo. 26th, 1877.

The box and "excrescence" were duly re-
ceived, but the latter is so new to us and of
such an extraordinary character, that we can-
not attempt to say anything definite in re-
gard to it now, any farther than that it is a
fungoid. We have sent it to a distinguished
fungiologist, and await liis reply. A year ago
he wrote thus : "There is no list of American
Agaricus in existence. There is no person
living who can make such a list at present.
Mr. Frost has published a list of Boleti. There
is no manual that will tell you the names of
American Fungi, and it is useless to hope for
one for many years to come. Those who pre-
tend to recognize all of our species of Agaricus
and their allies, you may be sure are lunnbugs,
as the subject has not yet been sufliciently
studied to allow any one to be sure of the spe-
cies." Should we receive any further instruc-
tion before this number of the FAniiEK goes
to press, it will be therein recorded.

Since writing the foregoing, we received
the following from Dr. Farlow, of Cambridge,
Mass., to whom we had sent the fungus for
identification.

"The fungus is Flmllus impudieus. It de-
veloped while in the box, and ripened, giving
off the horrible odor characteristic of the
group to which it belongs." This result we
anticipated, althougli we do not know enough
of them to determine the species, because of
the paucity of the fungiological literature of
the United States. This group contains some
extraordinary species.

Mr. J. M. W. — Your brownish insect about
an inch and a-half long, and half an inch
broad over the widest jiart, is popularly
known as the "Wheel-bug," {Beduvius nnven-
arius) and is about the best representative of
the order of true "bugs" that we have in the

*0n Severn] occjisions, more than thirty years ago, we es-
sayed the traueformatiou of horse hairs luto "ha^r-worms,"
and although our experiiuents covered from three to six
mouths, in every iustauce we signally failed, with all our
persevering care.

United States, for all insects are not bufrg
altliough they may be popularly known liy
that name. Without at this time describing
the difierencc between a beetle and a bug, it
may be sufficient to say that this insect be-
longs to the predaceous raptorials, and tliere-
fore is not injurious to vegetation, but preys
exclusively on other insects, and therefore,
without regard to his appearance, it should
be protected. It is called .wheel-bug because
the central ridge of the thorax bears some re-
semblance to a portion of a cog-wheel.

Dear Sir. — I send you by this mail a triangular
package, about the contents of which I will have an
opportunity to speak with you at the next meeting
of the Linnsean Society. Yours truly,

T. R. B.

MiLLERSViLEE, Sept. 20, 1877.

The package and contents came safely to
hand, and consisted of a beautiful bright
green chrysalis, ringed and spotted with gold,
suspended by the aual end to a dry leaf.

This is .the chrysalis of Danais ai-c/ii(jpcs,
the larva of which is dull green, trans-
versely banded with black, and has long, black
hairy pencils, projecting from each end. It
feeds on the various species of Asclepias,
known as "milk-weed," or "wild cotton."
The imago is a large papilionaceous butterfly,
two inches in length, expanding four and
a-half inches from tip to tip of the anterior
wings, of a dull orange color, veined with
black, and spotted prettily with white.

Mr. L. S. B., Oregon, Lancaster Co., Pa. —
Your singular animal from Texas, is the
"Horned Toad," {Phrynosoma cornuta) called
also the "Horned Frog;" although in truth,
it is neither a toad nor a frog, but is a Sau-
EiAisr, whilst toads and frogs are Batuach-
lANS. It is no more a toad or a frog, than a
chameleon, an iguana, or a lizard is. If we
had had the first popular naming of it we pro-
bably would have called it the "Horned Liz-
ard," because in our vernacular that is just
what it is. But even that name would not
be sufficiently definite for scientific recognition,
for there are several species of them, all of
which are horned. We have been informed
that in their native locality they feed on ants.
Try them.

Is THE yellow crab-apple tree a good sub-
ject to graft apple or pear on. Whicli or what
kind might be the best, that would keep equal
growth with the crab-apple wood ? — A i>uh-
'scriber, ML Joy, Oct. 3, 1877.

This is a question so much depending upon
practical knowledge that we prefer to place it
on record, to be answered by some one or
more of our experienced patrons, rather than
attempt an answer ourselves. But as top-
grafting is usually done in the spring, and root
grafting (for nursery stock,) may be done dur-
mg tlie winter, we hope some friend of "diflu-
sion" will favor us with the information above
solicited, in time to meet the necessities of

"subscriber."

— ^

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI.

Springfield, Mo., Sept. 14th, 1876.

Editor. — The soil and climate of south-
west Missouri are well adapted to grain, '
grape, fruit and wool-growing, as the experi-
ence of those who have for several years been
engaged in these industries proves. Some of
whom testify as follows : Mr. J. Zinc, of
Worcester, about five miles west of here, says,
that he has been farming in this region dur-
ing the last nine years, and raised wheat every
year, his crops averaging about twenty bushels
to the acre. He is satisfied that by good
farming, rotation of crops, manuring, clover-
ing, etc., fill average of thirty bushels can be
produced. The winter wheat is of superior
quality. His farm is on high, rolling prairie.
The innumerable, clear, rapid streams give a
vast area of rich valley lands which yield from
fifty to one hundred bushels of corn to the
acre, and from thirty to si.xty of oats.

Mr. Albert Newman, of Rolla, says that
the soil of all the southern slope of the Ozark
Mountains is especially adapted to grape

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

151

growiiii;, sis it contains jiotash, soda, liinc,
niiiKiiPsia and iiliosplioric acid, all of which
are I'ound in the vine ilsidf ; showing that it
cannot tlnivc unless tliisc elements exist in
the soil. The lonn, dry autiunns])ieserve the
vine and Itrinj^ the ^I'ape to its Ri'eatost jier-
fection. The net prolits on grape growing
are from two to live luuidrcd dollars per acre
each year.

The mild, short winters, the abundance of
blue ^rass, unfailing, imre running water, an
altitude of from 1,.V)U to 2,0(10 feet above the
sea, all conspire to give excellent facilities
for wool growing. (Joncerning this industry,
several sheep raisers corroborate Mr. Ilazel-
tinc's statements. This gentleman has lived
near Springlield for six years, and .says that
the climate is uniformly delightful, and there
is .so little snow to keej) sheep from the grass
that they do well with very little grain. lie
is now keeping about '2,000 sheep, mo.stly
Merinos. Thinks small flocks need very little
feeding, but large tlocks recpiiro some grain
between the fust of December and the last of
Marcli. It costs oidy two cents a ixnmd to
ship wool to IJoslon, New York or Philadel-
phia. Mr. ITazeltine also has 2,000 apple
trees, 500 peach, :!00 pear, and one hundred
cherry trees, all of his own iilanting and all
beariiig, except some pear trees. The apple-
trees mature several years earlier here than
in the east, and continue
iiearing much longer.
The grains and fruits
riimn several weeks earli-
er than any place north
or east, which with the
facilities for transitorta-
tion atTordcd by the St.
Louis & San Francisco
railroad to St. Louis in
a few hours, insure an
opportunity of .securing
the highest prices foi-
early marketing. Unim
pro\ed land may lie
bought near the railroad
here at from two to si.\
dollars per acre on long
credit. — Examiner.

WHEAT AND ITS CULTURE.*

Wheat was spoken of to Adam in the Gar-
den of Lden, and for violation of the command
of (rod he was driven out of the garden to
till the ground from whence hi! was taken.
"In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread
until thou return unto the ground; dust thou
art, and unto dust thou shalt relurn. " Wheat,
therefore, was the staff of life in the earliest
history of man. The next reference to wlieat
we fuid when Keidjcn, in the days of the
wheat harvest, found m.andrakes in the held ;
next in E.xodus, 0: :i2, "when wheat wius not
smitten, for it was not grown \\\>. Again, ui
Numbers 18:12, "and of the wheat, the lirst
fruit of them which they shall oiler uuto the
Lord." And, Deut. :J2:1;S,14, " He made him
ride on high places of the earth, that he might
eat the increase of the fields of wheat." Sidou
thrashed wheat, Judges 1.5. Samson was a bad
fellow in the time of wheat harvest; he caught
300 foxes and tied lirebrands to their tails and
burnt up the wheat of the Philistines. Ruth
gathered wheat, 1 Samuel, 0:1.! ; "They of
Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat
harvest in the valley," Job 31:40. "Let
thistles grow instead of wheat," Frov. 27:22.
"Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a
mortar among wheat;" " ships were lightened
by throwing out the wheat into the sea,"
Jer. 12:1.'>. "They sow wheat Ijut shall reap

THE GRAVENSTEir;
APPLE.

The fruit is large; llat-
lish round; the skin very
smooth and fair, of a
whitish-yellow groinid,
mostly covered with a
briiliaJit red, geuerally
in stripes ; st^ems short",
rather stout, in a deep,
rather broad and some-
what uneven cavity ; Calyx large, open, in a
wide, deep, uneven basin ; flesh whiti.sh, very
juicy, crisp, of a sprightly vinous flavor;
rather acid early in the season, but when
fully ripe and mellow it becomes mild and
pleasant. It is excellent both for the table
auditor cooking. In use during September and
October, and even into the middle of Noven-
ber, in this latitude. The tree is remarkably
rapid, vigorous and erect in growth; and xny
productive. It is classed with autunm apples,
and is rarely sought for, or of much account,
outside of the months of September and Oc-
tober. Hut as an apple in its sea.son it stands
vei7 high, there only l)cing a few preferred
before it, and even not without qualification.
It has become a staple stock, and can be ob-
tained at almost any first-class nursery in the
Northern and Western States. Its cultivation
is similar to the "Ilubbardston Non-Such,"
mentioned in a former number of this journal.
^

The Foullri/ World has introduced a new
feature in issuing a full-page Chromo-litho-
praphic plate of clioice breed of fowls with each
month's paper. The price of these 12 pictures
is but 75 cents to subscribers who have paid
81.25 for the magazine, or #2.00 only for the
dozen pictures and the paper for one year.
Address, H. H. Stoddard, Pub'er, Hartford,
Conn.

thorns." Judah traded in wheat. "Joel's
floors shall be full of wheat," Matt. 3:12.
"He gathers' his wheat into his garner, but
the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable
lire," Luke 3:17. "The enemy sowed tares
among the wheat," Acts 7:13. Tares, we
think, is cheat, that looks like wheat and yet
is not wheat ; the blade looks like wheat, but
the kernel is bogus, as the Pharisee is to the
Christian. The Saviour said, " do no root up
the tares lest you root up the wheat also."
AndCh. 22:31, "Satan may sift you as wheat."
John 12:24, " Except a corn of wheat fall into
the ground and die it abideth alone, but if it
dies it brings forth much fruit." Tlie Saviom-
makes mention of this seed: "And some fell
on stony ground, which had no root, some by
the wayside, and some ou good ground and
yielded oue hundred fold." This shows it
must have good ground to root to bring good
crops.

Much more could be referred to in Holy
AVrit which shows that it was .always con-
sidered the most important product of the
soil, and is often used to exemplify the work-
ing of religion on the soul of man. The soil
must therefore be well l)rokcn so the seed
may take good root ; and as the word of God

*ltead before the Lancaster County Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Society, October 1, 1S77, by Henry Eurtz, of
Mt. Joy.

must take deep root in our heart or there will
be no fruit from .sixty to one hundred fold.

Wheat, or weitzcn, may be raised on all
sorts of soil, but heavy, yellow, stifl' lands are
the mo.st suitable for it. The varieties of
wheat are penietually changing, in conse-
quence of variations of culture, climate and
soil, those most in use being distinguished by
different local terms; they may be divided
into two cla.ses, Red and White, the latter
being superior in ipiality while the former ex-
cels in production and hardiness, as the grain
is frequently cultivated on very inferior soil
after vciy imperfect preparation, and yet gives
a very fair yield, which varies materially in
different counties and districts ; it is also very
liable to injury from bad seeding time, a wet
winter, mildew, blast, disease of plant, or a
blight during the period of its blossoming,
which is the most prevalent cau.se of failure
in wheat crops, and yet even a greater enemy
to this great stajile we achieved iu tho Revo-
lutionary war ; we fought ourselves free from
the English yoke and placed ourselves under
the heavier yoke imposed by the Hessian lly,
which is a heavy tax ou us ever since, more
than a ten per cent, tax would be. The farm-
ers of the United States would pay a large
amount of money to get rid of the Hessian
fly. Wc live in dread of this fell destroyer
every year; sometimes whole crops are
destroyed by these pests;
for this evil we recom-
mend late sowing. An-
other evil is the field
weevil, of which we had
but little for some yeare.
Also, smut and rust,
from which the wlieat
suffers some this year,
and is owing, we think,
to the wet weather dur-
ing the flowering time of
the plant. Some think
that water lying around
the roots is injurious to
the plants ; there is a
general impression that
too much water is injuri-
ous to the plants, but the
fact of the impression is
seUlom felt as it deserves
to be; water lying around
the roots does not always
kill the wheat plant, but
many of the plants are
injured, and the few that
are left are not able to
do the work that all were
intended for, hence the
half-filled grain turns in-
to smut. If any one will
dig up a wheat plant in
the spring, which stood all winter in a wet
place, he will readily observe the damage
done by water. The English people appear
to uiMlt'r.stand this water injury better
than wo do, and provide against it ou
wheat lands by numerous furrows through
wheat lands, it is suppo.sed by many that
whether we have a good wheat season or not
depends more on the <iuaiitity of rain it gets
during its growth than on the condition of the
ground and the plants at the time rain falls.
If the rain goes away through the ground
rapidly it is good for the plants, though in
large quantities, but if it lies long it is an in-
jury ; thus, if a piece of land is rather flat and
the ground is frozen, and stays frozen after
the surface has thawed, thereby keeping tlie
water from jiassiug away, it proves very detri-
mental to the roots and consequent crop.
Observation proves that sloping ground, that
allows the water to p;iss off, produces the best
crops of wheat ; hence we say, that to secure
the liest results every precaution should be
taken to carry ofl' surplus water from flat
lands. There is a prevailing opinion that
Pennsylvania is behind the average in the
culture of wheat ; and while farmers' clubs
and agricultural papers are busy discussing
the causes of failure they fail to point out the
remedy to recover to us the vantage ground of

152

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[October,

the past. It is argued that our soil is ex-
hausted, lacking that essential which feeds
and develops the kernel to a marked degree,
and that the land should have rest, so as again
to recuperate this kernel-developing element.
The idea that land must have rest, the same
as a horse, is erroneous, but land must be fed
as well as a horse to become strong, or a cow
to give good milk.

One hundred years ago more rye was sown
than wheat, and rye bread and rye coftee was
used by the best of farmers ; some fanners
had but half an acre in wheat, and the balance
of the best land in rye, the wheat always being
raised by good cultivation and good ploughing,
(not with "an ox and ass together," Dent.
22:10, which was forbidden in" the old law).
In our day the ass is often at the plough. We
read much about ploughing in the good book,
and also about plough-shares; so they must
have had iron shares at that time or they
would not have been ordered to beat them into
swords. I have seen wooden ploughs, with
but very little iron on them, in fact no iron
shares at all ; and wooden pins in the harrows,
yet with such rude instruments I have seen
good crops of wheat raised, as good as at the
present day. In the vicinity of Mt. Joy, 40
years ago, 42 and 52 bushels of wheat and rye,
respectively, were raised ; it keeps us busy to
do it now. The best way to cultivate wheat
in limestone soil is to plough well — not too
soon after harvest — land medium dry ; have
the grass well turned under, if cloddy ; roll
well and break the clods, and cultivate with
shovel-harrow, as we call it, and follow with
the harrow and drag ; then sow from 1 J to 2
bushels per acre, not over three inches in the
ground and not too close in the furrow, on or
soon after the 20th of September, to avoid the
fly ; be careful to have the land in proper con-
dition to receive the grain, which is medium
dry ; sooner wait two weeks than make a mis-
take in this matter ; and if there is manure
and lime in the soil and no providential inter-
vention you are sure of good crops of wheat.
C4ood judgmeni is necessary in the cultivation
of loose gravel or sandy soil ; it must not be
too loose for wheat ; the farmer should there-
fore be careful to roll it well before seeding,
and forty bushels to the acre will be the result
of his pains.

About the year 1816 seven hundred bushels
of wheat was raised on a 14 acre field — sur-
veyor's measuie — on the farm now owned by
Mr. Benj. Hershey, one mile east of Mt. Joy;
the kind was red beardy wheat ; the farm was
then owned by Mr. Alexander Patterson. We
might here go into a chemical analysis of the
kernel of wheat, the male and female plant,
how different kinds may be propagated, and
the element in the soil that germinates and
carries to perfection this most important
cereal. Whatever this principle is is of no
consequence ; what you want to know is, how
to produce perpetual good crops of wheat,
which lesson is summed up in a few words,
after having carefully observed the rules al-
ready given you as to drainage, land, cultiva-
tion and seed time, together with prime, full-
grown seed sown; use plentifully of that most
potent and infallible agent for the propaga-
tion of any of the cereals — lime and well pre-
pared stable manure.

' ^

For The Lancaster Farmeb.
ITALIAN vs. BLACK BEES.

After a trial of two years I would add my
experience to the conflicting testimony con-
cerning the superiority or inferiority of the
Italian compared with the black bees.

I have always been skeptical when hearing
reports in praise of the Italians, believing
them to come from queen propagators, whose
interest might have influenced their judgment.
After a careful comparison of the two varie-
ties in the same apiary, for two years, I am
satisfied the Italians have some advantages.
The most prominent difference is that the
Italians are more docile. Within a month or
two, since the stocks have become strong and
the hives full of honey, a time when bee's are
always more diflicult to manage, this has been
particularly noticeable.

In going over the hives, with the work of
exchanging and arranging the combs, after
having opened a number of Italian hives I
would approach a stock of blacks without
noticing or thinking of them being dift'erent, I
would blow in a few whiffs of smoke and pro-
ceed to open the hive, as I had been doing, when
the black rascals would i)our out at every
ojiening and sting me through the clothing, so
that I would be compelled to retreat until they
had become somewhat quiet. Had I noticed
they were black bees, in such cases, and this
has occurred several times with me, I would
have given them treble the amoimt of smoke
and seen that they had "given up" before
opening the hive. I have frequently opened
Italian hives without smoke or protection, at
times when honey was plenty in the fields, a
thing I never attempted with the black bees.

Tills difference in docility would not be a
matter of much consequence to the man who
has his bees in box-hives and only ai)proaches
them when he wants honey; but to the prac-
tical apicnlturist it is of great importance, be-
cause it saves him much time and trouble. I
have found, however, that when the Italians
are once made thoroughly cross they are more
diflicult to master than the blacks.

They are more persistent when robbing, as
they are in stinging when cross, and this
characteristic makes them more energetic in
obtaining stores from flowers; but this differ-
ence is not so great, I think, as has been repre-
sented. I cannot perceive any difference in
the hardinesss of the two varieties. The Ital-
ians seem to be more prolific, but probably do
not live so long. The bright color of the
queens makes them more easily distinguished
when among the workers,a fact which would be
of some advantage to those who do much at
artificial swarming. The Italians are a trifle
larger when bred in combs of their own build-
ing.— W. P. Bolton, Liberty Square, Lancaster
county. Pa., Oct. 8, 1877.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
FORESTS— THEIR DESTRUCTION AND
RESTORATION.

This is one of the most vital questions now
arising in the United States of North Amer-
ica; and especially since our people are be-
coming (as the saying is) a "fast people," in
everything they undertake. Forty years ago,
it took a man, with a good horse under him,
about a day and a-half to go to Philadelphia
from Lancaster, but now he can reach that
city in less than three hours. To haul a load
of flour to the same place it then took three
days, but now that feat can be accomplished
in less than four hoiu"s by steam. It required
two weeks to carry a load of goods to Pitts-
burg, but now it only requires a day and
a-half. It took one week to convey a letter
by mail from New York to Washington, but
now it only takes five hours, and messages by
telegraph only five minutes; and to Euroi)e
it required from three to six months, but now
messages may be sent there in thh-ty minutes.

.lust so, in proportion, has the destruction
of forest timbers increased in forty years. It
is just about forty years since steam naviga-
tion was first introduced, and railroads and
steamboats have been rapidly increasing in
their time-tables down to 1873.

Very few people are able to realize the im-
mense destruction and consumption of our
native forests annually, and that the demand
for lumber for building purposes, railroad ties
and fuel is far in excess of the annual growth
of timber trees. For railroad ties alone, the
country requires annually about 04,500,000
cubic feet, equal to 738,500 cords of wood, to
supply which, at least 2,000,000 cords of
standing timber have to be cut down. The
annual yield of forest timber is about fifty
cords to the acre, so that about 40,000 acres
of woodland are annually cleared, to supply
our railroads with ties. Railroad building is
still increasing, notwithstanding the depres-
sion of the times. About 50,000,000 cords of
wood, demanding perhaps 600,000 acres of
woodlands, are annually consumed for fuel.
Many engines on raih-oads remotely situated

from coal mines, use wood altogether for fuel.
The New York Central is, and always has
been, tlie greatest timber destroyer in the
United States. It employed one and two en-
gines constantly, in bringing ties and fuel for
that road alone, destroying hundreds of acres
of timber to meet its demands. The southern
and western railroads use wood, almost ex-
clusively, for fuel.

There are over sixty occupations enumera-
ted in the census of 1.S70 which depend wholly,
or in part, upon wood as their raw material, in
manufactures and in commerce, employing a
total of 476,985 working men, and most of
them use engines as a motor power to conduct
their business. Perhaps more than 2,000,000
ojieratives of all kinds find employment in the
whole business, composing the following
trades : Carpenters, 242,950; coflin makers,
7,000; cabinet makers, 29,225; chair makers.
0,340; sawyers, 15,000; mill-wrights, 9,063;
ship-carpenters, 13,397; coopers, 43,625;
wheelwrights, 32,695; piano makers, 2,578
and coachmakers, 19,180; thus proceeding
until the sixty classes are named, and besides
those enumerated add fencing for 3,000,000
farms. 25,000,000 acres of woodland were de-
stroyed to fence the country, and it requires
3,000,000 of acres annually to keei) the fences
in repair. The total annual consumption of
forest is about 5,500,000 acres. Om- forest
lands have already been denuded of timber
in an amount equivalent to the product of
380,000,000 acres, and at the present rate of
consumption it will take less than seventy-five
years to exhaust the whole. The annual
consumption of the country is 20,000,000,000
feet, representing 2,000,000 acres.

The question of f oresty in Lancaster county
is perhaps treated as being premature, like
the man who himself feels comfortably warm,
and imagines everybody else to feel the same.
We may have at present for immediate use
timber enough, and from om- proximity to
rich coal fields, may enjoy cheap fuel for rnany
years to come, but we cannot all live in east-
ern Pennsylvania or Lancaster county. A
western man came here recently from one of
the prairie States, whose ancestors had lived
m Lancaster county. He frequently remark-
ed to his friends, that they should thank God
that they could live in Lancaster county.
Many of the western States have a rich soil,
but they are almost timberless for miles on
miles, and especially in Nebraska for nearly
two hundred miles along the Platte river.
All those States are now beginning to till up
very fast, and will be compelled to draw on
the eastern States for timber and lumber for
building purposes. The central Pacific States
for hundreds of miles have nothing but sage
bush.

At one time, Pennsylvania was considered
a great timber State, but its timber is fast
disappearing from the northern and western
regions of the State, and it will require ages
to replace the slow growiog pines and other
timber trees, and consequently timber will
never again become cheap for building pur-
poses after the present decade. The timber
question is therefore one of great importance
to our country. We have many farms that
are entirely treeless, not even a shade tree in
the fields for the protection of men and beasts,
much less as harbors for the birds. Let us
then become informed on the subject of for-
estry, and give some attention to it, and it
seems to me that now is the time to com-
mence gathering seeds and nuts of forest trees.
All nuts, incluiiiug acorns, should be planted
in the fall, or buried near the surface of the
ground in the fall and taken out early in the
s])ring, and planted in rows in the nursery,
although occasionally nuts may grow when
planted in the spring. I obtained two large
"shell-barks" last spring, which were on ex-
liiliition on the Centemiial grounds, which I
planted in April, first partially cracking them,
and to my great surprise they both grew, and
one of them is at this time over a foot high.
I planted walnuts in 1875 and they did not
come up until the spring of 1877, but they
were in a very dry state when I planted them.

1877.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

153

Apple and pear seeds should he kept in moist
sand or in moderately dry earth during tlie
winter.

I am pleased to know that the question of
forest culture is heiug agitated throughout
the entire country. At a meeting of the
"American Nurserymen'.s Association," held
at Chicago the present year, a committee of
eleven members, belonging to as many States,
was appointed, of which John A. Warder, of
North Bend, Ohio, president of the "Ameri-
can Forestry Association," was made Chair-
man— to memorialize Congress and present
the following preamble and resolution :

Whereas, In view of the vast importance
of the future forest interest of America, and
in consideration of the lamentable ignorance
which it must be admitted i)revalls among us
as to an enlightened system of forestry, <ind
in view of the rich treasures of information
that may be gathered by a proper investigation
and report upon the forests of Europe; there-
fore.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this society
it would be eminently proper for our govern-
ment to take speedy action in the matter, and
provide for sending a commission to examine
the present status of the forests of Europe,
and to state the means by which their perfec-
tion has been reached, and finally to give the
results to our fellow countrymen, in a suitable
report, with the data furnished by observa-
tions made by scientific men in those coim-
tries, as to the influence exerted by forests
upon the climate, conditions of the land, &c."
—L. «. B., Oregon, Sept. 1877.

For The Lancaster Farmeb.
HARD TIMES.

This subject has been so hackneyed of late
that it is very probable most persons will look
at the heading of this article and read no
further, and even if they should I will not
guarantee that they will find anything new
advanced.

During the war there were no hard times
for anybody willing to work or light, and this
state of affairs continued long afterwards,
though had any person taken time to watch the
signs they would have discovered that every-
thing was tightening up, but so slow and im-
perceptible was the onward advance that many
shrewd men were caught unawares in the finan-
cial crash of 1873. From this date hard times
actually appeared, and though there was not at
once any blackness about it, because of the sav-
ings made by many working men in more
prosperous times, yet when they continued
three years and more the little stock was all
expended and thus many of those who were
at first helpers to those that were thriftless or
not so fortunate, were gathered into the ranks
of. the great army of unemployed. We read,
from time to time, that business is looking up,
that trade and manufactures are recovering,
but this much is certain, that many classes of
persons are now in greater stress than has
been known in this country for years: in fact
very few can tell from experience of anything
like it. That some of this hardness has been
intensilied by the selfishness and criminality
of a few persons, does not lessen the sadness of
the case or pity for their condition.

All classes have been touched, many smitten
to the very ground, with hope and energy
destroyed, and all along the coast of active
human life they lay, stranded wrecks which
will no more sail on the seas of commerce and
trade. By many the slow and plodding life of
the farmer is looked upon with contempt, be-
cause of the years and years which must
elapse before easy competence is reached ;
but when the tornado came the farmer stood
as behind a rock which no adverse wind could
reach, and he saw those that were so scornful
leveled with the very dust, while on him the
the storm cast but the down of the thistles,
the thistles' sting not l>ecomiug known.

The farmer seems to have had the best of it
since 1873, for though his farm would not
bring as much in money to-day as it did four
years ago, and thus he can hardly call himself
any richer than he did then, yet the farm is

there, and most likely some money to boot.
This we call getting along in the world, for a
man that keeps what he has and adds more
to it, is simply doing a sum in addition, and
proves that the sum of any two or more num-
bers is greater than either of the numbers.

To-day the farmer gets a good price for his
wheat, corn and other staple crops, probably
more than the average since the days of infla-
tion are over. Some years ago he could buy
for one bu.slicl of wheat perhaps t«n yards of
print, now lif'leen ; then three yards of cot-
tonade, now five ; then five pounds of coffee,
now six ; then twelve pounds of rice, now fif-
teen ; tlien twenty-live pounds of nails, now
thirty-five to forty ; then the labor of a man
for one day, now the labor for one and a half
to two days. While his own production may
bring sonie less than it did in some of those
years, it was the meagre crops then that raised
the price above the average ; now, with boun-
tiful crops, the prices received are nearly as
great, and the i)roductions of others that he
needs he buys for much less, in some cases for
less than two-thirds of what ho did then.

This state of affairs, as fiir as regards farm-
ers, are not the result of unusual circum-
.stauces, which may change without a moment's
warning, except, perhaps, the war between
two of the great powers of Europe. This may
cease at any time, but the effect on the jirices
of farm product will not be much felt for a
long time to come, as the waste must be re-
paired before their farm productions can again
come in competition with ours. War is at all
times to be deplored, but this much is certain,
that war between any two or more of the
great powers of Eiurope is pretty sure to ac-
crue to the profit of the American (U. S.)
farmer.

The other circumstances that favor the
farmer are in the way of legitimate trade.
Our Centennial Exhibition was thought by
many to start nearly everything into active
life, but these hopes were abandoned soon
after its commencement; but too much was
expected. It has done a great deal for this
country and will do much more, as many
parties interested in mainifactures can attest,
who have received orders for their wares.
These orders led to orders for other kinds of
products, and now our farm products are
taken to places where they had never reached
before. The wider the gates of trade are
opened the greater will be the flow. And to
the staple farm exports of years ago are now
added others, many among which were then
classed'among the perishable ; we bought their
raisins, prunes, Ac, and paid for them in
money ; now we pay in dried apples, peaches
and other fruit ; we sent oin- gold for their
cloth, now we send them fresh beef and canned
meats ; the former we vrill retain, as neither
South America nor Australia are situated to
compete with us ; canned meats they can sell
cheaper, ours will bring a better price, just as
all superior goods bring more than the in-
creased cost of getting them up.

With the increased demand our farmers
bring into play better styles of farming, and
thus increase the supply. In other countries,
at least some, the government pays a few well
educated men to study up the welfare of the
whole people, and their fanners (peasants) are
not neglected, but as soon as one of these
government servants thinks he has discovered
something of importance the government is
informed of the fact, and if the advisers of
the government think it will do then the in-
formation is imparted to the farmers, and they
are expected to profit by it. In this country
each farmer can, and many of them do, study
and direct their operations as skillfully as any
business man can.

As a class our fanners may not be able to raise
the crops that some English farmers do, nor
do they as yet employ the same means, but
this is owing to the accidents of climate and
soil. When moderately large crops were raised
at a minimum cost from our virgin soils there
was no call for trying to take all that could
possibly be raised from their farms, for the in-
creased cost would have lessened the profits.

But now, witli increased demand, higher
prices and less frrtile soils our farmers are be-
giiing to rai.se larger crops than before by their
more intelligent and improved methods. In
some of the eastern and sea-eoast States the
system of farming is not one whit behind any
l>ait of the world.

We started out with hard times; by reading
the above one would think that farmersdid not
know anything about them, and they do not ;
and what is more, the times are getting better
for the farmer and will euutinue to du so, and
the effects will sooner oi' latter he visible on
the improved times all round. Farmer, don't
mind the times but stick to your trade. —
A. n. K.

LETTER FROM NORTH CAROLINA.

Salishiuv, N. C:., Sept. -jr.th, 1877.

EniTOit L.\n(:astki£ Fakmkk: Since I
wrote you last we have had a line season in
this section of country for all kinds of crops.
Wheat, oats, corn, cotton, tobacco, Irish and
sweet potatoes will all yield well, so far as I
have seen and heard, (larden vegetables did
well generally. fJrapesaiid fruits of all kiiiils
raised in this climate produced an abundance.
Xever .since in this or any other country have
1 seen so much green fruit, such as apjiles,
peaches, prunes, pUims, gages, grapes (all
kinds), melons (musk and water), and canta-
loupes so plentiful as this season, all at low
prices ; dried fruits, such as ajiples, peaches,
(peeled and unpeeled,) so abundant and low
in price. Dried blackberries are short by one-
fourth this year to what they were heretofore
for some years past. Everything in the eat-
ing, drinking and wearing line is i)lentiful,
but money has been and is now very scarce in
this country, and we judge it is scarce every-
where in these American States, generally
speaking. For tobacco and cotton tlie season
has not so far been as favorable as desirable,
owing to much rainfall. Housing tobacco and
gathering cotton has commenced, and when
sold we expect to see money more plentiful
and business brisk. No disease among cattle
here now, but some folks are losing their hogs
and chickens from cholera or some other dis-
ease ; different remedies have been tried, but
of no avail .so far. ('an and will any of your
readers give (through TiiK Lanua.stku
Farmki!,) a remedy to prevent, or, if con-
tracted, to cure those diseases ?

Money is very scarce with us, l)ut we look
for easier money matters when tobacco, cot-
tim and other crops are brought into market.
I have now given you the truest information
I could gather from sight and lieai-s.ay.

Some "time since a subscriber to Tlir,
Lancaster Fah-MKR, living in this, llowan
county, solicited us, as as one of three jiersons.
by si)ecial invitation, to take a seat in his car-
riage and traverse Franklin township, this,
Kowan county, and inspect the lands, crops of
tobacco, cotton, corn, grass, vtc, &c.,
but previous engagements prevented me
from accepting. This same subscriber (E. A.
Bopst,) to The Lancastf-k Fakmer told us
that he bad gained a good deal of information
through The Farsier. So far so good.
Heavy headsof wheat aliiw/s haiuj Zoic. m. r.

AROUND THE FARM. No. 2.

An old farmer told me the other day that
he would not feed pumpkins to hogs any
more, as they are too watery, and tend to
bloat them. " "How did you feed ?" I a.sked.
"Raw." "There is where you made the mis-
take," said I. "We feed ours cooked." I
cut them in .small pieces, put in a barrel with
six or eight gallons of water and three pecks
of bran, steam till soft, when it is a capital
feed for small pigs, or for fattening large ones.
This "mush" I consider worth twice as much
as pumpkins in the raw state, and am .satis-
fled it pays well for the lalMir and fuel it takes.
Hog-Styes.

In order to make the best grades of pork,
cleanliness in the stable is of tlic first import-
ance. We cannot expect to raise good pork
if our hogs are allowed to wallow in their

154

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ October,

own filth knee deep. In order to overcome
this difficulty I put a platform in the stable,
about eight inches high, and wide enough for
two to lie on comfortably, and bedded clean
straw on it every evening, which they kept
clean and dry, and I had no trouble. The
pig is considered a very tilthy animal, but if
given a chance tliey are not as filthy as some
people suppose.

Cornstalks.

ISIany people leave their cornstalks stand
until winter before they cut them ofl". This
plan is objectionable chiefly on account of in-
convenience in hauling the corn and fodder
off, and also in husking. I think there is a
better way — that is, cut them off before husk-
ing. With a sharp, heavy hoe they can be
cut very rapidly. I think it better to delay
husking a few days, in order to do this neces-
sary work, than to husk early and leave them
standing.

The Papaw.

Most people are acquainted with the pa-
paw, {Ashnina triloba) but very few have as
yet cultivated it. As an ornamental shrub it
compares favorably with the more costly ones
imported, besides it has a most delicious fruit.
As the shrub is quite common in our counlj',
I think it would be well to plant a few
"around the farm, " if not in the lawn, for
the fruit. It belongs to the family Anonaac,
to which belong the custard apple and Cheri-
moya, two of the most esteemed fruits of the
tropics. The papaw is the only species of
this family which grows north. I think if
our nurserymen would take the matter in
hand, they might produce some very fine fruit
in time, as the original fruit is much more
promising than many of those which have
been so long cultivated and are now so highly
prized. — Buralist, Oct. 1st.

^

For The Lancaster Farmer.
NEBRASKA NOTES.
Editor : Nebraska is not only a great agri-
cultural State, Init is also an excellent grazing
country, especially the western half, where
there are about one hundred varieties of
grasses, including the famous Buffalo grass,
which, after nourishing the hundreds of thous-
ands of cattle, sheep and horses all summer,
in autumn dries without decay, and becomes
hay on the ground for all winter. It has been
estimated that this great grazing region, be-
tween the Missouri river and Rocky IMoun-
tains, sustained fifteen millions of buffaloes,
besides, perhaps, a greater number of elk,
deer, antelope, wild horses and all herbivorous
animals, twenty years ago. However nearly
correct this estimate may be, the fact is, Ne-
braska could sustain at least six hundred
tliousand more cattle, sheep and horses.
Throughout the State the present wheat, oats,
barley, rye and millet crops, which have just
been harvested, are the best ever raised. The
acreage of corn is large, crops good, and too
nearly matured to be injured by drouth or in-
sects, neither of which have damaged any-
thing this year. Potatoes, squashes, melons
and all kinds of vegetables are doing well ;
and fruits, where cultivated, are promising.
Young fruit trees grow so rapidly, and so late
in autumn, tliat the nnhardened wood is likely
to be winter killed ; but by planting on north-
ern slopes, and cultivating a compact belt of
forest trees around the orchard, apples, pears,
peaches, plums, cherries and all kind of berries
may be raised here in abundance, as is proven
by the success wherever fruit growing has
been tried. In a soil so well drained, an at-
mosphere so pure, a sunshine so bright and
genial; in a land so free from fogs, sleet and un-
timely frosts, all manner of delicious fruit,
will surely soon abound. The facilities for
manufacturing are excellent, as the water
power is abmidaut and everlasting, and the re-
sources unlimited for producing materials for
flour, oil, starch, sugar, salt, soda, cheese,
cloth, paper, ropes, paint, crockery, cement
and bricks. ^Vhen fully developed, Nebraska's
chief wealth will consist of flour, meat and
cloth, as her principel productions are wheat,
cattle and sheep. The population of the

State is about three hundred thousand, and
during the last fifteen years these people have
built sixty thousand houses, besides dug-outs
not a few; broke and cultivated more than a
million acres of prairie, surveyed over forty
million acres of public land, defined and or-
ganized seventy-five counties, constructed over
twelve hundred miles of railroads, built about
one hundred mills and about four miles of
bridges, opened six hundred and fifty post-
otfices, connected by eleven thousand miles
of post road, established and published over
one hundred newspapers, built two thousand
five hundred school houses, a State House, a
State University, Normal school, insane
asylum, blind institute, deaf and dumb insti-
tute and about two hundred churches. The
through freight and passage business over the
Union and Central Pacific railroads is im-
mense, and rapidly increasing, and enables
these roads to make very low rates for the peo-
ple along their lines; unlike all other roads that
have no trans-continental business, must live
from their local traffic. Recently two trains,
carrying over one hundred tons of tea, passed
over these roads, from San Francisco to New
York. Most of tlie teas and spices imported
to this country pass over this great World's
Highway, because the importers can in this
way get their goods through much quicker
and without loss from moistm'e and change of
climate. The advantages of living in Ne-
braska, which is midway between the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans, within the great central
belt of population, wealth and Christian civili-
zation which encircles the earth between the
39th and 44th parallels of North latitude, are
many and great. Excellent valley, agricultural
land, within a mile of railroad, maybe bought
here at from two to six dollars per acre on long
credit — is cheaper for cash. Mr. O. F. Davis,
of Omaha, can give full information about the
twelve million acres of land being sold by the
Union Pacific Railroad Company, in Nebraska,
Wyoming and ITtali. The best route to this
country is over the Jloston and Albany, New
York, New Haven, Hartford and Springfield,
New York and Erie, Atlantic and Great
Western, Chicago, Burlington and Quincy,
and Union Pacific railways, as the Chicago,
Burlington and Quincy, and Union Pacific
roads from Chicago give special, greatly re-
duced rates to immigrants ; and the Eastern
roads mentioned are the quickest, cheapest
and most comfortable. — Examiner, Omaha,
Neb., Awj. 23, 1877.

POTOMAC FRUIT-GROWERS' ASSOCI-
ATION.

September Meeting.

A larpre and varied collection of Fruits and Flowers
on exhiijition, Juo. Saul leading off with 00 varieties
of Pears.

Dr. McKim read a paper on

Fruits in Disease.

I do not intend reading a medical thesis for pro-
fessional criticism, but a practical essay for populai-
use ; and though I shall run counter to many preju-
dices, yet am satisfied that facts invite investigation,
and truth fears no criticism.

Many people walk through the world backward,
having their faces turned in the direction whence
they came, and not looking the way they are going.
Many are surrounded by the walls of prejudice, the
result of education or preconceived views ; and as
the walls are leveled, so as to enlarge the range of
their vision, they bend their knees, or bow their
heads, lest the ^nceived orthodoxy of their views
be changed.

The prejudice against cold water, as a suitable
drink for i'ever patients, has not entirely yielded to
common sense and reason — for almost daily the (ques-
tion is i)Ut, "Doctor, can he have cold water ?" So
we find a popular impression against the use of fruits
and vegetables, and many partake of these healthful
and necessary articles of diet "in fear and trend.iliug."
That there is usually an increase of deaths during
the months that fruits and fresh or new vegetables
are in the markets is granted, but let us investigate
the cause.

Tlic Dr. then quotes from the health reports of Dr.
Snow, health officer of Providence, K. I., showing
that in .July, 1863, the number of deaths was oae less
than in the previous mouth ; that of the 30 deaths of
natives, 9 were under .5 years; that of the .31 deaths
of foreigners, 17 were under i years ; making a total

of 26 under 5, out of a total of 61. About one-half
were of cholera infantum.

Notice, if you please, the significant disparity be-
tween the mortality rate of the children of native-
born and foreign-born parents. This fact at once
indicates causes due, not to fruit-eating, but to the
want of due regard to proper sanitary and hygienic
regulations.

In his report for July, 1860, Dr. Snow says : "We
are treated at this season of the year with the usual
amount of cautions in the newspapers against the use
of fruits and vegetables, and are called upon to
believe that the increase of mortality which always
occurs during hot weather is almost wholly caused
bj' eating them. It is quite likely that eating unripe
and wilted fruits and vegetables causes disturbances
in the stomach and sickness, but it is of a temporary
character, and would generally cure itself if no other
cause was present. It is quite as well to use caution
in the selection of fruits and vegetables, avoiding
those that are wilted and decayed, but it is not well
to lie unnecessarily troubled and frightened about
them, and it is still worse to avoid them altogether.

The slightest examination of the causes of death,
given above, shows that fruits and vegetables had
almost no influence whatever in the mortality re-
ported from summer complaints. Nearly all the
decedents from these causes were very young children
who do not eat fruits and vegetables at all. All but
live of the decedents from summer complaints, in
.July, were under two years of age, and only two of
the whole number were over four years of age. In
certain seasons, when epidemic cholera may be pre-
sent, and when the systems of the people may be
prepared for disease by the poisoned air they breathe,
it may be possible that wilted fruits and vegetables
may be the exciting causes of fatal sickness, but even
tlien the air that is breathed is more truly the cause
of death than the food that is eaten. In ordinary
seasons, when no epidemic is present, impure air
causes a thousand-fold more mortality than fruits
and vegetables. In fact, it is probable that total
abstinence Irom fruits and vegetables by the whole
community would produce more fatal sickness than
the most unlimited indulgence in them. The safest
ride is, however, '■temperance in all things." Octo-
ber, 1869, he says: — "Children are killed by the man-
ner in which they are dressed and by the food that is
given them as much as by other causes. Infants of
the most tender age, ii- our changeable and rough
climate, are left with bare arms and legs and with
low-neck dresses. The mothers, in the same dress,
would shiver and suffer with cold, and would expect
a fit of sickness as the result of their culpable care-
lessness, and yet the mothers could endure such
treatment with far less danger to health and life
than their tender infants. A moment's reflection
will indicate the effects of this mode of dressing, or
want of dressing, on the child. The moment the
cold air strikes the bare arms and legs of the child,
the blood is driven from their extremities to the in-
ternal and more vital organs of the body. The result
is congestion, to greater or less extent, of these
organs. In warm weather the effect will lie conges-
tion of the bowels, causing diarrhoea, dysentery or
cholera infantum. We think this mode of dressing
must be reckoned as one of the most prominent
causes of summer complaints, so called."

In his report for July, 1873, Dr. Snow says :

"Of the .5.5 decedents in July, from diari'heal dis-
eases, 22 were American anil 33 of foreign parentage.
According to age there were 41 under 1 year, 10 from
I to 2 years, and 4 over .50 years, making a total of
55 decedents from diarrheal diseases. It is certain
that these infants under 2 years of age, nearly all of
them under 1 year, did not contract their disease
from eating fruits and vegetables. We have several
times in past years analyzed the mortality from
diarrheal diseases, with precisely similar results. As
we find, therefore, that considerably more than
three-fourths of all mortality from diarrheal diseases,
except Asiatic cholera, in Providence, is found in in-
fants under two years of age, we are compelled to
believe that, in tliis city, at least, neither ripe nor un-
ripe fruits and vegetables have any perceptible iuHu-
euce upon the mortality of these diseases. The in-
fant decedents from diarrheal diseases are killed by
the effects of heat and impure air, especially the
latter.

In the District of Columbia the ntortality for July,
1877, was 479 — being 78 less than for the correspond-
ing month of last year. The mortality from cholera
infantum was 85. When we recall the fact, that the
rauge of temperature for July in this District was
much less than the average in former years, we can
easily and naturally account for the low rate of mor-
tality during the mouth . Dr. W. II. Vail publishes
an article on summer diet, and starts with the follow-
ing argument : "God, in his providence, has stocked
the Polar regions with the seal, the whale and the
bear, all the personification of fat and oil — while
vegetation is comparatively unknown. On the other
hand, as you api)roaeh the tropics, oranges, bananas,
lemons and all our luscious fruits greet you on every
hand, and vegetation runs wild. The disposition of
Providence teaches us, what our appetites confirm,
that in cold weather our diet should consist mainly
of oily substances, or such food is converted into fat

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

155

by tlie proccSB of dlffcstion, while in tlic summer wc
should Bclec'l. suoli articlPB of diet us are not eou-
vertible into fat." Dr. Vail adds, "that veffetablcs,
the edible parts of which ripen under ffround, sueh
as potatoes, carrots and parsnip's, are heat-prodiic-
ing, while those that rijicn aliovo sround are eoolini;.
The latter, indudini; especially aspara','us, lettuce,
jieas, beans, tomatoes, corn and all fruits, should bo
freely eaten. Meat should not be eaten ofteiier than
twice a day, and lean is preferable." He particu-
larly reconinicnd.'i tomatoes. Assuming' from the
facts set forth, by such authority, that my hearers
are prepared to grant the wliolesomeness of fruits,
in health, I will turn to a brief consideration of their
uses in diseases.

There is scarcely a di.sease to which the human
family is heir, but the suflcrings therefrom would be
greatly relieved by the use of the very fruits which
are now so strictly forbidden. Kurtlier, many of
these diseases would be eondiu-ted to a safe termina-
tion under the free use of fruits, because of the acids
they contain. When our troops were lighting the
Seminoles in Florida, many siek with diarrluea and
dysentery cured these diseases by stealing from the
hospital into the liclds and eating fruits, blackberries
especially. Since our very pleasant and profit'ible
excursion of last month, I have sent several children,
suffering with cholera infantum and with dysentery,
to the i)cach orchards, with most gratifying results ;
and where they could not be carried to the orchards
to pick and cat the fruits fresh from the trees, I have
had the little sufi'erers fed with sound fruit, with
equally good results. Typhoid fever, in the treat-
ment of which such extraordinary care is enjoined
as regards diet, here fruits are not only highly grate-
ful to the patient, but even work very favorable
results. A physician who had been sick some weeks
with typhoid fever, says his diarrhcea was cured by
poaches. Says he, "1 tirst ate half of a large peach,
and feeling no ill ellccts I ate the other half, then one
or two more, and the next day as many as Idcsircd."
He adds, ".My bowels got l)etter at once, and ray
recovery was rapid." Since our last meeting, a
typhoid fever patient, who had been about three
weeks sick, and though improving, was allowed no
diet but beef tea or milk punch, came under my care
fora few days. I immediately ordered the free use
of peaches and grapes, and tho diarrhcea at once
ceased; and at the end of live days, when I relin-
<|uished the care of her, she was convalescent. My
impression is, the disease runs a shorter course under
the free use of fruits than under the usual method of
treatment, and I think the use of stimulants rarely
required when fruits are freely used. In the treat-
ment of scarlet fever and diphtheria our summer
fruits and many of the vegetables are most uscfid,
and to the list may be added some or in fact any
foreign fruits. There is scarcely a disease, accom-
panied witli fever, but grapes and bananas can be
freely given to the jiatieut. In the treatment of
dysentery I would greatly prefer ripe, sound fruits,
peaches especially, to any medicine that can be sug-
gested. And thus. Air. President, I could go on in
this crude manner, which is intended to be sugges-
tive merely, and occupy the time of the Association.
This is not the time or place for an exhaustive article,
and my desire is to invite the si^irit of investigation,
and relieve the unnecessary sufl'erings of the sick.
If you ask for the philosophy of the use of the
articles in sickness or in health, I again invite your
careful perusal of Dr. Vail's article above, and the
admirable essay, read at our last meeting, to which
I could add nothing; and if I shall have turned one
face in the right direction, or lifted one individual
above the fence of prejudice with which he is hedged,
my work is done. — O. F. Necdham, Washiuglon, D.
C.

♦

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul-
tural and Horticultural Society.

A stated meeting of the Lancaster County Agricid-
tural and Horticuilural Society was held on Moudtiy,
Oct. 1st.

The following members and visitors were present :
Calvin Cooper, president. East Lampeter; Johnson
Miller, secretary, Warwick; Levi W. Grotl', West
Earl; Ilcory M. Engic, Marietta; Casper lliller,
Conestoga; D. M. Kendig, Manor; Daniel Smeych,
city; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy; Dr. P. J. Itoebuck,
Warwick; I. L. Landis, Manheim; Kobcrt Dysart,
city; W. J. Kafroth, West Earl; Levi S. Keist, Man-
heim; Prof. J. StaulVer, city; Wm. .McComsey, city;
Henry Erb, Warwick; B. Frank Landis, East Lam-
peter; John II. Landis, Manor; .Mr. Martin, East
Lampeter; John Huber, Warwick; Henry Erb, Man-
heim; Aaron H. Summy, Manheim; Henry Wolf,
Warwick; Joseph Witmer, Paradise; Wm. H. Bro-
sius, Drumore; Ellwood Griest,city; EliK. Ilershey,
Manor; F. U. Gantz, East Donegal; Simon P. Eby,
city; John Miller, Manheim; John Gingrich, East
Hemplield; J. Hartmau Hcrshey, East Hcmpfield.

The minutes were read and adopted.

American Pomological Society.

Martin D. Kendig, one of the delegates from
this society to the American Pomological Convention,

lately held in Baltimore, made a report from which
it appeared that II. M. Eugle and Levi 8. Keist (who
were also delegates,) wore exhibitors of soino line
jiears; that the society numbered ^W'S members, in
the sineral States and Territories, of whom 11)0 were
]ircsent ; that there arc 4, .MM), (1(10 acres of land in the
United States planted In fruits and the last annual
product was ?l:W,'.'l(),170. He said :

The representatives of this society, appointed atour
last meeting to attend the American Pomological
Convention at Baltimore, September I'i, l:i and 14,
would say that they have attended the sessions, which
were held in Concert Hall,ttt the Academy of Music.
The attendance was quite fair, though not so larger
as miglit have been expected. Over one hundrcil
members answered to roll call, representing the
greater i)ortion of the States and Territories.

The president, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, being ab-
sent on account of indisjiosition, the chair was oceu-
jiied by C. M. Hovey, of Boston, and Benjamin G.
Smith was Secretary pro teia.

The address of the President, Marshall P. Wilder,
was read, showiing the growth, progress and inllu-
cnec of the society. It contains now on its roll the
names of three hundred and thirty-eight members,
and its lield of operation embraces a territory ex-
tending from Nova Scotia to California, and from
Canada to Texas. The estimate of the number of
acres under eultivatiim in oreharus, vines, and small
fruits is 4, .500,000; the grand total value of the pro-
ducts of all the fruits, JloS, 210,700 or nearly ecjual
to one-half of the value of our average wheat crop.

After the reading of the address, the balance of
the first day was chiefly consumed in receiving re-
ports on credentials from the various or-
ganizations represented; also, reports of the ditl'er-
ent fruit committees, which will be published for tho
use of the members. Mr. P. Barry, of the general
fruit committee, reported the best varieties of apples
for general use are red astraehan and maiden blush,
which are common in thirty-four States. Of pears.
Duchess D'Angoulemc stands first, and Bartlett sec-
ond. At the evening session, held by invitation in
the dining room of the Carrollton House, it was de-
cided to hold the ne.xt biennial session at Nashville,
Tennessee.

The second day was mostly taken up in discussing
tho value of fruits named in the catalogue, which
contains upwards of 800 varieties of apples, pears,
peaches, cherries, plums, grapes, raspberries, black-
berries, strawberries, etc., striking out such as were
not considered worthy and inserting others of ap-
proved merits.

The session closed in the evening to accept the in-
vitation of Mr. Perot, President of the Maryland
Horticultural Society, to join in a steamboat excur-
sion on the following day to Riverside, Kent county,
to visit the extensive peach farms of Col. Edwin
Wilkins.

The joint exhibition of fruit and flowers by the
society, held in the Fifth regiment armory and an-
nexes, was considered by some of the older members
to be the finest that has yet been seen in this country.
The display of Franklin, Davis & Co., of Kichmond,
Va., was one of the larges ; Marshall P. Wilder ex-
hibits about 400 varieties of pears; Elwenger &
Barry, of Rochester, N. y., had a very fine assort-
ment, including about 40 varieties of plums; C.
Hovey had y;^0 varieties of pears; Capt. Nath. At-
kinson, of North Carolina, about 100 varieties of ap-
ples of immense size and beauty, including a large
pyramid of fall pippins, the finest display of any one
variety in the exhibition. Two of your committee,
Messrs. Eugle and Relet, were also exhibitors, the
former of a fine variety of pears; the latter of a
plate of the famous Gloria Mundi apple. Of grapes
there was an almost endless variety of the choicest
kinds. And last but not least were the flowers and
plants. The annexes that contained them were a
perfect paradise.

Crop Reports.

H. M. Engle said there was not much to ssiy this
month in regard to the crops. Farmers had held
back from seeding on account of the long continued
drouth, but since the late copious rains a great deal
of wheat had been sown. The warm and damp
weather has caused the young grain to grow rapiilly
and it looks very well. The young clover also is
coming along finely— much better than was generally
expected. Rainfall during the month, .5 10-16 inches.

Levi W. Ghoff said that inquiries for tobacco
were slower than heretofore, the cause being that
rcjjorts were current that much of the green tobac<'0
was rotting on the poles. A careful examination
proved that this was not the case in his neighbor-
hood. The wheat ho said was pretty generally
sown and looks fine, the warm weather and dainji
soil giving it a good start. He has sowed most of
his own, and some of his neighbors say ho uses too
much seed — two bushels and a peck to the acre.
His experience has been that heavy sowing produces
a heavy crop, and thin sowing a light crop.

Henky Kuhtz said seeding was not quite over in
his neighborhood. He believes in late sowing, any-
how, as the ravages of the fly is thus escaped.
Some farmers who sowed early, he Icarus, arc going
to plow down their young wheat and sow it again on
account of the damage done by the fly. There arc

rejiorts that the tobaecrt crop has been nmi'li dam-
aged by iK)le rotting, one of his neighbor's loss be-
ing reported at §1,000. He has seen some that fell
from the stem mvi is worthless.

Mautin D. KENDiii said there was not much
grain sown in his neighborhood before the LMh of
September; It looks well; the pasture is fine; there
are no winter apples; the rainfall the past month
was 4 8-10 inches.

Essay on Wheat.

nr.NiiY Kurtz read an essay on "Wheat and its
('ulture," tracing It from the ganlen of I'.deii to the
present time and quoting copiously from the Scrip-
tures to prove Its long acknowledged importance as
a staple. He gave at some length a statement of
the several varieties of wheat, tjie diseases and in-
sects that infest it, and the best mode of cultivating
it. His plan In brief was to use the most apjiroveil
seed, plow well, but not too early, carefully turning
under the grass and dead weed, drain the land of
surplus water; sow from one to one and a half bush-
els of seed not earlier than 8ei)tend)er L'O, and not
more than two or three Inches deep; fertilize the
land with plenty of lime and barnyard manure.

The thanks of the society were voted to Mr. Kurtz
for his essay.

Death of a Member.

PnoF. R.MiivON asked that the rules of business
be suspended to enable him to announce lo the so-
ciety the decease of Levi Pownall, a member of the
society.

Leave being granted Prof. Rathvon read the fol-
lowing paper :

Mu. President : It Is with a feeling of sadness
that I am called upon to announce to this society the
recent death of one of its most intelligent and valu-
able members, In the pcrsoirof Levi Pownall,of Sads-
bury . Only one short month ago he was in attendance
here, in the very prime of life, and had he been
spared he doubtless would have been amongst us to-
day, for he took a deep interest in all that relates to
agriculture and the general welfare of the society.
Mr. Pownall was a most amiable and estimable man
and citizen, and commanded the uui|ualified resi)ect
of all who truly knew him, and especially tho fra-
ternal regards of his neighbors, and those who had
been longest in familiar intercourse with him. Ho
was quiet, dignified and atlable, and although with-
out ostentation, he was a man of more than onlinary
intelligence, and possessed rare habits of practical
observation. He was an industrious student in
natural science, and manifested much interest in prac-
tical entomology in its relations to agriculture, anil
had made commendable progress therein. In his
mortal dissolution we have again realized that "In
the midst of life wo arc in death."

Although it become us to bow with humble resigna-
tion to the wisdom of that Divine Providence who
has removed him to another sphere of being, yet
under the dictates of natural all'ection we cannot re-
sist a feeling of sadness that ho has been called att'ay,
and that the social chain which had so harmoniously
existed in the past, will bo broken in the future to be
rc-united on earth no more. Wf, therefore, unani-
mously acquiesce in the sentiment, that in the death
of Levi Pownall his family has lost an aircctiouate
husband, father, friend and brother ; the community
an honest, annable and estimable citizen, and this
society an intelligent, useful and worthy fellow mem-
ber. And, furthermore, we willingly make this
record of our sympathies w ith all who have been be-
reaved, and direct this testimonial to be entered Into
the proceedings of this meeting, and that a copy of
the same be scut to the family of the deceased.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Mr. Eagi.e said that.he and Mr. Pownall and a
few other had organized this society some sixteen
years ago; and of all the members of the society,
there was not one more intelligent or more highly es-
teemed than Mr. Pownall. His countenance and
manner proclaimed him an himestman. .Mr. Pownall
was present at our last meeting, and it was hard now
1(1 realize that he was dead. He read, in conclusion,
the closing |)art of the last address of the venerable
.Mr. Wilder, president of the American Pomological
Society.

Levi 8. Reist said he remembered well when
President Wilder, five years ago, then 80 years of
age, read an address before the society, in which he
said he supposed it would be the last time he would
ever meet the memberi ; and yet at the recent meet-
ing in Baltimore he was present and exhibited MO
plates of as many diirerent varieties of pears, the
finest display in the exhibition.

Fattening Stock.

"Does It pay to fatten stock when we get no more
than the market price for tho grain fedf" was the
question next discussed.

The discussion was iiarticipaled lu by Messrs. M.
D. Kendig, Henry Kurtz, Israel L. Landis, C. L.
Ilunsccker, Henry .M. Engle, .lacob Staull'er, Joseph
F. Witmer, LeviS. Reist, Levi W. Grolf, Wm. II.
Brosius and Wm. McComsey. The debate was very
discursive, but almost all agreed that the feeding of
grain to cattle and the making in this way of large
quantities of barnyard mauure, was the surest and
most profitable way of keeping up the fertility of the

i56

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ October,

soil , and when a vote was taken on the question under
debate it was unanimously agreed that it was profit-
able to feed stock if no more is received for the meat
than the market price of the grain fed.

S. P. Eby, the librarian, presented a diploma
awarded the society by the late Centennial Exposi-
tion for display of apples by members of the society.

Mr. D. Kendig made report of an experiment he
had tried with Clawson's white and Fultz wheat. He
had seeded the two varieties on strips of ground side
by side. The seed was put in at the same time, in the
same quantity, and received the same care, and the
result was thai; the Clawson wheat yielded at the rate
ol 28;.; bushels to the acre, and the Fultz at the rate
of 43 bushels. He was astonished at the result, and
carefully re-measured and re-calculated it, and found
it to be as stated.

Hen KY KuKTZ presented specimens of Champion,
Amber and Fultz wheat, the former of which yielded
40 bushels to the acre and the latter only 22.
The Cattle Disease.

President Cooper called attention to the cattle
disease, of which so much has been heard, suggest-
ing that some action be taken on it.

William McComsey, Israel Landls, Levi S. Reist,
Henry Kurtz and Peter 8. Keist, discussed the mat-
ter, but no facts were elicited that have not already
been ventilated in the newspapers.

Fruit Committee.

Henry M. Engle, Jacob Stauffer and .Joseph Wit-
mer were appointed a committee to test and report
on the fruits on exhibition before the society.

They made a report to the following effect :

John Huber, a bunch of very fine Triomph grapes
— a new variety and worthy of attention.

.John H. Landis, a large sized grape — Rogers No.
19 supposed — dark, say black.

Daniel Smeych,nine varieticsof very fine grapes, viz:
Rogers No. 33, deep claret ; Diana, light color ; Clin-
ton ; Union Village; Concord; Allen's Hybrid, am-
ber translucent; White Syrian; Black Hamburg;
Tokay, foreign exotic.

Seedling peaches, viz.: A large, fine yellow cling-
stone (seedling), white free-stone excellent quality.

Ten varieties of pears, viz.: Howell, Glout, Morce-
aux, Sheldon, Duchess, Buerre Did, BufTum, larger
than ordinary ; Louise Bonne, Muhlenberg, Beurre
Clairgeau, a new deep yellow variety.

Apples — a large one to name — fine cooking.

Casper Hiller, seven varieties of pears of good
quality, viz.: Lawrence, Urbaniste, B. i3o6C,B. d' An-
jou, Dix, Beurre Clairgeau, Chinese sand pear.

Potatoes planted by Levi W. Groff, July 17, 1877;
of a good size, considering that they are a second
crop, and apparently of good quality.

Catawba grapes, by Calvin Cooper ; fair quality.

H. M. Engle, eight varieties of pears, very fine,
viz.: Urbaniste pear, very luscious; Kingsessing, also
a B. Bosc, very tender; Howell, a superior pear;
Mount Vernon, Russet, very good ; Danna's Hovey,
Sheldon, marked flavor; Buerre d' Anjou.

Levi S. Keist, twelve kin s of apples, of fine size
and quality.

H.Kurtz, monster red beet, 10?-^ pounds; Fultz
wheat and Amber wheat, a fair sample.

M. D. Kendig, Clawson white wheat ; Fultz wheat,
of fine quality ; Erianthusi Ravenna, ornamental
grass ; Eulalia Japonioa Variegata, remarkable for
its diagonal yellow stripes, or bands alternating with
fine green on its leaves.

The above list is briefly given. More might be said
in commendation of the fine collection before the
committee, but further pi-aise is not required.
Questions for the Next Meeting.

On motion the thanks of the society were voted
to the committee.

. The following questions were read by the secretary
as having been proposed for discussion at the next
meeting :

"Does it pay to apply salt as a fertilizer to the
wheat ground in the fall?" Referred to Israel L.
Landis.

"What is the best means of preserving manures ?"
For general discussion.

"What measures should be taken by the farmers
to arrest the spread of the prevailing cattle disease ?',

There being no other business the society adjourned

TOBACCO GROWERS' AS OCIATION.

The society met in the room in the third story of
city hall, on Monday, September 17. Owing to the
alterations being made in the city hall to accommo-
date the post offlce, the members were obliged to
clamber over piles of brick and mortar and climb up
a shaky l.idder to reach their room. Some of the
more timid declined to go up, but nevertheless there
was a pretty good attendance, the following members
and visitors being present : M. D. Kendig, president,
Manor ; W. L. Hershey, secretary. East Hempfleld ;
I. L. Landis, Manheim ; P. S. Reist, Manheim ;
Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salis-
bury ; Prof. S. S. Rathvon, city ; Henry Shift'ner,
Upper Leacock ; W. D. Hoar, Salisbury; J. H.
Hershey, East Hempfield ; D. G. Swartz, city ; C. L.
Hunsecker, Manheim ; Eph. Hoover, Manheim ;
Alex. Lane, Neffsville ; J. M. Johnston, city; Aaron

Summy, Oregon ; John Brady, Millersville ; C. Herr,
Manor; J. Willis Frantz, Oregon; .John H. Beiler,
Intercourse ; Alfred Trout, Paradise ; Simon Hostet-
ter, Oregon ; Amos Minnich, East Hempfield; Abe
Summy, Manheim; F. R. Difl'enderffer, city; Clare
Carpenter, city.

The minutes of last meeting were read and
adopted.

Crop Reports.

A call was made for crop reports from the several
districts.

Henry Shiffnek, from Upper Leacock, reported
that most of the tobacco had been cut and housed.
That which is cut early is eafe and curing nicely.
That which was cut lately is sufiering from the recent
warm and wet weather and is rotting to some extent.

Peter S. Reist, Oregon, Manheim township, re-
ported nearly all the tobacco housed. Some late
patches are uncut. The crop is a full average. All
the tobacco sheds are full and growers complain that
they had some difficulty in securing enough lath to
hang it on. The tobacco yet out is in danger from
the ravages of worms, which are worse now than
earlier in the season.

Sylvester Kennedy, of Salisbury, reported the
crop in his township nearly all housed and curing
satisfactorily. The long spell of damp weather has
moulded to some extent that which has been re-
cently cut. The worms were quite numerous two
weeks ago, but are not so bad now. The tobacco yet
uncut was planted very late, and will not be housed
for a week or more.

Israel L. Landis, of Manheim, corroborated Mr.
Reist as to the condition of the crop in that township.

Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, reported the to-
bacco in his township nearly all housed except a few
small patches. The late tobacco has grown wonder-
fully within a week or two. All growers seem ivell
pleased with the crops. The lumber yards have been
"cleaned out" in supplying lath for hanging tobacco.
Some of the crop cut early is curing rather lighter
than desirable. He mentioned a firm in Maytown
that had sold 700 eases of 1876 tobacco at good
prices, but he could not give the figures. John L.
Sigler, of Maytown, h.as a stalk of tobacco which is
a curiosity ; it contains 72 leaves and shows no sign
of going to seed .

J. H. Hershey, of East Hempfleld, reported all
the tobacco in the neighborhood of Kohrerstown well-
housed, except a few patches that were planted after
haymaking. That which has been cut is curing
nicely, except a small quantity near Landisville,
which he hears has been damaged by the late spell
of wet weather.

.John Brady, of Millersville, said the crop in that
vicinity was nearly all housed and is curing well. He
heard a ])romineut tobacco dealer say he never saw
tobacco look better. On the last Thursday in June
he planted a small lot that is not yet ready to cut,
hut is growing finely.

Jacob M. Frantz, of Manor, said that most of the
crop in this section had been housed from six to ten
days ago, and is generally in good condition. The
wet weather which has prevailed for some days past
will be apt to injure that which has been housed only
a few days. He has heard of some lots in Lampeter
that had to be taken out of the sheds to prevent rot-
ting. It was put in in damp weather and in green
condition. He had seen some recently cut and left
hanging on the scaffold, and it looked better than
that which had been housed recently. That which
was cut early is in good condition ; the hot weather
and high winds may have cured it a little too rapidly,
but the present wet weather is helping it again. The
late tobacco will cure well if the wet weather does
not continue too long. He thought the tobacco in the
vicinity of Strasburg the best in the county. There is
a prevalent opinion that if the late tobacco had made
its rapid growth at an earlier day it would have been
better.

Henry Kurtz exhibited about a dozen very large
leaves of tobacco of the "Centennial seed." Most of
the leaves were 4.5, 46 or 47 inches in length, and
from 22 to 27 inches in width. He said that the
largest of the leaves had matured within sixty
days, and some of the smaller ones had been
planted only twenty-one days ago. He argued
that tobacco would mature in sixty days, and that
under favorable circumstances three crops could be
grown on the same ground in a single year.

W.L. Hershey, of East Hempfleld, reported most
of the crop well housed and curing well. Some of
that which has been recently cut will have to be re-
moved from the sheds to prevent it rotting. Only two
or three of the lower layers, near the ground, seem
to be seriously affected. These have a light, leaden
look, but may improve under favorable circumstances .
Some of the earlier cured looks a little mouldy, and
the ribs have a "bloated" appear.ance, supposed to
be caused by imperfect ventilation. In good, dry
barns and sheds there has been none of this trouble.

The Society's Anniversary.

The president called attention to the fact that this
meeting was the first anniversaiy of the organiza-
tion of the society, and he called upon Mr. Jacbb M.
Frantz to make a speech in honor of the event.

Mr. Fkantz responded at some length, statingthe

objects of the society and felicitating it upon the
great good it had accomplished in furthering the to-
bacco interest and in disseminating useful informa-
tion among tobacco growers. Nothing is better
adapted to further ahy cause than combination and
organization. Unhappily farmers are too apt to ignore
this fact and "go it alone," and often "go it blind."
He assured farmers that they would help themselves
by joining the society, which was not designed to
benefit the few but the many.

C. L. Hunsecker followed in an able congratula-
tory speech , showing the wonderful amount of wealth
the tobacco crop was bringing into the coffers of the
growers and dealers, and also into the national treas-
ury. This should cause Lancaster county farmers to
take an increased interest in its growth, and avail
themselves of the advantages of the society to acquire
useful information as to its cultivation.

Israel L. Landis, Henry Shiffner, Henry Kurtz,
Sylvester Kennedy , Peter S. Reist, Aaron Summy and
President Kendig, all made speeches encouraging
members of the society to go on in the work they had
commenced, until Lancaster county should every-
where be acknowledged the best tobacco district in
the world. The only difference among the speakers
was that some of them thought the farmers should
devote themselves exclusively to growing tobacco,
while others thought it necessary that they should
also acquaint themselves with the best manner of
packing it.

New Members Elected.

John Shenk, of Manheim, and R. W. Shenk, city,
were elected members of the society.

Debate on Preparation of Soil.

The deferred questions, "How soon after stripping
should tobacco be cased ?" "How should tobacco
sheds be managed?" and "How best to hang tobac-
co?" were, on motion, dispensed with, and tiie ques-
tion, "What method of preparation of the soil is best
to promote tobacco culture?" was taken up.

Peter S. Reist said : Prepare the soil and manure
it in the fall; or if that is inconvenient manure it in the
spring with barnyard manure. If that cannot be had use
no other fertilizer. He has tried several commercial
fertilizers ; some of them did no good, and some of
them killed the young plants. He had heard of good
results from plowing down green rye and sowing
bone-dust broadcast, and he had heard of this plan
failing entirely. He recommended that no more to-
bacco should be planted than could be well manured
with barnyard manure.

President Kendig, Aaron Summy and John
Moore, spoke of the good results of sowing manure
broadcast and plowing down green rye, the straw of
which tends to keep the ground loose and moist.

John Brady favored a free application of lime.
He instanced a case in which S3, 600 worth of tobacco
had been grown on three acres of ground in two
years, the grower manuring heavily and using 200
bushels of lime per acre.

Jacob M. Frantz said there was a great differ-
ence in soil and this should be looked to in growing
tobacco. Washington borough and vicinity is cele-
brated as a tobacco district. The soil is alluvial and
was at one time the bed of a river. As we can't all
have river lands to grow tobacco on, it is very im-
portant that we should know what is next best and
what kind of manures are best adapted to tobacco
growth. He believed in selecting a soil that obser-
vation and experience showed to be the best and then
manuring it thoroughly with arn-yard manure. He
had had great success in plowing down green rye be-
fore planting tobacco. In New Jersey he understood
it was a common practice to plow down rye before
planting melons. He had no doubt that melons, to-
bacco or any other rank growing vegetables would
be improved by this process. Mr. Frantz said he had
turned down a field that had been for twenty-five
years in pasture, and received from it a splendid
crop of tobacco. He recommended that no more to-
bacco be planted that can be thoroughly manured
with barnyard manure. Then the soil will not de-
teriorate, even if it is used year after year in the
growth of tobacco.

Mr. Kennedy favored rotation of crops, and said
he believed it would cost no more for mauure to raise
a crop of tobacco and follow it with a crop of
wheat than it would to grow the wheat
alone. He recommanded that the land be well ma-
nured and planted in tobacco : after the tobacco is
cut oflr, sow it in wheat. The one manuring will not
only serve both crops, but the wheat that follows the
tobacco will be better than if the tobacco had not
preceded it. He believed the substance drawn from
the soil in the growth of tobacco is not the substance
necessary to the growth of wheat.

John Moore corroborated Mr. Kennedy. He said
he had for four years in succession planted tobacco
on a certain patch of ground. Then he sowed it in
wheat and received 39 bushels per acre. He had
afterwards grown splendid crops of wheat on ground
that had been for two years preceding in tobacco.
Plowing Down the Stumps.

Mr. I. L. Landis asked whether it would not be
an advantage to cut off and plow under the tobacco
stalks after the crop is cut off, so as to prevent a
second growth ; and whether this plan would not

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

157

tend to kill off the horn worm with which the second
growth Is apt to be Infested.

Mr. Frantz said he thought it would. He had
already plowed down fourteen acres of tobacco stalks
and seeded the ground in rye, wlilch he would again
plow down next spring. Nearly all the rest of liie
tobacco land he had already plowed down.
Business for next Meeting.

The following questions were proposed :

"What proportion or per cent, of a farm can be
planted with tobacco and keep the farm in good con-
dition of fertility !" Referred to President Kendig.

"Into how many grades should tobacco be stripped
to make it most marketable?" For general discus-
sion.

Subscription to Newspapers.

On motion the society renewed its subscription to
the U, a. Tobacco Journal and the Tuftacco Leaf.
Thanks to Brother Kurtz.

On motion a vote of thanks was tendered to Henry
Kurtz, of Mount Joy, for the beautiful si)ccinienR of
leaf tobacco exhibited by him before the society.

On motion, adjourned.

THE BEE-KEEPERS' SOCIETY.

[Although the Bee-Keepers' Society has thirty-
eight names on the roll, no more than six were pres-
ent at the meeting. We are unable to account for
this. Th« study of the busy workers is certainly as
interesting as that of tobacco-growing or curing, yet
scores of members attend the latter while not more
than a corjioral's guard can be got together at the
former. The subject is certainly not beneath their
notice, for it requires a far higher degree of intclll
gence to understand the nature and process of bee
culture than to grow ten acres of "the curse," as our
friend H. M. Engle once called the narcotic weed.
Perhaps the matter may be explained by the fact
that there is not quite so much money in bees as in
tobacco, and that we suspect is the true secret of the
slim attendance at the meeting. We hope when the
society next meets that some of the old time interest
may be shown in the proceedings by there being a
better attendance of the members. — Kep.]

The semi-annual meeting ot the Lancaster County
Bee-Keeper's Society met in the Athenieum rooms at
2 o'clock Monday afternoon, October 8.

The following members were present : E. Hershey,
W. B. Detweiler, J. F. Hershey, H. H. Myers, P. S.
Relst, I. G. Martin.

The meeting was called to order by the president,
Peter S. Relst.

The minutes ol the previous meeting in May were
read by the secretary, H. H. Myers, and, on motion,
approved and adopted.

Reports on the success of bee keepers during the
season were then called for.

J. F. Hbksbey said his bees did well during the
spring. They did not come out of the winter strong,
but he made some sixteen artitieial swarms, aud "ot
about Ave hundred pounds of honey. If the swarms
had been stronger in the spring, he would have got
one thousand or lifteeu hundred pounds of honey.
When they did get strong, the honey season was over.

Elias Hershev stated that his bees were strong In
the spring. They swarmed freely, but the season was
too dry to make much honey. He tried the comb
foundation, and thinks it is a success. The combs
will be Blled in about half the usual time when the
foundation is used.

W. B. Detweiler said he wintered eighty hives,
but was quite unfortunate. About twenty-five died,
and he was also badly troubled with the miller moth.
He oidy got about two hundred pounds of honey. He
has about seventy-five swarms now. He also thinks
the patent foundation good.

Isaac G. Martin reported that his hives were
weak In the spring; he had eight, and now has fifteen,
all by natural swarming but one, which he raised by
artificial swarming. They made about eighty pounds
of comb honey and two hundred and forty pounds of
extracted honey. The bees still have about twenty-
five pounds per swarm to winter on. He has pre-
pared his hives for winter ; he did so by making
Imxes larger than the regular hive, then placed the
hives in the outside boxes, filling the space between
the two with chair. This will keep them warm and
dry. He has been quite successful with this plan.

P. S. Reist said he lost about 20 per cent, last
spring; his hives were not very strong then but they
are now; he got about three hundred pounds of honey
from his forty hives. They have ample provision for
the winter. Perhaps he could take still more from
them and still leave them enough to winter on.

H. H. Myers wintered eleven colonies, but lost
three, and now has fourteen. He is trying to winter
a queen in a small colony. Some of his hives have
too much honey he thinks ; he got eighty pounds
from one colony, aud that one swarmed. He will
pack hla hives away in outside boxes and chaff. The
bees are in good condition for winter.

W. B. Detweiler thinks if the bee-keepers are not
careful they will lose many swarms by this method
of wintering. He wintered fifty swarins oii(* year in
that way ; for a while they did well, but at last it got
loo warm ; they began to sweat aud the hives began

to mould. If kept too warm they will leave their
hives. Corn husks were better than wheat chaff;
they admitted more air and there was better ventila-
tion.

n. H. Myers said that one hive packed in chaff
last year, was his boss hive this spring; they did
very well; they remained In the hive more closely
than the rest; he made arraugemcnts for ventilation
and there was no sweating.

Mr. Detweiler said compound hives are far better
than the common ones. He thinks it Is a great risk
to winter hives In this way.

P. S. Heist said the nearer bees are kept to their
methods while in a state of nature, the more suc-
cessful the exiM-Wment will be.

H. H. Myers remarked that small swarms some-
times do best as honey gatherers. His largest swarm**
sometimes do the poorest .

Elias Hershey said much dci>ends on the queen ;
sometimes she Is not very prolific and the swarm
does no irood. He winters his bees on the summer
stand. He has tried the packing method, but not
with much success. He believes in building bee
bouses; less honey is consumed — enough is saved In
fact to pay for making the bee house. He described
Ills underground bee liouse at some length.

W. B. Detweiler said that even if hives have
young, fertile (luecns In the spring, all will not lie the
same ill the fall ; some will be stronger than others ;
if the queen is prolific the swarm will grow strong,
but not otherwise.

Elias Hersiiet did not think it all dci>ended on
the queen. Some bees were better honey gatherers
than others.

J. F. Hershey raised queens from good workers,
and found it to answer well.

H. H. Myers tried an experiment of feeding a
swarm with a young queen, all they would eat, and
the result was very satisfactory. "The queen proved
very prolific aud the swarm strong.

J. F. IlERSnEY thought queens should always be
raised from old queens. 1 le tried to raise from young
queens for a series of years and the bees gradually
deteriorated — got smaller and weaker.

H. H. Myers thought the drones are sometimes
inferior aud deteriorated ; may not be the failure in
the queen by attributed to these weak ilrones?

P. 8. Reist said one of his colonies swarmed three
times and all are doing well. He did not think there
are by twenty-five per cent, so many bees in the
United States to-day as four years ago.

H. H. Myers said the patent hive men are to blame
for the decrease of bees ; they tell you they can winter
bees on a quart or two of honey in their iiives and In
this way kill them ofi'.

J. F. Hershev said if fed on honey they do better
th.an when on sugar.

Elias Hershey fed some on cheap sugar for a
while last year and then on good white sugar, and
they did very well. He tlilnkstoo much stress Is laid
on feeding honey.

The question "What is the cause of dysentery In
bees," was put by Elias Hershey and replied to by J.
F. Hershey, who said that young swarms are more
likely to take it than old ones.

J. F. Hershey said he fed sugar to bees for three
months at a time, and none were attacked by
dysentery.

There being no no further business, the society ad-
journed until the second Monday in May, 1878.

I. G. Martin had on exhibition the patent comb
foundations, and also such foundation twenty-four
hours after it had been placed In the hive in a mova-
ble frame. During that brief period at least one-
quarter of an inch had been added to the patent
foundation on both sides. Their use saves both time
and material, and gives the bees a longer period to
gather honey. It is stated that as much as twenty-
five pounds per hive additional can be jiroduccd in
this way. It is certainly worthy of the attention of
bee-keepers everywhere.

THE LINNiEAN SOCIETY.

A stated meeting of the Linniean society was held
on Saturday, September 29, President J. S. Stahr in
the chair; ten members present. After the minutes
of the previous meeting and monthly dues were at-
tended to, the

Donations to the Museum
were examined . Seven bottles, marked from A to
H, and one No. 40, containing insects, larv.'v, fruit,
fuugoids, etc., collected by or sent to Prof. S. S.
Rath von.

A number of minerals and fossils were donated by
Rev. C. L. Houpt, from caves in the vicinity of Sink-
ing creek, Giles county, Virginia, per Rev. G. H.
Trabcrt, such as crystalline and stalactitic forma-
tions of carbonate of lime, red oxide of iron, black
oxide of manganese. Fossils of the cretaceous period
— Rhynchoneilidae, Lingulidfe, Ji:c. Mr. Houpt also
bad for inspection a series of very fine copies of med-
als of a number of the Popes, from the year 1.566 to
18+6; of Luther and other medals struck In commem-
oration of events and actors. Prof. Dubbs, Revs.
Geissinger, Houpt and Stahr added desirable histori-
cal information in relation to the same. Rev. D. H.
Geissinger donated various combinations of copper

ore, such as sulphurel, blue and green carbonate
dentlfric and elllorescent — if not misunderstood —
from Swatara Gap, Letianon county— unless that re-
ferred to the residence of Rev. C. H. Trabert. Rev.
.7. S. Stahr had a pressed speelnnn of the .Su(<m«m
roslrirtiim, found last August by I'rof. J. W. Andrews,
of Colerain, Lancaster county, on the farm of Mr.
Albert Worth, In the southeast iiartofsald township.
A plant that, like the A', hcleroilo/um, which two, Ur.
(iray says (in his late School and Field B<x)k of
Botany) grow wild west of the Mississippi ; this also
grows In Kansas and Colorado, and Is said to be the
original food of the potato beetle. The plant Is a
weed, perhaps not so bad as the "horse nettle," Sola-
nnm CaruHncntr, which Is in the county, but just as
prl«'kly. We fancy, if Introduced, the dory|}hora-\^^-
tiiuala, of Say, or Colorado "jmtato-bng," would
hardly leave the Solannin luficroxa, or "[Xitato vine,"
for the stranger weed, which Is not wanted, although
curious as to how It came to Colerain. .Mr. W. T.
Bolton l:ad a vine with a bean [kkI on It, sup|X)seiI to
be a qlicine; true. It was the ylicine apioil of LInnutus,
now known as Apiot lithcrona. It seemsthat heover-
lookeil the string of tuliers on the root. These are
like small jiotatoes, and wIicmi sliced and roasted on
a hot stove taste like ixitatoes, being eyldeiitly rich
In starch, as the writer has tested. Why has no one
yet tried to cultivate these tubers S Simply because
the mere botanist pays no attention, and others who
would do so are Ignorant of the plant. Mrs. Zell also
had on exhibition a well developed leaf of the side-
saddle plant, hunter'scup orpiteher — the Narracennia
purpurea — with which species the leaf corresitonds.
It gets purjile flowers; the S. Jtaiui, yellow llowers.
This leaf was from ])lants raised by Dr. Davis, on
Prince street, this city, he having prepared a jKiiid to
cultivate them in his yard'. The proper pitcher plant
is quite ditfcreiit, the Xc/'enthis diKlillaloria ; but no
more curious or interesting. The Sarrnrt-nnia pur-
purea Is found in a very few localities in our county,
and is quite rare.

Two ciiplcB of The Lancaster Farmer, and
sundry book notices and printed circulars, all that
refers to the library.

Papers Read.

Rev. J. S. Stahr on the Solanum ronlralum. J.
Stauffer illustrated a strange growth in a certain
peach tree, brought tohlni by .Mr. Rathvon,who gave
an account of It in his pajier. No. H72. A miscellane-
ous record of all the articlesdeiiositcu this day under
subject matter A : Atayi/daluH Ipersica, he says, an
ordinary |ieacli tree on the premises of Mrs. Miller,
Reading, Pa., a branch of which with both kinds
of fruit upon it was given to .Mr. Kathvon by Mr.
Bruce of this city. This tree blooms in sjiring like
others, but develops two distinct kinds of fruit op-
posite each other on the same branchlet, as was the
case in the sample ; the one au ordinarily full grown
peach, fiesh aud flavor fine, stone deeply pitted — the
other a diminutive peach, no larger than a plum, gels
ripe and mellow, but lacks in flavor. The stone Is
equally small, flattish, nearly smooth, and said to be
abortive. What produces the annual difierences of
the fruit is a question we cannot now discuss, but
simply record the fact.

Subject B describesa singular puff-ball, like fungus,
from Mr. J. C. .Maule, of Quarry vllle, in this county,
found growing In an lee bouse. Mr. Ralhvon, to
avail himself of thenumeroiis illustrations In London,
and those collected and figured by .Mr. Stauffer, falleil
to find any thing of the kind, when It was advised to
forward the same to Dr. Farlow,the distinguished
Fungiologi.st of Boston, Mass.

Mr. Stauffer illustrated this fungus, and on a close
inspection of the interior arrangement, when cut lu
two, found It more in appearance like that of a fruit
with a central placentie, surrounded by seeds, and
fleshy walls surrounding them, and having a jelly-
like substance between the walls. He suggested the
Idea that he might be an undeveloped Phallus. Mr.
H. L. Zahm found one In his garden, this city, Octo-
ber 6, 1876, which had a basal socket of a round
form, with a jelly-like substance, and a singular
stripe, with a head and gauze-Ukc veil cover. A
figure of this was sent to Dr. Farlow, who named It
PhaUus incleefialus. We hope to hear from Mr.
Farlow. Our suggestion may be at fault, aud yet
many things thought species or even placeil In a dif-
ferent genus, on subsequent research were found
simply the young of quite another creature— changed
as a "tad-pole does to a frog." Bot. C, dcscrlbeii
Lepidopterous Larva*. D, Jlouibus Ainericaua. E,
different insects on the wing in the evening, captured
in his study. F, on a (Jordiun, of a wliitc color,
"hair-snake," taken from a head of cabbage — from
Mr. I. L. Landls. G,on the pupa of JJanias Archip-
pea, from Prof. Baker, of Mlllersvlllc. H, on cattle
ticks collected and described. Bot. No. 40, Sunday
Spiders with notes on them under new business.

Rev. .las. Y. Mitchell, pastor of the Presbyterian
church was nominated and unanimously elected an
active member of this society.

The committee ap|X)iuted at the last meeting re-
ported and recommended that.a semi-monthly meet-
ing should be held, say at 7;^ o'clock on the second
Friday evening of each mouth, to enable some of the
members to meet whose business occupy their atten-
tion on Saturday afternoon and prevents their at-

158

THE LANCASTER- FARMER.

[ October,

tendance. This was agreed to, and the treasurer
authorized to procure lamps and oil for the oecasiou.
The first meeting will take place the second Friday
evening in October next (the 12th,) without further
notice.

Under scientific miscellany, various topics con-
nected with matter brought before the meeting was
discussed and a pleasant time had. The meeting
adjourned to meet statedly on the last Saturday in
October, the LiTth, 1877.

AGRICULTURAL.

Wheat-Growing in America.
" Wheat-growing has not paid on the greater part
of the laud in England for some time. It is a ques-
tion whether it will more than just pay even at the
minimum cost of production, with the aid of the
most perfect machinery upon large areas. The cost
of production beats the English producer, and the
teudencyis rather toward increased expenses, as both
laud and labor are getting gradually dearer. The
English farmer cannot compete with the colossal
corn-growers of America, whose wheat fields of rich
virgin soil are said to be sometimes so large and
long that ploughing one furrow out and back again
is a good day's work for a plough team. The Crimean
war had the effect of hastening on this crisis, and
Ijrematurely developing the enormous corn produc-
tion of the United States. The American scholar,
bibliopole, philosopher, George Ticknor, whose let-
ters and life form one of the most interesting works
of current literature, wrote on this point in 1855, the
following prophetic words to John, King of Saxony :
'Your short crops in Europe are filling the great val-
ley of the Mississippi with wealth. * * * Indeed,
your European wars are not only making the States
in the valley of the Mississippi the preponderating
power in the American Union, but you are making
them the granary of the world.' Wonderfully has
this prediction been fulfilled. Year by year since
the date of those words has the great sea of waving
corn steadily advanced through the fertile valleys of
the States. It is still advancing, and will advance.
We cannot resist it. We must accommodate our-
selves to the circumstances as well and as quick-
ly as possible, taking the tide at its turn. The
transition state will be tedious, and fraught with
loss and suffering to many, in various classes of
society, and it will be imperative that all concerned
should endeavor to use mutual forbearance." The
above, from the Agricultural Gazette, is full of sig-
nificance to the American farmer. The United
States is now the granary of the world, and wher-
ever wheat is wanted, there the hungry look to us
for a supply. The surplus of America goes to fill
all deficiencies in Europe. What we have to do is to
cheapen our product, so as to enlarge our profit or
enlarge our iiroducts without increasing the cost per
bushel, which is the same|thing. To retain a hold
upon the markets we have captured we must do

this.

^

Home Manures.

A writer in the Utica Herald puts this question in
good shape as follows:

The most successful farmers within the writer's
acquaintance are those who make the most home-
made manure, who depend mainly upon sod, a heavy
turf, which means heavy crops, whether of grass or
of grain, if the sod is inverted. Here, all the way
from seventy to a hundred tons per acre of rich
material is turned down to rot and form pabulum
for the crop to succeed, and of a nature exactly
suited to plant growth, containing all the properties,
being in fact a reproduction in the growth . Here no
art is necessary to compost or select for the different
soils, adapting manure to ground or product. Sod
supplemented by the manure of stables, answers all
till! purposes, and is of a high fertility, lacking but
little of the highest If the manures are kept under
cover so as to retain and concentrate their strength.
All the elements are always in good proportion. It
only needs applying projjcrly what is made, on all
the land, the soil originally (in its mineral composi-
tion) not materially defective, which emtiraces most
of our drift and all our alluvial soil. And this mode
can be pi-osecuted successfully for an indelinite
period. We know farms on which it has been prac-
ticed, uninterruptedly, for more than thirty years,
where adjoining land has been incorporated, some-
times of a reduced and almost worthless character,
and, in a few years, made as good as the rest, the
whole forming the most successful, the most profita-
ble farming within the writer's knowledge, continu-
ing, unabatedly, its high yields up to the present.
We see more or less of this all over our dairy section.
It needs but concentration, an adoption of the full
method, to reach the highest success in farming;
this is because the manure is obtained cheaper, and a
full use is made of it — all the land will bear.

poorer ground the quantity may be decreased. Yet
fertile land is desirable for this crop, as well as
others, and a dressing of dung or fertilizer will be
apt to bring its reward in a thick and luxuriant crop.
Hungarian is a more difficult crop to harvest than
hay. Always cut during a dry time, if possible, for
it will take three good hay days to prepare for the
barn. We do not always, however, have our choice,
for as the crop ripens very rapidly, and should be cut
when just in blossom, a little delay at the critical time,
in order to secure favorable weather, is apt to result
in over-ripening, or the formation of seed. Dead-ripe
Hungarian is poor stuff for food, and may even act
as poison, or at least as an injurious food, when fed
to horses, and hence it is preferable to harvest rather
early than too late." This is good advice ; but better
advice would be to substitute an .acreor two of sugar
corn, sowu broadcast. For fall food it comes just in
the nick of time ; or to cut for fodder just before it
gets into tassel, and curing it for winter feeding. It
is relished exceedingly by cattle, and especially so
by horses, and is very wholesome. The fodder crop
of corn, when Lucerne and Hungarian grass is under
consideration, should always be borne in mind and
allowed its full weight.

Soiling Doubles the Acreage.

The American farmer has a great desire to increase
his .area of land. He can seldom resist the tempta-
tion to add his neighbor's farm if opportunity offers.
But how mnch better for him to double the produc-
tion instead of the acres. And as stock-keeping is
necessary to increasing fertility, the soiling system
will enable him to double his number of animals, and
_ thus double the paying product of his farm. One
acre of good grass, well cured into hay, will winter
a cow in the latitude where the cold term requiring
fodder lasts half of the year, and yet, in that same
latitude, it takes on the average three acres to pas-
ture a cow during the warm season, although the
German chemist Wolff found 46 per cent, of insoluble
fiber in clover hay, and only 29 per cent, in green
clover, thus showing a still greater loss by pasturing.
If, then, one-half acre in good condition will furnish
green food for a cow during the pasturing season,
and one acre for the winter season, it will be found
that a proper management of land under the soiling
system will enable a dairyman to keep two cows upon
the same land that now keeps one. In many portions
of Germany this statement has been more than real-
ized, as a little ten acre farm often feeds ten cows.

HORTICULTURAL.

Liquid Excrement.

How strangely we overlook the liquid excrement
of our animals ! A cow, under ordinary feeding, will
void 20,000 pounds of solid excrement and 8,000
pounds of liquid. The comparative mouey value of
the two is but slightly in favor of the solid. This
statement has been verified as truth, over and over
again. The urine of herbivorous animals holds nearly
all the secretions of the body which are capable of
producing rich nitrogenous compounds so essential
as forcing or leaf-forming agents in the growth of
plants. The solid holds the phosphoric acid, the
lime and magnesia, which go to the seeds principally,
but the liquid, holding nitrogen, potash and soda, is
needed in forming the stalks and leaves. The two
forms of plant nutriment should never be separated
or allowed to be wasted liy neglect. The farmer who
saves all the urine of his animals doubles his manu-
rial resources every year. Good seasoned peat is of
immense service to farmers, when used as au absorb-
ent, and the stalls of the animals should be so con-
structed as to admit of a wide passage iu the rear,
with generous room for the peat to be used daily with
the excrements. — Journal of Chemistry.

Hints to Growers of Tobacco.

From a reliable and authentic source (Deutsche
Industrie Blatter, Germany,) we take the account of
experiments which have been made in some of the
tobacco producing districts of Germany (Schlesien
and Pflatz) with decided success. At the time the
plant is ready for cutting, judgment should be used
in determining the body and texture the leaves pos-
sess at such time. If the leaf should be of a weak
character, the whole stalk, including the root, should
be extracted and nailed or hung up in the barns with
the tips of the leaves hanging downward. This will
greatly benefit the leaves, as the sap contained iu the
root and stalk will gradually diffuse itself into the
leaves, and add considerable to their strength and
the coming sweating process. If, on the other hand,
the leaves should be of a thick, heavy character,
then only the leaves should be cut and hung up.
This will reduce the surplus of sap, deprive the leaf
of too great an accumulation of strength, and turn
it out a thinner and more of a desirable texture after
sweating.

^

Hungarian Grass. Poj; promoting the fertility of fruit trees, root

The Scientific Fanner, Boston, has a good word pruning is an operation now generally restored to. If
for Hungarian grass, saying: "We recommend a properly carried out it is, perhaps, the most certain
bushel of seed to the acre, on rich ground. On ( way to reduce a luxuriant tree to a fruitful state.

The Original Seckel Pear Tree.
Mr. Editor : The old tree, the source from which
sprang this well-known and world-renowned variety,
I visited last week and fouud still standing and bear-
ing fruit. It is on the Girard estate, east of the
Point Breeze Park, iu the lower part of the city of
Phil.adelphia, and to this tree we are indebted for our
Seckel Pear, so widely disseminated over the world
and acknowledged to be the standard of quality in
testing other varieties. It is the richest and most
exquisitely flavored pear known. Samples sent to
Europe by Dr. Hosack in 1819 were pronounced by
the London Horticultural Society to exceed iu flavor
the richest of their autumn pears. The old pear tree
must be between 125 and 1:^0 years old, for fruit has
been gathered from it (according to the following
account published in Downing's "Fruits and Fruit
Trees of America," compiled in 1845) for from 110
to 112 years.

"The following history may be relied oh as authen-
tic," says Downing, "it having been related by the
late venerable Bishop White, whose tenacity of
memory was well known. About eighty years ago,
when the Bishop was a lad, there was a well-known
sportsman and cattle dealer in Philadelphia known
as 'Dutch Jacob.' Every season, early in the autumn
on returniug from his shooting excursions, 'Dutch
Jacob' regaled his neighbors with pears of an
unusually delicious flavor, the secret of whose place
of growth, however, he would never satisfy their
curiosity Ijy divulging. At length the Holland Land
Company, owning a considerable tract of land south
of the city, disposed of it in parcels and 'Dutch
Jacob' then secured the ground on which his favor-
ite pear tree stood, a fine strip of land near the
Delaware. Not long afterward it became the farm
of Mr. Seckel, who introduced this remarkable fiuit
to public notice, and it received his name. After-
ward the property was added to the vast estate of
the late Stephen Girard."

The old tree is about thirty feet in height and two
feet iu diameter. The trunk is much decayed in the
heart and one side is entirely gone. When I visited
it some twelve or fifteen years ago it had a fence
aroimd it and a stout prop put on the decayed side to
-support it; but now, to the disgrace of the pomolo-
gists aud city officials there is not a rail to protect
and preserve this grand old pear tree, which still
bears fruit and may with care survive for many
years. — S. W. jV., Jenkintown, 1877, North American.

^

Grafting and Its Effects.
It has long been a debatable question among horti-
culturalistsas to what influence, if any, the graft
exerts upon the stock, or the stock upon the graft, in
their after growth and development. While it is
claimed by some that there is no change, but that the
growth from the graft retains all its distinctive
characteristics of variety of foliage, fruit and flavor,
aud that the stock below the graft also remaine uu-
changed, others believe that changes do occur in both
directions. The latter opinion is probably correct;
for, although both graft and stock retain their origi-
nal and individual characteristics, there are often
evidences that each has in some way been influenced
or modified in growth or habit by the action of the
other. Cases have been reported \yhere varieties of
apples and other fruits have been apparently affected
both in Havor and time of ripening by the influence
of the stocks upon which they have been grafted. As
it is a well-known fact among nurserymen that apple
trees grafted upon seedling stocks not only follow the
habit .and form of variety in the top growth, but that
the roots growing from the stock also assume the
habits and distinctive peculiarities of the graft. So,
if a lot of apple seedlings, as nearly .alike as possible
in size and habits of growth, are selected and grafted
with, say crabs, and other kinds of apples, it will be
found in their after growth that the crabs have their
usual crab roots, and also that where any other va-
rieties have peculiarities in their root growth, they
will be so perfectly developed iu the different kinds
that skillful nurserymen will select and recognize
them by their roots alone. For these and some other
reasons I am inclined to doubt the entire success of
grafting the foreign vine upon our hardier natives as
a remedy for the injury to the roots by the phylloxera.

Salt as a Fertilizer.
Only yesterday, says a correspondent of the Utica
Herald, one of our most intelligeut and successful
farmers informed me that when he took possession,
some years ago, of the farm which he now works, he
found it impossible to raise good oats; 30 bushels of
poor light oats were all he could get from an acre,
while his straw was dull or rusty. Acting on the
advice of a friend he salted an acre liberally as an
experiment. The result was the corn nearly doubled
on that acre and the rust disappeared, while the un-
saUed portions of his oat field were rusty, and the
crop hardly worth harvesting.

Si» quai-ts of soot to a hogshead of water makes a
serviceable manure for watering forced plants— as
well as for most bulbs, flowering plants and shrubs.

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

-159

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Weight of Milk.
X. A. WillHi-d, eonio mniitlie since, etalej that on
tlie authority of (iiiil Boicl^n, the patentee of tlie
milk eondcmina: pioresB, that au averas'o (|uart of
milk at a tenipeialnre of sixty ile^rees would weiirh,
If we rei'olleet aright, a fraction over 2.M iiouiuIr to
the quart, hut Dr. Sturtevant In one of liis pnlilic
leetures, in which he urged farmers and experimen-
ters to droji the practice of reporlini; milk liy meas-
ure, as fpiarts vary so much that one never knows
certainly how much a cow sives Ijy the measure,
reports, and to .adopt the weighing; system instead,
gave 'i.l!> pounds as his standard In practice, it beinsr
more convenient to use than the exact fraction, and
near enou{;h for all iirrctical purjioses. Since that
time, the public generally have adopted 2. Mi pounds
as the practical measure for a quart of milk, usually,
liowever, weighed warm from the cow. So a cow
which gives .'>;(^,' pounds of milk in a day is a twen-
ty-five quart cow; hut such cows are scarce. Kew
of us become very weary by the slow process of
measuring our milk, especially when we have but

one cow .

■ ^

Effect of Tea on the Skin.

If you drop a few drops of strong tea upon a piece
of iron — a knife blade, for instance — the tannate of
iron is formed, whicli is black. If you mix it with
iron tilings, or pulverized iron, you can make an arti-
cle of ink. If you mix it with I'resh human blood it
forms with the iron of the blood the tannate of iron.
Take human skin and let it soak for a time in strong
tea, and it will become Icither. Now, when we re-
member that the liquids which enter the stomach are
rapidly absorbed by the veins and absorbents of the
stomach and enter into the circulation, and are
thrown out of the system by the skin, respiration and
kidneys, it is probable that di-ink so common as tea
and so abundantly used, will have some effect. Can
it be poesilile thai tannun, introduced with so much
liquid producing perspiration, will have no ell'cct on
the skin ? Look at the tea drinkers of Kussia, the
Chinese, and the old women of America, who have
so long continued the habit of drinking strong tea.
Are they not dark colored and leather-skinned ?
When young they are fair complexioned.

Rest Before Eating.

Civilization and hunger are incompatible. All the
virtues and graces of humanity — certainly of male
humanity — Hy before an empty stomach. It may be
possible for a man to be hungry ami amiable at the
same time, but it is not safe for any wife to jiresumo
upon 60 unlikely an oeciirrenee habitually. Just
before dinner is the worst possible time to bother a
husbanil with questions or complaints, or even with
eH'orl to be aggressively agreeable. Then is the time
above all others when social silence should grace the
home, and make it seem to the tired man the most
delightful and restful place on earth. Half an hour
of quiet just then is the best possible preparation for
the social enjoyment of the coming meal, for then
the nervous tension and mental strain of business
care and anxiety can be gradually relaxed, and the
entire system brought into comlitions for enjuying
food and the amenities of social life. — HcUnliJic
Ani<;ruan.

Convenience

The successful farmer is he who provides conve-
niences for the care of his ])roperty and the per-
formance of his work; he counts time as an imjjortant
Item in the yearly calculation, and care of all his
various efl'ects as a factor in the animal returns.
When he imts the horse in the stable there is a place
for the harness, where it will be safe from weather
or any other damage; his wagons and tools are pro-
vided with (•overings to preserve them; about his
premises will be found a little shop or room where he
keeps saws, hammers, vises, augers and the various
tools that are needed to mend and put in order the
diU'ercut machines he uses. These simple articles
prevent days and weeks of delay, besides adding to
the length of the time implements will last. It pays
to have conveniences, and also get what you do buy,
of good quality.

Old Frames.
Frequently old buildings are bought for the pur-
pose of using the frames in new ones ; and the price
paid is often about as aiuch as new timber
would cost, while the labor In remodeling the old
frame is double, perhaps, what it would be to frame
the building from new timber. I do not consider that
a man would be much, if any the gainer, if the tim-
ber of an old building were given to him, for the pur-
pose of being used in a new one, even if it were per-
fectly sound, and of a quality to last as long as new
hemlock. It does very well to buy an old building
for a "song," from the materials of which some
cbeap out-house can be made entire excc])t the roof,
but it is always better to buy new timber for a dwell-
ing house.

Household Receipts.

Stakciiixo Linen.— Use one teaspoonful pow-
dered borax to one quart of holing starch; it will
improve thi' stillness and gloss.

Wmooi'IN'o t'oi'oH.— Two-thirds castor oil, one-
third syrup of ipecac. Dose : Half a teaspoonful
from two to six hours apart. Shake the mixture well
before using. It is almost Infallible.

BUONZI: I'.M.N'T KOK IltON OR Otiier Metai.s. —
Take of chrome green, one ounce; Ivory black, one
ounce; chrome yellow, one ounce; j,'ood jai>an, one
gill, flriud all together and mix with linseed oil.

Peach Maumalade. — I'eaches too ripe for pre-
serving answer for marmalade. Pare and quarter
them, allowing three-quarters of a pound of sugar
to each [lound of fruit, and half a pint of water to
each jKiund of sugar. Hoil one hour and a half,
stirring constantly.

To Ci.KANSE Jewelkv.— Use hot water and a
clean brush ; rub a very little soap on the brush, then
dip it into powdered borax and scour well ; rinse in
hot water and rub dry with a clean towel — a chamois
is better.

KusT IN Tin.— To prevent rusting of tin rub fresh
lard over every iiart of the dish, and then put it in a
hot oven and heat it thoroughly. Thus treated any
tinware may he used in water constantly and remain
bright an<l i'ree from rust indefinitely.

IIow TO (iET Kii> 01- Wahts AynCoHN'.s. — Warts
are very troublesome and disfiguring. The following
is a perfect cure, for even the largest, without leav-
ing any scar, and has been tested by many : Take a
small piece of raw beef, steej) it all night in vinegar,
cut as much from it as will cover the wart and tie it
on; if the excrescence is on the forehead fasten the
beef on with a strip of sticking plaster. It may be
removed in the day and jput on every night. In one
fortnight the wart will die ami peel otf. The same
prescription will cure corns.

BiTCKWHEAT Cakes. — At night take sufiieient
warm water for a little more than the amount of bat-
ter re(julrcd. Thicken this with buckwheat Hour; a
little tcraham meal is an addition ; stir in a teacup of
fresh yeast, and let it stand till morning to rise,
when it will be fit for use. Leave enoush batter to
mix in again at night without yeast. After a day or
two the batter will require a half-teaspoon or so of
soda to sweeten it, put in just before baking. It is
nicer to mix your liatter in a stone jar and jiour otf
every morning what is re((uired for use, and not juit
the soda into the whole. The addition of a little milk
will make the cakes brown if desired. The batter
should be oeeasioually renewed. Now, as to baking
cakes, it is one the fine arts. Some heedless cooks use
so much grease, to keep the cakes from sticking to
the griddle, that they fill the room full of smoke to
the discomfort of all concerned. A doth sewed fast
to a fork is the most convenient greaser, and just as
little grrease should be used as possible. The fire
should be neither too hot nor too slack. Nothing is
better relished on a cold winter morning than well
prei)ared cakes of this kind.

To Pickle Ked CAimAOE. — Wash very clean;
remove the coarse leaves and cut into shreds; i)ut
into ajar and cover with hot brine; when cold renew
the brine, and when again cold, drain. .^Ilow one
cup of white sugar to every gallon of vinegar; tie
into a cloth whatever spice you choose, and when
just boiling throw over tlie cai)bage.

PicKi.Ei) PEprERS. — Remove the seeds from large
green peppers, by making a small incision at one
side; so.ak in salt and water three days, changing the
water each day; stuff with a mixture of nasturtiums,
chopped red cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, sea-
soned with whole mustard, cinnamon and cloves;
with needle and thread secure the opening, place in
jars and cover with hot Vinegar.

Potatoes which attain their full growth and
ripeness in the fall are never soggy; nor are they if
kept at so low a temperature during winter as to
prevent the eyes from starting. If they begin to
grow in March, the dry character is lost, because the
sap becomes active preparatory to growth. A soggy
potato is either immature or premature. Mealiness
is a consequence of perfection in a state of rest. —
y. Y. Herald.

Scotch Saoo Cream Soip. — Make a strong stock
by boiling an olil fowl till all the strength is taken
from the meat. While boiling add some whole white
pepper and a small piece of mace. Strain aud skim
the stock. Set it away to cool. When quite cold
remove every particle of fat that has risen aud hard-
ened on top. For every two quarts stock take three
ouuccs sa;ro or tapioca; wash in hot water, and boil
it in the stock one hour. Then break the yelks of
two eggs in a basin, add to them half a jiint of cream
or milk. Beat them together, and while beating
pour in gradually a little of the hot stock; then turn
all back into the stock or soup. Let it heat after
imtting in the cold milk till just up to the boiling
point, but take care it does not boil, lest the soup
curdle. Then dish and send to table. Veal, rabbit
or fowl answers for this stock, or all three put
together. — C/irMiun Union.

LIVE STOCK.

How to Break Colts.

.\ minister who seems to have had considerable
experience in breaking and harnessing colts, thus
writes to the (foUUit llule :

When the foal Is fifteeu months old wo begin to
educate him to harness. .Most colts are timid; they
are Ixjrn so. The first day, we Hiniply put a saddle
without the back-strap on, buckling up the belly-
band hiosaly. This Is done many times, iucreaslug
Ihc pressure. Then we lake the neck collar, anil put
il over his head, first permitting him to smell ol it,
and touch it Willi his nose, until he Is entirely con-
vinced that It is not calculated to hurt him. In like
manner we add part to part, until the colt is fully
hariiesseil. He Is then allowed to stand with the
harness on until he has time to reflect upon the
whole matter, and become aecustoined to the pres-
sure of the harness against his sensitive skin; for
we must remember that all this iicrforinance seems
very queer to hlin, aud startling. When ho has fully
composed his mind, and settled down into coiivletlou
that everything is all right and as It should be with
him, he is then walked about, the harness still on,
and brought hack every few minutes to the B|X)t
where lie is to be unharnessed, and taught to stand
as long as it would naturally take to remove the har-
ness. Straps are loo.'^eiied, bueklo-tougues started,
saddle and collar eased; in short, everylbiug done
that would be done in unliarnesslng, save removing
the harness. After several times, this standing still
while being unharnessed has come to be. In his
mind, a part of the programme, and he understands
it and assents to it as such. Unce learned, in the
case of an intelligent horse, is always learned. This
same process should be gone through with Id the
ease of a high-spirited, valuable colt, once or twice
each day, for a week at least. .\nd remember that
he is learning many lessons in one, including that,
the greatest of all a colt can learn, viz.; to have
confidence in and yield his will to man. Have great
patience at this point of his education, and ])roceed
step by step, advancing no farther than your piqiiPs
success justifies. During the harness exercises,
accustom the colt to pressure against the breast and
shoulder by lying long cords iuto the buckle either
side of tlie collar, and pulling gently, causing liim
to brace himself, as he would naturally do, against
it. This gives him the iilea of drawing weiglit some-
where behind him, and, by permitting him to pull
you along, he will grow to feel that he eau pull any-
thing.

^

The Cow for Small Farms.

Do men who own small farms keep three or four
cows for the purpose of raising calves for sale, or for
the butter the cows produce '■ Of course the reply is,
for butter. Then the breed to be selected is that best
adapted to butter. Observation and experience both
go to prove that the .Jersey, commonly calleil the Al-
derney, is above all others, the butter cow. They arc
easily kept, very docile and beautiful, giving milk of
superior richness, from which ispi-oduced finely col-
ored, solid butter, having an unequal texture aud
flavor.

There are prodigies in any breed, but the ordinary
■Jersey cow can lie relied on to give one pound of but-
ter per day, to average that the year round. They do
not go dry long; ofteutiines it is dillicult to dry them
otf bclbre calving. A record from ten to sixteen
pounds of butter per week is not at all rare. How
much better then for the housewife who aids her hus-
band in his etlorts to gather around him the com-
forts of a true home by |iurchasing household neces-
sities by the sale of the ilairy product, to have cows
tliat reward her labors by giving a (luanlity of rich
golden butter, so solid and waxy that it will command
a few cents extra on the |>oui)d.

A tjeisey cow costs less to keep than a coinmou
cow ; if she proiliices a heifer calf. If a grade, it is
worth more than the butcher will give for a scrub
calf; if a thoroughbred, at five days old il is worth
from fifty to one hundred dollars. On largo farms
where the raising of cattle for beef is an object, the
short horn is the cow needed, but on small farms, on
all farms where the butler is made for market, the
Jersey cow is exactly what is or should be a ncccselty .

How to Grow Pigs.

With proper attention to three things pigs may be
kept growing and thrifty all winter, aud these tbings
are ;

1 . A dry, warm place to sleep.

2. tiood drink, either warm slop or fresh pumped
w.ater.

:'>. Not too many hogs in an enclosure, and Ihey as
nearly as jrossible of a size. If you have large and
small together, the big ones will run over the little,
and tbey will not get their share of food. There is
much more danger of colic or eiiidcmie diseases
where the conditions mentioned above are disregarded
than where hogs are kept thrifty and growing, and
certainly there is more profit. A dry, warm bed Is a
cheai) luxury for hog's in winter, ami every farmer
should prepare a shed aud plenty of material In the
fall.

160

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ October, 1877.

POULTRY.

Packing Poultry for Market.

The French mode of killintc, by making: an incision
in the roof of the mouth, is preferable when the
head of the bird is tojlje left on, but that is not neces-
sary, neither is it always desirable ; but the custom
in the market to which the fowls arc sent determines
this matter. When, however, the head is taken off
the skin should always be pulled over the stump and
tied. The mode of picking while the bird is warm is
called "dry picking," and is the favorite method of
dressing poultry for the Philadelphia market. There
is one objection to this system, that it does not im-
prove the appearance, although it does the flavor ;
but while cooking it w^ll "plump up" and come out
of the oven looking much finer than when it went in.
In addition, it will kee[) much longer than when
dressed by the other mode.

Another plan is, after the bird is picked, as above
described, plunge it in a kettle of very hot water,
holding it there only long enough to cause the bird
to "plump;" then hang it up, turkeys and chickens
by the feet, and geese and ducks by the head, until
thoroughly cooled. This scalding makes the fat look
bright and clear, and the fowl to appear much fatter
than it would if picked dry. This is the usual mode
of dressing for the New York markets.

All poultry should be thoroughly cooled before
packing. Then provide boxes, for they are preferable
to barrels ; place a layer of rye straw that has been
thoroughly cleaned from dust, on the bottom ; com-
mence packing by placing the head of the fowl
against the end of the box, the bird lying on its
breast, with the legs extended behind it ; the last
one of the layers must be reversed, the feet passing
under each otlier, so that the heads aie against the
other end of the box. Tliis gives a uniformity of ap-
pearance, and a firmness in packing, that will pre-
vent moving during transportation. Over this layer
place straw enough to prevent one layer coming in
contact with the other; then add other layers, packed
in the same manner, until the box is filled.

Care should be taken to have the box filled full,
in order to prevent any disarrangement of the con-
tents; for, should it become misplaced, the skin may
become so badly disfigured as to cause a depreciation
of the value to its owner. Those having extra fine
poultry to send to market should put paper over
each layer before placing the straw on it; this pre-
vents the dust from settling on it, and adds much to
its appearance.

The box should have the initials of the consignor,
the number and variety of the contents, as well as
the name of the consignee, marked on it. The
necessity for marking the number and variety of
contents is, that in case the box is broken open and
any portion of the contents missing before delivery
to the consignee, he will be able to make a correct
bill for the missing poultry. Another advantage is,
that the consignee knows by a glance at the box
whether it contains the desired variety he wishes; if
not he need not open it, and the contents will not
receive a needless handling, for some parties prefer
a mixed box, while others do not, and all dealers
prefer to sell the entire contents of the box to one
person, as it avoids error in weighing and keeping
the accounts.

Those wishing to market capons, must bear in
mind that they should be dry-picked, with the feath-
ers on around the head and the tip of the wings;
also the tail feathers left in; the small or pin-feathers
should all be removed.

Persons living at a distance from this or any other
city, and wishing to send their poultry to market for
any particular occasion, should forward it a day or
two ahead of the time needed for transportation, for
it is better that the dealer should receive it even a
couple of days too soon, than an hour too late. —
liiiral New Yorker.

" Piymouth Rocks."

Plymouth Rocks, being a composite breed, have
eome peculiarities that render them difficult to breed
by the ordinary amateur, for if a ])air that are per-
fectly mated for exhibitions be put into a breeding
pen the almost certain result will be a lot of nearly
black, dark-legged pullets, with cockrels that may
be good in color of plumage, but will be very apt to
fail in color of leg and beak. In fact, we know of no
standard variety that reijuires more judgment and care
in mating up for breeding than the Plymouth Rocks.

There is no question but that Plymouth Rocks are
now attracting more attention than any of the new
varieties, at least it is so in the Western and Southern
States, and they are destined to become more popu-
lar as the economic merits become known, combining
in themselves, as they do, large size, good laying and
table qualities, handsome plumage and extreme
hardiness. Being good mothers, with not too great
propensity for sitting, there certainly would seem to
be nothing further to be desired. But, of course,
while the geneifil average of excellence is high, the
Plymouth Rock does not equal some of the non-sitters
as egg producers, nor some other varieties as a table
fowl, but in these two respects it will be pronounced
"good enough," and as a general utility fowl the
Plymouth Kock will hold public favor.

Charcoal and Lime.

Permit us again to urge all breeders of poultry
who wish healthy fowls, to be liberal in supplying
their fowls with charcoal. It is one of the best pre-
ventives of diseases amongst fowls that can be
named.

Even if the fowls are not confined, but especially
so If they are, charcoal pounded up into fine bits or
pieces about the size of a grain of corn, or a little
finer, should be put around in small piles where the
fowls can have easy access to it, and they will soon
make use of it. The cost of charcoal is but a trifle
and where the distapce from town or city is so great
as to prevent it from being readily obtained there-
from, the ashes from a wood stove may be sieved out
and the small bits of charred wood or charcoal used
in the place of that made in the regular way.
Especially during the spring and early summer
months, is it advisable to use charcoal freely. Lime,
too, is valuable in many ways. In the form of white-
wash it begets cleanliness, freedom from disease, and
laying hens should have lime where they can make
use of it, in assisting in the production of eggs. —
Poultry World.

^

To Preserve Eggs.

Dr. W. D. Monroe, in the Fanciers' Journal, giyes
the following :

I have experimented with many nests of eggs this
year, and find that butter or grass of any kind with
me will certainly keep the eggs clear, but incubation
will not begin. I have tried a solution composed of
glycerine and olive oil, with the same result. If you
wish to keep eggs fresh for six months, take four
ounces of the best olive oil, shake well up together
and rub on the eggs. I had some eggs at breakfast
that were put down last January in a cool cellar,
that were treated with a coat of this egg preserver,
and packed, the large end down, in fine sand or salt,
and you could not tell them from freshly laid eggs.
Out of twenty-four dozen that we used this month,
that were put down in that way in January and Feb-
ruary, only five bad ones (and they only had a strong
musty smell, not rotten, my wife said) had been
found among them .

An exchange says : "If you want chickens to get
well of the cholera in two days take good clear
water and put in a bucket of any kind; then get
white oak bark — that from an old tree is the best —
put it in the water and let it steep until the water is
of a copper color, and then pour it in your drinking
vessels or fountain and not let the fowls drink any
other water. Give them the usual feed, and a cure
will be effected in a short time. I have tried this for
five years, and it has never failed."

If a hen's spur is hard, and the scales on the legs
rough, she is old, whether you see her head or not,
but her head will corroborate your observation. If
the underbill is so stiff that you cannot bend it down,
and the comb thick and rough, leave her, no matter
how fat and plump, for some one less particular. A
young hen has only the rudiments of spurs ; the
scales on the legs are smooth, glossy and fresh col-
ored, whatever the color may be; the claws tender
and short, the nails sharp, the underbill soft and the
comb thin and smooth. — Rural Neie Yorker.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

Brown Street Wharf Market on the Dela-
ware.— The greater extension of Philadelphia
northward and northwestward than in other direc-
tions, has necessitated a more northern wholesale
market on the river front than now exists.

Owing to its proximity to the Delaware river; to
the Germantown, North Pennsylvania, Kensington
and other railroad depots ; to the Vine street and
Shackamaxon street ferries ; as well as to its accessi-
bility by the horse cars and the new Delaware ave-
nue steam railroad ; the above is believed to be an
unequaled point for the receipt and distribution of
market supplies by river and rail .

Ground and wharves have been secured to ensure
every facility for a market of large proportions, and
to extend the same as increased business may call
for it.

There will also be stores in the vicinity, suitable
for produce dealers, and extensive storage for arti-
cles in barrels is already provided.

A market house at the foot of Brown street,
extending from Beach street to Delaware avenue,
will be erected immediately, and be ready for use
next spring, and extensive accommodations provided
on the opposite wharf.

There will be a telegraph office on the premises,
by which dealers from all parts can secure deliveries
of oysters, fish, produce, fruit, etc., with the utmost
despatch, and the convenience of those engaged
there consulted as far as possible.

The Second and Third street cars (taking passes
via Brown street) and the Green street and Fair-
mount avenue cars reach the place. ,

The Mount Joy Herald.— Of all the folios — not
Included in the specialty of agriculture — there is none
that comes to our desk more promptly and more
welcomly than the Mount Joy Eei-ald, and none tliat

reflects a higher moral and domestic tone. Its liter-
ary selections are pure and practical ; its editorials
fair and liberal, and its local columns a faithful epi-
tome of the events of its neighborhood. But this is
not all, for it caters for more than the merely material
wants of man — it endeavors to lift up and expand
his moral nature — to be not only "a lamp to his feet,"
but also "a light to his path." "The sayings of
Honest John," emanating from a more pretentious
source,would long since havebeen quoted as superior
and less selfish than those of "Poor Richard." But
more still, regularly every week, side and side with
its practical Agricultural and Domestic column, are
its contributions to the edification of the spiritual
man, and it is refreshing to see, in a secular journal,
this constant and living recognition of men's spiritual
nature through "Our Diary." $2.00 a year, in ad-
vance, for the Herald and The Farmer.

The Art of Propagation. — A hand-book for
Nurserymen, Florists, Gardeners and everybody.
Price, 50 cents. Published by the Jenkins Grape and
Seedling Nursery, Winona, Columbiana county, Ohio,
1877. "This is a fairly printed octavo of 36 pages. In-
cluding covers and 2.5 finely executed illustrations.
No work that we have ever seen seems to be better
entitled to "3/m/(«h4 in pa»-!io" than this little work
on a most useful and interestingsubject. The whole
subject of propagation is contained in a "nut-shell,"
and from a practical standpoint. We will furnish the
Farmer for 1878 and a copy of this valuable treatise,
to all who desire it, a.t $1 .25, to those residing within
the county of Lancaster, and at $1.50 to those who
reside beyond its borders, whether they are old sub-
scribers or not.

The Poultry World. — Poultry fanciers and
farmers who raise fowls for market will find this
magazine very useful, as it is devoted exclusively to
the discussion of matters pertaining to the breeding
and rearing of poultry and such other matters as are
connected with the pursuit. Its appearance is very
attractive, as it is adorned with numerous fine cuts,
and, in addition, the publisher furnishes to his sub-
scribers at a nominal price, twelve magnificent Chro-
nco-plates of modern varieties of fowls. Subscription,
$1.25 per year, or $2 with the chromo-plates. Ad-
dress, H. H. Stoddard, Publisher, Hartford, Conn.

St. Francis Nurseries.— We have received the
illustrated wholesale price list of nursery-grown
European larch, evergreens, fruit, ornamental, shade
and deciduous tree seedlings, cultivated and for sale
by H. M.Thompson & Son, St. Francis, Milwaukee
county, Wisconsin. An octavo pamphlet of 40 pages,
with a large folded plate, of shelter-belts and orna-
mental hedges, and 11 other illustrations of choice
evergreens, and besides giving an unusually large
amouut of statistical, historical and instructive
matter on the subject of tree culture.

Dear Old Homestead, is the title of a new soog,
by Miss Anna C. Hilts. This song has taken a strong
hold on the popular fancy. No doubt there are thous-
ands who never forget the "Dear Old Homestead,"
where so many happy hours were spent in joyfuluess
and glee, during their childhood days. Price, 40
cents, with splendid lithograph of a country home-
stead.

'Tis a place I sliall ever remember.

Should I live to be fifty years old ;
'Twas the home of ua all iu our childhood,
And we prize it, yes higher than gold.

Address all orders to F. W. Helmick, publishers,
No. .50 West Fourth street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

N. B. — Over 200 second-hand pianos for sale cheap.

Extensive Art Gallery. — Next to the Bible
no book is more useful than Webster's Dictionarj .
The Unabridged is an extensive art gallery, contaimag
over three thousand engravings, representing almost
every animal, insect, reptile, implementj plant, etc.,
which we know anything about. It is a vast library,
giving information on almost every mentionable sub-
ject. It, indeed, has been well remarked that it is the
most remarkable compendium of human knowledge
iu our Isingndtgt.— Household Advocate.

Received, for 1877 and 1878, descriptive catalogue
of tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, lilies, and other
spring-flowering bulbs, with supplementary addenda
of winter-blooming plants, fuchsias, geraniums,
roses, chrysanthemums, &c. For sale by F. K.
Phcenix, at the Bloomington Nursery, Bloomington,
McLean county, Illinois. Also, wholesale price list
and wholesale club rates.

The Advertisers' Guide, a magazine devoted to
the interests of advertisers and newspaper pub- •
lishers, by N. W. Ayer & Son, Times building,,
Chestnut and Eighth streets, Philadelphia, Pa. A t
very handsome royal octavo of 20 pages and filled
with interesting and instructive matter on its
specialty.

Centennial prize medal and diploma, awarded
to Gibson tV Bennett, for exhibit of fine fruit. Florists
and Fruit-growers, Woodbury, N. J. Illustrated
description and price list of the four best market
berries, nursery stock, roses, grapevines, &c., for sale.

Wholesale price list of grapevines, fruit trees,
&c., for Autumn, 1877. T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia,
New York.

Rochester Commercial Nurseries, Wm. 3. Little's
semi-annual circular of wholesale prices for the Au-
tumn of 1877.

i

THE LANCASTER FARMER^

in

E. F. Kunkel's Bitter "Wine of Iron.

The grt-Ht 8uccts8 uud dcli«bt of the people, lu fact,
nothing of the kind has over bet-ii oftored to the Americau
people which has so quickly foimd its way into their good
favor and hearty approval as E. F. Kinkei/s Bitter Wine
OF Iron. It does all it proponep. and thus gives universal
SfttiBfaotion. It is guaranteed to cure the worst rase of dys-
pepsia or indigestion, kidney or liver disease, weakDess,
nervouanees, constipation, acidity of the stomach, A:c. Get
the genuine. Only sold in $1 bottles. Depot and Oftlce, 'i59
North Ninth street. Philadelphia. Ask lor Kuukers, and
take no other. Sold by all druggists.

Dyspepsia. Dyspepsia. Dyspepsia.

E. F. KusKEL'a BiTTKU Wink of Iron is a svire euro for
this diseuse. It has been prercril>ed daily for many years
in the practice of eminent physicians with unparalleled snc-
cess. Symptoms are loss of iipiietitf, wind and riPiug of
food dryness in month, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness
and low spirits. Get the geauine. Not sold in bulk, only
ln$l bottles. Sold by all druggists. Ask for E. F. Kunkkl's
Bitter Wine of utos and tuke no other. $1 per bottle, or
six bottles for $5. All I ask is a trial of this valuable medi-
cine, A trial will couviuco you at once.

Worms. Worms. "Worms.

E. F. Kunkel's Worm Syrup never fails to remove all
kinds of Worms. Seat, Pin and Stomach Worms ure readily
removed by Kunkel's Worm Syrup. Dr. Kunkel is the only
Buccessful physician in this country that cau remove Tape
Worm in from two to four hours. He has no fee until head
and all passes alive and in this space of time. Common sense
teaches if Tape Worm can be removed, all other Worms can
readily be destroyed. Ask your druggist for a bottle of
KfNKEi/s Worm Syeui'. Price $1.0ii per bottle. It never
fails ; or bend to the doctor for circular, No. 2o9 North Ninth
street, Philadelphia. Advice free.

0^ 0^ m m^ Great chance to make moiu-y. If you
■ ■ VI I WW cau'e get gohl you can get greenbacks.
!■ Ill Mm _We need a person in every town to take
^1 ^^ ^HH^ I^^i1^^^'''l'*^<^"^ ^<^'' *^^ largesi, cboapest
and West Illustrated family publicjition in the world. Any
one can become a successful agent. The most elegant
works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low
that almost everybody subscribes. One agent rej>orts mak-
ing over ^1150 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over
407 sabscribors in 10 days. All who engage make money
fast. Von can devote all your time to the business, or only
your spare time. You need llot be away from home over
night. You can do it as well as others. Full ]>articulars,
directions and terms free. Elegant and expensive outfit
free. If you want profitable work scLd us your address at
once. It costs notl^ng to try the business. No one who
engages fails to make great pay. ,\ddrt8S "The People's
JouYual." Portland, Maine.
9-S-ly

War in Europe.

DIQM A RPI^ '^^^ '^"^^'^'^'''^ Bioi^rai'by, Private Letters
DiwIVInriUNiand Memoranda. Introdnciion by Bay-
ard Ta^'lor, Graphic and entertaining. Full of anec-
dote, wit, romantic incident, and great historical events.
Profusely llliiNtrated with actual sketches from Bis-
mark's life — home, student, political and battle scenes, por-
trsits. landscapes, etc. This Life of Europe's greatest
statesman is just the book for the times , dehneating as it
does all the famous Rulers. Generals, and Diplomats— co-
actors with Bismarck. SpecialCanvassees wanted to suj)-
ply the nrgent demand for this live book. Good pay. Circu-
lar, free. Wnte to .J, B. FORD & CO , Few York. 9-5-6m.

^^ —»■■■■ i^ liOt easily earned iutheselime8,butit can be
/n I / 1 / ij made in three mouths by any one of either
M^ § § § sex, in any part of the couutr>' who is willing
#Ij I I I t*^ work steadily at the employment that we
^l' ■ ■ ■ furnish. SfitJ per week in jour own town. You
need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only yoiir spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and $5 Outfit free.
Address at once, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-3-1 y

Si3:i:E=5_TS 1

Half Dozen for

$6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

l.liieii and Paper rollar*i and C'litfN

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

E. J. EEZSliCAN'S,

No. llO North Queen Street,
Second door from Shober's Hotel.

9-l-ly

NEWSPAPER

ADVERTISING.

A book containing a list of towns in the TJ. S,, having
5,000 pop., and the newspaper having largest circulation.
All the Religions. Agricultural, Scientific, and other special
class journals. TabUs of ratws, showing cost of advertis-
ing and ever>-thing which an advertiser would like to know.
Hailed on receipt of ten cents. Address

«Et>. P. KOWELI. A CO.,
10 Spmca-st., N. Y,, (opposite "Tribune" building).
9-10-6m

iiIKEKQSINC{/\ACENEY^

.174 ©EMySTRE^T;
CPyfiTT^iyATT. OHIO.

Adrertuement8 inserted ia any paper.
Before adTcrtiaing send.for.my catalogna.'

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877

CASSIMERES,
TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Chiviots and T^'eeds,

Plain, barred, striped and dlagonal.for Spring and Rummer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Eatablishoa in the year 1840),

Comer of North l^iieen aud Orange-Sts.,
LANCASTER, PA.

Extra fiuiehed aud triniiueJ. Roady-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOYS,

aud clothing cut or made to order in the most satisfactory
manner,

A fine line of GENTS' FUUNISHIKO GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or piece.

RATHVON & FISHER,

9-1 -ly I'raotioal Tnllona.

M. HABEEBUSH,

MANUFACTUREK OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

SADl>I,l-;»,

COLLARS, WHIPS, &c.,

AL.SO DEALER IN'

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-1-ly LANCASTER, PA.

H.'Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. G. RHOADS.

A &REENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR.

For $1.00 we will send free by mail,
any one of the following lots :

8 dl Btlnct varieties, Montlily Kobcs, Winter flowering.

8 " BegontAs, *'

8 " Carufttlon Pinks, '*

8 *' Cbiuesi; Chr>-santtiemu9, "

8 *' Zooal Geraniums, **

8 " Double, " **

8 '• Ivy Leaved " "

8 ** Bellotropus, "

6 " AbuHIooB, "

2 •' Double Camelias, "

4 •' Azaleas, "

4 " Lobster Cactus, "

6 " Bouvardlas, *'

6 '* SteviasandEupatoriums,"

8 •' Fuchsias, "

4 " Double Violets, *'

2 ** Polasutta, Scarlet & White, do. do.

4 *' Plumbago, do. do.

8 " Ferns, for Wardian Cases.

4 '♦ Palnjft,

6 *' Mosses, '*

6 *' Marantaa, "

8 " Hyaciotb Bulbs.

20 assorted Tulips, Bulbs.

60 ** Crocus
2 " .lacoliean Lily, Bulbs.

12 " Oxalts.
4 Lily of (he Valley.
8 New rearl Tubemsc.

OR BY EXPRESS:
3 oi any of the above 81 collectioai for |2.

6 " •' " 3

7 " " " 4.

e " " ** e.

12 " *' " fl.

14 " " " 7.

Or the whole rollcptlon of 238 Bultis and rianti sent by
Exprcps on fcc<*ipt nf Jl.'f.iNi, to which i-ilhcr of f>ur book*,
GAKDKNING KoU 1-KOFIT. ritACrUAL FLOKlCl L-
TUKE. or GAKUEMNG FUK I'LKASL'KE (vuluo |l.jO
each), will bt> adicd. Descriptire Catalogue (rue.

PETER HENDERSON & CO.,

See<lNiiii-ii and Florisls,

35 CorUandt St., N. Y

9-7-ly]

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wholeeale aud Retail Dealers in

DIAMONDS, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SHVESWAEE, SPECTACLES,

Clock: md Witckakers' Mm]i,

JOBBBI\S IN i\xiEIlICAN WaTC^jBS.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR

Special Injportations i^ Foreign Goods.

9-1 -ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

1823. SEND rOR 1878.
NEW Y0Rk""0BSERVER

The Best Religiousand Secular Family News-
paper. $3.15 a Year, post-paid.
Established 1S23.

37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.

SAMPLE COPIES FREE.

»-10-6m

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HAEDWARE,

GLASS,

PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS,

TERDACOTTA.IRONaiiilLEADPIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

GRACE'S SALVE.

A Teicetable Preparation, m%'eDted iu the ITtb
century by Dr. William Grace, Surgeou in King James'
ormy. Through its agency he cured thousanda of the most
serious aores and wounds, and was regarded bj all who
knew him as a public benefactor. 25c. a box, by mall 30c.
For sale by druggists generally.

AGENTS WANTED.

Address BETE W. fOWLZ !i 30»:, Bsf.n. Umi.
»-10-«in

A|i:eiit>i for the

" Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann'e Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Po-wder,
Harrisburg: Nails, &c., &c.

We hare the Urgeat stock of general Hardware la the
State, and oar prlcea are aa low and terms aa Ul>eral as Ofta
be found eUewhere. 9-1-tf .

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[October, 1S77

LADIES I

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A NEW LOT OF

HAMBnSGEfflBROIDEREDEBIlINGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT THE VERT LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid Gloves,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

CEAPE BOT^l^fETS & HATS,

KUCHINGS,

all styles and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAB,

that is good, desirable and cheap.

Give us a call at

©■■cnrn-A-^Bia' s
Kos. 142 & 144: \orth Qnpen-st, Lancaster., Fa.

9-l-ly

U

OTJT OF "WORIS."

SSITSOIT, BTTKFES c& CO.,

OFFER FOR SALE A FINE LOT OF

THOROUGHBRED LIVE STOCK,

Including Aldernsy and Ayrshire CATTLB and CALVES, of the finest herd Eegistered Stock. •

op^v^^f^ m, a^W^f^t A T" Tt^T Berkshires sired by our Celebrated Imported Boar. "THE
b'ltXO .A dJr JuV^X.£aLA4^ X • collier;" winner ot six High Honors aud First Prizes Sa

EiigiaSd. YORKSHIRES of our Duke II., and the best imi3ortatiou5;CHESTER WHITE, POLAND CHINA AND

ESSEX PIGS.
Qiyy lll^l^ JB— T A 1Vf"RCk SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD, AND LEICESTER SHEEP AND

^*j wv^F^w ^ 1 %T#^T^ T%^%TTT niT^^CT AH the leading varieties of best class LAND AND

SUx'±4£Li.Ux& JrU U IjXxC X . water fowls.

Breeder's Slimnal mid Jfew Illiixlrated Descriptive Catalogrnc of Tlioroustibred t'attle,
Sheep, Hosts, Pwltiiry. etc. Seeoiid Edition. JUST OUT. Cootaiiiins over 50 I>asres Tain-
able Reading'. I>esides 16 Fnll Paae Stock Cuts, from life, of oiiv finest Imported and Prize
Aninials an«T Fowls. Price. 25 cents. Postpaid. Every Farmer needs it.

SEEB WHEAT AND ALL. SEASONABLE SEEDS.
t9,0ur Annual Illustrated Descriptive Seed Catalogue, for 1878, will be issued December Ist, offering mauy Choice
Novelties. It may be had Free for the asking.

BEHSON, BUHFEE Ss GO-, 223 Church Street, Fhiladelpliia.

WE know no breed of Poultry that has gained a more Wonderful Popularity, in so short a time, thin the PLYMOUTH
HOCKS. This popularity is wondehfdi, when we consider that Pure Bred Poultry is chiefly cultivated by Fan-
ciers, whose aim is artistic beauty, and the Plymouth Rocks possess few fancy points— their merits beiug in their econom- ,
leal qualities. This is almost the only breed of Poultry in which nothing has been sacrifled for mere fancy. They
originated by crosses of several breeds, thus gainiug great vigor and strength of constitution. They have large, well-
shaped bodies, with a superabundance of choice meat on the breast and most esteemed parts. They will attain a weight
of FIVE POUNDS at four months, when they make splendid market fowls, while the Asiatics arc not ready to market
until eight months old. The Plymouth Rocks have bright yellow legs, free from any feathers, and beautiful yellow skin. .
They are good lavers, and are not hard to break from sitting. They make flrst-class mothers, and the chicks are hardy
and easy to raise". They are in a pre-eminent degree the FARMER'S FOWL, combining as they do more excellencies for
general farm use th.an any other breed now known. They pay better to raise pure for market than any cross-breeds or
mongrels. We think the day is not far distant when these fowls will be bred by Farmers everywhere for market. The
outlook at present points this way, as all farmers who have tried them pronounce them all that can be desired. The de-
mand for them already far exceeds expectancy— out-selling now any other breed.

"W. ATLEE B'aRPEE, Philadelpliia. Pa.

SONG AND CHOBTTS, BY

ALICE HA^WTHORNE.

Author of " Listen to the Mocking Bird," "I'll sail the seas
over," *' What is Home without a Mother," etc., etc.
" Out of work, without a penny.
Pleading heln before thy door.
Without friends among the many —
Look with pity on the poor."
* , * One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever
written, will give the author a more extended popularity
than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents — or,
illustrated title page 40 cents.

For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on
receipt of price by the publishers,

J. M. STODDART & CO.,
9-9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

A NEW BOOK.

How to Raise

FRUITS.

A HAND-BOOK OF

FRUIT CULTURE,

BEING A GUIDE TO THE PROPER

CuUtvation and Management of Fruit Trees^ and

of Grapes and Small Fruits,
with condensed descriptions of many of the beet and most
popular varieties, with upwards of one hundred engravings.
By Thomas Gbegg. Price $1.00.

A book wTiich should be owned by cYery pereon who owns
a rod of available land, and it will serve to secure success
■where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the
ground fully, without technicalities, and is a work on

Fruit Culture for the Million.

It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to
transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers,
blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering,
budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man-
agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is
a most complete

Gviide to Small-Fruit Culture.

Tith many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari
eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Kaspberries,
Ckioseberries, Cui rants, etc.

The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it.
Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Fabheb and How
to raise Fruite, will be furnished at tl,7&- Address

I., RATKTOX.
29.Soatb Qa«eii-st., I^aneastcr, Pa.

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ART OF PROPAGATION.

A consise practical work on the rapid increase and mul-J
tiplication of stock — amply illustrated.

Price pre-paid by tnnil.50 cents.

prSLISHED BY

JENKINS' GRAPE AND SEEDLING NURSERIES,

Winona, Columbiana Co., Ohio.J
SEND FOE IT, AND FOR FREE CATALOGUE.
By a special arrangement with the publishers, we offer ,
the above work at 40 cts, per copy. It has received the fa-
vorable notice of over 1600 leading papers of the country. :
Cash to be sent to this office.
9-10 L. RATHVON.

EZRA F. BOWMAI^,

Practical Wat^iiimaker,

(formerly with H. Z. Rhoads & Bro,) has opened at 10ft
East Kin$^ Street, a new and well selected stock of

WATCHES, CLOCKS, WATCHMAKERS' TOOLS,!

Ameaican Watches from the different Factories of good rep- I
utation. Imported Watches of different grades, in Gold and |
Silver Cases, in weights to suit purchasers. American and f
imported Clocks in over fifty ditferent styles, which are of- 1
fered at reasonable prices, and warranted according to their I
quality. Watcbes and Clocks carefully repaired and wai^
ranted. A cordial invitation to examine stock extended to .
all. 9-4-6m

ESTABLISHED 1832.

THE BEST OFFER !

We will sell during these hard tunes

$000 Raaos for $250,

And all other styles in the same proportion, including Grand,
Square and Upright— all rtr.»(-c(o«s— sold direct to the people
at fnctoni prices. No agents; no commissions; no discounts.
Tliese Pianos made one of the finest displays at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, and were unanimously recommended for
the Highest Honors. Regularly incorporated Manufac-
turing company— New Mauufactorj'— one of the largest and
finest in the world. The SquareGrands contain Mathushek's
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment In the history of Piano making. The uprights are the
finest in America.' Pianos sent on trial. Don't fail to write
for Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue— mailed free.

MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO.,

9-7-1 y Xo. B6 Broadway, W. "V.

PU L MO N A

is beyond comparison the best remedy for the evre of CON-

SUMPTION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVAXCED 8TAaE8),^»(Am«,

Bronchita*. Catarrh, and all derangements of th^ NERV-
OUS SYSTEM. A circuUr containtog pabticolarb of

MANT CASES BCCCESSFULLY TREATED, fuU advise fOr the

treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certificates
of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants.
Address OSCAR G. MOSES, Sole Proprietor, 18 Cortlandt
Street, New York. 9.10-6mH

G-. SENER & SONS,!

Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

i.X71MIB]e:fi,

Also Sashr j

The best Sawed SIIIN<>I.ESin the country.
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best COAtconstantlron hand.

OFFICE AND YARD I > .

Nortbeiist Corner of Priace and Wabnit-8ts.»

;i.uA.NCA.STKR, FA..'

9-l-ly

ct-l r\ Vpar* jTosiibflCribers in

\ tUe county.

SINGLS COFISS 10 CEITTS.

bBCribere out of \ dr-f OK
the county. f ipl.^SCJ

To lUbBCriberB

Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER; NOVEMBER 15, 1877.

LINN^EUS EATHVON. Publisher.

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a ja-onjint'tit feature, wth special reference to the
wants of the Farmer, tlic Gardeuer and Fruit -Grower.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited ty Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT.

TERMS:

To subscribers reeidiug within the county —
One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - - - .- - - 5.00

Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50

To Bubscribers outside of Lancaster comity, including
postage pre-paid by the pubhshere:
One Copy, one year, - ----- $1.25

Five Copies, one year, ... . - - 5.00

All subscriptions will commence w^ith theJanxiary num-
ber uuleee otherwise ordered.

All communications intended for pubhcatiou should be
addreeeed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be
to his hands by the first of the mouth of publication.
• All business letters, coutaiuiug subscriptions and adver-
tisemeuts, should be addressed to the publisher.

Tbe Lancastbk T'armer having completed its eighth
year under various \iciB8ltudes, now commences its nintli
'volume U'lder, it is hoped, more favorable auspices than
attended its former volumes. When the publishers of the
last two volumes assumed the responsibilities of its publi-
cation, it was with a determination to make such improve-
ments as would place the farmer's organ of this great agri-
cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural jour-
nahsm. That this has buen accomplished we tliiuk our
readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasonably '^'■is-
tained, our aim is to make it still more interesting and in-
Btructive under ts new proi)rietorBhip. In this, however,
we need the co-operation of every frieud of the enterprise.

The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on
subjects connected with the science of farming, and partic-
ularly that specialty of which he is so thoroughly a master-
entomological science— some knowledge of which has become
a necessity to the successful farmer, are alone worth much
more than the price of this publication.

The Fabmgb will be published on the 15th of every
mouth, printed on good paper ^^^th clear type, in con-
TQDient form for reading and binding, and niailed to sub-
■cribers on the following

LINNAEUS RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATES OF ADVERTI8IX«— Ten r<-n(« »
line Tor eaeb InMertion. Twelve licee to tbe iocb

CONTENTS OTTHIS NUMBER.

Notice Extraonlinary, - . . . - Ifil
Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Society, - - llil
To Our Delinquent Subscribers, - - . IRl
Do Bees Cut or Sting the Skins of Fruit? - 161
Do BeeB Destroy Fi Hit ? No. 1. — Do Beefl DeHtroy
Fruit ? YeB* No. 2. — Do Bees Destroy Grapes ?
No. .S.— Do Bees Destroy Fruit 7 No. 4.— Do
Bees Destroy Fruit I No. S.— Bees aud Qraijes—
No. fi.
How to Make a Well— Clean, Pure Water, - 163
Buy Your Trees at Home, . . - . - 163
Improvement in the Cultivation of Wteat, - 164

Obituarv, - - 16-1

Synopsis of the Crops of 1877, - - - 1()4
Special Premiums for 1878, - . - - lt;.5
Monthly Kcminilers, ----- 105
American Pomological Convention, - - 165
How to Make Paris Green, ... - 165
Cimlerella Strawberry, - - . - 160
The Application of Fertilizers, . - - 166

Coiisicleralioi.s WhicU Should Have Their Influence.
Lancaster County Tobacco, - - . - 167
Horticulture and Education, - - - 167
Hubbardston Non-Such, ----- 168
Around the Farm. No. 3, - - - - 168

Oare of Horses — Grindslones.
Improvements in Farming-Varieties and Methods, 108
Autumnal Coloration of the Leaves, - - 169

Forest and Kain-fa!l, 170

Address of Thos. Meehan before the May Meeting
of tbe Pennsylvania State Bo.ird of AgricultlU'e.
[OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul-
tural and Horticultural Society, - - 171
Croi) Rerorts— The Manure Question— The Cattle
Disease— Referred Questions — Examination of
Fruits — Medal and Diploma— Business for Next
Meeting — GrolT's Patent Wheat Cuhivator— A
Squash— Great Corn Crop — Reijort of Fruit Com-
mittee.

Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - 173
Members Present— Croi> Reiorts — Striiiinng To-
bacco—New Members— Referred Questions— A
Visiting Committee — More About stripping To-
bacco—Fay Dp— Fall Plowing.
The Linuivan Society, - . . - . 173

The Tobacco Trade, 17i

SometMiig About Buying 18T7 Tobacco at this
Early Period— Tbe German Tobacco Trade— The
New York Tobacco Market.

AGRICULTURAL.

Good Farming, - 174

England's Impoi-ts, - 174

Lancaster County Centennial Cotton, . - - 174

HORTICULTURAL.
A Root Cellar or House, - - - - 175

Pruning Koscs, ------ 175

To Keep Cabbage, - - - - 175

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
A Cheap Smokehouse, - - - - 175

Sour Bread, -....- - 175

Worms in Flower Pots, - - . . 175
Domestic Recipes, ------ 175

LIVE STOCK.
Keeping Stock Clean, - - - - - 175

Hay Tea for Calves, - . - - - 17.5

Care of Stock, ---- - - 17«

Devons, - - - - - - - -176

POULTRY.
Cooked Meat for Poultry, - - - - - 176

Eggs for Export, --..-. 176
Preparing Poultry for Market, - . - - 176
Cleaning the Hen House, - - . - 176

Poultry as Food, 176

Literary and Personal, .... 176 I

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DCAMtn IN

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Sole Agent for the Aniudel Cinted

spectaci.es.

llfpairing strictly attended to.

North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa.

9-t-ly

CHRONIC

lJinrajtf« Ctirvti. New

paths marked out b}' that
plainest of all books —
•'Pliiin Home Talk and
^lAtliCdl Common Sense,''
—nearly l.iiiiu pag<-B, -ioo illn»tratiniis. by Dr. E. B. Foots,
of 120 Lexington Ave., N. Y. PurctiBPera of tliJB Book are
at liberty to roMwu/f its author in person or by mail frte.
Price by mail 13.25 for xh*^ Stnnttnrd edi»ion, or Si.&Ofoi
the /*o7>ti/<>r edition, which contaiiiB all Ihe j^ame mattei
and iIIui!>tralionH. Cunteutfl tattles free. Afffttts Watited.

Ml'HHAY HILL PUBLISHING CO ,
9-10-Iy |I29 i::igf 2Hth St, N. Y.

FREE.

For a Club for either the Eureka Bfafrt or Dreos Chartfl
will Bend a Chart fre* on receipt of 26 cte. to pay for monnt-
ing and postage. M»8. A. J. MARROW,

IndhinapoUe, Ind.

H.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

PENXSVI.VAXIA RAILROAD
Trains leave the Depot in IMb city,

Leave
WE T WARD,

Pacific Express**

Way Passengert

Niagara Express

Col. Accomniodaliou,,. ...

Mail train via Mt. Joy

No. 2 viii Columbia

Sunday Mail

Fast Line* . .

Frederick Accommodation.

Harris bnrg Aceom

Columbia Accommodatiou..

Harrisburg Exj 'i-ess

Pittsburg Express

Cincinnati Express"

Liincaster.

2:.K) a. m.

4:50 a. m.

9.35 a. m.

T:20 a. m.
1 J :20 a. m.
11:21) a.m.
11:29 a. m.

2:10 p. m.

2:15 p. m.

6:10 p. m.

7:20 p. m.

7:25 p.m.

9:25 p. m.
11:30 p.m.

EASTWARD. Laucaster.

Atlantic Express* I 12:B0 a. m.

Philadelphia Expresst,

Harrisburg Express

Columbia Accommodation..

Pacific Express*.,

Sunday Mail

Johnsf own Express

Day Express*

Harrisburg Accom .

4:10 a. m.
7:35 a. ni.
9.28 a. m.
1:20 p. m.
2:00 p. m.
3:05 p.m.
5:1S p. m.
5:50 p. m.

S<'HEl>UI.Ii:.

as fullows :

Arrive

Harrisburg.

4:'i5 a. m.

7:50 a. m.

10:40 a, m.

Co!. 8:00 a. m.

1:00 p. m.

1:25 p. m.

1:30 p. m.

3:25 p.m.

Col. 2:45 p. m.

S:10p. m.

Col. 8:00 p. m.

S:40 p. m.

10:50 p. m.

12:45 a. m,

Philadelphia,
3:00 a. m.
7:00 a. m.
10:i'0 a. m.
12:30 p. m.
3:45 p. m.
5:00 p. m.
6:00 p. m.
7:20 p. m.
9:00 p. m.

The Hanover Accommodatiou, west, connects at Lancaster
with Niagam Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., aud will ruu
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas-
ter with Fa.st Liue, west, at 2:10 p. m.. aud runs to Fi-ederick.
The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will
atop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy aud Laudis-
viUe.
*The only trains which run daily.
tRuns daily, except Monday.

THE JOURNAL.

A Paper Devoted to the Interests of the So-
ciety of Friends.

" Frieiich, MukJ the Liijlit." — Gehrge Fox.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY ON 4TH DAY (WEDNESDAY.)

Price $2.50 per Anuum.

JOSEPH GIBBONS,
Editor and Proprietor, Bird-in-Haud, Lau. eo., Pa.

Philadelphia Office, 103 North 4th st.

The Journal will conijilete its fifth year in the first month
(January). ISTS. Its success, coueideriug the stringency of
the times, h^is been remarkable. It circulates all over the
United Slates, and has a number of subscribers iu Caimda.
It is therelore especially valuable as an advertisiog medium.
Friends and persous interested iu their testimonies will find
that it supiilies the want long felt of a mediiuu of commu-
nication between the members 01 the Society, aud a vehicle
for the expression to the world of widely differing, but
honestly held, opinion* upon the momentous questions of
the day, particularly those in which Friends are especially
interested. Tne terms of The Jo^inial are very moderate.
It is offered to clubs of five at $2.25 per year, per copy, free
for six mouths to the getter up of the club. To clubs of ten
at $2.00 per year per copy, with a copy free for the year to
the getter np of the club. Subscriptions may begin at any
time.

A FARMER'S FORTUNE.

The plaee to learn how it may be obtained is the Grea
Ameritan Stock Joornal, a large 24 page monthly, one of
the cheapest aud best Farm Magazines in the country. Tells
about Farmiug and Stock Raising iu all its bfanches. No
farmer's Family should be wiLhout it, as it will save many
times its cost.

HARD TZMSIS,

an* a desire to place it iu the hands of all, led us to make
the liberal otfer of sending it three months on trial for

TWO DIMES.

Liberal premiums, a specimen copy and show bills free to
all who will use them. All who subscribe before January
1st, 1878, get the October, November and December num-
bers free. Address. POTTS BROTHERS, Parkesburg,
Chester co.. Pa. [9-11 -3m.

A TRUE FARMER' 3 PAPER.

SCIENTiG FARMER.

BOSTOJT, MASS.

levoted to tlic Iiileresis ol ProBiaMe Agricnltiire.

Its departmeuts include Chemistry. Botany aud Hoe-
Tlcul.TuaE, Dairy and Stock Veterinary, Entomolooi-
CAL The Field, Conferescb Cobmer i.ud Miscbllane-
OU8— on Pann Practice, Rural Architecture. The Farmer
in Politics, etc.— all beiug conducted on that idea of cor-
rectness which is to advauce the farm profit, and lift Agri-
culture iu a higher social position.

Circulates in Every State and Territory.

Subscription price only $1.00 per year. Send stamp for
sample copy aud circular of Special Premiums and induce-
merits for Clabn. [9-ln-4m.

Rate«t Af A<lv4 rtl-iiiigr in tb«> I'armcr.

GRAND TRIUMPH IN HORTICULTURE.

elorioilii rexnltH of a I'sofnl I-lfe; climax almost
reached: FE1.TOX-S NEW BERRIKS, finderel-
la and Conllnenlal Strawberries. The four

best bearing, best carryl»g, best eeUing, best paymg
market Berries. . ^ ._, .. »

Illustrated Circular and Price hat giying history and
fall description r- t^|"^^ ^ BENNETT,

Nurserymen and Fruit Growers, Woodbury, N. J.
«.ll-3m

1 in.

2 iu.

^i m.

4 iu. 1 Sin.

Sin.

$1.00
2 00
2. 50
3.00
4.50
6.00
9.00

$ 2.00
4.00
4.. 50
8 00

».on

12.00
18.00

$ a. 00

6.00

B.75

9.00

U.X

18.00

27 00

$ 4.00$ 6.011
S.OO 12.00

10.00 13. .50
12.00; IS. 00

15.001 27.00
24.00: 36.01
36,00 54.00

$ S.OO

2 nio

4 nao

24 00

6 uio

36 00

8 mo

1 year

48.00
72 00

U;^~S>jecial and business notices M> cf^nts per lint:'

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' Cnquestionably the best sustained worlt
ot tile kind in the World."

ILLUSTRATED.

yotices of the Pres*f.
The veterau Afaguzine, which loug ago outgrew its origit
nal title of the Xew Month/;/ Magazine, has not iu the least
abated the poiulaiity it won at the outset, but has added to
it in many ways, and has kejjt fairly abreast of the times,
thanks to the enterprise of the publishers and the tact and
wisdom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read-
able in the Literature of travel, discovery, and fiction, the
average reader of to day looks to Harper'.'i Magazine, just as
expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago;
there is the same admirable variety of contents and the same
freshness and suggestiveness in its editorial departments
now as tb.en.~Boiito7i Journal,

8-

TEB. MS

THE UiCflSTES BUTTER CiRIER

Festags Frso tc all Suljscri'oera 1q the United States.

HAfiPEa's Magazine, one year $4 00.

$i 00 include:^ prepayment of U. S. postage by the pub
lishers.

,^ub8criptio}is to Hahper's Magazine, WEEKLT,an(i Bazar,
tootle address /or one year. ^Xi) (iO ; or, two of Harper's
Periodicals, to one address for one year, $7,00; poMage free.

An Extra Copy of either the Magazine, Weekly, or Ba-
zak will he mipplied gratis for every Club of Five Subscri-
bers «( |4 00 fao/i, pnit/ for by one reviittance; or, tiix Cop-
ies one year, wi'hout extra copy, for $'20 00.

Back ,yunihera can be supplied at any time.

The volumes of the Magazine commence with the Num-
bers for June and December of each year. When no time is
specified, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes to
begin with the current Number.

A complete Set of Harper's Magazine, now comprising
fi5 Volumes iu ueat cloth binding, will be seul by express,
freight at expense of purchaser, for fti 25 per \olume.
Single volumes by mail, postpaid, $'i 00. Cloth cases, for
binding, 50 cents, by mail, postpaid.

A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of
Harper's MAtiAZiNE has been published, rendering availa-
hie for reference the vast aud varied wealth of information
which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera-
ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $'j 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Seut
postage prepaid.

Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only.

yewspapers are not to copy this advertisement loithoiU the
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LANCASTER, PA., NOVEMBER, i877.

Vo!. IX. No. 11.

NOTICE EXTRAORDINARY.

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the "Pennsylvania Fruit-Growers' Society,"
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AVe need not only present help, but we need
an increased subscription list, to sustain us
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make a more satisfactory record in our Decem-
Iier number ?

DO BEES CUT OR STING THE SKINS
OF FRUIT?

It is .said that on a certain occasion four
blind men desired to have a practical demon-
stration of what an elephant was like, and,
as siijkt was out of the question, they essayed
to have it by feeling. The first advanced and
happened to seize the animal's tusk, when a
ray of light seemed to illuminate his counte-
nance and he exclaimed, " Ah ! now I know
what an elephant is like; it is like a great
horn." The .second approached, and by the
same blind chance seized its tail, when he re-
marked, " Ah, brother, you are greatly mis-
taken, for an elephant is not like a horn, but
like a heavy rope." The third seized the
aniinal by one of its huge legs and exclaimed,
" No, brothers, you are Vioth most egrcgiously
mistaken, for an elephant is like the trunk of
a tree." Then the fourth approached, and
hat>pened to get hold of one of its great ears,
when he, with some feeling, alleged that they
were all mistaken, for an elephant was like
neither a horn, a rope nor a tree trunk, but,
on the contrary, it was like a leather apron.
Now, these men were all specifically right, but
generically wrong ; for, having demonstrated
the subject from difterent standpoints, they
were only able to render a partial judgment,
and this seems to to fclie category in which the
gentleman are who have recently been venti-
lating tlie subject of bees stinging fruit
through the columns of the New Era
and other newsi>apers. Although we have
said as much as we deemed necessary
to say (in the October number of The
Faksiek,) on this subject, yet, as it seems to
have become an im|)ortant one, even involving
the grape crop of the country, we have con-
cluded to place the different views of the gen-
tlemen we alluded to in our article, on record;
because we are well acquainted with all of
them, and believi^ them to be honest in their
views, and that their experience, up to the
present time, has just been as they say. The
season is now past, but another season will

give them an opportunity to confirm their
views or disavow them. The matter involved
is a local one, and is discussed by local writers
and observers, and whatever ultimately may
be determined as "the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth," will be of
general interest to the whole country. We
have arranged these papers mnnerically as
they ai)i)eared in print from one to six, and
would admonish our patrons in reading them
not to omit our paper on the subject in the
number of The Fakmeu above alluded to,
because it contains some suggestions on the
subject which they do not appear to have duly
considered, and may assist them in solving
the problem.

Do Bees Destroy Fruit? No. i.
As regularly as the autumn comes around
we are treated with long accounts of the
depredations committed by that industrious
honey-gatherer — the bee. The charges brought
against them are not only many, but as seri-
ous as they are numerous. Nine times out of
ten these charges aie brought by persons in-
capable of iironouncing an ojnnion, but who
swell the hearsay cry of denunciation merely
becau.se it is popular or in conse(iuence of some
unrelialjle information received at second
hand. The result of all this is, that the poor
bees have a hard time of it. It is to relieve
them from at least one, and that the most
serious of all the accusations against them,
that we write this article.

No opinion seems to be more generally
prevalent than that liees tear open the outer
skins of grapes, plums, peaches and other
fruits for the purpose of feasting on the sweet
juices within. I3ecause they are found on
these fruits in the act of committing a tres-
pass, they are condemned without a hearing
or any consideration whatever. It is most
commonly said they sting the fruit. This is
the result of sheer ignorance. Neither the
bee nor any other insect employs its sting for
.such purposes ; they have them for other uses,
as a means of defense against enemies, and
use them solely as nature designed that they
slionld. It is as impossible for a bee to sting
open a grape as it is for it to open a walnut or
a shellbark by the same process. Its only
means to commit the deed of which it is ac-
cused, is the proboscis with which it is armed,
but this, although perhaps capable of tearing
open skins of ripe fruit, is never used for that
purpose, its functions, like those of the sting,
being far different, and confined exclusively
to tlie ends designed by nature.

Although the charges are based mainly on
the fact that at this season large numbers of
bees arc seen on the grapes on our vines, busily
employed in helping themselves to the palat-
able juices, yet we assert very positively that
none of the persons who bring this charge of
stinging the grapes, have ever seen the Insects
depradating on a sound grape or attempting
to tear one open. They always select those
already injured and never perpetrate an origi-
nal injuiy. A rainy spell followed by warm
weather veiy frequently causes grapes and
other fruits to burst, and it is to the fiuit thus
injmed that the slandered bees pay their at-
tentions.

At a late meeting of the Bee-Keepers' .So-
ciety of this county, Mr. Fleckenstein, who is
not only our largest apiarist, but also a most
intelligent and careful observer, stated posi-
tively and unequivocally that his hives were
surrounded with grape vines, and the fruit
hung all aroimd them, and yet his tees never
damaged it in the slightest degree. Surely the
exi»erience of such a man is worth the idle
declamations of a thousand theorists.

There appeared in the Reading Eagle, a few
weeks ago, a most violent denunciation of the

bees and thcii' owners in that city. The old
accusation of Ntiiiging fruit was revived, and
the opinions of various fruit growers were
given to add i>oint to tlie ncces-xily which it
inged was recpiired to put a stop to tlie nuis-
ance. We arc sorry that our usually sound
and reliable cotemporarj should have not only
fallen into this error, but in its uncalled for
indignation has indulged in several recom-
mendations to the citizens to rid themselves
of these supposed pests, that are indefensible
l)otli in law and morals. After saying that
.some persons suggest the wholesale jmisoning
of the bees, it adds, this method of getting
rid of them would also poison the persons who
buy and eat the honey, and is therefore not
feasible, but it advises methods so startling
and reprehensible that we cannot but denounce
them in the strongest terms. In advising that
beeswax and rosin be melted and run into
wide dishes into wliich the bees would crowd,
and where, after the composition cools, the
bees will stick fast, when hot water can be
poured over them, scalding them to death — in
telling fruit growers to .set but a composition
of honey and (lour for the supposed depreda-
tors, in order that the latter, after being mixed
with the honey in the hive, may ferment and
destroy the sweet store laid up — these recom-
mendations are simply barbarous and un-
worthy of the consideration of any man.

Remembering Mr. Fleckenstein's state-
ment, and reading the broad charges of the
Eagle, we began a close investigation of the
question, lasting through a series of days. On
the grapes of a vine growing in our yard hun-
dreds of bees were literally swarming, their
home being in a neighbors's yard, not twenty
paces distant. We sat hour afier hour watch-
ing closely the proceedings of the industrious
insects. There was not a single raceme on the
•whole vine, but was visited Ijy dozens of bees,
who examined every grape on it in search of a
bursted one whose juices were accessible.
After a most careful search and finding none
such, they would immediately leave and con-
tinue then- search elsewhere, until the berry
they desired was found. On all the defective
fruit clusters bees were gathered, but we failed
utterly in detecting in a single instance any
thing like an attempt at trying to tear open a
perfect berry ; Iheir investigations were liasty
but thorough, and when the desired spoil was
not found no time was wasted in useless delaj-.
There can be no mistake about this matter ;
our observations were careful and prolonged,
and must certainly have resulted in detecting
the harm complained of had any been done.
That none was done we arc positively certain,
and we feel that these hard workers deserve a
good word in return for the odium cast upon
them by theorists and careless observers.
They ought not to be held responsible for the
harm .said to 1* done by wasps, hornets and
other hymenoptcrous insects, although we do
not know that those mentioned are more
harmful than the bees themselves, altliough
said to be so.

About the propriety of jiersons living in
cities keeping bees when they have no means
of su|)plying them with their proper food, we
have nothing to say. That is a question such
people must decide for themselves and with
which we have nothing to do. But we do
most decidedly protest against the injurious
charges against these harmless friends of man,
and against the means recommended for their
dcstiiiction by persons entirely incompetent
to discuss the ipiestion we have been consider-
ing from personal knowledge. — F. R. D.

Do Bees Destroy Fruit ? Yes. No. 2.
I saw an article in last week's i.ssue of The
New Eua headed as above. Now, I do not
know who the writer may be who can (ill

162

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[November,

a whole column of the paper trying to
prove that bees do not destroy fruit. For
aught I know, the article may be editorial, or
written by an apiarist or entomologist. But
be he who he may, I protest in toto against
such a conclusion as the writer attempts to
prove. As the writer did not choose to attach
his name, it appears plausible that he was not
quite so confident as he pretends to be that
bees do not sting or cut the cuticle of grapes.
Only a few weeks since I was talking with
a gentleman in Lancaster on this very subject
of bees cutting the grapes. He told me that
his father and himself had kept bees for many
years ; that they had grape vines bearing lots
of fruit, and that the bees never touched the
grapes until within a few years back, Did
bees injure the fruit ? Now, he tells me,
since the Italian, or crosses of that variety of
bees have been introduced, they ai"e so de-
structive of the fruit that they can no more
grow grapes as formerly. Such also is my
experience. For over fifty years I had from
five to forty hives of the black bees in a sea-
son. I then also had lots of grapes, but the
bees did not molest the fruit. For the last
six or eight years I have had no bees on my
place. Now, within the last four or five
my neighbors' "little busy bees " have made
a regular onslaught on my grapes. Though
my neighbors who have the Italian variety
are from half to a mile distant ; yet before
sunrise, and after the sun is set, these little
rascals were as "busy as bees " on my grape
vines, day after day, from the middle of Au-

fust up to the middle of September, or imtil
he last berry was sucked dry. I can assure
the writer of that article had he been at my
place any time from the middle of August to
the middle of September, he need not " have
watched them for hours " until he could have
seen them, uot sting, but cut with their man-
dibles the Ijerries as neatly and expeditiously
as it could have been done with a penknife.

I had a splendid crop of grapes of many va-
rieties this last season, yet as soon as the
earliest varieties became sweet, these little
rascals came in crowds, and as soon as any of
tlie grapes became nearly ripe, they set to
work with a will, and cut and sucked ont th&
juice of the berries, thus spoiling the whole
bmich. I would have had many bushels of
perfect and delicious grapes, yet from the
depredations of these little pests I do not get
a single perfect and perfectly ripe bunch of
grapes ! I cut off some of the Inuiches of
special varieties before the grapes were fully
mature, to get a taste of some new varieties,
but these did not give their true flavor. N"o
amount of shaking the vines, or trying to
drive them oft', had any eflect for they would
just light on some other part of the vine in
all haste. You might as well try to make me
believe that the sun rises in the west, as to
convince me that the "busy bee " does not
cut the berries. They do not sting them, as
they have other uses for that member.

As to wasps and other insects cutting the
grapes prior to bees feasting on the juice,
that is contrary to my experience, as I did
not see a single wasp, hornet, yellow-jacket
or bumble-bee on the vine during the season,
and I was a pretty close observer. The fact
is, where there is such a crowd of honey-bees
no other insect dare approach. Either this
nuisance must be abated, or we may as well
cease growing this delicious and reliable fruit.

I am not sure but I may another season
apply Prof. Riley's recommendation, and give
these thieves a taste of Paris-green, or what
may be more to the purpose, strychnia. If
they get a taste of this drug, mixed with
honey, they will not be very likely to carry
tlie poison to their hives, but drop down at
once, and no longer depredate a neighbor's
property.— J. JB. Garber, CohmMa, Pa., Oct.
. 10, 1877.

Do Bees Destroy Grapes ? No. 3.

As the little busy bee, that poor, industri-
ous little worker, has been greatly abused and
unjustly cliarged with crimes of which I be-
lieve it innocent, I thought it should not be

condemned without a defender at the hearing.
We plead not guilty. My respected old friend,
J. B. G. , of Columbia, is sure the bees gener-
ally are guilty, but the Italians in particular.
Of the latter I^know very httle, .as there are
none in this neighborhood, (I do not mean a
far west frontier neighborhood of 15 or 20
miles, ) but'as friend Garber says, fi'om half
to a mile distant.

I have several colonies, or hives, of black
bees, and close by several varieties of grapes,
and never before this summer did they in large
numbers visit the grapes, but this season,
when the grapes ripened, the Clintons in par-
ticular, being the most perfect, full and large
for the kind, burst their skins, many half way
romid, from some cause unknown to me, so
that the air around^ was filled with the deli-
cious sweet smell of the ripe fruit, which
naturally invited the bees to come and regale
themselves, and sip the nectar now open to
them. Concords near by were not near so
perfect this year, and few hurst their skins
when ripening, and few bees gathered about
them. Delawares, nearest to the hives, were
also very perfect, but none burst their skins,
and no bees visited them. Now, if the bees
had cut the grapes open, is it not natural and
reasonable that they would.have also cut the
other and sweeter kinds, as more to their
taste, particularly the Delawares.

Some varieties of apples, when perfectly
developed and fully ripe, also sometimes burst
their skin, as my friend Garber, that prince of
fruit growers and professor of pomology, no
doubt has noticed.

The question whether the bees have an ap-
paratus at all to cut the skin of the grape, I
refer to my friend. Prof. Rathvon. Their
sthig does not cut, and is used only to defend.

Your correspondent, W., from Strasburg,
complains also of the destruction of his grapes
this year by the bees, but admits that "he
don't know whether the bees tettr the skin or
not," and throws ugly hints at the Italians ;
but that they destroyed his grapes he is quite
sure. Now, if the skin is burst, from whatever
cause, would not the grape go to speedy de-
struction if no bees came near it '? Friend W.
says, "thousands of bees were constantly on
his grapes from early dawn till dusk," which
he can prove by any number of witnesses.
This is not denied. So there were on mine,
but no Italians among them all, but all our
own black bees, or others as much like them
-Tts one bee can be to another bee. If the bees
have only now discovered that they can cut or
tear the skins of grapes, they will, no doubt,
soon find that they can also cut the long tubes
of the red clover blossom. AVhat a flow of
honey there will be when they strike that
bonanza !

Our Clinton grapes were so thin skinned
this year that many could uot be removed
from" the stem without bursting. Is it not
enough that we rob this poor, industrious lit-
tle people of a great portion of their store,
gathered with so much patient industry every
shining hour during summer for winter use V
Shall the robbers then turn around and accuse
them of mischief they are unable to do ? We
ask for a verdict of not guilty. — M., Oregon,
Oct. 22, 1877.

Do Bees Destroy Fruit ? No. 4.
Sir: Tour article under the above caption
has occasioned considerable discussion in this
neighborhood, and you will excuse me if I add
that the general verdict is that its conclusions
are not correct. I have been for some years
quite an extensive grape-grower, and have
had no trouble before the present year ui se-
curing all of that fruit that I wanted. This
year, tlioughl had an aljundance on the vines,
yet I was unable to gather more than a few
perfect bunches. The bees destroyed all the
rest. Now, when I state that thousands of
bees were constantly on my fruit, from early
dawn until dusk, I state a fact that can Iw
be attested by any number of witnesses. This
season has been the first that Italian bees
have been kept in this neighborhood, and our
grape-growers very generally complain of

their ravages. I don't know whether the
bees tear the skin of the grapes or not, but I
do know they destroyed nearly all my fruit. If
the skin is broken in some other way, so be it.
It has not occasioned us heretofore much an-
noyance. We slill had iilenty of the fruit.
This year, through the instrumentality of the
bees, and possibly other cau.ses assisting, we
had very little, and to my mind we will either
have to do without grapes or the busy bees—
of the Italian variety.— TF., Strasburg, Oct.
11, 1877.

Do Bees Destroy Fruit ? No. 5.

Your editorial with this caption, in defense
of the industrious "gatherer of sweets," giv-
ing your own patient watchfulness and thei
experience of Jlr. Fleckenstein, as a reply tol
the denunciation and violent attack on the
bee, in the Reading Eagle, I deemed neitheri
too lengthy nor uncalled for. I gave the subH
ject no further tliought. But when the samd
caption caught my eyes, with an emphatic yesj
added, and signed by that apostle of experi-l
ence, one to whose opinion I and his numer-J
ous friends attach great weight, with all thei
deference of an humljle learner, I carefuUyl
perused his article.

His objection to the editor, or apiarist, orl
an entomologist "who did not choose to at-
tach his name," seems taken against the in-i
cognito writer, and he enters his protestl
against the conclusions arrived at. Mr. G.'
certainly bravely signs his own name and ob-
servations ; but while the former writer quoted
Mr. Fleckenstein by name, Mr. G. only men-
tions a gentJevum who told him that he and
his father had kept bees for many years ; that
they (father and son) had grape vines for many
years bearing lots of fiuit, and that the bees
never touched thefrtdt until within a few years
back ; now, however, since the introduction
of the Italian or cross-breeds, tliey have taken
a new departure, or formed a "new era."
Within the last four or five years the "little
busy bees" have made a regular onslaught on
his grapes. These little rascals, the bees of
his neighbors from half a mile distant, before
sunrise and after tlie sun is set, were as "busy
as bees" on his grape vines, and could be seen
without long watching, cutting the grapes as
neatly and expeditiously as it could have been
done with a penknife.

Tliis, I presume, the gentleman told him.
Our friend being a pretty close observer, en- j
dorses the foregoing and then says, "1 am not j
sure, but I may another season apply Prof.
Riley's recommendation,* and give these I
thieves a taste of Paris green, or what may be
more to the purpose, slryclmia," &c. Now,
my old friend, this is cruel and uncahed for,
in my humble opinion.

Tlien I find another, who writes from Stras-
burg, signed "W." His verdict is that Mr.
G.'s conclusions are not wholly correct. He
states that he is an extensive grape-grower,
and lias had no trouble before the present year
in securing all of that fruit he wanted. This
year the bees destrot/ed all but a few perfect
bunches. He found thousands of bees con-
stantly on his fruit from early dawn until
dusk. This fact lie says he can liave attested
by any number of witnesses. This is the first
season that Italian bees were kept in his
neighborhood, against which the complaint
seems general. But mark what he says : " I
don't know whether thd bees tear the skin of
the grape or not, but I do know that they
destroy nearly all my fruit." Then comes an
"if," which 1 will endeavor to solve before I
am done. He says, " If tlie skin is broken in
some other way, so be it."

In yesterday's paper we find the caption
again," with a "No" appended, signed M.
(Oregon). I think I know the writer, and
know liim to be as reliable on this question as
any one of the writers, mysiOf and .1. B. G.
included. He believes the industrious insect
innocent, and with good reasons given.
As there are no Italian bees in his neigh-

'Haviiig, as I thouglit, read all that Prof. Riley lias pub'
lished, I uever met with such a statement. May there not
1)6 some mistake ? I mean Chas, V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D

1

1877.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

163

borhood, (he means not within a mile,) his
colonies arc the regular hive bees, near sev-
eral varieties of grapes. The Clintons, being
the most perfect, I'uli and large for the kind,
burst their skins, many half-way round, from
soine cause unkniivn to mr; the saccharine Juice
exuding was enough to tempt the bees to visit
the grapes and regale upon (hem, stating also
that they were very thin skinned this year.
Without noticing his appeal to I'rof. Kalhvon,
about the cutting app;iratus of the bee, and
much else that might be said, I will now come
to what I believe to be the cause of the skins
bursting, at least in some cases.

This belongs to natin-al philoso])liy and
vegetable physiology. First, my personal ob-
servation, on which 1 groun<l my opinion ;
while residing on North Duke strei't, about
eight years ago, there was a trellis with a
grape vine on it, facing directly .south. When
tiie grapes were about two-thirds ripe a shower
of rain fell about noon. After the rain the
sun slKHie forth with intense brightness. On
passing the trellis I noticed a shining globule
of water on the upper surface ; the bloom
partially formcul on the grape caused the
globules to coalcse like the dew on the gra.ss.
The hot sun striking these globules, I infer,
acted like a burning lens, as next day I
noticed a callous or .scalded spot on those
grapes. AVhcther a fresh tlow of sap or the
cellular tissue of the fruit became more rapidly
developed in maturing, or from the ordinary
growth alone, 1 do not know ; as the skin of
the grape had become callous or indurated, it
would or could not yield to the expansion of
the pulp or fruit at these points, and conse-
quently the skin must burst.

I subsecpiently observed that the juice was
exuding, and that accounted for the numerdus
insects, bees among them, as well as moths,
that were regaling them.selves on the juices.
Everybody has seen water in a show-bottic in
druggists' windows or in fish-globes. When
in the direct line of the sun these have Vieen
known to kindle paper in the focus, as thej-
form a burning lens by concentrating the
sun's rays. A cake of ice can be converted
into a burning lens, and such have been used
in Iceland to kindle fires with.

Now, before we condemn the common hive
or Italian bees as the cause, let us withhold
our judgment and not ''jumpat conclusions,"
and be sure that we are right before we expel
them with Paris green or strychnine. One of
t)ur most learned men showed me what he
thought the parent of the aphids so injurious
to a choice plant ; he said he kil'ed all he
could find. lie was suriiriscd when I told him
that he made a great mistake, as the supposed
parent actually fed upon the aphids and was
the best friend to his plant ; but ignorance on
this particular subject did it. While he is my
peer in many other branches of science, on
this specialty he had much to learn. So we
find many insects that might be taken for
Italian bees, which are the carpenter or tailor
bees — and of a different genus, and yet not
distinguished by a mere casual observer — who
may have sni)ii()scd his acquaintance on the
wing with the Italian bee suthcicut. Further
observation is needed, and more caution be-
fore we condemn a creature that after all may
be perfectly innocent — so I believe it to be, of
cutting the grape.— ./. S., Lancaster, October
25, 1877.

Bees and Grapes. No. 6.

One word on the subject of bees destroying
fruit. I have been keeping bees for seven-
teen years, and have watched them on my
graiie vines every season, but I have never
seen them bite or sting a grape. I have in-
variably found them on such as wx-re bursled
open, or that had l>een pecked by birds ;
wl-.ere this was the case, the bees, of course,
took to the balance.

The gentleman in Lancaster told Mr. Gar-
ber that since the Italian or crosses of Ihnt
variety of bees have been introduced, they are
so destructive of the fruit that they can't
grow grapes as formerly. Mr. Garber says
such has also been his experience. The Italian

bees are treated unjustly in this case, for the
black bees worked on the broken grains for a
few past years quite as fast as the Italians do
now.

Sound grapes they never damage. Had
Mr. G.'s grapes all been sound, the bees woidd
never have visited his vines. I saw grape
vines during the past season covered with lus-
cious fruit, but not a bee did I .see on them.
1 examined the grapes and found them all
.sound a\id undamagcil, while very close to the
vine there were others on which the bees
were fairly swarming. Upon examination 1
found that there were nearly as many burst-
open grapes as sound ones, while the black
Vices were fully as numerous as the Italians.
As for Mr. G.'s threat to give the thieves a
taste of Paris green or strychnia, I would say,
bees do not die as easily as he thinks, but
could readily carry the poison to their hives.

As for W., of Strasburg, I beg leave to in-
form him that th(^ past was not the first sca-
.son that Italian bees are in that neighborhood.
They have been there four years to my cer-
tain" knowledge. —J. F. llershey, Mt. Joy, Pa.

HOW TO MAKE A WELL.

Ml-. J. W. l'iiikli:im lius a paper on " Wells and
Cisterns'' in " .Serilincr" for Sci)tenil>er, with plans
sliowiiig' liiiw tljey arc containin.atcil, and tuiw they
slioulil tie eoustructed. He suys of wells; First, of
course, the well must lie so constructed that it can-
not act as a drain for the neighboring soil. This
can be done by makinfr the wall above low-water
nuirk (it some inateiial impervious to water, or by
omitting tills pari of tlie wall altogether. Tlie first
can be accomplisliej l>y having the wall from a point
two or three feet from the bottom made of brick,
with acoatinij of hydraulic cement on its exterior or
of hydraulic wcll-tubinc:, with the joinings well pro-
tected with cement ; in either ease the earth should
he thnrouirhly jiaeked around the wall, and a slight
embankment sliould lie made around the orifice to
prevent the iiiHow iif surface or storm water. In
sueli a well the draining; surface is so reduced, and
placed at such a distance below the surface of the
ground, that in the great majority of instances the
introduetion of foreign matter becomes impossible
except in so far as there is a chance tliat substances
will fall into the well from above. To prevent this
the well sliould be kept covered when not in use.
In most cases, however, it is better to omit the upper
part of the wall altogether. After the excavation is
completed, the wall can be built in the usual manner
for a distance of two or three feet, more or less, as
eircunistances may demand ; tlie service pipe can
then be placed in position, and the well arched over.
The rcmaiuder of the excavation can then be tilled
witli earth, well packed as it is thrown in, and the
pipe carried to any convenient point. It will lie
necessary to |ilaee above the arch several layers of
stones successively smaller, to prevent the falling of
earth into the space below. The workmen will pro-
bably suggest a layer of turf or straw to accomplish
this olijeet ; but the presence of either of these sub-
stances will cause the water to be unpleasant for a
considerabU' time, and will prove the cause of much
annoyanec. There is a prevalent notion that a well
should be ventilated for the purpose of allowing
noxious gases to escape, and that water is lietter for
being exposed to the air. I hardly need stale that
the only noxious gases in a well (i. e., gases which
render the water unwholcsiime) are the products
of the decomposition of organic matter which has
found its way into the well in ways which have been
ilescribed above ; and that water as it flows in its
subterranean passages is more perfectly arated than
it can be in any other way.

We know not how it is now in regard to
wells in those localities where they are de-
pended on for the daily supply of water, but
we do know that in our boyhood, and even in
our manhood, in both town and country,
where there was no hydr.ant water, the well
water often became putrid and at least un-
drinkable, and when the cause was ascer-
tained, it was found that it was due to dead
toads, mice, rats, snakes, grasshoppers,
beetles, &c., that had fallen in and perished.
And in one instance we knew of a small cat
that had fallen in and drowned, and remained
there until its hair came off, before the people
became aware that they had for some weeks
been consuming "cat-soup." Now, conced-
ing the value of the suggestions in the fore-
giiiug article on well-making, so far as they
go, we are free to say, that if we bad occasion
to make a well, we would adopt the plan em-
braced in the following article at once ; for,
if such a well was properly constructed and

secured, it wotdd never need any cleaning or
repairing any more than the clefts and fis-
sures in the rocks through which the water
pa,s.se8, needs such cleaning or repair, and es-
pecially so if the conducting tubes were en-
ameled, or made of ttrra rntta. The process
seems simple, philcsophical, and rational,
anyliow.

Clean, Pure Water.

In I.''.'>4 I dug my well nearly twenty-two feet
deep, and struck a strong stream of water. I walled
up three feet, and put two lead pipes in, arched It
over and stood the pipes up by the dug wall. I then
put the dirt which I had takeu out back Into the well.
I then attached a cast-lrnn pump to the large pipe,
and left the smaller one to give air in case the water
did not come into the well as fast as It was pumped
out. It Is over twenty-three years since, and I have
a pump in one corner of my kllehcu, which brings
up as clear, pure water as at first. I saved the stone
and walling of eighteen feet, and have none of the
soaking and filth off the surface of the earth. I have
no eats, rats, mice, snakes, frogs, or a thousand
other tilings which arc liable to get into wells wlilch
are walled up to the top, in mine. My son has a
pump fixed eimilarto mine, but his a common wooden
pump, and out of doors. The air pipe should go up
tiy the stock, and make a hole in it, so as to let the
water down in cold weather. The lower stock will
last almost without a limit, and it would be an easy
matter to put the upper one in. — Cor. Cin. Gazette.
— -^ —

BUY YOUR TREES AT HOME.

Of all the mistakes our farmers and property-
holders throughout the county annually commit,
none is so common as buying their fruit, shade and
other trees from the agents of nurseries in distant
States. With unfailing regularity these men come
around every season with their sample-books of
highly-colored fruits and trees, and persistently urge
them upon the attention of all w ho have room to set
out a tree or a bush. The people of this county have
patronized these men far beyond their deserts, or
than a consideration for their own pockets warrants.
Only too often has their confidence been abused. In
the first place, the prices are in almost every instance
twice or thrice what the same articles can be pur-
chased for here at home. But this is not the worst;
in innumerable instances the goods turned out very
differently from the representations made at the time
of purchase, and the buyers find that they havelieen
victimized not only in price but in kind. There is no
occasion for being taken in this way. The remedy is
easily applied, and may be stated in the situple
words, "buy at home." We have nurserymen in
Lancaster county, second to none in the United States.
Messrs. Calvin Cooper, Casper Hiller & Son, the
Englcs at Marietta, and Brinton at Chriistiana, and
others, are the owners of nurseries where everything
our citizens can want in this line is to be found. Not
only arc their prices much lower than those of the
foreign dealers, but their high character and reputa-
tion are a sure guarantee that their goods are as
represented, aud that a man will get the article he
]4Hys for. As a rule, their trees are much finer and
stronger than those that come from abroad, and
being acclimated, are far more suitable for home
culture than the puny things that are sent here from
other States and places. Our readers should not for-
get this very important fact when they stand in need
of any article in this line. This is a ease where home
industry can be encouraged with profit. — -Vtw Era.

We endorse the above, both in sentiment
and in principle ; although we do not mean
to say that there arc not as cheap, hone.st and
reliable nurserymen out of the county and the
State, as there are in them. Hut chea]), hon-
est and reliable as the proprietors of these
establishments may be in themselves, it is
possible they may be misrepresented through
knavish, designing or selfish agents. But
still, if such contingencies were not likely to
ensue, we would advise our patrons to buy
their trees at home, for many of the reasons
above slated. And we would say further,
buy a good many other things at home that
are often bought abroad ; for the constant
drain of money going out for foreign luxuries
and commodities, are sure to ultimately im-
poverish the community. It is not for us to
particularize what they should buy at home.
That we leave to their own connnon-seiwe
discretion', after mature ob.servation and re-
flection ; but the hankering after foreign
novelties is, and has always Ix-en, the bane of
our country. Those foreign countries that
sell most and buy lea.st abroad, are financially
and domesticall}' the most sound and prosper-
ous, and also recuperate the most rajiidly after
political and financial reverses, as was evinced
in the late disastrous condition of France,

i64

THE LANCASTER FARMER

[November,

But the worst phase of the whole matter is,
that many of those who patronize foreign
commodities, send their ready money abroad
and "run" tlieir credit at home, thereby dis-
abling their own fellow-citizens from becom-
ing the liberal patrons to them that they
would be if they received a more generous
home encouragement. Yes, we reiterate, buy
your trees, your newspapers and your other
etceteras at home, and give the homes of our
county an opportunity to flourish.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE CULTIVA-
TION OF WHEAT.

The following is a plain statement of the
new method of cultivating the wheat crop ;
and the question is so familiar to us, the par-
ties so well known, and the results so satis-
factory, that we feel we cannot do better than
to give it an insertion in The Farmer, as a
matter of interest to all the friends of agricul-
tural progress :

After having thought much about the culture of
wheat, and given it considerable attention, and
gatliered all the information I could by experiments
of my own and that of others, and whatever other
information I could obtain by observation and from
agricultural journals, I became fully convinced that
as yet we were losing much in the old and common
method of raising wheat ; and that the only true and
profitable manner of raising wheat is to cultivate it
as near as possible like other cultivated grain. Not
by hand-power, neither by horse-power half done,
but with some kind of a cultivator that will do good
work, and be a success in attaining that which it was
intended for — at the same time economize labor, by
doing as much work in a day as can be done with an
ordinary wheat drill, which I have no doubt would
be satisfactory to all parties.

To form these conclusions was one thing, but to
get up the right kind of a machine to work satisfac-
torily was another. I found wheat drilled in the old
style would not admit of cultivation — for the reason
that the rows were too near together — eight sowing
boots generally being al'oted to an ordinary drill.
Then after concluding to close every other or alter-
nate spout, or small seed-box, and remove every other
boot, I again found that would not answer, as the
spaces between the sowing boots would not be equally
divided. And just here another very important point
presented itself. One of the principal objections
against' the old style drill is, that it sows the wheat
too thick or too close together in the small row. For
example, an ordinary drill has eight sowing boots,
and out of a dozen different makes not one will
spread the wheat one inch in the row. Thus, it is easy
for any one to understand that in a whole drill
breadth, the wheal from all the eight boots, at one
inch in the row, stands on only eight inches of ground,
while the new style drill has four sowing boots (in-
stead of eight), and each one is so arranged with a
spreader as to put the seed regular in the rows four
inches wide ; therefore this drill, with four sowing
boots and each sowing it four inches wide, will de-
posit the seed over sixteen inches of ground (instead
of eight), and consequently it is plain and evident
that this drill sows the same quantity of seed on an
acre only half as thick or close together in the row
as the old style drill, thus doing away with the thick
sowing objection ; and in addition to this, it still
leaves 10 2-5 or nearly 11 inches space between the
rows for spring cultivation, that one great point
necessary in the raising of all crops. It is an ac-
knowledged fact and v/ell known to every practical
farmer, that by cultivation, and by cultivation only,
it is that he raises those fine crops of corn, tobacco
and potatoes ; and that if he did not cultivate those
crops, they would not produce one-third of the crop
they do liy cultivation, though they are planted soon
after plowing, or in other words on fresh plowed
ground. Now, these are not exaggerations, but real
Bolid facts, and so admitted by all; therefore, it is
but fair to say, that two-thirds of those crops (or
fi"?^ per cent.,) is due only to having been cultivated.
Now, then, if so large a per cent, of those crops as
that is due to cultivation, why should not cultivation
pay fully as large a per cent., or even larger, in the
wheat crop. The principle of cultivation would
answer; cirtainly it viiH pay fully as irell, for this
reason : Wheat ground is generally plowed in August.
About the 1.5th of September the average farmer is
done seeding; then, from that lime on, "that ground
is left to produce a crop, such as it will be, after being
exposed to all the beating storms, snow and rains of
all wiutei:, and when spring comes is beaten down as
hard as though it had not been plowed at all the
previous August. What is the result? An average of
14 bushels per acre in the United States.

From the 1.5lh of September, when the wheat
ground is seeded, to the 15th of the following April,
is bcv^n months ; and as it is a well known fact that
no plant will thrive or even grow at all without the
influence of the atmosphere and the sun, neither can
penetrate ground that has been beaten down for

seven months until it is quite hard, near as well, and
with anything like as good results as it can pene-
trate fresh cultivated ground ; and any person having
the least idea of the good result derived from the
cultivation of any kind of a crop will admit this.
Now when we see plainly that such are the facts,
undeniably so, must we not therefore at once admit
that the cultivation of wheat ground is all the more
necessary in the spring of the year, after having
been beaten down for seven months, and left un-
touched all that time, and will therefore show a
larger per centage of benefit and gain from having
been cultivated than other crops, accordingly. After
taking all the above-mentioned facts into considera-
tion, as well as the good and sound principles of
cultivation, I concluded to test the matter fairly and
exact, for my own satisfaction as well as for that of
others, who acknowledged that their wheat crops
are only about half the product they sheuld be. To
do so I induced one of our farmes, Levi W. GrofT, of
West Earl township, Lancaster county. Pa., to sow
about the half of a field on this new method, and the
other half on the old style. This sowing was done
about the 25th day of September, 1876 ; the quantity
of seed sown was \].i ijushels of wheat per acre ;
and exactly or as near as possible that quantity was
sowed on every acre in the field. As to choice of
quality of land in the field, there was none ; for the
reason that there is no hill in the field, it being a
nice level tract, and the quality of land very fair,
and as near the same all over, I think, as it is possi-
ble to have it. About the middle of April, 1877, the
half that was sowed on the new plan was cultivated,
which showed a considerable difference in improve-
ment in one week's time, when compared to the
opposite half which was not cultivated, as it looked
stronger and had a fine, thrifty and better color ;
notwithstanding that quite a large per cent, of it
was cropped by this first cultivation, on account of
not having the protectors put on the cultivator then,
yet to protect the growing grain from being covered
with earth, which was found very necessary to do,
or cover entirely too much grain, the protectors were
therefore put on the cultivator, and then cultivated
the same part of the field the second time, about the
Ist of May, which improved it still more accordingly.
It was then again cultivated about the middle of
May, this being the third and last time. This last
cultivation I thought did it as much good as either
of the former times did ; the result was it looked
stronger, firmer, and had a better appearance in
general than the opposite uncultivated tract had ;
and when it came into heads there was a marked
difference, as the heads on the uncultivated tract
were about the same as are generally seen in an
ordinary field farmed on the old style ; while the
heads on the cultivated tract were much better filled
and larger, plenty of them measuring over six inches
in length. Even the straw was considerably coarser
and stronger, which of course makes it less liable to
fall or go down ; the difference was so great that it
could easily be noticed without a close examination.
When harvest time came, both of these tracts were
cut on the same day. Thus it will be noticed, that
both tracts were treated alike in the time of seeding,
quantity of seed per acre, and also in cutting it all at
the same time ; the only difference being that the
one was cultivated and the other was not. Before
cutting it, however, E. H. Burkholder, esq., a gen-
eral surveyor and justice of the peace, was called to
measure ofl' two acres, side by side, on each tract,
which was separately threshed soon after, and pi-o-
duced as follows : Two cultivated acres produced 72
bushels and 'M pounds, or 36 bushels and 15 pounds
per acre. Two uncultivated acres produced .50
bushels and i pounds, or 25 bushels 2 pounds per
acre. Difference in favor of cultivation, which was
produced at an expense of just 60 cents per acre, 11
bushels and lo pounds per acre.

Another tract was also sowed on the same farm on
this new method ; but as it was not sowed until the
Sth of October it was later in the spring, and there-
fore not cultivated until the protectors were put on,
therefore covering none of the growing grain. And
this tract produced 31 liushels and 15 pounds per
acre. This tract was also measured by the same sur-
veyor, and this result was certainly very satisfactory,
but not any more so, I think, than farmers' wheat
crops generally would be if they were properly culti-
vated, which it is universally acknowledged they
should be.

The attachments are simple and will apply to all
drills, and can be put on any drill at a small expense.

At a meeting of the Lancaster County Agricultural
and Horticultural Society, a committee of four of its
members was appointed as a visiting committee, to
go to the above mentioned farm and examine into
this new method of cultivating wheat, which they
did a day or two be lore it was cut, and they admitted
that the difference in favor of cultivation, after hav-
ing examined it, was greater than they even ex-
pected ; and all of them approved of this new method
and heartily endorse it, and reqnested the above-
mentioned Levi W. Groli' to make a report to said
agricultural society of the above mentioned crops as
soon as he has threshed it, and thereby linows the
result, which he did, the same as above stated, to
which the said committee reply as follows :

We, the undersigned, visited the farm of Mr. Levi
W. Groff, about hai'vest time, and fully concur in his
report so far as we could judge at that time.

H. M. Engle,
Calvin Cooper,
Levi S. Reist,
Peteu S. Reist.

Mr. Engle said he had examined .Mr. Groft''s clover
and timothy, and believed it would be very superior.
He trusted that not a few of our farmers would
adopt Mr. Groft's plan of cultivation. He would do
so himself, and from his observation he was sure it
would pay.

Mr. Pownall said that ou a former occasion he had
objected to cultivating the wheat crop in the way
adopted by Mr. Groff, ou the ground that it would
injure the grass that was to follow the wheat; hut
from an experiment of his own he was now convinced
that it would not.

We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that we
visited the farm of Levi W. Groff, esq., in the month
of July, 1877, in the midst of harvest, and examined
a field of wheat sowed, in part in the ordinary way,
and in part by a drill invented (and now patented) by
Adam B. (iroff, which drill, by some modification of
parts, is converted into a cultivator, and by means
of which the wheat is cultivated the same as corn
with the cultivator. One part of the field we ex-
amined had been treated by the new invention ; that
the wheat on the jiart of the field sowed by this new
drill, and treated as aforesaid, was much better than
the other part of the field, larger and stronger in the
straw, and in heads proportionally still better ; and
the yield in the bushel better by (11) bushels to the
acre, as verified by Mr. Groff, by separate threshing
and measuring.

[Signed,] And. M. Frantz,

Geo. K. Reed,
D. P. Locher,
Walter G. Evans.

OBITUARY. J

Atglen, 10th mo. 22d, 1877. "

Prof. S. S. Rathvon— Dear Sir : The fol-
lowing resolutions were passed at a meeting
of the Octoraro Farmers' Club, held 10th mo.
18th, 1877 :

Whereas, Since our last meeting we have been
called upon to follow to the tomb our esteemed
friend and fellow-member, Levi Pownall, who de-
parted this life on the ISth of 9th mo. last, after a
short illness ; and

Whereas, It is fit that those who have worked
with him for a number of years past, so agreeably
and profitably, should give some public expression to
their feelings on this occasion ; therefore,

Besolued, That it is with the deepest sorrow that we
have been compelled to see the ties severed by the
hand of death, which bound us to the deceased,
whose many good qualities and earnest labors for
the benefit of the club have endeared him to us, and
whose memory we shall ever retain within the deepest
recesses of our hearts.

liexolved, That in his death we have lost one of our
best and most persevering members, and the public
a citizen of the strictest honesty and uprightness.

Besohed, That we deeply sympathize with his
bereaved family in their deep alHiction.

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions
be forwarded to The Lancaster Farmer.

Samuel Whitson,
Correspondiiig I'^t^cretary vf Club.

SYNOPSIS OF THE CROPS OF 1877.

AVe have received '' Special Reports No. 2,
of the Department of Agriculture for 1877,"
and from it we have condensed the following
synopsis of the crops of the present year ia
the United States, so far as the results can be
attained at this early |)eriod, some allowance
having been made for contingencies.

The Wheat crop is estimated at 109,000,000
bushels, which is 00 per cent, over last year,
and 1.5,000,000 more tlian iu 1875. Unless
something unforeseen, or yet undeveloped,
shoidd occur in the outcome of the crop, the
Corn will yield 1,350,000,000 bushels, which is
an average of about 27 bushels per acre
throughout the country. Pennsylvania and
Texas make the best average slu)w of any
States in the Union in their crops of corn.

The Oat crop shows a higher average con-
dition than corn, and is 08 of the standard-
of 100 against 80 last ye;ir, when the crop
was estimated at 32O,0OO,0O(_l bu.shels.

Bije and Barkji average higher than last
year in their general condition, and will make
a large crop, but the figures cannot yet be '
satisfactorily given.

The estimated area in Cotton exceeds 12,-
000,000 acres, and the increase over last year
is about 4 per cent., and the yield will average

\

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

165

93 4-10 in the staiiJard of 100. The great
hiiulraiice to the cotton crop seems to be the
catcrjiiU,ir, inul if tli;it pest could be entirely
destroyeil, there is no knowing; how nuich
cotton' the Southern Stales coulil jiroduce.

Poiatiics have produced well, on an average,
the entire crop Ix in?; lO.'i ; that is o dvcr llie
standard of 1(10. Xew .lersey is the highest,
being 11"), whilst I'enn.svlvajiia is 11(1. The
quality is generally good, but the aggregate
result in bushels is nm given.

The average of Timniliy Haij is said to have
been fidly 100 ; but the yield of the genrral
hay crop has not been deiinitely reported, but
the indications are that it has buea tolerably
abundant.

Tobacco is reiiorted favorable— from SI? up
to 110, and will average 100 ; quality good,
but the result in (piantity cannot yet be given.

Bucku'hculjhr the Slates retninrd, averages
98. The Si-ii-(ili 1(1)1 crop is rei)oited favorably,
the average lieing i(3, yielding about 100 gal-
lons of rich syrii]) per acre.

Bice, promising, where it is cultivated.

Crdulurrks .suffered .some from '' scahl."

IJnp.i, prospects were good in Wisconsin,
but in New Ilanip.sbire they were eaten up
by "worms," said to be cabbage worms, but
we think this a mistake, for we have special
hop caterpillars in the United Stales belong-
ing to the genus Vaaissit or Gi-apta.

.(■Ipp/w generally .scarce and jioor in quality.
and therefore good fruit will be high priced
before the season is over. Kansas aloin3
seems to have had an abundant crop.

SPECIAL PREMIUMS FOR 1878.

Club Rates— No. i.

To any one, within the county of Lancas-
ter, sending us a club of Ji re new suliscrihers,
accompanied hyfotir dollars, we will send Jirc
copes of The F.vioikk, to any address, for
one year, from the lirst of January next, and
<»co copies of ".Jenkins' Art of Tropagation,"
a beautiful octa.vo of 32 pages, and 2.^ line
embellishments, which sells readily at ."JO cents
per copy. To any one out of the county, for
Jive dollars, five copies and two books.

No. 2.
For six subscribers, accompanied hy five dol-
lars, we will send si.c copies of The Faumetj,
as above, and one copy of the "Life of
Charles Dickens," by Mrs. llanaford, or
"Driven to Sea," by Mrs. Coupples, or "The
Presidents and their Administrations," or
"The Declaration of Independence." , These
are royal 12 mo. volumes of about 400 pages,
handsomely illustrated, and sell for .fl.50.

No. 3.
For ten subscribers, and ten dollars, ten
copies, as above, and one box of "Kunkle's
Uelobrated Perfumes." These boxes contain
six bottles of perfume, the regular retail price
of which is oue dollar per liottle, or "The
Century of Independence," price .S2..50— very
.desirable premiums for local lady canvassers.

No. 4.
Tor fifteen subscribers, and fifteen dollars,
wc will send su/ceii copies of The P.MniEi!
and a $l().Ot) order on Peter Ilender.son, good
for twentjl-Jour i-lum-e flnweruuj green-house
jtlantK, twenlii packages of flower seeds, and,
twenty jyai'kages of vegetable seeds. Peter Hf-n-
derson is knoicn all over the Union, and there-
fore nothing need be said about the quality of
his goods.

No. 5.
For tiveiity subscribers, and eighteen dollars,
twenty copies of The Faumeu, and one copy
of "Science in Story," consisting of a series
oi five illustrated sipiare 12 mo. volumes of
232 pages each (IKiO pages). Please see our
literary columns for a more full description of
this desirable series.

No. 6.
For twenty-five subscribers, and twenty-four
dollars, twenty-fire copies of The Faiijiek
and one of "Peck's Celebrated Atomizers,"
worth $1(X00 at least. This is the Ijest ma-
chine ever invented for tlu'owing licjuid solu-

tions and decoctions on in.sect-infested plants.
For an illustrated deseriiition of this machine
see the May (1870) ninnber of The pAit.MKi:,
page 00.

To clubs made up beyond the borders of
Lancaster county the cash amount recpiired
will lie greater, proportioned to the dillerence
in i)ul)lished terms, as to home and foreign
sidiscriplious. Our canvassers can ujake these
calculations upon the basis of our lirst propo-
sition.

We are making arrangements for additional
inducements to sub.scribers, which, if accom-
plished, will be annomiced in our December
number. We also intend to increase our
ninnber of desirable illustrations for 1878, and
add other end)ellishmeuls, as fa.st as our
means will allow, and we respectfully ask the
public to help ns make The Lankastek
Faiimei! a credit to the "great county," and
the people aminig whoiv it is located. Our
tenth voluMie should be the crowning volume
of the series — so wo desire.

MONTHLY REMINDERS.

AH vegetables not secured for storing away
should now be attended to. .Spimiach, lettuce
out-of-doors, fetticus and out-of-doors onions
should be iirotected by coverings of .straw,
salt hay or cedar brush. Sbort bor.se dung is
best for onions. Clear up and dig all the
ground as the crops are taken off, as it pre-
vents delay in commencing in spring. Put the
aslies on such cold frames as have been tilled
with cabbage or lettuce plants, giving air
freely by taking the sashes entirely off 0:1 mild
or sunny days. Dicks' Vegetable Garden.

Fall 2)1 owing of garden .soil is worth, in most
ca.s<'s, a good deal more than it costs.

7>') not neglect to plant a bed of violets this
moulh, for bouquets in next March or April.
Set in a sheltered place, in rich soil, and cover
with glass in severe weather.

Fruit trees for spring planting can be bought
now and buried with earth — both roots and
branches. They will bo in prime condition
for setting out in April. Trees set out last
month may have the earth banked up arountl
them six inches or so before the freezing of
the ground. This may be removed when
spring opens. — Farnws'' Journal.
^ _-

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL CONVEN-
TION.

This society, organized in 1848, held its
sixteenth Inennial convention in Baltimore on
the 12th, Kith and 14th of September, 1877.
The fruits contributed were exhibited in con-
nection with those of the Maryland Horticul-
tural Society. In consequence of the general
failure of fruit the display was not so good
and full as it would have been in a fruitful
season ; yet, withal, it was much better than
could have reasonably been expected, but
what lacked in the exhibition was made up in
the di.scussions and energy in the develop-
ment of American ))omology. On account of
illness President Wilder was prevented from
attending, to the great disajipoiutment of all
present. His address, however, was read be-
fore the convention, and was a very able and
excellent document. He recapitulated the
labors of the society and the progress of \w-
mology in this country. He also pointed to
the wide Held open for still greater achieve-
ments ill this branch of industry, and closing
in the following lofty strain : " Let us coni-
mence the new century in the history of our
Republic with increased enterprise and zeal
for the promotion of our cause; and should
any of us be called from our labors on earth,
let us feel assured that others will continue
the work we have begun and carry it forward
to still greater perfection. Let the success of
the past stimulate us to greater exertions in
the future. Let us work on, full of hope, re-
gardless of all obstacles, still achieving, still
pursuing, until we shall reach that better
land where the garden shall have no blight,
fruits no decay, and where no serpent lurks
beneath the bower— where harvests ai-e not
ripened by the succession of seasons — where

the Joys of fruition shall not be measured by
the lapse of time."

In the ab.sence of the President, O. H.
Hovey, of Massachusetts, one of the Vice
Presidents, presided.

The States were not so generally repre.sentcd
as at some of the previous meetings. The
leading cause, probably, was the convention
following so close to the great (entemiial,
where every .State (except Pennsylvania) put
its energies and resources in pomology lo its
full test. The general failure of the apple
crop caused a deliciency in that branch.
Amid all the croaking against the cureulio,
Kllwanger & Harry exhibit as line plums and
as perfect as could be desired. They had
some thirty varieties, some ol which they
fruit in large (piantities, as certain a.s any
other crop. For success they depend upon
the jarring .system. They do not believe in
pow- wowing the little Turk away. lA'tall do
likewise, and this luscious fruit may yet be-
come as abundant as others.

The line, lu.scious hybrid grapes, (about
sixty varieties,) originated by Mr. Iticketts,
of Newburgh, Xcw York, comjiose a promi-
nent feature in any fruit exhibition. His
display at Haltimore was glory enough for
one man. The only objectionable feature (if
any) is, that he has too much of the good
thing ; in fact, enough to confuse any ordi-
nary pomologist.

If this country will not- have as large a
variety of as line grajies as any other, it can-
not be said that Mr. Uicketts has not done
inoi'e than his part to achieve such a result.

Some of the Soiitheni States were well
represented, and fruit culture in the South
seems to be looming U]), especially the i>each ;
and well it should, while the lirst peaches of
the sea.son will bring from six to eight dollars
per crate, a man wants no better business
than to have enough early peaches to ship.
The (earliest good peach is what the Southern
))lanter is after now, as one of them remarked,
" Give me a peach that is three days earlier
than any other, and I can make money."
Freight by vessel from South Carolina and
Georgia to Philadelphia, New York or Bos-
ton, is less than fifty cents per crate. With
such protits peach-growing in the .South can-
not help Init become an important trade, as
they can be in market a month earlier, and
with late kinds a month later than those from
the Jiliddle States. Yellows are hardly known
in many sections of the .South. Their crops
arc also more certain on account of being
exempt from frost. With all these facilities,
what better business could a man with capital
desire y The feeling between the Noitliern
and Southern memliers was very cordial, but
this .seems to becharateristic withpomologists.

The accommodations at the Carrollton
HoiLse (where nearly all the members of the
society put up) were all that could be desired.
The steamboat excursion and its incidents
Were given by oue of my colleagues in the
New Era.

The next biennial convention is lo be held
in Nashville, Tennessee, where the largest
Southern representation is expected the so-
ciety has yet had. — 77. M. E.

^

HOW TO MAKE PARIS GREEN.

A correspondent of the Towanda Journal
writes : The potato bug is no scarcity with us
at present, and upon inquiring at the drug
store the iirice of Paris green, and learning
that the popularity of the article as an exter-
minator had increased its price to about
the Talue of a crop protected by it, I con-
cluded to tell the people what 1 have long
known about making the article.

Take unslacked iinie of the best quality,
slack it with hot water ; then take the finest
of the powder and add alum water as strong
as it can be made, sullicient to form a thick
paste, then color it with bichromate of potash
and sulphite of copjier until the color suits
your fancy. The sul]ibite of cojiper gives the
color a blue tinge, the bichromate of jiotash
yellow. Observe this and you will never
fail.

166

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ November,

CINDERELLA STRAWBERRY.
The accompanying cut exhibits a iiartial
view of tlie fruit of one hill of the Cinderella
Straivberry, a.s grown on Mr. Felton's farm,
photographed from nature. The Cinderella is
about one week earlier than the Continental ;
(sec October number of The Farmer,) its
fruit large, conical, regularly formed ; color,
bright glossy scarlet, rendering it surpassingly
beautiful and attractive in appearance ; flesh
very firm, with a mild, rich aromatic flavor ;
and, indeed, may be said to combine all the
essential excellencies of a market and a table
fruit. This variety ~'~'

is another of those
for which a prize
medal and diploma
was awarded to Gib-
son & Bennett,
Florists and Fruit
Growers, of Wood-
bury, N. J., for their
exhibit of tine fruit,
&c., at the late Ceu-
teuuial Exhibition,
at Fairmount Park,
Philadelphia. It
would be of no ad-
vantage to any nur-
seryman to palm off
on the public worth-
ies.'; varieties of the
strawberry, that
would fail to give
satisfaction, there-
fore they are not sent
out as untried seed-
lings, but have stood
successfully for eight
years the test of
fruiting, and may be
relied on for profit
without fear of dis-
appointment. The
l)lauts are very simi-
lar in their develop-
ment and appear-
ance to those of the
Continental, for a
description of which
see the Octobernum-
ber of Tub Farmei; .
Although when
viewing the Conti-
nental and Cinderella
strawberries sepa-
rately they may ap-
pear nearly the same,
yet, on a compari-
son, the distinction
between them will
be found sufficient to
constitute a marked
difference, even with-
out referring to their
respective diagnoses.
The berries of the
latter do not average
so large as the form-
er, and they are more
acutely conical in
form, and this char-
acteristic is also e.x-
hibited in their pit-
ting. Plants may be
obtained by address-
ing GiDsoN & Ben-
nett, Nurserymen,
Woodbury, N. ,J.
$3 per dozen ; $15
per 100 ; $100 per 1000,

to suppose that the application of some good
fertilizer has the principal, if not the only
condition that was demanded, in order to
make the proper provisions for the growth of
a crop. But little attention has sometimes
been bestowed upon the condition of the
ground, or the preparation and condition of
the fertilizer, or the season for its application.
Each of these conditions must needs be re-
garded, and those who have bestowed most
care in the fulfillment of these conditions
have been well repaid for their painstaking.
Whenever the time chosen for the application

THE APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS.

Considerations Which Should Have Their
Influence.

Several conditions, or more than one condi-
tion, are demanded, or must needs be taken
into the account, in order that the best re-
sults in the raising of a crop or the cultivation
of a field may be realized.

Too large a proportion of those persons who
Lave the management of farms have seemed

of a fertilizer has been influenced by the mere
convenience of the farmer, or when other
labor was not demanding his immediate at-
tention, there was much reasonable proba-
bility that the results which he expected
would not be realized. If his labor was
crowned with anything like a full measure of
success it was merely on account of the fitct
that the chance application was made at the
proper season. Such persons are too often
led to charge the failure to the accoimt of a
defect in the general utility of his plan, or in the
value of the fertilizer which he has employed.

It may properly be said, that the most use-
ful of fertilizers, or those which may be made
most useful when properly employed, have
often fiiiled in producing the results which
were looked for, and this on account of the
omission of a mere link in the chain of inci-
dents which were demanded, in order to fm--
nish a reasonable promise of success.

There is an appropriate season to be chosen,
as well as appropriate methods to be employed
in the use of every class or kind of fertilizer.
Questions may properly arise with regard to
the most appropriate methods for the ' fulfill-
ment of the several
conditions that are
demanded, which re-
late to the condition
of the soil and the
preparation and the
application of the
fertilizer, as well as
the appropriate time
for the application.
With regard to the
various circum-
stances which should
attend the applica-
tion it may be said,
that fixed rules can
not be laid down
which will be found
applicable to all of
them.

If the substance
be of the nitrogenous
class, as ammonia,
the discretion of the
person must be used
in the selection of
the most economical
method for storing
it up and having it
ready for use at the
time it may be de-
manded. For this
purpose some kind of
soil, or the compost
heap, in the largest
proportion of cases,
will be regarded as
the most economical
methods for the ac-
complishment of this
purpose.

As much advan-
tage may be realized
from a proper regard
to the methods of
application of a fer-
tilizer, the season
when it may be most
usefully applied, and
its special adaptation
as a food for the par-
ticular crop which
he proposes to raise,
as from every other
or all other conceiva-
b 1 e cii'cumstances
which are under his
control.

Without due re-
gard to these several
considerations, fail-
ure, or a large dimi-
nution of the crop,
will almost surely
result. A manure
that pos.sessed pecu-
liar value when in-
telligently employed may be nearly wasted on
account of a lack of due regard to these sev-
eral considerations. It will, therefore, be
seen that the number of incidents which are
to be regarded are but few, although the
demand for a due regard for each of them is
really indispensable.

Although it is a matter of paramount im-
portance that a fertilizer, in that which relates
to its chemical constituents, be adapted to the
cro]) which it is designed to support, there
are still other considerations which must be
taken into the account.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

167

Fanu-yaril manure of tho best quality that
can be .selected, wlien scattered over tlje sur-
faee of a (ield, inerelj at a convenient time,
or vvitliinit due rej;ard to the .selection of the
proper season, or when it is demanded by the
crop, will be likely to l)e mostly wasted.

In order that it may be expected to serve
its most useful purposes it must be brought
into such relations to the soil which it is de-
sijjned to improve, that the ammonia wliich it
contains m;iy be stonil up for the use of the
crop, and imi)arted to it tor its i;rowth.

Ammonia, which is the fertihzer in which
resides the chief value of farm-yard manure, is
extremely volatile, and is readily home away
m the atuiosphi're, especially when projjcr
plans are not adopted for stoiin-j it up, or for
its preservation from wa.ste until it can be ap-
propriated to flie u.se of thecro)! in its growth.

For this luu'po.se tlie materials of some soils
are often the most ajipropriate and economi-
cal ; and they are often the only means that
are required tor this purpose. Annnonia
being nuieh lighter than the atmosphere, there
nnist needs be some natural or arlilicial
method for retaining it; and in such a way as
will leave it in Uie proper relations to the
plant or crop, so that it may Ih' readily used
by it in its growth.

No material of eonnnou soils is as well
adapted to the performance of this otiice as
clay ; and when dry it is among the best of
substances for this pMrpt)se.

Guano, much more tlian farm-yard manure,
is likely to be greatly impaired in its utility,
or much of it is wasted, whenever these
conditions are not properly regarded, for it is
naturally accomiianied by no substance which
is capable of acting as a retainer of annnonia.

Whenever this fertilizer is scattere<l over
the surface of a field its uses as a lualerial for
contributing to the grow-th of a crop is likely
to be greatly impaired, or mostly wasted; and
this on account of loss of the annnonia, on ac-
count of the preseuceof which is itschief value.

While it is indispensable that these precau-
tions for the retention of the annnonia which
farm-yard manure and guano contain should
be regarded, it is almost e(inally important
that the}- should not be covered so deep as to
prevent the liberation of this article. Still,
whenever thus covered too deep to serve the
present uses of a crop, it may be brought into
such relations to a future crop, as to serve
some useful purpose, for the ammonia has not
been borne away, as is the case when placed
upon the surface.

LANCASTER COUNTY TOBACCO.

What an Author Has to Say About It.

Under the title of "Tobacco — from the seed
to the warehouse" — Dr. B. Hush Sonseny, of
Chaml)crsburg, is about to issue a book," and
the' Rf pnsitory of that place culls the following
chapter from advanced sheets :

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

This comity is acknowledured generally to
be the "Banner" tobacco district of the United
States. No other equal area of land produces
as many jwunds i)er annum, of a .standard
excellent quality, commanding the highest
possible i)rices for nat ive grades, of any grown
in this country, and bringing a revenue to the
producers larger than that of any tobacco
county in Americ'a. This tobacco, as a com-
mercial product, stands high and is much
sought after, because of its uniform good
.qualities as a wrapper, being fine, large and
of a beautiful dark color, all qualities much in
demand for the production of a fine cigar.
Another marked characteristic of the Lascas-
ter county tobacco, as a crop, is the large
amount which is yielded per acre. Lancas-
terians are synonymous with good farmcr.s,
and in this crop they seem to have "set"
themselves to outstrip the world, and thus far
they have done so, indeed. Each one seems
to vie with his neighbor in a friendly compe-
tition as to which can produce the greatest
yield per acre, which grow the largest leaf,
which cure the most satisfactory crop and ob-
tain the largest returns for his product. >[any
and great— yes, man-elous in the extreme, are

some of the stories told relative to the yield
per acre — so great as to lead one to suppose
that Lancaster acres must certainly be of
somewhat more extended area than our arith-
metics ordinarily teach us. Be this as it may,
however, there is a snlliciiiicy of truth over-
lying all error as to render the subject inter-
esting and even wonderful to the general or
old time grower of the weed. In agricultural
interests generally the farmers of Lancaster
come as near perfection in their skillful
manipulation of the soil as any community of
the kind in this country, expending their labor
in the most economical and intelligent man-
ner possilile, so as to insure lucrative returns.
It is not then to Ije wondered at that upon
introilucing toliacco as a luoduct, they should
bring to bear niion its culture the same energy,
intelligeiui; and skill which characterized
llicm in other pursuits, and which soon placed
them in the foremost rank as cultivators of
th(i weed.

It is on this account that I shall present in
a rather extended manner the various methods
of cultivating and handling the weed as pur-
sued by the husbandmen of tliat fertile district.
In the main, their methods are much the
sanie as those I have given as my own practi-
cal experience; indeed wecan all do well "an'
we follow them." In all their work, whether
it be the preparation of the soil, the working
of the seed beds, transplanting the young
plants, cultivating, cutting and curing it anil
sliiiiping to market, all is done with a care and
thoroughness from beginning to end which
stamps them masters of the tield and high art-
ists of their laborious but honorable calling.

^ • "

HORTICULTURE AND EDUCATION."
" 'Tis ediicatiou forms the common mind.
Just as the twig is bent the tree's inelined."

Pomology is my hobby, and shall be my
theme on this occasion ; but I can hardly
forego the opportunity of referring to the re-
si)onsibilities of teachers and directcn-s. Next
to our recollections of home, are the recollec-
tions of our early school days. How vividly
events which have tran.spired at school ri.se
up before us ofttimes. Those events, whether
for good or evil, have made impressions which
have ever been almost beyond our control.
In fact, they have become implanted to such
a degree as to make them part of us. How
m.any of us have, or rather, how few of us
have not some pleasing incident which trans-
pired at school, to rise up before us occasion-
alljf, and which causes us to feel almost as
happy as at the time when it occurred. On
the other hand, how few of us, whose memory
is not visited frequently with the recollections
of events that befell us at school, and which
cause remorse with each visitation. Or, 'per-
haps, we have been wronged by the teacher, or
by a school-mate, which when the incident
looms up before ns, (unless we have become
reconciled,) we feel the same demoniac spirit
of revenge that we did when it occurred.

Many a sad tragedy has been witnessed which
had its origiti at school. Tho position of
teacher is, therefore, one of vast responsi-
bility. To bear the guilty feeling of having
caused the ruin of a single jinpil mn.st be a
pandemonium indeed. On the other hand, the
pleasant recollections of haying turned re-
fractory scholars into the path of virlue is
glory enough for tlielabor and worry it ofttimes
requires. The actions of directors have also
an important bearing upon the future welfare
of scholars under their charge. A single de-
cision in the case of a pupil may either make
or ruin him or her.

Impartiality must be the watchword of di-
rectors as well as of the teacher. Directors
liave not discharged their duties without fur-
nishing appropriate school buildings, furni-
ture, books, teachers' salaries, &c. This, of
course, requires a bracing tip against fault-
finding taxpayers. But better embrace the
consideration that posterity will hold yon in
dear remembrance than fear the croakings of
old fogies who have no children to educate,
llore extensive school grounds are also neces-

'Read before a ecbool meeting by H. M. Eugle.

sary requirements. The planting and orna-
menting of the same is also a matter that de-
serves .serious attention. The plea tliat trees
will be destroyed, or will not be cared for, is
too shallow a plea for the neglect of a matter
so important. Apply all the available means
at your Command that will elevate while you
educate. Ornamental trees, shrubs and (low-
ers are more potent educators in their way
than many are willing to admit. The young of
the female sex almost naturally grow into the
admiration of the beautiful in nature, (iive
Iheiu an opportunity and they will soon have
their little gardens and plant them with tlow'-
ers, &c., and will attend to th('m as certainly
as their li'.ssons. The little Lids, being of a
more rip and tear disiwsition, will have .some
of their erndeness worn off by coming in con-
tact with the gardening opcratious of the
former.

The ornamental department should be in-
directly considered the property of the school.

Here botany would present itself as a branch
necessary to be introduced into our common
schools, the study of which would have a
moralizing tendency that would result in a
va.st amount of good. May we not trust that
the day is not far distant when fruit trees can
be grown on the school grounds, and their
products left undisturbed, to be gathered by
the rightful owners — the scholars. We have
accounts of countries where fruit trees are
planted on the roadside by-tlie property hold-
ers adjoining, and that ])assers-by are not
inevented from taking and eating all they
want. If any fruit is reserved by the owner,
it is only necessary to tie a straw-band around
the tree, and the fruit will be perfectly safe.
This is a custom worthy of emulation and
imitation. To attempt such a thing amonw
us with the present state of society, would
certainly prove a failure ; not that society is
not fully as good here as in the countries
alluded to, but it is not educated to such a
standard. Were the condition of society
such that would warrant the i)lanting of fruit
trees, as stated, mauy of the roadsides would
soon be set with fruit trees of all kinds. This
would be a state of things that would benefit
all, and no doubt all would like to .see it. The
(piestion is, simply, how or where shall we
eommeiue ? I answer, on the school grounds.
Such an .arrangement would be more particu-
larly for the benefit of such children who.se
parents are renters from year to year, and
who have no inducements to planting fruit
had they disposition to do so. The latter
class of jiarents and children are those mostly
disjiosed to iiilfer frnit.s, and are le.ss cen.sur-
able than public ojiinion will admit.

Tlie love of fruit has ever been so strongly
implanted into man's nature, (and woman's
too,) that to be altogether deprived of it
proves sad neglect somewhere. In addition
to the love of fruit implanted into man is its
good effect tqion him, physically, mentally
and morally. Is there not. therefore, crimi-
nal neglect somewhere ? While so large a
number are continually in want of it, it would
be a trilling expense to each district to try the
ex)>eriment.

Let all that is on the school grounds
be iilaced under the charge of the teacher,
who should, of course, not be ignorant of the
necessary care thereof. Let him api)ly the
same regulations and discipline to school
property outside the house as within, consider
the pilfering of the fruits one of the gre-atest
of school olTences. When the crop is ripe let
the whole school be present at gathering and
dividing. Such would be one of^ the greatest
harvest homes that could possibly be devised
for the benefit of a school.

The most stringent laws should then be
pa.ssed against outside thieves for the jirotec-
tion of .school property. A small amount
expended in carpenters' tools to each school-
house would .so develop the raeehanieal genius
of our youths that it would tell upon the rising
and coming generation.

Such are a few thoughts and reflections that
have imiiressed me, and which might lie ex-
tended indefinitely.

168

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ November,

HUBBARDSTON NON-SUCH.
This apple is a iJiie, large winter fruit,
which originated in Ilubbardston, Massachu-
setts, and is of excellent quality. The tree is
vigorous and bears very -abundantly, and is
worthy of extensive culture. Fruit large,
roundish-oblong ; skin smooth, witli irregular
broken stripes of bright and pale red, which
nearly cover a yellow ground ; flesh yellow,
tender, juicy and highly flavored. Almost any
any of tlie nurseries in this county now can fur-
nish it in quantity. It is prominently inserted
in Elwanger & Barry's list of winter apples
for 1877-8, as a strong grower and great
bearer ; in quality fine, tender and juicy, and
ripen well from November to January, but,
with proper care, may be kept until late in
the spring, without loosing much of its flavor.
There is nothing that grows on a tree, that
may propely be denominated "/ruit" that is
more generous to the taste, more grateful to
the sight, and more healthful to the human
constitution — and none that retains those
qualities for a longer period — than a good,
well-developed apple ; and the subject of our
illustration will compare favorably with the
best of them ; and especially in its prolific
character, although, in other respects, it may
have its superiors. Prolific bearing, hardiness,
constancy and good flavor are qualities in an
apple of the first consideration.

AROUND THE FARM.
No. 3.

A short time ago I was vis-
iting at a place when the fol-
lowing conversation occurred
between father and son:
"Where isthe hatchet, John?"
"I don't know, father, unless
it is in the barn." The father
spent five minutes in a fruit-
less search at the barn. "Per-
haps it is at the hog-stye, you
had it to nail that door." Off
he hies to the hog-stye and
makes another fruitless search
of five minutes. After study-
ing three minutes more it oc-
curred to him that he used it
in the cow stable last, and
after five minutes more he se-
cured the hatchet. The calcu-
lating reader will observe the
father lost eighteen minutes
in hunting that hatchet, which
a man can ill aflbrd at certain
times. Many people suppose
the time consumed in return-
ing tools to a fixed place every
time they are done using them
is lost, but the above actual
occurrence proves it to be otherwise. Now,
I repeat what I have often said, that on
the farm there should be "a place for every-
thing and everything in place. " There is no
use to carry on farming or any other business
well without some system and order. And
the care of tools is a part of that system. We
can not accomplish much on a farm without
some tools larger or smaller, and to be hunt-
ing them every time you need them is a waste
of time you can ill aflbrd. In some future
time I may describe an ideal shop and the
manner of arranging the tools to the best ad-
vantage.

Care of Horses.

Our horses are sometimes very ill treated in
the fiill. After work is over they are cut down
in their feed or turned in an old pasture to
shift for themselves. This should not be.
Ingratitude to our fellow-men is justly con-
sidered an odious vice ; but is there not often
a strong taint of it also in the treatment of
our farm animals, to whose help, in all kinds
of drudgery, farmers are so deeply indebted
for full barns and comfortable homes ? Would
it not be better to give them enough to eat
and a warm, comfortable place to sleep in,
than to let them stand shivering in the cold,
with not enough to eat to keep them in good
condition ? Let common sense give the
answer.

Grindstones.
Few implements are more necessary on a
farm than a good grindstone. It is therefore
necessary that every farmer should possess
one iind know how to take care of it. Always
keep your grindstones under cover, as the
sun's rays liarden the grit and injure the
frame. Do not let it stand in water, as it
causes soft places. Clean all rusty or greasy
tools, as rust or grease choke the grit ; also,
keep the stone perfectly round. According
to my experience the above rules must be ob-
served in order to keep the grindstone in
order. — Ruralist, Crestvell, Pa.^ Nov. 5, 1877.

IMPROVEMENTS IN FARMING— VA-
RIETIES AND METHODS.

In years past, when mechanical and indus-
trial arts wei'e making huge strides, the farm-
ing world seemed to be at neaily a stand-still,
or if any improvements were really being
made it was only the few that took advantage —
the many looked on with apathy — the ways of
their fatliers being trood enough for the sons.
This state of affairs contiiuied until the eyes
of many were opened to tlie fact that some
improvement had to be adopted or farming
and horticulture would not pay any profits, in
some cases not even cover expenses.

The styles of improvement presented them-
selves ; improving the number of staples ; the
producing capacity of the soil itself; improv-

ing the methods of culture ; increasing and
improving the varieties of grains and fruits
already existing, or better still, raising new
and improved varieties.

Adopting either one of these would natur-
ally show some advance, but the adoption of
tlie three has done wonders. Among other
things it has made farming a surer business,
for though we may not as yet exceed the
crops that were sometimes raised when the
soil was yet virgin, yet we raise them as large
now, and the average is [higher. The farmers'
and fruit rajsers' only dread now being a totally
unfavorable season.

The improvement of the soil in the older j
settled parts of the country has been very
great. In this part of Lancaster county, for
instance, the land, of what is known as
Turkey Hill, was obtainable as low as ten to
fifteen dollars an acre, and was dear at that,
as very slim crops rewarded the husbandmen;
the greater part of the land lay in commons,
not being deemed sufficiently productive to
warrant fencing it in ; the application of lime
to a small tract here and there improved the
yield so much that it led people to the con-
clusion that the soil might be brought up to a
paying standard ; from that time to this, with
the help of manure, the upward progress has
been steady and continual, until now it is all
fenced and cut up into mostly small farms.

Strange as it may seem, this soil that was not
thought fit at one time to raise wheat, now
brings good crops of this cereal, which are
greatly noted for quality, the prices brought
always being at the top of the market rates.
I believe millers claim for it that it has a very
thin skin, makes more flour and less offal than
wheat from other parts of the country. The
weight also is greater than is usually found to
be the case from the naturally stronger soils,
sixty-three and sixty-four pounds to the
bushel being not uncommon.

In other parts of the country the progress
has been perhaps greater, but tlie above was
given to show what a soil, once supposed to
be nearly sterile, is capable of being made by
a systematic and continual course of improve-
ment.

The methods of cultivation and improve-
ment in farming implements have more than
kept pace with the improvements of the soil.
In place of the olden wooden plow, or per-
haps shovel plow of early times, we now have
plows of iron or steel that do the work in a
style and manner that would have been as-
cribed by our forefathers to witchcraft. After
the plowing came the sowing and planting
machines, whicli save a third of the seed over
the slow hand method, and do it with an
evenness that would be attained by a machine
only. The sickle and scythe is cast aside and
horses now rush through our grain and grass
fields dragging machines that
complete tlie work at one
operation of a half a score of
laborers. Instead of the slow
hoe a span of horses is taken
and our corn worked on both
sides as fast iis a man can
walk. Very few can use the
flail now-a-days as it was used
not very many years ago,
when often a gang of three
struck in together ; nor do
we see the farmers' horses
walking round and round on
the barn floor, knee deep in
straw, treading out the grain ;
now we use steam machinery
that will thrash out as much
in one hour as would thirty
years ago have taken a man
a whole week with a flail. So
it is in all departments of
farming, wherever a labor-
saving machine can be made
A iK to work, and at the present

^ w outlook it seems as though,

L^ w in a few years, there would

kk 4S remain but few operations

that must be done by the slow
hand-process.
Variety is the spice of life, is the old see-
saw, and we would add another : Variety is
the life of farming. Many who read The
Farmer can remember the time when for
this part of the country the staple crops on
which the farmer depended for money were
rye, oats, corn, some wheat and occasionally
potatoes, the latter being considered too bulky
to be profitable, except along some water
highway. Tobacco was confined to Virginia ;
now it is farmed as far north as Connecticut,
and as far west as the Mississippi. Kice was
confined to South Carolina ; now it is culti-
vated in all the Southern States bordering on
the ocean and gulf Sugar and molasses was
nearly a monopoly with Louisiana ; now it is .
raised (but not cane) as far north as Illinois,
and spreading year by year ; so with many
other crops that were at one time thought to
be only profitable in certain restricted sections,
are now found to be paying in other parts of
our country ; and new ones have been added,
such as castor bean, oranges and lemons;
tropical fruits for Florida, Louisiana and
California ; grapes and wines over at least
three-fourths of the country, the latter being
equal to foreign, and in most cases superior to
the imported. And why should we not raise
a variety with the diversity of soils, the ex-
tent of couuti7 and the bright suns we have ;
indeed, our hot mid-summer sun makes our

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

d69

country nearly equal to the tropics for nearly
six uioutlis ill the year. It i.s well enough to
liilk aljout the " sunny land of France'' and
" tliu blue skies of Italy," and they may have
more of them in a whole year Ihau we liave,
but in si.t or .seven niontlis we have about as
nuieh as is desirable, and the rest of the year
is not so bad as to make liviui; a burden.

Improving the varieties already in eultiva-
tion has pnt millions of dollars into the pockets
of farmers, and Ihe l)riiii;ing out of new ones
that are belter than the old ones improved, has
been of incaleulable benelit to the fanning'
eonununity. Even young farmers can re-
member the time when wheal was eonlined to
two or three varieties, sueh as blue stem and
orange stem white, but liiese turned out so

i)oorly at last on aeeount of the ravages of the
rles.sian tly and the red (tield) weevil that far-
mers were almost in despair of making wheat
pay. There came a new variety, the red
(bearded) Mediterranean, which though of in-
ferior quality, was nearly weevil-proot', and so
strong in the growth that the tly could not
hurt it much. In rapid succession came other
varieties, of better (piality, nulil now we raise
red amber and white wheats of the highest
grade, both in quality, yield and growth. In
potatoes W'e possessed only a few standard
varieties — the iiink-eye, yellow-tleshed, a fair
yielder, but oidy medium (piality ; Mercer,
(Neshanoek,) white-tleshed, good quality,
but poor yielder. The greater part of the
other varieties known were of inferior <iuality ;
all the better kinds at last became so liable to
rot that it was quite a venture to plant a large
piece of land to potatoes. Now we have
Varieties by the score to suit all parts of the
country, and of a (luality that throws the old
standard Mercer far into the shade ; not only
has the quality been improved, but also the
size, shape, color and yield. As with wheat
and potatoes, so have all other grain and root
crops been improved, with, perhaps, the ex-
ceptiou of rye. Improved varieties of this
grain have been advertised, but I believe as
far as tried there has been little, if any, im-
provement noticed over the old variety.

In fruits the progress has been rather better
than in the farm crops proper.

The greatest improvement in any one kind
of fmit is probably in that of the grape. Of
course very good grapes have been raised in
this country for many years, but were raised
under glass, and could be afforded onlj by the
wealthy. IJefore ls:i0 poor peoyile and those
of moderate income had to do without grapes,
or be satisfied with fox, summer and frost
grapes, these being about the only hardy
kinds generally known up to that time.
About the year mentioned the Catawba be-
came known, and this, with the Diana, a
seedling of the former, Clinton and Isabella
w&re for a long time the only kinils known by
the public is general. Since the introduction
of the above sorts new and superior varieties
have been brought out, and we have now all
qualities in all the shades of black, purple,
red and white, the Concord and Hartford
Prolific, although of only medium quality,
being the most widely disseminated. Some
few kiudSj'as the Delaware, a few of the Rogers'
hybrids and others, being ac:kuowledged by
jugdes of acknowledced experience as nearly
equal to the better foreign varieties.

In the strawberry the improvenient has
been scarcely behind the grape, though in
tlie.se the size and yield are the points that
have lieen most brought out ; as to size, for
instance, we have Great American, Durand,
Crescent, Ac, some of the larger berries
being in size that of a mediiun sized peach;
and as to productiveness we have the Wilson,
wliicli has been known to produce as many
bushels to the acre as would be considered a
fair crop of potatoes. The first improvement
of note was in the production of Ilovey's
seedling (a pistillate variety), forty-three years
ago, and though there have since that time
many varieties been brought out that are more
promising and more to be desired, because
they have perfect blossoms, yet this old va-
riety took the (irst prize at the strawterry

show of the Massachusetts Horticultural So-
ciety, held in Boston in 1875. Mr. Ilovey,
probably, spent a great deal of time on the
production of his prize berries, and did not
spare inaumc or other fertilizers. In llavm'
there has been little or no improvement, some
of the larger varieties being more acid than
many of the wild ones, and losing some of
that distinct fragrance which many of the
wild berries liave.

In peaches there has been little or no im-
provement made in size and (lavor, but
we have both later and earlier kinds and more
variety. Nearly the same remarks apply to
cherries.

Apples and pears have been raised in varie-
ties distinct from old kinds, but little improve-
ment made; but the best old and new varie-
ties have been more disseminated to the ex-
clusion of inferior kinds heretofore raised.

The attention of fruit raisers has been par-
ticularly turned, fm- the last few years, to im-
proving blackberries, raspberries, currants and
gooseberries, and some good results have been
obtaint'd. Tlie first desideratum in all these
cases must be hardiness, then size ; next, for
lilackberries and raspberrios, is carrying or
sliipping; for ennants less acidity, and for
gooseberries freedom from mildew.

The farmer certainly has no cause for com-
plaint that there is no improvenient, lint he
must have his eyes wide open to see that he
only takes hold of the best and rejects all that
is poor or only mediocre. I believe that if
farmers would only put their eyes, their wits
and their experience to more use, we would
be further advauced than we now are ;
but I believe that the laborious life that some
larnuas lead has a great deal to do with their
not being more ob.servant, as when the body
is worn down with the fatigue of straining
labor, the mind is in no state to take note of
anything that is only a little removed from
the ordinary, it must be very striking before
any impression is made. This seems to be
borne out by the fact that jn'obably more than
three-fourtlis of the improvements made are
brought al)out by men of means and leisure.
Having the means and leisure, of course, does
not detract from the praise and honor that
should bc^ accorded, in many cases neither re-
ceiving nor seeking any benefits therefrom ;
but certainly more honor should be accorded
to the man who in spite of lassitude produced
by following his calling, yet keeps his mind
alert enough to note the little things from
which great ones may spring ; nor would he
do wrong nor lessen the lionor by turning the
results of his observation to liis own advan-
tage, for I have no doubt that many a fanner
could have bettered his lot in life by bringing
out improved varieties of whatever he was
raising. — A. B. K.

AUTUMNAL

For The Lancasteb Fabmeh.
COLORATION OF THE
LEAVES.

BY J. STATTFFER.

In answer to the question, "The reason
whv there was le.ss variety and less brilliancy
in the leaf coloration in the present season "
than usually V

Vegetation, the link, or so to say, the uni-
versal laboratory that manufactures food and
raiment, and purifies the air, and, in short,
prepares the mineral world to sustain the
lives of men and animals, performs some
wonderful chemical operations.

The soil, made up of decomposed feldspar,
quartz, porphyry, bay-salt, etc., are all clas.sed
among the minerals reduced by the action of
heat, frost, air and water. For instance,
feldspar contains from six to fifteen per cent,
of potas.sa. Plants absorb this potassa—
Liebig found that every root secretes a fluid, a
sort of acid, by which, as he says, "the
plants a»arit the soil with their roots." We
all know that potassii, like soda, is one of the
commonest chemical substances and exten-
sively employed in the arts and domestic
economy. The modest in-oduct is lodged
within "the plant, as all our potass, under

whatever name, its a ba.se is wholly derived
from the residum or ashes of wood biu'ned, or
vegetati'iu ol)tained by li.\iviation, as every
housewife knows in making lye for soap.
Chemists have tried to abstract the |>ota.s.ta
from the soil, but find it so tenaciously com-
bined, and only of late years did auy one suc-
ceed, and that only with costly anil complex
apparatus, diMicuIt and tedious manipulation,
abel to separate it from the clay-like or(iuartz-
like earth ; this the [ilanls do, however, silent-
ly and elfectually, and make it easy for man
to get at this valuable product, as we do, also,
much of our soda from sea phuits; these also
have revealed iodine and bromine as constitu-
ents to their make-up. No one will deny the
chemical yirocess. (Jreeii leaves, aided by sun-
light, decompose the carbonic acid, as well as
nitrogen. Collect the ammonia from the soil
or water; this ammonia, a combiualion of
nitrogen and oxygen, as an leriform product
of decomposition of animal or vegetable mat-
ter, is found everywhere in small quantities;
from the air it lindsa lodgment in every soil,
as Well as in water. Here allow me to make
a remark, to call attention to wliat often hap-
pens, a certain .scalding of the leaves. After
a rain fall, during strong sunshine, this has
been iiotice<l, and it is supposed that a clieini-
cal change results in the water having become
a mixture of nitric acid, strong enough to
scald or sear tlu^ leaves. One thing we know,
gardeners do not water their tlower-beds dur-
ing a glowing sunshine, ex])erience has taught
them that some bad result follows. In the ex-
.tensive and varied chemical operations the
color of (lower.s, leaves, iVic, demands our at-
tention, these run through a gamut of shades
and lints innumerable. But what produces
color V Science teaches there is no color,
merely a condition which allects our eye in a
certain way. For instance, I look through a
glass prism; I notice the most lieauliful rain-
bow lints to embroider every object, this I
know to result by decom|iosing the rays of
light of different refrangibility. Nevertheless,
unless we are color blind, we all behold the
fixed fact of the color in the flower or foliage
of the autumnal leaves in all their brilliancy.

Science goes as far as it can in the field of
matter, and ignores in man an inner nature,
as well as in all nature itself, an underlying
spiritual element, and one that, like faith in
the Gospel, must be "si)iritually discerned,"
as it does not respond to the scaliiel-scales,
ini(;roscope, or any device of man"s art or
geniu.s, however great. Nevertheless science
iias wonderfully tested the wonders of nature
and discovered many of lier secrets; we truly
liud nature to be more strange than liction.
The chemical transformations in the bodies of
living plants producing the most brilliant
colors ; a flower pa.sses through the entire
scale of red, from softest pink to the darkest
jiurple-brown, from the action of the acids in
the air, and elements in its juices. Infusion
of sulphate of iron into the soil in the culture
of hortensia has darkened their hue, no doubt
by affecting the tan in the plant. Tliere are
other dodges and arts among fancy florists by
which they do not change law, but the chemi-
cal relations in the elements brought in con-
tact. This subject is so vast, and touched at
.so many iioinls by other considerations, that
I find it impossible to stick to my text,
"What causes the change in autumnal foli-
age ?"

Tlie green coloring matter of lejives, no
miittd- how formed, whether altered starch,
mucous matter, protoplasm, or what not, re-
quires the influence of solar light for the
plant to fabricate it. The so-called chloro-
phyll, which is on plants in a dark cellar, or
celery-blanched, is absent,

Our savans have given this green coloring
matter consider.able attention, and made
known its comp<umds by names so long as to
be utterly out of the (luestion to rememlier ;
in short, a certain blue;c nring matter as a
comi)ound is found ; this vegetable blue, mixed
in the juices, is what, with the alkaline mat-
ters in the sap brought up from the earth,
jointly and variously modified and mixed in

170

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[November,

their proportions, become reddened by acids,
mixed in tlie atmosphere. Some years ago,
when in the drug business, I prepared a series
of six old-fashioned wine glasses, sprinkling
in fine powder of various chemical salts, &c.,
of a diflerent kind into each separate glass,
not perceptible to the superficial observer ; in
a bottle I had an aqueous solution of blue
cabbage, or litmus will do as well ; a portion
of this liquid poured into each glass will de-
velop as many different colors as there are
glasses with different chemical bases — as acid
or alkaline. We here see how wonderful a
difference slight changes make — so with the
hydrocarbons and aniline colors — but, alas ! I
am so iironc to digress, as analogous things
flood in upon my mind, that I can not avoid it.
That the leaves undergo a chemical change,
by acid action, was proved by Mr. Joseph
Wharton ; he exposed a variety of red au-
turhnal leaves upon a staging under a glass
receiver, with a capsule containing ammonia,
and had the gratification to perceive that, in
most cases, the green color was restored ; the
leaves having a thin and porous cuticle un-
dergoing the change most rapidly and com-
pletely, the restored green .color remaining
from some minutes to hours. The alkali of
the ammonia neutralized the action of the
acid, as I have tested for myself.

Frost, probably, plays no other part in
causing the autumnal tints than merely to
arrest the circulation by killing the leaves, or
more or less chilling them, when yet the juices
are abundant and the leaves full and plump.
Thus, suddenly checked in the early fall of
the year, the atmospheric acids and sunshine
have full play upon the blue substance, alka-
lines, tannic and other bases, variously dis-
tributed in the various trees and shrubs in in-
numerable modifications. Hence, the most
brilliant red, through all the grades of the
gamut to pink, as tlie acids prevail, from straw-
yellow through all shades, or maculated as
the alkaline predominates, and compounds,
perhaps, of which we have no exiserimental
knowledge. Chlorophyll is very sensitive. We
have a remarkable exhibition of change of
color in the leaves of the "Amaranthus tri-
color," known as "Joseph's coat of many
colors;" here we see on the same leaf a por-
tion bright red, bright yellow and a pure green,
as of connnon or natural occurrence,not to men-
tion the beautiful zonales and divers-colored
leaves on plants cultivated for ornament.
The reason whj' there was less variety and less
brilliancy this season is the want of early
frost to kill the leaves,or at least to arrest the
flow of sap. We hear of fruit trees blossom-
ing in numerous places ; the continued mild
weather developed the otherwise latent buds,
the juices in the leaves were diverted to this
extra effort, or gradually dissipated by evapo-
ration and the ordinary decay, by disorganiz-
ing the blue coloring matter, and the chemi-
cal compounds, so that when frost did come, the
work of dissipation was too far advanced, and
before "Jack Frost" entered the field this sea-
son his artistic brush could not find the neces-
sary material to work upon, and a monotonous
sickly-looking mess of dead leaves is the re-
sult ; so that lovers of snch collections find
the highly-colored leaves "few and far be-
tween." But, I suppose, from the language
of a portion on autumn, in "Thompson's
Seasons," that he, good man, never saw one
of our glorious autumnal seasons, when the
woods glowed and glistendd with stately trees
in gold, carmine and purple array, inter-
.^persed with green pines, etc. His language
may apply to our present season, for he says :
" But see the fading many colored woods,
Shade dcepenins; over shade, the country round
Imbrowned ; crowded umbrage, dusk and dun,
Of every hue, from wan declining green
To sooty dark."

What we term the laws of nature we may
as well call the laws of God, wherein we see
the power, wisdom and goodness of the Great
Law-giver. In Street's poems I find these
words, which, in conclusion, I will append :
" Nature is man's best teacher. She unfolds
Her treasures to his search, unseals his eyes,
Illumes his mind, and purifies his heart,
An influence breathes from all the sights and sounds
Of her existence ; she is wisdom's self."

FOREST AND RAIN-FALL.

Address of Thos. Meehan Before the May

Meeting of the Pennsylvania State Board

of Agriculture.

There is a maxim very good for myself as
well as gentlemen of your pursuit, good agri-
culturists, that a man does not know what he
can do until he tries. Speaking of good agri-
culturists reminds me that when it was an-
nounced that I should address you to-day on
rain-fall and forests, some of my friends ex-
pressed surprise that I should talk on such an
"abstract question" as this. How can it mat-
ter to a farmer of to-day if the forests are cut
away, if he can sow and reap, and if he can
gather the products of the soil ? In the lan-
guage of a certain distinguished individual we
might say, "Wliat has posterity done for me?"
Why should I care for posterity 'i For my
part, I can not assent to that view. I think
every great, every patriotic person, lias some
consideration for his posterity. I think that
many questions considered abstract and ab-
struse are not really so. More of these ques-
tions have a practical bearing on the present
than we suppose. They are not of so little
moment as many would make them. We have
suffered very much, in fact, through our in-
disposition to discuss little questions. Others
have benefited us by taking them up. For
instance, we now can cross the Atlantic in
ten or twelve days, when it took Uabot one
hundred days. Once it took a long time to
send messages from Washington to New
York; now they are transmitted in a few sec-
onds. Chiefly through Franklin's playing
with the kite, string and key, we accomplish-
ed this wonder. Through the experiment
with the tea kettle we have the locomotive.
It was through these little matters we have
got these practical workings. In regard to
this question of forestry and rain-fall, you
know what it is. It has been told in every
paper and magazine. There is the Desert of
Sahara, embracing four million square miles,
where rain never falls. In our desert of
America, extending along from Texas to
British North America, rain does not fall.
They say it is the clearing away of forests,
and that we are now sufiering from the devas-
tation and destruction of forests by some an-
cient people. I think we can show that that
desert was brought about not by the cutting
away of trees. We think that that is the re-
sult of sudden geological causes, and that
those sudden geological causes are continuous,
and that they have no reference to forestry in
any shape or form. Before, however, going
into that question, it would be as well to take
up frankly, or come down to little things, and
first explain what causes currents of water in
the atmosphere — consideration of moisture
before rainfall, and although it ma.y seem al-
most a common-place matter to refer to such
little things, yet I think it will enable us to
explain our position better by referring to
them. "Take a pitcher of cold water on a
warm day; moisture gathers on the outside of
the pitcher, and we commonly say that the
pitcher sweats, but it does not; it is simply
the moisture in the atmosphere which, being
warmer than the outside of the pitcher, causes
the water to condense. The same process is
going on over the surface of the globe.
Three-fourths of the globe is water, and the
average evaporation is about twelve thousand
pounds per square foot per annum. Of course.
In some places it is less, and in some more.
What becomes of this water ? It is taken
into the atmosphere, and when brought into
a cooler current it condenses and falls. In
regard to the circulation that causes the cur-
rents, take a bucket of water and put a stick
into it. The stick floats, not because of the
gravitation, but because the water is heavier
than the stick. The same principle prevails
if you take a kettle of boiling water. The up-
per surface is the hotter, and that forms a
continuous circulation, because the cooler
presses the warmer to the surface. Ii^ that
way there is a continuous circuit exhibited by
the changes in the specific gravity of the par-

ticles. That is going on also in the atmos-
])here just the same as in the kettle of water,
that which is warmest rises to the top. So
with the Gulf Stream. The warm water
of the tropics forces it upward. Thus there
is a continuous circuit toward the poles,
where it is cooler. Now we can begin to un-
derstand how it is that we get rain in some
parts of the world and it is dry in others. In
sea breezes there is a current of water all the
time to the land. The water which is changed
into cold vapor, of which I have spoken be-
fore, rushes in to take the place of other water
in that way. The warm water that makes
the vapor is all upon the surface of the earth,
is carried along until it comes in contact with
a colder surface, and produces rain. Now, as
to the American desert, which extends east-
wardly from the Rocky Mountains : The wa-
ter is drawn up from the Pacific ocean; the
cold or moist air of the Pacific is brought
in over these mountains from that direction.
It gives the prevailing easterly winds on that
side of the mountains. This vapor is carried
along until it reaches the top of the mountains.
When it comes in contact with these high
ridges it is condensed and become snow.
When there is any moisture in the current it
consequently becomes rain; but here it leaves
only a dry current to pass over it. It is only
two or three hundred miles this side that it
becomes moisture. From this moisture
which forms in that way we get another con-
dition, or area, which is continually watered
by rain from the clouds. You see, therefore,
that this snow or rainfall this side of the
Rocky Mountains, or more properly this side
of the Mississippi River, could not have been
caused if the RockyMountains were not where
they are, and it would be a matter of total
indift'erence whether forests were cut away or
not. It is a question wholly of currents with
these different parts. This tract of land,
which is now a desert, was once covered with
forest trees. If you dig down in Ilhnois or
Indiana, you find large beds of coal. Further
on, in Colorado and surrounding country,
which is now a desert, I have helped to dig
out what is called charcoal. I have dug up
trees. Some of these stumps, one of them es-
pecially, was twenty-four feet in circumference,
and others in proportion. These forest trees
existed at one time where now the country is
a barren desert. It shows that the whole
district was once covered with trees, and that
they were not cut away. These trees were
grown up when the whole range of Rocky
jNIouutains was thrown up in this way. That
this was done is shown not only by remains
of trees, but by large beds of fossil fish, which
exist some five or six thousand feet above the
level of the sea. Then there was no sifting
out of the vapor of the clouds, but the moist-
ure fell there in rain, just as it falls over other
surfaces of the globe; and the throwing up of
the hills afterwards makes this difference.
Some parts of the wovld have these sinking
parts as others arise.

In regard to climate, no matter how small
may be a cause, it interrupts the regular work
of events, and a very small disturbance in
these conditions will cause a great change in
results. Thus a little rock will fall, and it
gradually turns out of its course in consequence
a small stream ; and having turned it out of
its course, in time something else changes and
the whole course is changed by a very little
circumstance. And so in nature ; and that is
the reason we think sometimes there are great
changes in the climate. Take for instance
the Polaris expedition, and its discovery of
an open sea in 1803. In 1875 when Captain
Murray's expedition went there, they found
this wliole tract covered with ice ; the ther-
mometer being from 55° to 0.5° in '05 ; then
he found it the whole season below the freezing
point. It is onl-y the condition of things that
come ; altering in a few years, and the circle
contimies to go and come. I think the best
illustration, perhaps, is the history of the
grape culture in England, which bears en the
change of the climate. We know that Eng-
land "at the present time is considered totally

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

171

unfit for grape culture, that grapes cannot be
raised under any circumstances, and yet wo
know there was a time wlien it was covered
with grapes. The battle of Hastings, which
decided the fate of English people, was fought
in a vineyard, and we read of vineyaids, the
isle of Islay which signifies "the isle of vines."
We have traces of ancient vineyards in every
direction. These vineyards continued down
to 1085. From that year there were twenty-
five years of legular wet and cold seasons, in
which it was impossible to ripen the grape ;
and .so until the present day. Xow, it seems
almost a fable that England ever was a grape-
producing country ; and yet tiniljer was not
much ci;t away. There was no doubt good
tind)er until manufactories became C'.>inmon ;
and they did not become common until the
mining of coal. (So there could have been no
change in twenty-live years, by cutting away
i'orests from lauds wholly lit for the grape to
land totally unlit for it. Here comes the most
significant part of theliistory. At the present
time, one gentleman in grape culture there,
the l)uke of (41ouce8tcr, some six years ago
planted vineyards, and his grapes are doing
just as well now as they did in ancient times.
I think this fact shows fully that they didn't
result in any way from tree culture or forestry.
lu our own case we know how the climate
changes. 1 am satisfied that thirty years ago
in Philadelphia there never was a year, before
or after tliat, that the lilac didn't bloom
regularly before the first of May. For the
last year or two the same bushes around our
dwellings are fiowered well before the first of
May. There has been no difference in the
forests of Pennsylvania. I think th(>re is the
same amount of forests iu Pennsylvania to-
day that there was before that time. Before
railroads and canals were made there was a
gr-cat deal more lundier taken to Philadelphia
from Pennsylvania than there is now. Tim-
ber lands have been suffered to grow ui> again.
I knew of property near Philadelphia where
persons desired to leave to their descendants
those forests, and now those forests are worth
nothing, because timber can he brought from
a distance cheaper than it can be bought
there. I think Pennsylvania has more wood-
land than thirty years ago ; and there are
figures which go to show this. In England
there is only about five per cent, of the land
covered with forests, and this is probably as
much as it has had at once ; because
England's jiast forest area was so small tliat
theking set to planting forests for shiji-build-
ing timber ; so 1 think that area has been as
it has for many years past, and yet the aver-
age rainfall is forty inches a year. Tlfei-e is
Portugal, which is almost destitute of timber,
having only 4. 4U per cent., and yet the rain-
fall is thirty inches a year. And in Spain
with 5.53 acres to the hundred, there is
twenty-five inches a year. Sardinia with
twelve per cent, of its land in forest has a
I'ainfall of thirty inches. In Switzerland the
forest area is only lifteeu per cent., while in
Norway it is sixty-six per cent., which has a
rainfall of only thirty inches. On the other
hand is Sweden with sixty per cent, in forest
and only sixteen inches of rain a year, and
Italy with comi>aralively few forests, has forty
inches of rainfall a year. So you see there is
not the slightest correspondence. I think it is
impossible to give the causes which infiuence
the fall of the rain. In our own State there is
forest now, and we cannot make much of a
test jet. But there has been no diminution in
States where the forests have been cut awaj-,
for instance in Ohio, which was, wo know, a
vast timber region when it was first made a
State. It has been considerably cleared of its
timber ; and yet the records kept by the gov-
ernment ollicers in ^Marietta, show that there
has not been tlie slightest difference in the
rain-fall of Ohio. So in some other States the
rain-fall has not been disturbed. In the New
England States considerable attention has been
paid to it, but we have been unable to get the
figures. Massachusetts, for instance, at the
present time has twenty-seven per cent, of its
area in forests ; Vermont has twenty-six ;

New Hampshire has twenty-seven; New York
twenty-two ; and it is believed tliat twenty-
live per cent, of tlie whole area of the United
States is forest land. The southern country
is half forests. West Virginia alone has
l,000,00t1 of area of forest land. I think when
it is .shown fully how much there is even in
the Western country, you will sec that the
whole timber average of the United States is
forty i)er cent. The figures are high, and'yet
in some of the Southern States they feel that
there has been .some climatic change ; and the
timber area continuing the same, the result is
that these changes are not due to the absence
of forestry, but to geological effects. When
you consider the causes which iulluence rain,
and when you compare them with countries
where rain falls abundantly, and where it
falls sparingly ; and when you ctmipare these
with the facts as they have been given, you
will agree with me that there is no difiinence
in the rain-fall, and that the facts show that
there is not.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.

Tlie Laiicastef County Ai;rieultunil and Horticul-
tural SiK'iety met in tlie third story of the City Mall,
.Monday afternoon, Nov. 5, the following; memljers
lieiui; present :

Calvin Cooper, President, East Lampeter; John-
son Miller, Secretary, Warwick ; Levi W. (irolt,
West, Eatl ; Henry M. En^le, Marietta; .John .M.
Kutter, Salisbury; John H. Erb, Strasburtf town-
ship; John G. Linvilh!, Salisbury ; Wni. H. Brosius,
Drunioie ; Jacob Bolliuffer, Warwick ; Ephraini
Hoover, Jranheim : W. J. Kafrntli, West Earl; S.
P. Eby, city; John IL Lamlis, Manor; Prof. S. S.
Hatlivon, city ; Joseph F. Wiliner, Paradise; E. K.
Hcrshcy, Manor ; M. D. Kenilii;, Manor; C. L.IIun-
secker, Manheim ; Casper Ililler, Couestoga; Jacol)
B. Garbcr, West HcnipllcM ; Levi S. Heist, Man-
lioim ; Heniy Erii, Manheim ; .John Huber, War-
wick ; Rculicn Weaver, Kapho ; Henry Erb, War-
wick ; Mr. Mellincer, West Lampeter ; Simon
Ilorsliey, Salunfra ; EUwood (iriest, city; Dr.E. A.
Hertz, Philadelphia; A. H. Suuuny, Manheim;
Ifairy M. .Mayer, Kohrerstown ; Henry Shitlner,
Upper Leacoek.

The reading of the minutes of last meeting was
dispensed with.

Crop Reports.

Reports on the condition of the crops bcinc called
for, .John C. Linvillc, of Salisbury, said he had not
in the past ten years seen the srowiiig wiieat look
better than it looks at present. The corn crop has
been li«ske<l and has not yielded as well as was ex-
pected Ijclbre it was cut oft.

Hen'uy Ki'KTZ, of Mount Joy, said the wheat in
some localities, owing to the warm weather, has
grown too lari;e and has shot the second joint and is
beinfj plowed down. In some other localities it has
been attacked liy the Hessian fly, which seems to
move throuirh the fields in rcfriilar swaths or streaks.
His own wheal looks well, and as a frencral thinir
his neiichbors' looks well. He sowed his own seed
late and thus avoided the lly. He estimated the
yield of corn at about three-fourths of a full crop.

Johnson Miller, of Warwick, said the corn was
shorter than had been exiJccted ; fully ten per cent,
less than a full crop. Wheat is growing finely and
looks well ; so does the pasture, which will continue
g-ood for some time yet if it is not destroyed by heavy
frosts.

Wm. II. Brosius, of Druraore, said there wore
some complaints in his neiffldiorhood of the depreda-
tions of the Hy, though the wheat crop was gener-
ally g<iod. Corn was about three-fourths of a full
crop.

Jacob Bollinger, of Warwick, said the wheat
liad l)ecn somewhat injured by the fly. The corn
crop was good, say 72 bushels to the acre.

Henkv .VI. ExoLE, of Marietta, said there should
be a genejal understanding as to what constitutes an
average or full crop. When he spoke of an average
he meant the average of his own township; but that
might be above or below the average of other town-
ships. If a farmer raises a large crop on a good
farm he is apt to call it an average crop ; while an-
other raising a small crop on a poor farm will call It
also an average.

EpuRAiM HoovEH, of Manheim, said the new-
grass tields are better set than he had seen them for
many years, and the pastures are also good. Wheat
looks well, and has not been injured liy the lly— not
even that which was sowed early. Corn will not
make nuue than three-foin-ths of a eroi) — say ■)!>
bushels to the acre. The hay crop next year will be
very heavy, from present appearances.

W. J. Kafuotii, of West Earl, had never seen the
wheat look better ; the grass fields also look fine,

and tlic corn crop will average 60 bushels to the

acre.

Levi W. fiiioFi', of West Earl, said the reason
why that section of the country had such good crops
was because It had been favored with co|ilous raius,
while other sections not many miles distant had suf-
fered from droulh.

.Mr. ExtiLE, of .Marietta, said the corn crop was
not as heavy as it was exijceted to be earlier In the
season. He thought there would not be quite three-
fourths of a crop. The wheat flelds look well ; he
has not seen a single bad Held; has seen nothing of
the fly ; the piospeds of a large crop are excellent.
The young grass looks well ; lale |>otatoes have
turned out flrsl-rate; he had Intended to make a re-
|iorton the nuinberof bnslielsof potalocs tothe acre,
l>ut his patches had been so often v sited by thieves
that he could liol lind a (piartcr of an acre that had
not been robbcil, so he gave up the job. He said he
had seen iu print an article on the Hessian lly to the
ell'eet that the wheat dropjied In the fleld during
harvest, took root and furnished a breciling place for
the fly. He mentioned the nnitlcr now I hat farmers
might make observations and report the result. The
rainfall for the past month was 7'^ luehss.

Levi W. (iitoi'K, of West Earl, asked for Informa-
tion as to how th<! Hessian lly was able to lay Its egg
so close down lo the lower exireniity of the leaf
when the leaf itself fitted so clo.scly around the stem
of the wheat straw.

I'noF. S. S. Katuvon explained that the egg of
the lly is very small, and the worm when hatched Is
not thicker than a thread of No. GO cotton. The
egg is laid near the root of the leaf, on the joints of
the plant. The Hessian lly il.self is very small, and
must necessarily lay very small eggs. It Is not
much, if any, larger than a mosquito, and belongs to
the Gall-gnat family(CEciDOMViAi)j-:.) The females
deposit tiieirc'ggs as far down between the sheath of
the leaf and the stalk as they can get them, some-
times a i-ozen or more on a single iilant. When the
little grubs, or maggots, are hatched out, they work
their way down as far as the leaf will permit them,
and there remain around the joint under the sheaths
until they are changed lo the pupa — commonly called
the " flax-seed" stale — the [leriod of which Is longer
or. shorte;-, according to the temperature of the
weather. They are a greenish maggot, with a little
black dot on top. They do not bore into the straw,
but, as their bodies increa.se in size, they cause in-
dentations or cavities, by natural pressure, in which
they lie and absorb the circulating juices of the
plant. They are generally located around the low -
est joint, but often also in tl^e next above it. They
often remain in the grub or the pupa I'orm all winter,
and come forth in the fly form early in the spring.
The Manure Question.

" What is the best means of preserving manure?"
was the question proposed at the last meeting for
discussion.

JoiiK C. LiNvn,LE said he believed it to be a great
advantage to place a shed uver the manure pile, and
to ad<l sail enough to keep the manure from heating
or being injured by the fire-fang. He thought a
great deal of money was spent for artificial manures
that might be saved if proper allention was paid to
the barnyard manure. We are apt to allow streams
of black water to run away from the barnyard and
be wasted, when it is ivell known that this Is the
very essence of manure. It might easily be saved by
having a cistern dug outsiile the barnyard lo receive
it, and it might then be readily distributed lo such
parts of the farm as needed il. .Manure composted
under cover rfas certainly belter than that made lu
the open yard. He had been rather careless himself
iu this matter of manure, but he had been told by a
neighbor who had made the experiment that he eouhl
see in his erojis a great improvement in those parts
of the fields supplied with manure that had been
nuidc under cover.

Pbesioent Cooper said he had addressed John
I. Carter, of the Eastern Experimental Karni, in-
viting him to be present and address the society on
the subject of fertilizers, ami had hoped to have him
present to-day ; but he had received a letter from
.Mr. Carter, stating that bad wcalher and a press of
business would prevent his attendance.

Ei-UKAIM Hoover agreed with Mr. Linville, as to
making manure umler cover, and added that the
preservation of the liquid manure depended a great
deal on the location of the barnyard. Where there
is much slope a stone wall should be put up to re-
tain the liquid manure. He favored the sinking of a
cistern to catch the drainage, and described the con-
struction of a trough or box that would be available
for dislributing the manure.

Joseph F. Witmek, of Paradise, spoke of an arti-
cle written by .Joseph Harris, in which he describes
his plan of a barnyard. He i)lowed up the barnyanl
and scooped out the earth in the centre, making It
lowest at that |K)int, and there he sank a barrel, and
around the pump he piled the manure, and allowed
the rain and the liquid of the yard to drain into It,
but carefully excluded the rain that fell upon the
building. When the manure became too dry he
pumped the liquid from the barrel and spread It over
the pile, and in this wav got good results.

Levi AV. tiitOFP, of 'West Earl, placed no cover

172

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ November,

over his manure pile. His plan is to keep the manure
well together, ami if it gets away brine; it baek again.
He frequently hauled from the roadside the washed
earth and Bpread it over the manure pile, then put
on more manure, and then again more washed earth.
In this way he could double the quantity of his
manure.

Henrt M. Engle, of Marietta, said he had long
been of opinion that taking care of the manure was
the mainspring of a farmer's success. It is a good
plan to keep manure under cover if it is well cared
for, but unless great attention is paid to it, it might
be better to have it uncovered. The smaller surface
manure is kept in the better. He fully agreed with
Mr. CTrofl"s plan of adding to the manure pile road-
side washings. The dry earth absorbs and saves the
gases that otherwise would escape by a too rapid
combustion.

Henry Kuktz, of Mount Joy, believes in Mr.
Grotl's plan of keeping the manure pile well together
and adding liberal quantitiesof earth. If the manure
runs away bring it back. Save all the liquid manure
possible, and use it. That's the way he raised his
i?>2 pound squash ; he watered the vine frequently
with liquid manure. -^

Mk. Groff added that if roadside earth be freely
used on the manure pile there will be little waste of
liquid manure. He would like to know from some
one who had tried the expei'iment of making manure
under cover how they prevented the damage of fire-
fang. It seemed to him that if much water was re-
quired to prevent it, it might be as well to remove
the shed and let the rain fall on the manure pile.

Mr. Witmer advocated a liberal use of dry earth,
not only on the manure pile but in the stables.
Where straw is scarce it makes a good bedding,
keeps the stables sweet, and adds much to the value
of the manure.

Mr. Linville did not approve the plan suggested
of having the barnyard hollow in the centre. The
accumulation of liquid would sour the manure, and
he would rather lose the liquid tlian have his manure
sour, as that would destroy its present value.

President Cooper said he had always found a
decided advantage in having the manure under
cover. It is true there is some difficulty occasionally
from fire-fang, but this may be readily checked by
frequently spreading the manure.

IlENRr SniFKNER Said he had fed 136 head of
sheep in two pens, and had hauled out the manure
and spread it upon his own cornfield, and found that
the dry manure was much better than that which
had been made without cover, and that the crop was
much larger.

Pkesiuent Cooper recommended the sinking of
a vat in the barnyard, and connecting with it a drain
from the kitchen, so that all ofi'al and slops would be
received into the vat. He had tried the plan with
excellent results.

The Cattle Disease.
The qcstion, " What measures should be taken by
farmers to prevent the spread of the cattle disease?"
was on motion of Henry Kurtz postponed for discus-
sion at next meeting.

Referred Questions.

" Does it pay to apply salt as a fertilizer on wheat
grounds in the fall?"

I. L. L.iNDis, to whom the above question was re-
ferred, was not present, but sent in the following,
which was read by the Secretary :

" Does it pay to apply salt as a fertilizer on wheat
ground in the fall?" was a question referred to me at
your last regular meeting. From personal experi-
ence I know nothing of the subject, never having
made any experiments in their application, except on
grass wii h some apparent success. Upon inquiry for
information it seems varied success has attended
others who have tested it— some claiming they have
increased their crops, and others perceiving no differ-
ence whatever where it was apjilied. It was, how-
ever, in very light poor soil, that no effect seemed
apparent ; in better soil better results followed. This
is a very proper question, however, for agricultural
chemistry, as so much depends on the properties and
ingredients contained in the soil that it is highly
necessary to make a chemical analysis to ascertain
what is wanting to the soil to increase its productive-
ness and supply the proper food for the plant. Some
other members may have made experiments of which
they are willing to give this society the results. It
seems to me that salt applied to any soil under any
circumstances would only serve as a temporary
stimulant, and then leave the soil poorer than before
the application, having pretty much the same effect
as benzine or whisky has on a toper, which makes
him happy, hilarious and strong while he is under
its influence, but for each repetition he feels worse
and weaker, mentally and physically. The effects of
those Virginia fertilizers, which are partially salts,
may well be seen on the lands where they have been
so long applied in their impoverished condition and
sterility."

Mr. Linvili.e had very little faith in analysis of
the soil. It was supposed to be of great importance
a few years ago, but was now looked upon as being
of little consequence. He did not agree with Mr.
Landis that salt was a mere stimulus ; he thought it

might be applied with advantage under certain con-
ditions and in proper quantities.

EpuRAiji Hoover had always looked on an analy-
sis of the soil as being of great value, and had held
it is almost as necessary for a farmer to be a practical
chemist and understand the nature of his soil, and
thus be able to select the fertilizer best adapted to
its wants, as it is for the doctor to be acquainted
with the physical infirmities of his patient, and thus
be able to prescribe for his ailments. He had always
supposed that the practical chemist, having a know-
ledge of the soil, knew how to treat it ; if this be not
so, then the application of manure must be made at
random and the best kind found out by experiment.

Joseph F. Witmer believed agricultural chemis-
try to be of great account to the farmer. By it he
could learn what the various plants fed upon, and
what kind of fertilizer was best adapted to promote
their growth. He did not think that salt should be
applied to wheat in the fall or winter, though it
might do some good in the spring.

E. K. Hersiiet, of Manor, said that one of his
neighbors had in the fall applied salt to two acres of
wheat ; salt and manure to two adjoining acres, and
manure alone to two more adjoining acres. Where
the salt had been applied the wheat had grown much
more vigorously than where it had not been applied,
the straw being fully three inches longer than the
other.

Henrt M. Engle said a single experiment was
not a sufficient test of the value of anything. We
may apply salt on some occasions and under certain
conditions with good results, and on other occasions
and conditions of the soil, with bad results. A good
rule, he thought, was to vary the fertilizers from
year to year.

M. D. Kendig had applied salt to his wheat with-
out noticing any good result. He had used 400
pounds to the acre.

John C. Linviele wished to set himself right on
the question of agricultural chemistry. He did not
mean to say that he had no faith in agricultural
chemistry ; on the contrary, he had great faith in it,
and believed in making a careful analysis of the
fertilizers used. But he believed that no practical
good would result from the analysis of a shovel-full
of earth taken from a twenty-acre field.

C. L. Hdnsecker had high authority for saying
that the application of salt to wheat was in some
cases beneficial and in others not. Near the ocean
it may do more harm than good, as the ocean vapors
supply sufficient salt ; but far in the interior salt
may be applied with advantage.

Joseph F. Wither had known corn and tobacco to
be killed by the application of salt.

Henrt M. Engle had applied salt to melon seeds
and they never came up.

Levi W. Groff had freely applied salt to the
Canada thistle and killed it.

Casper Hiller had no doubt that salt was a
manure, but judgment must he used in applying it.
It will, of course, kill the plants if used too freely ;
so will any other kind of manure.

Examination of Fruits.

The President appointed Messrs. Ephra'm Hoover,
Henry Erb and M. D. Kendig as a committee to ex-
amine and report upon the fruits on exhibition.

Casper Hiller laid before the society some very
larger persimmons, and stated that they had very
few seeds in them . A neighbor of his had grown
them for years without any seeds. They were almost
as easily grafted as the apple, and if any of the
members of the society wanted grafts they could
have them by sending to him.

Medal and Diploma.

The President laid before the society a large bronze
medal and diploma, awarded the society for fruits
exhibited at the Centennial exhibition. The Libra-
rian was directed to have the diploma framed.
Business for Next Meeting.

" What is the best method of destroying bark lice
on fruit trees?" Referred for answer to Prof. S. S.
Kathvou.

" Does it pay to steam feed for stock ?" For gen-
eral discussion.

Groff's Patent Wheat Cultivator.

Frank Sutton exhibited a model of Levi W.
Groff's new grain cultivator and explained its ad-
vantages.

A Squash.

Henrt Kurtz called attention to an immense
squash which he had brought with him. It weighed
132 pounds and measured 81}^ inches in circumfer-
ence. It was grown on his premises on a vine some
thirty feet long, and was the only squash on the
vine. He had applied to it occasionally liquid manure
from the barnyard. He presented it to Prof. S. S.
Kathvon.

Prop. Ratitvon accepted the gift, and read the
following paper in reply :

Mr. H. Kurtz — Mij Dear Sir: In designating me
as the subject of your munificent gift, allow me, in
my humble reception of it, to give pome expression
of my sincere gratitude ; not so much from consider-
ations solely personal to myself, as from my repre-

sentative character as editor of a local journal, which
I have endeavored to make a refiex of the agricul-
tui-al status of the great county of Lancaster. With-
out arrogating to myself any special merit for what
may have been accomplished in that behalf, I can-
not but feel thankful to you and to other members
of this society, for your manifestations of apprecia-
tive kindness, and the disinterested assistance you
Iiave vouchsafed me on various occasions. As I
intimated on former occasions, my labor as editor of
The Farmer has mainly been a " labor of love ;"
and because I believed, and still believe, that a jour-
nal representing the agricultural interest of our
"garden county," ought to be morally, intellectually
and financially sustained ; at the same time, I am
not independent of, nor insensible to, the sentiment,
that " the laborer is worthy of his hire." Coupled
with your local approbation, and the endorsement of
many able journals from abroad, I have the assur-
ance that The Lancaster Farmer has become a
factor in the field of agricultural literature, which is
gradually gaining a flattering recognition ; and this
fact stimulates in me a desire for Its continuance,
and I doubt not the members of this society entertain
the same desire. Some of us here are now on our
downward decade towards our allotted -'three-score
years and ten" — if some of us have not already
passed that Rubicon of life's span — " and if by reason
of strength they should be four-score," "yet," ac-
cording to the inspired psalmist, " is their strength
labor and sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly
away ;" but, if we can recall the records which we
have made, and are now making in the history of
our lives, without remorse of conscience, we may
entertain some feeling of assurance that we have not
lived entirely in vain. If we can transmit to our
successors a live organization, and a flourishing
journal, devoted to the development of the agricul-
tural resources of our county and our State, we shall
benefit society more than he who founds an evanes-
cent empire that perishes when the power that
created it is overswaj'ed. Too much importance
cannot well be attached to agriculture, too much
laudation cannot well be accorded to those "who
have felled the sturdy oak and guided the unwieldy
plough ;" those whom " mid-day suns have browned
their complexions, and whose hands, by rustic toil,
have grown callous as a horn." Ralph Waldo
Emerson says : " The glory of the farmer is, that in
the division of labors, it is his part to create. All
trades rest at least on his primitive activity. He
stands close to nature ; he obtains from the earth the
bread and meat. The food which was not, his co-
operative energies causes to be. The first farmer
was the first man, and all historic nobility rests on
the possession and use of land. Men do not usually
like hard work, but every man has an exceptional
respect for tillage, and a feeling that this is the only
original calling'of the race ; that he himself is only
excused from it by some circumstance which made
him delegate It to other hands. If he has not some
skill, or other quality, which recommends him to the
farmer — some product for which the farmer will
give him corn, he must himself return unto his due
place among the planters. And the profession has
in all eyes its ancient charm, as standing nearest to
Uod, the first cause." Not that farmers are neces-
sarily without the failings aid imperfections which
are the common heritage of humanity; but that
their function is fundamentally the basis upon
which the superstructure of society securely rests,
and from whose resources all our most essential
physical wants are anticipated and supplied.

Why, there is not a healthy man in this room,
who, within three hours from this time, will not be
a zealous devotee at the shrine of agricultural pro-
duction ; and whose stomach would not break out
" in growling mutiny and bold revolt " if, on cross-
ing the threshhold of his domicil, he found his do-
mestic altar bare — he could compromise with his
head, his feet, or his back, but not with his stomach.
That restive organ periodically demands "the full
amount or forfeit of the bond," and happy is he, in
these times of financial reverse, who can "enter
satisfaction."

As an appropriate sequel to the foregoing senti-
ments, allow me to add a few concluding remarks,
in reference to the historic, scientific and domestic
position of this magnificent subject of the vegetable
kingdom, which you have so kindly donated to the
use and behoof of the conductors of The Lancas-
ter Farmer. This royal representative of the
Cucurbitaoe^, or Gourd famiiy — and of which
there are several genera, many species, and a very
large number of varieties — is said to be a native of
Persia, and was introduced into England prior to the
introduction of the cucumber (In the reign of Henry
VIII.) and is the vegetable which figured in the
English annals of agriculture, of that period, as the
"melon." It is supposed to have been brought over
to this continent by the Puritan fathers, and has al-
ways occupied a prominent position in the festivities
of our eastern brethren, and especially on thanks-
giving occasions. The problems involving genera,
species, and varieties, have become considerably
"mixed up," and I will not attempt to solve them
here, but may do so in a special article in some
future number of The Farmer. Its generic name

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

173

|8 Ciifurhitn, which sonir authorities say is (iorivcd
from its form, hclns a resuml.laiicc to a vessel, of a
similar name ami form, used by chemists In their
laboratories: and it is, probably, a variety of the
Bpeeles prp^irXhe Latin name, of a "ifoiinl . I iinili-
kin" or "punkin," are eonsiilurcii corruptions ol
i)0»t;<i<>«, iwmpon, or pcpun, which have their root in
' • iiv thanks to vou, sir, for your

pcpo.

Kcitin-ating

ceii«ro"ss>''t. a"'l 'o """ ni»-"''»'i'8 "•" *'''^ society for
their patient attention, I brinsr my remarks to a close,
with my best wishes for the prosperiiy of you all.
Great Corn Crop.

V. K. WiTMKR called attention to the immense
corn crop raised by Hiram Ksbeiishadc, of East Lam-
peter, his Held averaKinK I— bushels to the acre.

A resolution that no patent article be exhibilea, or
Its merits discussed before the society, was laid on
the table.

Report of Fruit Committee.

The fruit committee made the following report,
which was adopted : , t i

Very tine specimen of Bellcilower apples, Joseph
K. Witmer, of I'arailise.

Seven varieties of apples, and also some very flue
specimens of potatoes grown in three and a half
months, ]-evi W. (irolf, of West Earl townshiii.

Mu. Smev',-11 exhibited Northern Spy, a tine speci-
men of ajiplcs of fair quality, for a name, (.'lairgeau
(very fine,) another pear for a name, and loiia
grapes. , . ,

Mk. John Hubbr, of Warwick, specimen of
llovey pear— CHtting of same for distribution.

Jacob B. Gauber, West Hempticld, Sweitzcr
apple (very tine.) ..,.,,

Caspkk llii.i.i;K,ofConestoKa township, exhibited
a very line speeimeu of persimmon, introduced by
Mrs. Kodgcrs, of Lancaster city.

An apple of masnilicent dimensions and appear-
ance was abso shown by Garrett H. Everts, of East
King street, on whose premises it grew. The tree
bears a good crop, and has done so for the last ten
years ■ less this year, however, than formerly. The
owner would liKe a name for it. The family call it a
" winter rambo." '

IsKAEL L. LxNDis exhibited fine cliineapms for
distribution among members.

. Henkv Kvktz, of Mount Joy, champion squash,

81J;' inches in circumference and :iO inches high,

weight 13;; pounds. „

Ephrai.m S.Hoover,

M. D. KENDtCi,

Committee.
Adjourned.

TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Lancaster County Tobacco Growers' .Vssocia-
tion met in the rooms of the Linna-an Society, this
city, on Monday, October loth. The attendance was
not so large as usual, nor were the proceedings
marked with as much si)irit as on some former oc-
casions.

Members Present.

The following racmhers and visitors were present ;
M. D. Kendig, Manor, President ; I. L. LaiidiP,Man-
heim, Secretary pro teiu ; Henry Kurtz, .Mount Joy ;
Sylvciitcr Kennedy, Salisbury ; Henry Shitl'ncr, Upper
Leacock ; W. L. Hershey, East Hcmpfield ; Stephen
Grissinger, Rapho: A. P. Mcllvaine, Salisbury; J.
M. Johnston, city; John L. Landis, Manor; A. H.
Ycager, East Lampeter ; Ellwood Gricst, city; John
H. Beiler, East Lampeter: C. L. Huuseckcr, Man-
heim ; W. D. Hoar, Salisbury ; A. H. Summy, Man-
helm ; Frank K. DitTeuderffer, city; Clare Carpen-
ter, city.

The reading of the minutes was dispensed with.

Crop Reports.
Mr. Kennedy, of Salisbury, said the crop in his
section seemed to be curing satisf;ici(irily and would
soon be ready to strip; some of it had been stripped al-
ready ; the weather lately had been very favorable
for curing, and be expected the crop to turn out un-
usually well.

Henry KrtHTZ, of Mount Joy, said the tobacco
generally is drying nicely, though he knows of some
the leaves of which are mouldy from live to eight
inches. This bad been cut iu an unfavorable time
and hung too close. As a general thing the crop is
good ; some of it is reaily for stripping, but he was
not in favor of early stripping.

Mb. W. L. Heksuey, of East Ilcmptii-ld, said the
tobacco in the sheds in his ncigliborhood is curing
nicely, and some of it has been already stripped.
There is still on hand a good deal of last year's to-
bacco. Some local buyers have recently sold outtheu-
stock at satisfactorv tiguree.

Mr. I. L. Landis, of Manheim, knew of some
local buyers who had disposed of their stock at a
good advance. He agreed with what had been said
by others relative to the new crop.

Stripping Tobacco.

The question, postponed from last meeting, "How
long after stripping should tobacco be cased?" was
taken up for discussion.

Mb. Sylvester Kenmedt, of Salisbury, said be

had proposed the question because It is well known
that it is miicli easier to ease tobacco Immediately
after strippimr than to defer casing it until sometlinc
afterwards, but Is it as safe * Is the tobacco not more
liatilc to mould ; If It can bo cased with safely a
great deal of lalmr might be saved by doing it at
once. He thought It might be well to ca«t it at once
—not for the purimse of selling and sending it
away— but to keep It in the liest possible condition.
He wouhl like to hear what more experienced tobacco
growers thought of it.

Mu. A. H. Yeaobk, of East Lampeter, thought if
the tobacco was permitteil to hang until it had dried
suIMcicntly It might safely be eased as soon as
stripped.

Ml!. Henry Siiiffner, of Upper Leacock, said
whenever tobacco Is ready to strip it is ready to case.
In answer to a question, he said when the stem is
green it is not tit to case, nor is it lit to strip.

.Mu. Kennedy thought that If the leaf was dry
enough to break, it might be stripped even if the
buts were green. There was an impression among
tobacco men that tobacco was lighter in weight im-
mediately after drying than it was a month or two
afterwards. He w<iuld like to know if this were so,
and whether there would be increased weight by
letting it hang. g^^

Mr Kt'RTZ said it would not increase mlPight by
hanging. He agreed with those who said that if it
was"iiol lit to case it was not lit to strip. But far-
mers pressed for time might strip when the stock is
green and bale the tobacco and rank it with the huts
outward. In this way it will dry rapidly and so(]n
be tit for casing. Tobacco after being stripped will
gain in weight aud sweat better if placed In deep
cellars.

Mr. I. L. Landis said the question was a very
important one, and now is the time to discuss it.
Wc should get all the information we can and make
the best use of it. He hoped members would not be
backward in expressing their views.

Mr. Kurtz said that owing to the warm weather
we have had the tobacco is curing earlier this year
than ill former years. While much of it appears to
be lit to strip, he thought it would be better to let it
hang until the weather gets cold. If stripped and
ranked in warm weather it will sweat, and dealers
will not pay much for it.

Mu. Kennedy said " wc must make hay while
the sun shines." It is only once in a while that the
weather is fit for stripping tobacco. It is therefore
necessary to make good use of proper weather, even
if the steins are a little green. They can be dried in
the bales as suggested by .Mr. Kurtz.

On motion the subject was again postponed for
discussion at next meeting.

New Members.
Messrs. Stephen Grissinger, of Rapho, and A. P.
Mcllvaine, of Salisbury, were elected members of the
society.

Referred Questions.
" What proportion or per cent, of a farm can be
planted in tobacco and keep up the farm in good
condition?" , , „ .

This ([uestion, which had been referred to Presi-
dent Kendig, was answered in a brief paper wliich he
read, the purport being that while much deiicndcd
on the character of the soil, an average of eight or
ten per cent, of a Lancaster county farm might be
put into tobacco without exhausting the soil.

"Into how many grades should tobacco be stripped
to make it most marketable ;"

Mu. Kurtz said he never made more than two
„,.aile6— wrappers and fillers- and he thought he

sold to as good advantage as his neighbors, who made
three or tour grades. It might be well for those who
have indilTercnt or uneven crops to make several
grades, and give their crops as good an appearance
as possilile, but two was enough for him. '

MR.SuiFFNERsaid the number of grade9 desirable
depended on the condition of the crop. If a crop is
first-rate two grades may be enough, but it is often
well to make three or more. It should be assorted
into as many grades as there are varieties of leaves.
He assorts his crop very carefully, not only as to
quality, but as to length and color also. Soincliody
must make a thorough assortment of the leaf, and
the farmer, if he knows how, had belter do it than
have the purchaser to do it. We should at all times
be ready for a buvcr, and if our tobacco is well as-
sorted the purcluiser can see at a glance what we
have for sale. The assorting should be done so con-
scientiously that any hand taken at random will be
a fair samiilc of the grade from which it Is taken.

President Kendu; agreed with Mr. Shillner.
He believed that iu assorted tobacco leaves of iliffer-
cnt length, shade and quality should be laid in dif-
ferent "piles, and that every hand should contain
leaves of the same length, shade and quality. II
there be leaves of the same length but of dilTcrent
quality, make separate hands of them : and If there
be leaves of the same quality but of ditrerent length
make separate hands of them also. Then the buyer
can see at a glance what he is getting, and even if
the crop is a bad one it will look all the belter by

Shlffner and Kendig. What the grower leaves un-
done In this respect the dealers have to pay fordoing.
They want grades to treble A, double A, and single
A, aud they will pay more for tobacco thus assorted
than for that which they have to. assort themselves.
There is a wide margin between the extremes of
jirlces, and the careful grower, availing himself of
the knowledge of this fact, will place his Itibacco in
the best marketable sliape, and reap the advantage
of doing so.

Phesiiiknt Kbndio suggcetcd that the standard
of grades In vogue among packers might prolltably
be adopted by growers.

A Visiting Committee.
Mr. Hknrv SiiiFFNER moved the appointment
by the President of a committee of live members,
whose duly it should be to visit and examine the
farms of some of the i)rlnclpal tobacco growers ; as-
certain their inodeof culllvatlng and curing tobacco;
examine the sheds, the ino<le of hanging, the size
and quality of the leaf, ainl gather other interesting
facts and report to the society.

M«. Landis thought much good would result
from the labors of such a committee, if It faithfully
performed its dutv. He heartily favored the motion.
.Mebprs. Kurtz and IIkusii'ev also favored the
appointment of the committee, and a thorough re-
port from thcin.

Mu. Siiifener'b motion was agreed to, and the
following committee ap|ioiiHed : Henry Shlfliier, Up-
per Leacock: Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy; Henry
Myers, East Hem|ifleUl ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salis-
bury ; Jacob M. Fruntz, Lancaster Iwp.

More About Stripping Tobbacco.

The queston of stripping tobacco was resumed.

Mu. A. H. Yeauer did not favor early stripping ;

he had last year stripped a part of his crop early, and

after it had sweat he noticed that the leaf was very

tender.

.Mr. Kurtz said it Is reasonable to expect tobacco
to sweat if stripped when the weather Is warm, and
if it sweats it frequently spoils. There uee<l be no
hurry in getting it off the [joh-s ; the buyers are not
really for it yet ; let it hang until cold weather sets
in. He made reference to some experiments made

l,y !\i,.. , of York, who had sown the seed

oi" Cuba tobacco some years ago and raised the first
year, leaves about 8 inches in length. By careful cul-
livation, from j'car to year, he hail increased the size
of the leaves to 36 inches in length. The tobacco Is
very line and silky, but not so dark in color as our
Lancaster tobacco.

President Kendio would not strip his tobacco
early enough to cause it to sweat. He thought a
good test to determine when it was dry enough to
strip, is when the leaf, at its junction with the stalk,
is dry and breaks off easily.

Mr. Hershey said a good test was not to strip at
all until the ground has been well frozen.

Mr. SniFFNER said if it has been cut off early it
may be stripped in November. It won't sweat after
that time.

Mr. Kennedy said that last winter there were
only a few days in which the weather was tit to strip
tobacco. If we put it off until the ground is frozen
we may not have an opportunity to si rip It till spring,
and then it will not be reaily for the buyers when
they come round. He would strip early if the
weather were favorable.

Pay Up.
The President suggested that this being the be-
ginning of the society year, it would be a good time
tor meinbers to pay their dues, as the treasury was
badly in need of funds.

A iiumberof members "stepped up to the captain 6
office" and settled.

FaH P. owing,
Mr. W. L. IIeusiiev propounded the following
question for discussion at next meeting :
"Is fall plowing .idvisable for tobacco?"
There being no further business the society ad-
journed.

THE LINN.ffi;AN SOCIETY.

bein- properly assorted. lit, of Hentz, a pair of thousand legs, fuv-iafia for-

Mb. I. L. Lanuis agreed entirely with Messrs. [ ceps ; young of the 17-year locust, tuada beptein

A stated meeting of the LiniKcan Society was held
Saturday, October L7th, 1877, President, J. S. Stahr,
In the chair. After the oi)enlng dul les were attended
to, the additions to the museum were examined, and
consisted of a fine mounted lish hawk, (Osprcy)
VainlioH cavoUneimn, shot on the second of this
month by Mr. Brubakcr, of Lampeter township. A
flue mounted paroquet, or parakeet, from the West
Indies, TrUliogloxsHK piikUIhs, from J. -M. West-
haefVer. A large sized mounted gar pike, Lcpiilonleim
o«sf K.S taken below I'ort Ue|)Oslt, SuBquehanna river,
brought to this city by Joseph Baer and mounted by
George Flick ; specimens In alcohol. .\ large-sized
grasshopper, ,4<:/ii/iwi'i Aiiiciie<tiiiim. The " wheel-
bug," Hvdurinx iioiviiariiin, jier J. M. Wcsthaclfer.
Snout beetle, Liinx concai'i/n, egg of the garden slug,
..r snail, \kt Professor Dubbs. The " » alking-slick
insect," Speclvim or lately called Diaphoniira.
of those large, pretty yellow spiders, (Jbi'/ioua r/r,

One

acil-

174

THE LANCASTER .FARMER.

[ November,

dicem that has harbored in the soil of a larf;c box,
containing an ablution, undisturbed since 1858, on
the premises of George Hensel.'' Eggs of the snail or
slug {Limax,) found like brilliant pearls strung to-
gether, under a flower-pot by Mrs. S. D. Sprecher.
One would hardly suspect that these'naked molluscs,
so unwelcome for their slimy tracks, would hatch
from such a perfectly clear, oval shape.

To the historical collection were added seven cop-
per coins by Mr. Henry Eekert, Jr., several rare
coins of 1799, with the words "100 to the dollar"
around the edge. Nine envelopes, containing ninety-
two articles, cut from the current papers, in relation
to local history, per S. S. Kathvon, who also had
several flowers and leaves of the "while thorn apple,"
grown on his premises.

Additions to the library : The Lanc.vster Farmer
for October, 1877; No. 10 of TIte American Journal
of Microscopy ami Pojxdar Science, New York, Oc-
tober, 1877; several book circulars. Papers were read
by S. S. Rathvon: Ornothological, No. .57.5, giving
facts respecting the "iish-hawk," that for some years
past has acted the "chicken-hawk" on Mr. Bru-
baker's poultry, but only on the second of this month
could he succeed in getting a shot at this wide-awake
hawk. Reference was also made to a common crow,
Corvus Anuricanus, observed by our former Presi-
dent, H. Bruckart, deceased, to seize and carry oU'
some early spring chickens from his premises. This
is a deviation, but itr seems there are thieves and rob-
bers among birds of otherwise good character.

Judge Llbbart stated that he witnessed our com-
mon "catbird," MiiiiHn CaroHneitaifi, taking out the
young birds from the nest of a "chipping sparrow,"
SpizcHa socialix, and deliberately brain one after the
other with its beak, and drop them to the ground.
Mr. Libhart could not believe that such could be the
case, uutil he actually went and found that it was the
young birds he saw drop and not fruit, as he at first sup-
posed. Cruel cat bird that, a touch of the butcher bird.
Ichtheology.

A paper — No. 576 — in relation to the history of the
gar-pike, was read. J. Staufl'er had a paper illus-
trating the cermatia, walking stick, j'cllow spider,
etc., deposited by him, with notes and observations,
paper No. .577.

Mr. Rathvon read a paper, No. 579, in relation to
the whitethorn apple plant, named according to a
gardener's botany, " Balnra Kniijhtii," by Mr.
Zimmerman. A variety of what are commonly
known as the " Brugmansia." The names of plants,
like those of apples, are beginning to be very much
mixed up in certain groups, and the botanist is slow
to accept new names, because of a sli.ght and perhaps
variable diflerenee.

S. M. Sener called attention to the loss of this
society in the death of Frederick Smith, whereupon
the following preamble and resolution were unani-
mously adopted — viz :

It having pleased God — since the last stated meet-
ing of this society — to remove our late fellow-mem-"
ber, Frederick Smith, from the world of physical
being, to, we hope, a higher and a purer realm, we
his survivors and iormer associates, while we would
express our submission to the Divine Will, would
also give expression to our appreciation of his many
virtues, of the interest he always manifested in the
welfare of this society, and our sorrow that the bonds
of earthly association have been severed, and we
shall behold him amongst us no more.

Mr. Smith was one of the earlier members of tlie
Liuuaean Society, a liberal contributor to its museum,
an active participant in its scientitic excursions, and
we shall always recall those old memories and his
amiable qualities with becoming pleasure, although
mingled with that sadness which is inseparable from
natural aft'ection. Therefore,

Jicsolved, That, deeply sympathizing with the fami-
ly and friends of the deceased in their bereavement,
the foregoing be placed on record and be published,
with the proceedings of this meeting, as an expression
of the sentiment of this societj' — a testimonial of
our personal regard for a departed fellow-member.

Mr. Rathvon having paid for mounting the hawk,
paraquet and gar-pike, §4.40, on motion said bill be
paid by the society, agreed to. A box of fossils, con-
taining thirty varieties separately enveloped and
named was submitted for inspection. These were
sent to \Vm. L. Gill by Prof. S. K. Ridenow, No. 1-56
Linn street, Cincinnati, Ohio, for exchange. The col-
lection is highly desirable, as it contains several rare
and valuable specimens. On motion, the chair ap-
pointed S. S. Rathvon, S. M. Sener and J. Stautl'er,a
committee to see what duplicates we have and enter
into correspondence with the professor on the subject.
Interesting remarks on the distribution of fossils and
the geological periods were made. After spending a
profitable session the society adjourned to a special
meeting Friday, November 9, and the stated meeting-
November 34.

Fodder CROr.s. — Now is the time to think of fod-
der crops for next year. The first ready to cut in
the spring is rye sown now, and at intervals up to
November. I have found a few acres of fall-sown
rye, in a field near the barn-yard, avcry valuable and
acceptable addition the fodder in April, when incom-
ing cows need succulent food to enable them to fill
the brimming paU.

THE TOBACCO TRADE.

Something About Buying ; 877 Tobacco at this
Early Period.

Alreadj*we hear of purchases of '77 crops in all
tob.acco regions. Within a few weeks from now the
tobaceo-gron-ing country will, no doubt, be swarming
with buyers, and the farmer will, most likely, ask
about as liigh a price for Ids tobacco as the eagerness
of the prospective buyer warrants.

The general oiiinion among our dealers at present
is : "It is wrong for people to rush into the country
to buy tobacco at this time of the .year, for it makes
farmers demand too high figures. The papers should
advise dealers not to be in such a hurry to purchase
the '77 crops." Candidly speaking, we cannot see
anything very wrong about it. Business is good, '7C
tobaccos are safe, and money will be made on them.
Why, then, should the enterprising dealer wait and
not go out now and buy tobacco? It is rather risky, of
course, but first come first served. And, furthermore,
the mah^notive of this exodus of buyers for the to-
bacco i^M^s at such an early day is the great com-
petitioi^^^

Almost everybody likes to wait, and force farmers
to hold on to their tobacco, so as to make them ask
as little as possible for it. But there is the competi-
tor who doesn't care to wait, who is anxious tojsecure
the best crops, and leaves the city as quietly as pos-
sible. Others, however, hear of it, and out they go,
too. Thus the race commences, and the growers
reap the benefit.

Nobody can counsel either farmers or tobacco
dealers in this respect. Demand makes the price,
and demand and prospective business, combined with
the usual amount of jealousy in business, induces
the dealer to go to buy his tobacco as early as possi-
ble, and at as low figures as he can get it. And,
then, packing tobacco is greatly a chance business,
and speculators always have their own theories ; if
they hadn't they couldn't be speculators. — U. N.
Tobacco Journal.

The German Tobacco Trade.

The Pali Mall Gazette of July 35 says ; Bremen
continues to be by far the most important among the
German foreign tobacco markets, the importations
to that port being about three times as extensive as,
for instance, to Hamburg. Notwithstanding, how-
ever, that the aggregate importations of tobacco to
this and all other ports of Germany, added to the
quantities imported through other channels to the
German Customs unions are very considerable, it
is, as pointed out by Consul Ward in his trade
report on Bremen for the past year, a fact
worthy of notice that the quantities of tobacco
annually exported from Germany far exceed
the foreign importations. Taking into con-
sideration that the annual consumption of to-
bacco in that country is very considerable, the
fact mentioned offers some idea of the magnitude
of the German tobacco industry and production.
The aggregate area of land cultivated with tobacco
in the Empire or June SO, ls75, is stated to have
been about .54,000 English acres, seven-tenths of
which should be apportioned among the Southern
States — namely, Bavaria, Wurlemburg, Baden, Al-
sace-Lorraine, and a part of Hesse-Darmstadt; while
the remaining three-tenths are situated chiefly in the
Prussian provinces of Brandenburg and Pomerania.
The aggregate average of Gei'many tobacco produced
in one year may be estimated at about £9,000,000.

The New York Tobacco Market.

The U. S. Tobacco Journal says : The very flatter-
ing exhibit of weekly sales that we have been en-
abled to make during the past month, receives an-
other addition by our to-day's retrosiiect on last
week's business. But what especially distinguished
the past week from many predecessors, is that out-
side of 155 cases Ohio, every other lot sold (number-
ing in all 3,o80 cases,) was taken principally by
manufacturers ; another noteworthy lact in coiuiec-
tion with this summing up is that, suddenly, 1876
Pennsylvania, which, since the opening of the season
remained conspicuously neglected, assumed the lead-
ership in the market, and figured among the sales,
mostly to manufacturers, with l,-'.57 cases, at prices
ranging as follows : "r^ and 8 cents for tillers ; 12
and 15 for low running; 18, 21, 22 and 24 cents for
medium and wrappcry lots. The above showing
must be gratifying to holders of 1876 Pennsylvau'a,
as with the purchases of this stock by manufacturers
at this early period, the prospects for a realization of
good profits on the investment become very flattering.

The Tobacco Leaf foots up the sales of seed leaf
during the past week of 2,087 cases of which .5.50
were Connecticut, 200 Massachuse-ts, lOllNew York,
and 1,000 eases Pennsylvania. Prices for '7<i Penn-
sylvania were : fillers, 0?.{ cents; assorted lots, low
grades, 14(5(16 cents ; better lots, 18@21 cents ; prin-
cipally for home manufacture.

AGRICULTURAL.

Good Farming.

We don't think any of our Lebanon county farmers
would say that they bad ever a more enjoyable day
they would accord to one given to visiting the mag-
magnificent farms of .Jas.Young,esq.,at Middletowri.
We doubt whether there is another such specimen of
high culture, of such an excellent judgment, of such
perfect accomplishments in the way of farming, to be
found in the United States One of the English
Commissioners to our Centennial Exhibition, last
summer, went to see these farms. He is a gentle-
man who has been prominently identified with agri-
culture in England, and he was so much delighted
with what he saw that he has spoken and written of
its perfection since his return to his own country,
where they think they have .given the best illustra-
tions of good farming to be found in the world's
history.

Mr. Young's farms contain 1,230 acres, divided
into nine farms, with elegant sets of buildings on
each tract. They are, however, farmed as an aggre-
gated whole, under the direct supervision of Mr.
Young, assisted by his two sons, and Mr. Dawson
McKorkle, formerly of Lebanon county. There are
a great many hands constantly employed in im-
proving and in doing the necessary everyday work.
Wherever there are stones on the surface they are
taken and utilized in building fences or walling up
ditches. No wet, spi'outy land is permitted to exist
to oflend the eye and lessen the crops. Twenty-flve
miles of drain have been put down. Muck is hauled
from where it has gathered in large deposits through
the centuries, to other parts of the land where "it
will do the most good."

Some locations are graded and others filled up.
The fences are made of locust posts and pine rails,
the whole of which are whitewashed once a year.
The Ijuildings are not permitted to grow rusty for
want of paint, but all wear that freshness which
attention in that direction assures, while they em-
brace convenience for the workers and comforts for
the animals. The hogs have cottages for their
homes, while the chickens crow .and cackle in domi-
ciles that have every provision to secure their comfort
and excite their pride. Herds of clean-limbed, smaU-
headed, deer-eyed Alderneys chew their cud in 'j
delightful rumination in stalls cleaner than some j
peo])le's houses, with straw up to their knees to rest '
in when they mav choose to indulge in a siesta.
There are great boilers to prepare the feed for the
animals, and all kinds of farming implements to help
on labor. Fields containing seventy or eighty acres
are richly set with grass, or show the wheat just
sprouting from a soil as smooth as a garden, or are
sprinkled with shocks of corn that will husk sixty or
seventy bushels to the acre. And how all these
things ius))ire one with an ambition to be a good
farmer! How they testify to the possibility for a
true and noble enjoyment in a farmer's life ! —
Lebanon Courier.

England's Imports.

So far during the present year, England has im-
ported §115,000,000 worth of wheat froin alhiuarters,
being already -?25, 000,000 more than she imported
during the entire year of 1876. It was thought on
all luinds that the Uinted Slates would supply her
with an increased amount over former years, but,
strangely enough, our exports so far are .32,000,000
busliels less than during the same period last vervr.
This fact may be accounted for in several ways.
Russia, India and Egypt have all been stimulated by
their financial necessities to export unusual quantities
of grain, and it is from these countries that the large
imports into England h.ave come. Then too the ex-
port of our recent abundant crops has just set in,
and during the next six months our exportations of
grain will be largely increased. Our grain dealers
have been holding back in expectation of better
prices, but the fact that two weeks ago 700,000
bushels of wheat were sent from the port of New
York in a single day, shows that the trade has be-
come fully active, and from this time forward we j
may expect to hear that the volume of our grain j
exportations will grow rapidly.

Lancaster County Centennial Cotton.

Mr. Joseph Harper, near Pleasant Hill school,
West Donegal township, has growing in 'his garden ,
half a dozen cotton plants which are attracting much 1
attention from those persons who have never seen j
cotton except in cotton goods. \

Mr. Harper has been an invalid for a number of
years, and was therefore unable to attend the Cen-
tennial exhibition last summer and see the wonders
of the world. So he rc(iuested his friend, S. E. ji
Ream, to bring him some cotton seed. Tlie request
was fulfilled. He planted the seed and his heart was
made glad the other day by several large pods burst-
ing open and showing the soft, snow-white downy
substance, somewhat like wool, which they contained.
Sever,al of the pods were handed to the tciieherof
the school, who gave quite an interesting and instruc-
tive object lesson on them to his school.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

175

HORTICULTURAL.

A Root Cellar or House.

Ill buildiiiK a baiii a good laiRe root cellar should
be built under it. But wlierc no such cellar exists,
one eaii be made at a small cost. Suppose your barij
Is near a liill facing the East or the Soiitli. It would
be very easy to dig out a cellar on the side ol the
hill, then walliiiK it up, and plaeini;- some
timbers across the top, upon whieli lilaee cheap two
Inch pine, chestnut, or otiier durable planks lo sii|)-
iKirl tlic earth roof. The door should ho thiclv, and
made to shut very tiijht; and then no frost \vould
enter such a cellar, unless in a very cold climate,
\yhere t\yo doors would be necessary. It no such
side hill exists near your barn, a root house can he
built on level ground. If you can dig down two or
three feet, and can drain tlic house by laying drain
pipe so mueli the better. In this case you go down
say two feet, lay your walls and hank four lect out-
side all around excepting wliere the door is to go.
rut a double pitch roof on it, shingled, and across
the plates lay joists to support a lloor. In the gable
end, over the dooj-, a small door should be made to
admit hay or straw to till the space, well iiackcd.
Tlie bank around the building should be sodded up
in the Spring; and you will have a root cellar, frost
proof, and not unsightly. Such a cellar sliould be
made in suimuer after haying, as you can spare

time .

^ ■

Pruning Roses.

An cxeliange says: Roses, to produce large llowers,
must be pruned severely every year; hence, the ad-
vice given applies to roses of any age, provided that
they have been cut back before. Old plants having
lieen allowed their full development, nui.'<t, however,
not be cut back as much as plants that have had an
annual shortening in since the beginning, as the cut-
ting back must take place upon wood of t lie previous
year's growth. Old bushes must l)e dealt with spar-
ingly, the suiierabundancc of old wood reduced, and
the young shoots shortened in. llunniug roses must
be pruned upon the spur system, leaving the main
branchas untouched, but reducing the laterals to two
or three eyes each. Spring blooming moss roses
should not be pruned back too mucli in winter; they
arc best trimmed after the llowers have passed m
summer. Tea and China roses, from their peculiar
habit, may he pruned less than hybrids, a class which
will seldom give llowers showing their full perfection,
unless the wood is annually renewed. This severe
annual pruning will, however, exhaust the plaiil
after six or eight years, hut, in compensation in tlius
shortening their existence, a much more perfect
blooming is secured than could be expected if plants
are left unpruued^

To Keep Cabbage.

Though we have seen recommended various modes
of preserving cabbage through the winter, and have
tried several of them, we continue to pursue the
method that we have generally adopted for some
twenty years, and which we have freriucntly de-
»cribed "in this department. It is simply to dig
slight trenches side by side, on some rising or ilry
spot whence tbcwaterwill readily drain off, in wliich
etand the cabbage just as it grows, sinking it up to
the head. The'rows can be as closely togetlier as
the size of the heads will admit of. Cover over with
eornfodder, straw or bean-haulm. Then set four
posls so as to form a pitch, placing the head against
a wall or board-fence. Form a roof by bean-poles,
when boards are not at hand, cover this witli corn-
stalks or straw. If ordinarily well done theealibage
will keep as long as is desired, having usually kept
• ours until April and May. We are aware that it is
generally recommended to pl.acc the heads of tlie
cahhagein the ground with the stalks sticking up.
But having tried this way, we found tliat tlie cab-
bage kept better and fresher as we recommend. To
prove this we have had coleslaw in May.— G'tridUK-
tomi Telegraph.

Of forty-three varieties of apples tested by M. A.
Truellc, of the Chenjical Society of I'aris, the red
American rennet was found to contain the largest
amount of sugar.

The finest crop of raisins ever produced in Cali-
fornia is promised this fall. The grapes are not
growing so large as in previous years, owing to dry-
ness, but their quality is better.

House Plant Manure.— Six quarts of soot to a
hogshead of water makes a serviceable manure lor
watering forced plants— as well as for most bulbs,
flowering plants and shrubs. — American Oanlen.

TuE OioiUM. — As an antidote for oidium on the
grape vine disease, M. Chatal, a French authoritjj,
recommends common table salt. lie says that his
vines and grapes were covered for some years with
this substance, and that last spring he sprinkled a
handful of salt about the roots of each vine. The
effect was marvellous; the vines grew luxuriantly,
and bore an abundance of grapes entirely free from
the fungus or oidium.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

A Cheap Smokehouse.
Dig a narrow pit from twelve to eighteen Inches
deep; throwing the earth all out of one side. From
near the liotlom of this pit dig a trench of sufllelcnt
length to bold one or two joints of stovepipe, at such
an angle as will bring the end away from tlie pit to
the Biirlace of the ground. Over the end of this pipe
set a common flour barrel or large cask, as may lie
needed, and, having removed both heads, bank up
around it with loose earth sotliat no smoke can es-
cape at the bottom. Hang the hams, etc.. In It, using
some round sticks to run through the strings. Putting
a cover on the sticks will h^ive space enough for
draught to let tlie smoke pass freely. Huild a smoke
liie of corncolis, damp, hard wood or sawdust, in the
pit, and you will have a cheap, safe and elliclent
smokeliouse with vcjy little trouble.

Sour Bread.

A model housewife suggests the following method
of utilizing sour or stale bread. If bread is found
to he sour and hard, it need not necessarily he fol-
lowcil by a complete waste of that important table
eonsumiition. It can lie soaked in swector even sour
milk over night for griddle cakes and in the maniing,
by the addition of an egg or two aoordiiig to the
quantity, and with a little llmir and soda, made into
a palatiilile change for breakfast; and if the bread is
sour a trille of soda must ho j)ut into the cottage
pudding for dinner. If thchread he toasted for tea,
it must be thoroughly browned— re-cooked, in fact—
which destroys much of its acidity, though never
quite as good, of course, as bread that was sweet at

first.

^ ■ —

Worms in Flower Pots.
Many llower lovers are puzzled how to get rid of
the detestable worms that will infest the earth in their
tlower pots. The following is recommeded to destroy
the pests : "Put one ounce of ammonia into one gal-
lon of warm water, and water the plants ^vitll it
once a week. They will be free from these worms
and be beautiful aiid green. To kill the little bugs
that get on the oleander, take a ])iccc of lime the size
of a hen's egg, and dissolve it in about two quarts
of water, and wash tlie stalk and branches of the

tree."

^

Domestic Recipes.
IIviiEN Salad.— One gallon cabbage, one-half
gallon green tomatoes, one-half gallon onions— all
chopped tine, four tablespoonfuls salt, two table-
spoonfuls ginger, two tablespoonfuls cloves, one
tablespoonful cinnamon, two tablespoonfuls mu.stard,
one and one-half pounds brown sugar, plenty of
celcrj seed, one-half gallon strong vinegar; boil the
whole one-half hour.

Chocolate Coun Starch.— Pour one pint of
boiling milk over one quarter of a pound of grated
chocolate; dissolve three tablespoonfuls of eorn-
stai eh and three tablespoonfuls condensed eggs into
a pint of cold milk, and add, with three tablespoon-
fuls of powdered sugar, one-half teaspoonful vanilla
to the melted chocolate; let boil together one minute,
stirring briskly; p<.iur into molds and serve cold.

Home and Farm Apple Pie.— Stew apples and
run them through a fine sieve, add one egg; beat
apple, egg and sugar together; sweeten to taste;
flavor with lemon; make crust as for a tart; bake,
and when tlie pie is cold beat the white of one egg
with sugar as for frosting, cover the pie and put in
oven to brown, frosting slightly; eat cold. We stake
our reputation that it will tickle the palate of all
who eat it.

To Clean Hair Brushes. It is best to clean two
at a time, iu this way. First comb them well, to
remove the loose hair or dust, then dip the bruslies
only in very warm water, sprinkle each brush with
pleiity of powdered borax and rub the two together;
after they are thoroughly cleansed, have a pitcher of
hot water and pour it over the brushes; keep the
back of the brush as dry as possible; shake the water
well out,and dry quickly in the sun. Bruslies washed
in this way will retain their stiffness.

Oat-Meal Crackers.— One tcacuiiful of oat-mcal
and enough tepid water to wet and make into dough;
mix well and quick; the harder the dough the bel-
ter; if it will bear to be rolled out with a rolling-pin,
begin to roll it, stopping to press the ragged edges
with your fingers; keep at it in the same way till it is
one-ei"-hth or a (piarter of an inch thick; be quick
about it or it will get too dry under your hands;
make only dough enough at one time for one cracker;
do not brown it any in baking; it will be good for
months if you put it in your oat-meal barrel and
cover it with meal. . r ,,

To Pickle JIabtinas.— Take one gallon pot lull
of martinas. Make a brine strong enough to liear an
egg: keep them covered for ten days. Take them
out and wash them out in cold w;iter, then put thcni
in cold vinegar. Let them remain for ten days, drain
them, and put them in the jar intended for use. In
half a gallon of vinegar scald a large handful of
horseradish scraped fine. A cupful black pepper,
one cupful ginger, one-half cupful black mustard-

seed, three tablespoonfuls of beaten cloves, three
cinious sliced fine, one pod red pciiper, three pounds
brown sugar. Pour them over the pickle, ajid fill
with cold vinegar.

Celery Soup. — Six roots of celery, one large
turnip, two ounces of onions, four ounces of bread
crumbs, one ounce of buttiT, one dcssirrt spoonful of
Hour, and lialf a pint of cream. Strip off all the
green part of the celery, u«lng only the whil(^ ; cut It
in shreds, reserving the iiiBldc of three of the roots
to be adde<l afterward; slice the turnip and oiilou,
and put them with the celery into a pan; add two
([Uarls ijf water, the bread crumbs and a little salt;
let all boil till the vegetables are perfectly soft; rub
through a sieve ; return It to the pan ; add the celery
(previously trolled till quite soft), the butter and
flour, well'mixed ; stir it, seasoning It with a little
mace; and, after boiling a <iuartcr of an hour, stir
iu the cream, and do not allow it to boll afterward.

To Broil Beefsteak.— To broil beefsteak so that
it shall retain all the blood have your iwls hot ; rub
them with a little piece of fat cut from the steak.
Be sure the drafts of your stove airTipeii and the fire
burning clear and bright ; then put on the steak and
turn over every three seconds. Do not leave It, but
keep turning for twenty minutes. Broiling It in this
way will take live minutes longer than to stand and
cook, but you will be more than repaid for the
trouble by the truly delicious meat you will have.
Let the platter be warm on which you Inteud placing
it, and put a piece of butter on the dish ; put the salt
and pepper on it and rub all together. When the
steak is cooked place it in this butter and turn It over
once or twice. Send to the table at once.

French Wat of Cookino Lamb Chops. — Cut
a loin of lamb into chops. Remove all the fat, trim
them nicely, and see that they are all the same
length. Lay them in a deep'dlsh and cover them
with salad oil. Let them steep in the oil for an
hour. Having drained the chops from the oil, cover
them with a mixture of finely grated bread-erumbB,
a little minced parsley, seasoned with pepper and
salt, and some grated nutmeg; then broil tliciu over
a bed of hot coals or a buttered gridiron, or you may
bake them a nice brown in a tpiick oven. Have
ready some mashed potatoes heaped high on a hot
dish, in the form of a cone or beehive, and place the
lamb chops all lound it, so that they lean against it
with the broad end of each chop downward. Orna-
ment the top of the cone with a handsome rose or
a bunch of curled parsley.

LIVE STOCK.

Keeping Stock Clean.

It ought to be the dutv of the stockman to see that
all cattle that are kept constantly tied up should, re-
ceive a thorough brushing daily. Stock that arc
accustomed to have their heads tied get very dirty
about the neck and shoulders unless they receive
careful "grooming." Cleanliness is very essential for
cattle always under cover, not only because disease
is thereby prevented from making its inroads, but
also because stock thrive better, and reach maturity
a great deal quicker, when carefully tended, than
when they are not. Cattle kept in hammels or loose
boxes do not, [jcrhaps, require so much attention as
those whose heads are tied to the stall, a* they can
with freedom lick themselves, but they should not
be neglected on that account ; and the careful stock
farmer will do well to sec that his stockman gives
them proper attention.

It frequently haiipens, however, that cattle do be-
come very dirty about the body— whether from ne-
glect, or a natural predisixisition to get dirty, it is
unnecessary to consider. in such eases a goo<l
riniedy is to apply lo the affected parts a mixture of
fish oil and tlour of sulphur. In the pro|X)rtion of four
ounies of sulphur to ii quart of oil. This mixture
should be vigorously rubbed into the iKxly, and about
three days after this has Ikcu done the atfccied jiarts
must receive a good washing with soft soap and
w arm water. The oil and sulphur may be a|>plied
once more iu the same manner as before, the mixture
being made a little stronger should there be an ob-
servable improvement from the first washing. Tliis
mixture applied twice generally sullices to effect a
complete cure of the ailment. — London Live Stock
Journal.

Hay Tea fot Calves.

The practice common in inostof our dairy districts,
of killing calves when only a few hours old, in order
to save the milk which they wouhl require in rearing,
is carried to a far greater extent than is cither neces-
sary or profitable. We have none too many cows, or
beef cattle, and it is a shame to destroy tens of
thousands of calves annually which bring nothing to
the owner except the few Bhlllings rceeivcd for the
skin. It is certainly possible to raise these calves
w ithout giving them fresh, new milk, for with a
liiilc skimmed milk and hay tea they will thrive
inmost, if not quite, as well as upon the pure lacteal
lluid. Fifty years ago, James Stewart Denham,or
Scotland, inslUuted experiments in raising calves
with hay tea, taking them from the mother when

476

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ November, 1877.

three days olil, ami tliose experiments were eminently
Euccpssfiil. Two pounds of hay were steeped in
twenty quarts of water, and then boiled down one-
half,'and to this was added a quart of skimmed
milk. In some instances molasses was added also to
give sweetness, and the ealves not only thrived upon
this diet, but preferred it to fresh milk.— il/oore's
Rural New Yorker.

Care of Stock.

It is absolutely necessary that all animals should
be well sheltered from cold and damp. The reason
why pigs or other animals do not fatten so readily in
cold weather as in the warmer months is, that the
food is largely used in keeping up the vital heat,
which is now given off in excess and lost. If this
loss is prevented animals will fatten now as readily
as at any other time. This is a very important
time as regards sheep. If not carefully
watched they will soon fall off in condition,
and this badly injures the wool, causing what it
known as " br^k," which reduces its value to the
manufacturer one-half. A healthy condition can be
maintained only by preventing crowding and heating
in the yards and pens, and furnishing ample ventila-
tion, good food in abundance, and pure water plenti-
fully.

Devons.

That the Devons are a very valuable breed of
cattle, will be readily admitted by all experienced
stock men. Their beef is of the higliest quality,
and though they do not ripen so early as the Short
Horns, they can be worked until four or live years
old, and then put up to fatten. The Short-Horns
are an aristocratic breed— work disagrees with them.
On the other hand moderate work improves the
Devons, giving them better development than they
attain in idleness. As working cattle they are unsur-
passed; they are also good inilkers, yielding milk
rich in cream. Though not giving a large quantity
of milk, they make up in extra quality. ^ Best of all
they are hardy, thriving where a Short-Horn would
starve. On these and other grounds their encourage-
ment and multiplication are desirable.

At a recent sale of short-horned cows in England
a beast, named "Fifth Duchess of Hillhurst," was
sold, amid great applause, for •522,.5U0. She is said
to be the highest priced eow in England, and is (\&^
scribed as a "charming creature." The largest sum
ever paid for a cow is believed to be fiL'(;,7.5u for the
"Duchess of Geneva," which was sold at New York
Mills, in New York, two or three years ago. Twenty-
two thousand live hundred dollars is the next highest
Bum.

POULTRY.

Cooked Meat for Poultry.

Cook the meat you give your poultry, always.
Chop it finely, using a common wooden bowl and
household chopping-knife, if you have but a small
quantity of meat to prepare ; 'but, if you are keeping
poultry on a large scale, substitute for the bowl a
tight wooden box of a bushel capacity, and for tlie
chopping instrument, use a common short-handled
spade with its blade ground to a keen edge.

Salt tlie meat as you would for your own eating.
Mix it half and half, when fed out, with scalded
wheat or eornmeal— and it will serve your purpose
much better than if led in any other way.

The mode too often ailopted is to throw raw meat
to fowls. This is a bad way, and in the summer
season causes illness, frequently. Cooked meat goes
further, is more nourishing, and less injurious if
over-fed than in the raw state.

For young fowls, very little is needed at a time ;
and either old or young birds, when kept in confine-
ment, sliould not be stuffed with this kind of allow-
ance. A large share of their feed should be grains
and cooked vegetables. For growiug fowls at an
age this is the best staple food, when properly va-
ried.—i'o(t(«/-j/ Wuria.

Eggs for Export.

The New York Kretiing I'ont expresses its surprise
that thus far no American speculator, looking about
him for something to send out of the country, has
turned his attention to eggs. At present the greater
part of the eggs imported into Great Britain eome
from France, Malta and Germany. The safe ship-
ment of large quantities from Malta and their arrival
in good coiidition, disposes of any objection that
might be raised on the score ol' the long journey, as
the passage I'rom that port occupies sixteen days, and
it is not uncommon for a cargo to be one month old
before it reaches its destination. That a demand ex-
ists is ijlain from the facts that in the year 1876 eggs
to the value of ?2,610,L'31 were imported into Great
Britain, and that the supply from France has de-
creased considerably during the present year. It is
also stated that the American Consul at Liverpool
has written to the State Department, at Washington,
that the condition of the English poultry market in-
vites exportations from America.

Preparing Poultry for Market.

Fowls and chickens intended for the market should
have no food given them for twenty-four hours pre-
vious to killing. Food in the crop is is liable to sour,
and always injures the sale. Purchasers object to
paying lor undigested food.

Sticking in the neck is the best method of killing,
though many cut the heads off. If the head is cut
off the neck bone looks repulsive and the poultry
will not sell as readily.

Most of the poultry coming to market is scalded,
or wet picked. Dry picked is preferred and sells
higher. Be careful to remove all the pin-feathers,
and avoid tearing the skin. For packing, use clean
hand-threshed rye straw. If this cannot be obtained
without some trouble, clean oat straw will answer.
Place a layer of straw at the bottom of the box, then
one of poultry, packing snugly, backs upward, filling
all vacancies with straw so that the cover will draw
doivn snugly on the contents.— J/iu-sacAuscHs Plomjh-
man.

Cleaning the Hen House.

If the successful poulterer will look to the under
portion of his perches, and as faithfully apply the
saturated kerosene-brush to this part of the pre-
mises as he does to the top and sides and crevices,
once in a while, he will find it profitable for the
removal of vermin. Lice brood and breed and live
under the roosts in great numbers. In the day time
they are thus partially secreted. In the night," when
the fowls settle down to their roosts, these millions
of parasites crawl up, and nestle themselves com-
fortably among the bird's soft feathers— where they
subsequently stick to their new warm quarters until
they are carbolated or sulphured out again. — Poultry
World.

Poultry as Food.

There is no meat (says a writer in Country Gen-
tleinan) so cheaply raised and fattened as poultry.
Most farmers' families prefer fresh to salted meats,
especially during warm weather, and there is none
more available everywhere than that of fowls. One
fowl makes a meal for a large family, and there is
none of it left to be thrown away, or to be salted to
prevent its spoiling. The next meal is running
around, preserved naturally until needed. A bushel
of corn will keep a farmer's fowl in good eating eou-
dition for a year. The fowl will lay 100 eggs or over,
which will more than p.ay for the grain given, and
the butcher's cart is thus always at the door.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

Some time ago, in these columns, we took occa-
sion to notice commendably — after having read the
work "through and through" — a volume by Jules
Vebne, entitled " Twenty Thousand Leagues Under
the Sea," to suggest that since folks, both old and
young, ii'ould persist in mainly reading stories and
works of fiction, here was a plan to make them the
medium through which might be inculcated sound
wisdom and knowledge, on science, philosophy, his-
tory and morality. But we then did not think that
our views would be so soon realized as they have
been, in the five volumes of Scieaee in fitory'^iy Dk.
FooTE, and recenily published by the Murkay'Hill
PuBLisuiNG Company, 139 East Twenty-eighth
street. New York city. Tliis handsome little series,
we opine, will fill a vacuum, in that regard, which
has heretofore not been supplied, and which cannot
be otherwise than productive of great good. We are
speaking " from the book" when we say that the in-
terest of this series never flags from first to last, and
never ceases to both amuse and instruct, especially
in human physiology and comparative an.atomy,
subjects in which the public have a deep interest, but
in which the masses of mankind are so wofully de-
ficient. We are nearly " three-score and ten," and
yet we find that " Sammy Tubbs, the Boy Doctor,
and Sponsie, the Troublesome Monkey," are as
appreciable and edifying to age as they are to youth,
and that from them all may learn. The above-
named company has just issued the complete series
in one volume at the low price of $2.00, and it ought
to meet with a liberal patronage everywhere. The
work is very copiously illustrated from beginning to
end, and the cuts arc not only signilieaut and in-
structive, but also exceedingly amusing. The above-
named company has also published Dr. Foote's
new and wonderful work, " Plain Home Talk," era-
bracing "Medical Common Sense."

Plain Home Talk.— A new and wonderful work
by Dr. Foote, beautifully printed and bound in one
Tolume of nearly 1,000 octavo pages, embellished
with two hundred illustrations ; by the Murray Hill
Publishing Company, No. l29 East 28th street, New
York. This is a very comprehensive treatise on the
human system — the habits of men and women — the
causes and prevention of disease our sexual rela-
tions and social natures; embracing medical co.m-
MON SENSE, applied to the causes, prevention and
cure of chronic diseases ; the natural relations of
men and women to each other— society, love, mar-
riage, parentage, &c., &c. This work is divided into

foiu- parts, for the sake of convenience and ready
reference. Part 1. has fife chapters, including forty-
fonr different subjects, and their almost endless de-
tails. Part II. has twelve chapters, and sixty-five
subjects. Part III. has eight chapters and twenty-
two subjects. Part IV. has nine chapters and twenty-
five subjects. These subjects do not only include
"all the ills that flesh aud blood is heirto," and their
prevention aud cure, but also the social and physical
relations of the human family, their economical and
domestic, as well as their moral relations ; their hy-
gienic necessities, and a thousand other matters,
which we cannot include in this notice, and which
notliing but the possession of the volume itself could
illustrate.

Harper's Magazine, for November, 1S77, (the
concluding number of volume 55) is a most capital
number, aud fully sustains the world-wide reputa-
tion of this excellent, instructing and civilizing jour-
nal. It is questionable whether there is a cheaper
magazine published in the world. Look at the
figures. Here is a royal 8vo. magazine, of superb
letter press and paper, at ?4.00 a year, making two
volumes of about 1,000 pages each, exclusive of title
pages and analytical indexes, and of unexceptionable
literary merit. The articles-" Ten Years' Acquaint-
ance with Alaska," and twenty spirited illustrations ;
" Robert Iloudan," and seventeen illustrations ;
" San Antonio de Bexar," and the same number of
illustrations; " Madelena," with three; "Yachting
in Blue Waters," with six; and "Back to Back,"
wdth one— making in all sixty-four illustrations in a
single number — of themselves constitute a feature
that is seldom if ever excelled by any other magazine
in the country. Its re])utation is already sothoroughly
established, that we feel that our feeble pen can add
very little to it..

Consumption Cured. — An old jihysieian, retired
from practice, having had placed in his hands by an
East India missionary the formula of a simple vegc-
talile remedy, for the speedy and jjcrmauent cure^of
consumption, bronchitis, catarrh, asthma, aud all
throat and lung affections, also a positive and radi-
cal cure for nervous debility and all nervous com-
plaints, after having tested its wonderful curative
powers in thousands of cases, has felt it his duty to
make it known to his suffering fellows. Actuated
by this motive, and a desire to relieve human suffer-
ing, 1 will send, free of charge, to all who desire it,
this recipe in German, French or English, with full
directions for ])reparing and using. Sent by mail by
addressing with stamp, naming this paper, W. W.
Sherar, 12(5 Powers' Block, Rochester, N. Y.

We call the attention of our readers to the altera-
tion in the advertisement of the Mendelssohn Piano
Company, No. .56 Broadway, N. Y. This company
has been making still further efforts to meet the
wants of the times, in making a Piano which is
offered for sale at the very low price of $200. This
Piano contains Mathushek's New Patent Duplex
Overstrung Scale, which is, unquestionably, the
greatest impi-ovement ever put into a Square Piano.
The company eonfldently believes this is the best
bargain ever oft'ered the public for a reliable, durable
.and fiue-toued instrument. We would recommend
any of our readers who have any idea of every buy-
ing a piano to send for their Illustrated and Descrip-
tive Catalogue, which will be mailed free to all.

A Farmer's Fortune.— The place to learn how
it may be obtained is in the great American Stock
Journal, a large 3i page monthly, one of the cheap-
est and best farm magazines in the country. Tells
about farming and stock raising in all its branches.
No farmer's family should be without it, as it will
save many times its cost. Hard times and a desiie
to iilace it in the h.ands of all, lead us to make tue
liberal offer of sending it three months on trial for
Two Dimes. Liberal premiums, specimen copy and
show bills/recto all who will use them. All who
subscribe before January 1st, 1878, get the October,
November and December numbers free. Address
Potts Brothers, Parkesburg, Chester county, Pa.

Department of Agriculture.— Special report.
No. 2, upon the condition of the crops of the United
States ; also, a statement of the international wheat
supply, aud our wheat exports, together with foreign
crops and prices, 1877. An octavo pamphlet of 35
pages.

Gardener's Monthly, .\mcricau Farmer, Ameri-
can Agriculturist, National Stock Journal, Wallace's
Monthly, Farm Journal, .lournal of Forestry, Prairie
Farmer, Coleman's Rural World, and others, for
November, received.

The silverware delivered by the National Silver-
Palting Co., No. 704 Chestnill street, Philadelphia,
is giving entire satisfaction. All orders are promptly
filled, and no one nqed hesitate about sending them
money. — Lutheran Observer.

L. B. Case's Botanical Index, to the new, rare
and beautiful plants. Gi-own and for sale at hie
Commercial Green House, Richmond, Indiana. ■

Kellog's newspaper lists, for 1877-78, No.
224 Walnut street, St. Louis, Mo.

THE LANCASTER FARMER*-

III

E, F. Kunkel'e Bitter "Wine of Iron.

Gives tone to thp stoniaeh. improves ilie qpi-etite iiud us-
alBts digestijii, exoitrs the bowels to healthy action, exiiell-
iug all the foiil|hunn>rs thut contaiuinute the blood, coriuiit
the HOcretiouK audoffcud the InT^th. It excites tht- liver to
a hCHlthy iiction mid HtreugtlumK the uerveH, impurtiiiR that
glow to life that proceeds ulone from perfect health. Thoti-
BandH in all w.dkH of life, tettify to the virtties of thin ex-
cellent mediciue in correctiiiR the derannement of the di-
gestive orguiia. Get the geuuine. Hold only iu one dollar
bottles. Ask fori.'. F. Kunkd'H Hitter Wine 0/ Iron.

Dyspepsia ! Dyspepsia ! Dyspepsia !

E. F. Kuukel's Bitter \Vine of Iron, a sure i-nre for this
disease. It has been prescribed daily for many years In the
practice of eminent physicians with unparalleled sucsese.
Syiuptoms are loss of appetite, wind and rising ©f food,
dtyness in mouth, hozdache, dizziness, sleeplesneHB and
low spirits. Get the genuine. Not sold in hulk, only one
dollar per bottle.

Do you want something to strengthen you? Do you want
ft good appetite 1 Do you want to got rid of nervousness?
Do you want energy, sleep well, or 1^ ouied of dyspepBla,
kidney or liver disease ? 'J'ri/ K. F. « fmA-ff's Jiittrr Wine of
/r»H. Every bottle guaranteed as recommended. Depot
and office, 259 North Ninth Street, Philadelphia, Pa Get
the geuuc. Sold by all druggists. Ask for E. F. Kunkel's
and take no other. All I a»k is a trial of this valuable med-
icine, One buttle wiil convince you. Get six bottles for five
dollars, one dollar for one.

Tape Worm Removed Alive.

Tape Worm, Pin, Seat and Stomach Worms removed alive
in from two to fotir hours. No fee until head of Tape
Worm i^asses alive and in one. Ask your diiiygist for
Kunkera \\oriu Syrup. Sold only in one dollar bottles.
Used for children or grown persons. It never lails. Or
Bend for circular to Dr. Kankel, 259 North Ninth Street,
Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Advice by mail free. Send three
cent stamp for return of letter.

0^ ^^ ■ B^ Great chauce to make money. If you
I • 1 1 I I ■ can'e get gold you can get greenbacks.
■ ■ III II ^We need a person in every town to take
%J| ^^ ^HB^ |subscri}>tlon8 for the largest, cheapest
and West Illustrated family publication in the world. Any
one can become a successful agent. The most elegaut
works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low^
that almost everyliody subscribes. One agent rej urts mak-
ing over $1')0 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over
407 subscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money
fast. You can devote all your time to the business, or only
your spare time. Tou need not be away from home over
night. You can do it as well as others. Full jarticulars,
directions and terms free. Elegant and exiensive outfit
free. If you want profitable work send us your uddress at
once. It costs nothing to try the business. No one who
engages fails to make great pay. Address *' The People's
Journal," Portland, Maine.
9-8-1 y

*^ MBfHHM is i^ot easily earned in these tiiues,but it can be
rwryryr/ made in three mouths by any one of either

^Ik / / / ^^^^t ill ^^y part of the couuti-j- who is willing
#jj J I 1 *o work steadily at the employment that we
^r furnish, $66 per week in joar own town. You
need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and S5 Outfit free.
Address at once, H. Hallett k Co., Portland, Maine.
9-3-ly

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,

Siispeflfers, . HaitercMefs,

lilnen an4l Paper <'ollars and CnffA

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

AT

E. J. EEIS3/IA17'S,

No. no North Queen Street,

Second door from Shober's Hotel.

9-1-1 y

NEWSPAPER

ADVERTISING.

A book containing a list of towns in the tJ. S,. having
6,000 pop., and the newspaper having largest cirenl;ition.
All the Religious. Agricultural, Scientific, and other special
class journals. Tables of r.ites, showing cost of advertis-
ing and everything which an advertiser would like to know.
Mailed on receipt of ten cents. Address

CiKll. p. ROWEI.r A <'0.,
10 Spruce-8t., N, Y,, (opposite "Tribune"' building).
9-10-6m

GET THE BEST.

Marrow*N Pictorial Family Bible and En-
cyclopedia of Biblical KnowIed|;re, contains 64
important features, nearly 1,800 illustratione and many fine
plates by Gustave Dore and other artists. Genuine morocco
bindings and hea\-y panel, ten styles and prices. Send for
circulars and terms to agents. S. L. MAKKOW & CO.,
Indianapolis, Ind.

P U I. M O N A

is beyond comparison the best remedy for the cure of CON-
SUMPTION tEVKN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAOKS),.^«f/irmX,

Bronr.hita*, Catarrh, and all derangements of the NERV-
OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing paetioulars of
KANT cases BuccFssrcLLY TBKATED, fuU ad\'iBe for the
treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certiflcateB
of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants.
Address OSGAB G.MOSES. Sole Proprietor, IS CortUndt
Street, New York. 9.10-6m

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877
CI-OXHS,

CASSIMERES,

COATINOS, iWORKTEKDN,

TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Ohivlots and Tweeds,

Plain, barred, striped and diagonal, for Spring and Summer,
at the Merchant Tailoring and Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(Establighed in the year IStO),

Corner of Jiortli (Jueen aud Orange-Sts.,
LANCASTER, PA.

Extra finished and trimniod. Ready-made Clothing, for

MEN AND BOYS,

aud clothing cut or made to order in the most eatisfactory
manner.

A fine line of GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, and
goods sold by the yard or jiiece.

RATHVON & FISHER,
9-1-1 y PraotionI Tailors.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANDFACTUREn OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

COLLARS, ■WHIPS, &c.,

ALSO DEALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFAXO ROBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rwgs, Gloves, &c..
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-1-ly LANCASTER, PA.

H.-Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. Q. RHOADS.

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Wholesale and Retail Dealers in

lAMOm, WATCHES, JEWELRY,

SILVERWARE, SPECTACLES,

BroEzes, Clocks and Witchniakers' Uiterials.

JOBBEI\_S IN i\iIEI\^(CAN WaTCI^BS.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

9-l-ly)

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

1823. SEND rOR 1878.

TUK

NEW YORK OBSERVER

The Best Religious and Secular Family News-
paper. $3.15 a Year, post-paid.
Established 1823.

37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.

SAMPLE COPIES FREE.

A GREENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR,

For $1.00 we will send free by mail,
any one of the following lots :

8 dUtioct varictieB, Monthly Hoses, Winter flowering.

8

Beponias, "

8

Caniution Pinba, "

8

Chinese Chrvsanthemus, "

Zonal GeninluDis, "

8

Double, " '*

8

Ivy Leaved *' "

Heliotropes, "

AbuHIons, •*

a

Double Cameliai, "

Azaleas, "

Lobster Cactus, "

0

Bouvardia.*, "

Steviasaiid Eupntoriums,*'

Fuchsias, "

DoubK' Violets, "

•2

PoinSftta, Scarlet & Wbitc, do. do

4

Plumbago, do. do.

8

Ferns, for Wanllau Casee.

4

Palms, •'

«

Mosses, "

n

Marautas, "

8

llvaclolb Bulb4.

20 assorted Tulips,

Bulbs.

60

*♦

Crocus

a

"

.Tacobeau Lily, Bulbs.

18

Oialls.

4 I.ily of tho Vollcj

8N

iw i'carl TuberoBu.

OE BY EXPRESS:

3 of any of the abore $1 collectioos fbr 83.

6

3

7

"

4.

»

*»

6.

la

14

::

:: ^ :: ?:

Or tbe whole collection ofSSS Bulbi and Plants sent bj
Express on receipt of (I'J.UU, to which either of our bookii,
GAKDEMNG FOR PKoFIT. PRACTICAL FLOKlCtX-
TURE, or GARDEMNU FOR PLEASURE (valoe $1.50
each), will be added. Itescriptire Caulogue free.

PETER HENDERSON & CO.,

Soodsiiioii and FloriNiN,

3 5 Cortlaadt St.. N. T

9-T-ly]

J

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.

GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 West King-st.

HARDWARE,

buildi:n'g hardwaee,

GLASS,

PAINTS, OILS, FUMPS,

TEEEA com, Maid LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

GRACE'S SALVE.

A VesT^table Pr<>parntion, invented In the 17tb
century by Dr. WiUiiim Grace, Surgeon in King Jumee'
army. Through Us agency he cured thoueande of the moat
aerions aorea and wounds, and waa regarded by all who
knew him aa a public benefactor. 25c. a box, by mail 30c.
For sale by druggists generally.

AGENTS WANTED.

Address SITE W. rOWLI It S0S3, Bsiton, Uui.

Asenta for the

" Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann'e Phosphate,
Fairbank's Scales,
Dupont's Powder,
Harrisbure: Nails, &o., &c.

We hsre tho largest stock of genersl Bsrdwsrs la th*
State, sod oar prices are as low and tonns as llbsral as osa
be foojad olsewhere, 9-1-tf .

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[November, 1877.

LADIES !

WE HAVE JUST OPENED

BSXTSOXT, BX7RF2:S <& CO.,

GUN BAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A NEW LOT OF

HAMBUEG EMBROIDERED EESIN&S

ANB

INSERTINGS,

AT TBE VERY LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kid Gloves,

i3:osiE]:Fi.-3r,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and stylfes,

GRA.PB V^ESXZ.S,

CEAPE BOISTNETS & HATS,

RUCHINGS,
all Btyles and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR,
that is good, desirable and cheap.
Give us a call at

Nos. 142 & 144 North Qnpen-st, Lancaster,, Pa.

9-l-ly

"OTTT OF 'WOB.K."

SONG ANT) CHORUS, BY

ALICE HA"WrrHORlTE.

Ailthor of " Listen to the Mockiug Bird," "I'll sail the seas
over," " Wtiat is Home without a Mother," etc., etc.
*' Out of work, without a penny,
Pleading hel before thy door.
Without friends among the many —
Look with pity on the poor."
* , * One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever
written, will give the author a more extended popularity
than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents— or,
illustrated title page 40 cents.

For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on
ueeeipt of price by the publishers,

J. M. STODDAUT & CO.,
9—9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

ESTABLISHED 1832.

Gr. SENEK & SONS,

Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

The best Sawed SHI\<il.KSiu the country. Also Sash,
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best COAE. constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Comer of Prince and Walnnt-sts.,

.LA.NCA.SXER, PA.

S-l-ly

OFFER FOR SALE A FINE LOT OF

THOROUGHBRED LIVE STOCK,

Including Alderney and Ayrshire CATTLE and CALVES, of the finest herd Registered Stock,

SHEEP & LAMBS.
SUPERIOR POULTRY.

lP%ft^CS A CTiT^T A T T^X^ BerksUires sired by our Celeljrated imported Boar, "THE

t'JUjri^ J%, t^XrJmU\J.^J^ijM,JL» COLLIER;" winuer of Six High Honors and First Prizes in

England. YOKKSHIKES of our Duke II., and the best importations "CHESTEE WHITE, POLAND CHINA AND

ESSEX riGS.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD, AND LEICESTER SHEEP AND
LAMBS.

All the leading varieties of best class LAND AND
WATER FOWLS.
BrPcrtor'H Dlaiinal uiid Xew Illiistrateil Uesoriptive t'R»alOM:ne of Tlioronshbrert Cattle,
Sheep, IIOK", I"»ltiiry. etc. Second Edition. Jl'.ST OITT. t'ontaininsr over .50 Paisres Vain-
able KeadiinK. besides IS Full Pas'e Stock Cuts, from life, of onr linent Imported and Prize
Animals an<l I'onls. Price, 2.> cents. Postpaid. Kvery Fanner needs it.

SEED WHEAT AND ALL SEASONABLE SEEDS.

K^.Oiir Annniil IlluBtrated Descri]ttive Seed Catalogue, for ISTS, will be issued December 1st, offeriag many Choice
Novelties. It inav be had Free for the asking.

BE2TS0N, BTTHFEE Ss CO., 223 Church Street, Philadelphia.

"TTT'E know no breed of Poultry that has gained a more Wonderful FopuUirily. in so short a time, than the PLYMOUTH
VV ROCKS. This popularity is wonderful wlien wp consider th:f Pui-e Bred Poultry is chiefly cultivated by Fan-
ciers, whose aim is artistic beauty, and the Plymouth Rocks possess few fancy points — their merits being in their econom-
ical qualities. This is almost the only breed of Poultry in which nothing has been sacritied for mere fancy. They
originated by crosses of several breeds, thus gaining great vigor and ntreagth of coustitut'on. They have large, well-
shaped bodies, with a superabundance of choice meat on the breast and moat esteemed parts. They will attain a weight
of FIVE POUNDS at four months, when they make splendid market fowls, while the Asiatics are not ready to market
until eight months old. The PliTuouth Rocks have bright yellow legs, free from any feathers, and beautiful yellow skin.
They are good layers, and are not hard to break from sitting. Tbey make first-class mothers, and the chicks are hirdy
and easy to raise! They are in a pre-eminent degree the FARRIER'S FOWL, combining as they do more excellencies for
general farm use than any other breed now known. They pay better to raise pure fur market than any cross-breeds or
mongrels. We think the day is not far distant wheu these fowls wUl h'i bred by Farmers everywhere for market. The
outlook at present points this way, as all farmers who have tried them i^-onouuce them all that can be des^d. The de-
maud for them already far exceeds expectancy— out-selling now any oth^ breed.

■W. ATLEE BXTRPEE, Pliiladelptia, Pa.

I

For NINETY DAYS FROM DATE
Elegraiit Table Silverware

Oftfi be secured by all on compliance with the ToUoiviagcoaditioDs: TheNaLionul Sjlver
Plating Compauv. 704 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. manufactuierB of Pure Coio
SlHDitird Silver-Plated Ware, will send to bqj- one who receives this notice, a Set of
Dnuble Extra-Plated Silver Spoons, and engrave on each spooQ any desired
Initial. You are required to cutout the roiiowiug Silverware Couii'.'u and aeud it to
the above Company, with your name and nditresa, and also tn encl'iee with it 75 cents
to pay all charges, including cost of eugravini; ioitiald, packing, to.xiag, and express
charges. The Spoons will be sent by express tor mail, if you have no expreaa office),
and delivered in your hands wiihoul further cost. The-se Spoons arc guaranteed to be
of the best material, und equal to the best Silver-Plated Ware made, as the following
letter from the Compauy will testifv :

UPPirE OF National Silver Plating Co., 704 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.

To whom it may Concern.— The spoons sent out un-Jer this arrangement
we guarantee :ire of best quiUity. first heavily plated with pure nickel (the hardest
white metal known), and a double-extra plate of pure Coin-Standard Silver added on
topof the mckel. thus rendering them the very Oest Silver-PIaled Ware manufac-
tureil. We will honor no order which does not contain the Silverware Coupon, and we
will not honor the Coupon alter aiuety davs from the date nf this papier.

[Signed] NAi?IONAL SILVEB PLATING CO.,

704 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

^II^V^EHAVARE COUPON.

On receipt of this Coupon, together with 75 cents to cover all chargea, inolud-
ing express or mailing, engraving and boxing, we hereby agree to send to any ad-
dress a set of our pure Cciu-Standard double-extra plated

SI LVER SPOONS,

and on each Spoon engrave any desired initial. All charges are to be prepaid hy
the 75 ceuts sent us, and the Spoons will be delivered at destinalioa free of any
other cbHige.

Good lor niuetv days from date of this paper, after which this Conpoo la null
and void. [Signed) NATIONAL SILVER PLATING CO.,

704 Chestnut St.. Philadelphia.

Sliould St be desired, any one of the following articles will be sent in
lieu of the Spoons on payment of the following cbai gf s ; Six <io]id sfel
knive^, bliide and handle one solid piece, best steel. double nickel and silver
plated, S2 ; six forks, double nickel and silver plated, 95 cts. If all these

foods are desired, oBclose the total charges, which will be 75 cts. for spoons,
2 for knives, and 95 cts. for forks— total, S3. 7(1— thus securing for $3.70
whai would lOst you much more in any other way. BemembeiT that
each article, except knives, will be engraved with any initial
desired without extra cost.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

This liberal offer holds good for only ninety davs from date, therefore
It is to the interest of all who can secure its benefits to see to it that they
are notdebarred by reason of the expiration of the time specified. AH let-
ters ordering Silverware should be addressed direct to the

NATIONAL, SILVER PLATING CO.,

No. 704 Chestnut Street.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

lii'Sii

AMOS MILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTCRKn OF AND DEALEB IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

Bridles, Wliipe, Ac. Also a fine lot of Trunks, Vali*B,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes.

Eaj-ness and Trunks neatly repaired.

9-l-ly

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MANUFACTUBEB OF

FRENCH CALF BOOTS

FOR

GEIfTIiEMEN.

FRE/i/CH KID BOOTS

1,ADIE8.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNJBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY.
9-l-ly

Q 'VaQv) / To BUbBcrlbers in
d X tJdl \ iho county.

CITV LIST
Lane Agri&Iloriiciilmnil

sn^Qj^'ti rs.

To mibncriberi ont of > tt -1 O tS
thccouuly. ; qjl.^tJ

Prof. S. S. EATHVOH, Editor.

LANCASTER, DECEMBER 15, 1877.

LINNaiUS RATHVON. Publisher.

CONTENTS OrmiS NUMBER.

To Our Patrons, ------ 177

CIubblD?, -------- 177

Pennsylvania Fiuit-Growevs' Society, - - 177

Special Premiums for 1878, - - - - 177

An Admirable School-Book, . - - 177

Letter from Cockeysville, .... 177

The Celebrated Arabian Horee Jenifer, - - 177

'^S. His Offspring ill LanoiiStcr County., ^

Reminders for December, - - - - 178

Mr. Kurtz's Pumpkin, ----- 178

National Bee-Keepers' Association, - - 178

Facts for the Public.

More Abomt Bees, 178

Bark-Lice, - - 178

What is the Best Method of Destroying Bark-Lice on
Fruit Trees.

From North'.Carolina, 179

Around the Farm. No. 4, - - - - 180

Turnips for Milch Cows.
Grapes and Bees, ------ 180

Early Prolific Raspberry, ----- 181

Address, - ------ 181

Splenic, or Periodic Fever of Cattle, - - 182
(iypsum, -.-...-- 183
Oleomargarine— The New Substitute for Butter, 183

Interesting Letter to Prof Baker of Millcrsvillc — The
Mode of Making Artificial Butter Explained by
Pre .ident Deshler— Prof. Baker's Letter— The
"Substitute" and How it is Made.

The Omnlvoroue Caterpillar, - - - - 184
The Cherry, - 185

Somelhiug ofj Its History, Cultivation, and Most
Profitable and Best Varieties— Transplanting—
Pruning at the Time of Transplanting — Standard
Trees — Dwarfs— Soil and Situation.
What Shall We Teach Our Girls, - - - 185
Facts Not Generally Known, - - - - 180
Ten Rules for Farmers, ----- 186
• Somethine About DragonJFliei, - - - 186
Curing Meats, ------ l87

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

ProceedinKs'of the'Lancaster County Agricultur-
al and Horticultural Society, - - . 187

Report on the Condition of Crops — Readingj^of Es-
says — Referred Questions — NewJBusiness. "

Tobacco Growera' Asaoclation, - - . 188
The Liunaan Society, ----- l(j9

Donations to the Museum — Doaations tojthe Librarj'.
Historical_Scction — Papers Read.

AGRICULTURAL.

Liquid Manure, ------ 189

Saving Sweet Potatoes, ----- 189

Opiiositlon to Potatoes, ----- 1(9

How Long Will the Forests Last]? - - - 189

Silver Hull Buckwheat, - - - - - 190

Is Uungiirlan Grass Safe Feed for Horses? - - 190

Age of Nursery Trees, 190

Iiitcrsting Facts, 190

Viglala Tobacco, ------ 190

HORTICULTURAL.

Mice and Tounj; Trees, ----- 190

Setting Trees, 190

How Jacob Taylor Grows Plums, - - . 180

Budding, - 190

Araerlcau Fruit in Europe, .... 190

Cracked Pears, ItO

Forest Planting in France, . - . . 190

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Economy in the Use of Fuel , - - - 191

Extravagance, ------- 191

A Cure for Diptheria, lUl

Household Kecipcs, ------ li*l

LIVE STOCK.

Caring for Stock,
Watering Horses, -
Take Care of the Horses,
Knowing Horses, -
Propagating Rabbits, -
Literary and Personal, -

191
191

m

192
192
192

THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN.

A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER,

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI-
CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY
AND MISCELLANY.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY

Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the
wants of the Farmer, the Qardeuer and Fruit -Qrover.

Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

Edited by Prof. S. S. EATHVON.

TXRMS:

To subBcribers rending within the county —
One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo

Six Copies, one year, - ----- 5.00

Ten Copies, one year, ------- 7-50

To Bubwcribers ontoide of Lancaster county, Including
postage jire-paid by the piibliaherB;
One Copy, one year, - ----- $1.25

Five Copies, one year, - - - - - - 5.00

All Bnl>Bcrlptione will oommenoe with the January num-
ber unlees othorwise ordered.

All communications Intended for publication should bt?
addressed to the Editor, and, to secura iunertiou, should bt-
in his hands by the Qrst of the monlb of publiaition.

All bURiuesB letters, containiutf subscriptiuus and adver-
tisements, should bv addreaecd to the jmbllsher.

The FARMEn will be puhlinhed on the IBth of every
mouth, printed on good paper with clear type, in con-
venient form fur reading and binding, and mailed to sub-
scribers on the following

LlNNiCUS RATHVON,

22 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa.

RATEM «r A»TeilTIIlllfn— Trn r<>nts n
line Tor each iaaertlMi. TwcWe liuc« to the luch

FLORAL

iful Mohlli-

»GIFT pAOA^zfiPi^i

trated, all abuui flov^*iy, ferneries, etc

year, Sample for atarap.

Floral Cataloouk FhEK. Geo. W. Pabk, Mt Vernon, 0.

beaut
paper, ridily
ferneries, etc.

illUH-

Only &J centu a

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DEAliUB IM

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Solo Agent for the Arundel Tinted

SPECTACLES.

Repairing strictly attended to.

ITorth Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa.

Each Number contains Tninrr-Two Paoes of reading.
manj-^flne ^^'ood Cut IlluBtrationfi, and one c'oloued plate.
A be.iutiful Garden Magazine, piinlrd on elegant j^ajier, and
full of Information. ;u Eugheh and German. Trice $1.25
a year. Fire copies $5.00.

Viek's Flower and Vegetable Qarden, 80 cents in
paper coveia; in elegaMt cloth coTora $1.(M).

Viek's Catalogue. — 30ti illiiRtr»tionn. only 2 ceatfi.
9.1'2-lni] AildrCHH, JAMKSVIOK, Rochester, N. Y.

DOLLAR-AND-A-HALF FOR TEN CENTS.

Sloddnrd-a Jtfunicnl J.ihrnrjf, Juat i>u bitched, i'i
pageH, full fiizp, 1>eBt and moflt popular muaie for 1<t rcnta,
.\fic and Pifjialar Sun^jt, iKinre arui Itntfriinirntal Muju'c^
OpvroJt, //i/mn^, cfc, ct'e. For aale by all nt'wapapi'r deal-
ers. Postage 2 ceuta, to be sent in addition to above, if
ordered from tlia publinhera.

J. M. STODDARD & CO.,

t>-12-3t] T2I CnEsTNTT Stiikct, Philadklt-hia.

J>ttrnnrn Currtl. "Sqvt
pntliH marked out by that
pIuincHt of all Iwoka—
"Plain Hnine Talk and
Medical Common Hi-iiKe,"
—nearly l.OitO paget*. 2<M) illualraliouH, by Dr. K. R. Foote,
of V2<> Lexington Ave, JJ. Y. rurchawrd of thia Pook are
at llbrrty toeon.tii/1 Itfl author in pcraon or by mill fiett.
Price by mall fa. 25 for Iho Stnnttan/ edlMon, or $\.(>0 foi
the /»o/»M/ar edition, which contains all the aame ni:iltc<t
and UlttstratioiiH. ('.»nl«'iit8 tabh-a free. Agents Wtiutvd.
MURRAY HII.L PUUMslllMl (<> . J
g-lO-ly |ia» Fuht asih St. N. Y.

FREE.

For % Club for either the Enreka Shirt or Draw Chart, I
win send a Chart free on receipt of 25 cts. to pay for mount-
ing and postage. Mns. A. J. MARROW,

ludlanapolifi. jod*

CHRONIC

II.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

PEXNKYT.VANIA RAILROAD
Trains leave the Depot in this city,

Leave
WE-TWARD.

Pacific Express'

Vt'^y Passengert

Niagara Express

Col. Accommodation

Mail train via Mt. Joy

No. 2 via Columbia

Sunday Mail

Fast tine'

Frederick Accommodation.

Harrisburg Aceom

Columbia Accommodation..

Harrieburf,' Express

PittebuVg EipresB

Cincinnati Expreea"

Lancaster.

2:40 a. m.

4:50 a. m.

9.35 a. m.

7:20 p. m.
11:20 a. m.
11:20 a. m.
11:20 a.m.

2:10 p. m.

2:15 p. ra.

6:00 p. m.

7:20 p. m.

7:25 p.m.

9:25 p. m.
11:^0 p. m.

EASTWARD. Lancaster.

Atlantic Express' 12:30 a. m.

Philadelphia Expres8t.

Hurrisburg Express ,

Columbia Accoramodalioa,

Pacific Express*.

Sunday Mail

Johnstown Express ,

Day Express' ,

Harrisburg Accom.

SCHEDULE.

as follows :

Arrive

Harrisburg.

4:05 a. m.

7:50 a. ra.

10:40 a. m.

Col. 8:00 p. m.

1:00 p. m.

1:25 p. m.

1:30 p. m.

3:25 p. m.

Col. 2:45 p. m.

8:10 p. m.
Col. 8:00 p. m.

8:40 p. m.
10:50 p. m.
12:45 a. m.

Philadelphia.
3:00 a. m.
7:00 a. m.
10:00 a. m.
12;30 p. m.
3:45 p.m.
5:00 p. m.
6:00 p. m.
7:20 p. m.
9:00 p. m.
The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster
with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run
through to Hanover.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connectsat Lancas-
ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m., and runs to Frederick.
The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will
stop at Middletown, EUzabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis-
ville.
"The only trains which run daily,
tRuns daily, except Monday.

ETEE? BEE-IEEFEH ZZOVLH S£AB TBB

AMERICAN T

4:10 a. m.
7:35 a. m.
9.28 p. m.
1:20 p. m.
2:00 p. m.
3:05 p.m.
5:1S p. m.
5:50 p. m.

uIIMAL

An elegant 30 page MinthlT devoted I

SSIEUTiriC AKD PEACTICAL BiE-CtlLTUEE.

Tha tnosr. 6uci;csifiil ami cx| c-riouccii liee-Mfi-^ti-rs in Aniencn
otl- ils repulJir cf-rrespoinleiitB. Ii ii the OLUKsr, Likgk^t sud

BEST BEE PAPER INTHE WORLD!

TWO IKILI.ARH A VKAR. Spprimon Copy JOcta. AildrcM

Thos. Q. l^ewmac t Son, 971 W. Uadison St. Chicago.
9-12-2-t

TO AGENTS.

The Century CI' art.

A 100-year Almanac, whereby you can ascertain what day
of the week any day of the month is or what day of the
month any day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to
1900, or in what day any event has taken place, from 1T99
• to 1900, and 1000 other occurrences. The greatest in- »
* ventlon of man. Every person will buy one; also the «
^ great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for*all. Either article *
0 sent on receipt of 25c. post paid, or $1 per dozen. .*
H Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies and Gents secure
your town at once. You can make $20 per week. Send for
Bample,

KOOSS BRO'S, Sovelty Dealers

9-12-6m] ion and 102 Washington St., CHICAGO, 111.

A FARMER'S FORTUNE.

Theplaeeto learn how it maybe obtained is the Grea
American Stock Jooknal, a large 24 page monthly, one of
the cheapest and beat Farm Magazines in the country. Tells
about Farming and Stock Raising in all its branches. No
farmer's Family should be without it, as it will save many
times Its coHt.

SARD TZMSS,

and a desire to place it in the hands of all, led us to make
the liberal offer of aendiug it three months on trial for

TWO DIMES.

Liberal premiums, a specimen copy and show bills free to
all who will upe them. All who subscribe before January
1st, 1878, get the October, November and December num-
bers free. Address, POTTS BROTHERS, Parkesburg,
Chester co., Pa. [O-ll-Sm.

A TRUE FARMER'S PAPER.

SCiENTIC FARMER.

BOSTON. MASS.

Deyoied to the Interests of ProfiiaWe Agriculture.

Its departments include Chemistry. Botany and Hor-

TICULTUHE, DAIRT AND STOCK VeTEBINABT, ENTOMOLOGI-
CAL, The Field, Conference Corner and Mtsoellane-
OU8 — on Farm Practice, Rural Architecture. The Farmer
in Politics, etc.— all being conducted on that idea of cor-
rectnens which is to advance the farm profit, and lift Agri-
culture in a higher social position.

Circulates in Every State and Territory.

Subscription price only $1.00 per year, Send stamp for
sample copy and circular of Special Premiums and induce-
Clients for C/nbu. [9-10-4m.

GRAND TRIUMPH IN HORTICULTURE.

Olorlons rPNnlts of a I'spfnl I.ife: climax slmost
reached: FELTOX'S NEW KEKRIES, t'lnderel-
lit and Contlnentnl Slrnwberrlpn. The four
best bearing, host carrying, boat selling, best pajiuK
Market Berrlex. f J k

Illuntrated Circuliir and Price list giving history aud
full description. Free to all.

OltlSAN^ * BENNETT,
Nurserymen and Fruit Growers, Woodbnry N J
9-H-3m '> . ■

Rales «r Advertising lu the Farmer.

I mo....
it mo....

S mo

4 mo

G mo

8 mo

I year.

1 In.

$}.»0
2 00
J.60
3.00
4.60
6.00
9.00

2 in. 3 In.

$ 2.00

4.00
4.60
6.M
».80
H.OO
18.00

t 3.00
«.0«
6.75
9.00
13.50
18.00
27.00

4 in.

t 4.00
8.08
10.00
12.00
18.00
24.00
36.00

5 in.

$ 6.00
12.00
13.60
18.00
2T.00
36.00
64.00

8iu.

$ 8.00
16.00
18.00
24.00
36.00
48.00
72 00

t^^Syecial and business notices 15 cents per line.

D

r
m

Cd

O

^

O

H
2

1 —

Ul

-"^ en

s

N

*T^

H
H

O

k

•

en

N
w

a
o

bd
c1

' Unquestionably the best sustained work
ot the kind In the World."

MuTp^T^n WM^^^%in^

ILLUSTRATED.

Notices of the Presft.
The veteran Magazine^ which long ago outgrew its origit
nal title of the A>io Monthly Magazine^ has not in the least
abated the popularity It won at the ontset, but has added to
it in many ways, and has kept fairly abreast of the times,
thanks to the enterprise of the publlsherB and the tact and
wisdom of its editors. For whateTer is best aud moat read-
able in the Literatore of travel, discoTery. and fiction, the
average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine, just as
expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago;
there is the same admirable variety of contents and the same
freshness and suggestiveness In Us editorial departments
now as th^n.— Bonton Jottrnal,

T s bTm S .

Festags Free tc all SaljscriborB In the United SUtei.

Harpeh's Magazine, one year $4 00.

$4 00 includes prepayment of U. 8. postage by the pub-
lishers.
Subscriptions to Harper's Magazine, WBBKLT.and Bazar,
to o'fie addrem for one year. $10 00 ,* or, two of Uarper's
Periodiealt, to one address for one year, $7,00 ; postage free.

An Extra Copy of either the Magazine, Weekly, or Ba-
zar will he supplied grmtis for every Club of Fivn Subscri-
bers at $4 00 far/i, paid /or by one remittance; or, Six Cop-
ies one year, without extra copy, for $'20 00.

Back Numbers can be supplied at any time.

The volumes of the Magazine commence with the Num-
bers for June and December of each year. When no time is
specified, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes to
begin with the current Number.

A complete Bet of Harper's Magazine, now comprising
65 Volumes in neat cloth binding, will be sent by expreee,
freight at expense of purchaser, for $2 25 per volume.
Single volumes by mail, ^toatpaid, $3 00. Cloth cases, for
binding, 50 cents, by mail, postpaid.

A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of
Harper's Magazinb has been published, rendering availa.
ble far reference the vast and varied wealth of information
which constitutes this periodicftl a perfect illustrated litera-
ry cyclopedia. 8to, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent
postage prepaid.

Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only.

Newspapers are not to copy this adosrtisement without tlie
express orders of Harper Ji; Brothers,

Address HARPEK & BROTHERS, New York.

FARM dc FEED MILLS.

boDi.-. I'rag, and ^^juce Uilla. 10 siiei,
for Hand ©r Power. CoDlcftl KreDob
Burr SloDA Flooriag KOd Corn Hills.,

(t7*R«celv»d th« Oraad Award Di-
ploma xaA Medal at Centennial.

(Ly^Illaatrated pampblet leot Free.
I Addreii, L. J. MILLER,
181 B. Front St.. Cincinnati. O,
9 -8- 6m

My annual Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seed for
1878 will be eent FREE, in January, to all who apply, CuB-
tomers of last season need not write for it, I offer one of
the largest collections of vegetable seed ever sent out by
any seed house in America, a large portion of which wete
grcwn on my six seed farms. Printed direct ions for cultiva-
tion on each package. All seed sold from my establishment
warranted to be both fresh and true to name; so far that
should it prove otherwise I will refill the order gratis. As
the original introducer of the Hubbard and Marblehead
Squaeheg, the Marblehead Cabbages, and a score of other
new vegetables, I invite the patronage of all who are anxious
to have their seed DIHECTL Y FllOAf THE GROWER, fresh,
true, and of the very best strain. Setc Vtgeiahles a spc"
cialty,

9-12-4m] JAMES J. H. GREGORY, Marblehead, Ma8«.

ADVERTISING.

$t.O0O WORTH FOR $8*7.50.

The cheapest and best way to reach readers outside of
the large cities is by using one or more of our six lists of
over 1,000 newspapers, divided to cover different sec-
tions of the country. IVeekly Cirenlatlon over

60O.0O0, Advsrtisements received for one or more lists.
For catalogues containing names of papers, aud other in-
formation and for estimates, address

SZAL3 & F03T1B, 41 Fart Bow (Tinna Bdldlng), Nev 7ort.

HULL & SCOTNEY,

GENERAL

COMMISSION

MERCHANTS,

No. 346 North Water Street.

PHILADELPHIA,

and whoieeale dealersa in Butter, Cheese, Lard, Tallow,
Eggs. Poultry, Game, Stock, Potatoes, Apples, Grain,
Flour, Fur, Wool, Cotton, Rice, Tobacco,
Peanuts, Broom Corn, Dried Fruit, Hay,

_ ^ Hopa, Foreign and Domestic Fruits, and in

fact we can sell any and everything at the highest market
price : make prompt nTTTITinTI re'"™?, and I,IRE-
ERAI, CASH (IHHHSH A»VA»«ES
made on all ship- UliiJUMUi mente except perish-
able articles. To show that we do an eitenaive business,
any game dealer in Philadelphia will tell TjnjTT fllTIV
you we handled more game last season r||l|l|l nl
than all other Houses in Philadelphia put 1 U U U X 11 1 1
together. Send for Price Elst, Stencil, &c., &c. REFE-
RENCE CASH, or we refer you to ANT RESPON-
SIBLE irOFHE in OUR CI fT.

BIITTE8.

EGGS.

GAME.

9-lI-2y.

TZZS BSST OFFSn I

We will sell daring these hard times

$510 Pianos for $210,

And all other styles in the same proportion, including Grand,
Square and Upright— »U _^r/(Nc/ass— sold direct to the peirpU
at factory prices. No agents; no commissions; no dis'^ounts.
These Pianos made one of the finest displays at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, and were unanimously recommended for
the Highest Honors. Regularly incorporated Manufac-
turing company — New Manufactory-K)ne of the largest and
finest in the world. The Square Grands contain Mathushek's
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment in the history of Piano making. The uprights are the
finest in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't tail to write
for Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue— mailed free.

UENDELSSOHN FIANO CO.,

9-7-1 y

No. 56 Broadway, IT. T.

Rn PER CENT TO AGENTS, for the illustrated Monthly.

JU UHION IN 0HBI8T, 50 cents a year; also large

c;i8h eoraiiuBsion or valuable premium to canvasera

for THE LONDON 0HBI8TIAN HERALD, an illustrated

Weekly, containiug sermous of C. H. 8PUROEON, DR.
TALMADGE and D. L. MOODY, interesting articles, serial
story, etc. Three months, 76 cents, $2,60 a y^", from U.
8. Branch Office. Write now for sample copies and terms
free, to H. A. KING, 17 Bible House, N. Y. City.

THE NATIONAL AGBIGULTnBIST AND W0BK1N&
FABMEB. established 1847, a double quarto, 18 page, Il-
lustrated Family Paper, devoted to Agriculture, Stock
Raising, Bee-Culture, ko. Try it ! 6 months f.r 66 cents,
or with the ILLUSTRATED PRONOUNCING DICTION-
ARY, 3jO pages. 269 engravings, cloth, sent with the
paper a year, both post-paid, lor only $1,30- Large com-
missioBS or valui b!e premiums to Agents. Address

WM. L. ALLISON, 128 Nassau St., New York.

The Lancaster Farmer.

Pro£ S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER, PA., DECEMBER, 1877.

Vol. 12. No. IL

TO OUR PATRONS.

This ntiniber of our jomnal concludes the
NINTH vohuiieof The JjANcAsTKit Fakmeu,
and before we greet you agiiin, you will have
•])articii>aled in the festivities of the most
festal t)ccasion of the whole year — an occa-
sion that (•oiunieniiirat(>s the epoch of " I'eace
upon earth, goodwill towards men." 'Whilst
thousiuids have cause to deplore and lament
the adverse condition of the times — -the sli rink-
age of assets, and tlie expansion of liabilities
— tiie farming public, fjenerally, have been
lilcssed with reasonably abundant crops,
tolerably remunerating prices, and compara-
tively good health ; and, it is hoped, also,
with .a corresponding share of happiness,
illustrating that although they may have been
over-reached or forestalled by an unapproci-
ating hinuanity, they have been none the less
under the protecting care of an over-ruling
Divinity — that '' Divinity which shapes our
ends, rcuigh hew them as \vc will." Since
our last Clu'istmas greeting we have been
pressed through another adventitious year ;
comparatively, only a mere grain of sand in
the great moiuid of being — mounds and
grains, the largest mass and numbers of
which are at the base, .and of the few who
can, for a time, occupy the apex, every pass-
ing day one or more is toppling over and roll-
ing to the bottom, and is socially and finan-
cially lost in oblivion. Through another year
we have feebly but faithfully catered for you
to the best of our ability, which, it nothing
more tangible should result, we hope it may
ultimate in that wealth which can only l)e
"laid up where moth and rust doth not cor-
rupt, nor thieves break through and steal."
But to begin a new year more auspiciously
than those that have passed, \vc need your
further and increased aid — we need additional
facilities in order to pliice The Farmer on
such a footing as will enable it to meet the
public expectation. And as the season is
approaching when all the Christian world is
"given to giving," may we not cherish the hope
that we will be remembered ? We ask nothing
gratuitous and nothing for self. We only ask
for continued permission to work, and a com-
pensating realization of the divine maxim
that " the laborer is worthy of his hire ;" but
realizing this or not, we wish yon all a venj

merry ChristriuiS.

— ^

CLUBBING.

Below we append our club rates for 1878,
and we appeal to our friends, and the friends
of agricultural progress, to use their influence
in getting np clubs for the coming year. In
addition to these rates for small numljers,
when the club amounts to 20, 25 or 30, we
will make a deduction of 30 per cent, on our
regular subscription prices. Xow is the time
to act in the matter, and we hope that our
friends will enter upon a vigorous canvass in
behalf of The F.moler. Please also notice
our PiiEMiUM I^iST in another column.

KEDICFD RATES TO CLUBS

To subscribers lesklinp; witliin tlic county :

One copy, ouc year, SI .00

Si.K copies, one year, ."i.OO

Ten copies, one year, ----- T.-W

To subscribers outside of Lancaster co«nty ;
One copy, one year, - - - - - - ?1.2.5

Five copies, one year, ----- .5.00

Ten copies, one year, ----- 9.00

AH subscriptions will commence with tlie Jnnuary
number unless otlierwise ordered.

PENNSYLVANIA FRUIT-GROWERS-
SOCIETY.

This veteran association will meet in Wil-
liamsport, Lycoming county, on the third
Wednesday of .January next, and we under-
stand the officers are using more than ordi-
nary exertions to make it an ijnusijally inter-

esting occasion. The standing committees
are also at work, and if the event is not a
success, it will not be because the oBiccrs and
members have not endeavored to keep up its
well-earned rei)utation as an ellicicnt instru-
ment for the diffusion of practical horticultural
information throughout Pennsylvania and
adjacent States. Visitors and delegates from
other societies have always been welcomely
received ; and the society desires to extend
even a more hearty welcome on this occasion.
Those attending should, if possible, exhibit
specimens of their best fruit.

SPECIAL PREMIUMS FOR 1878.

Club Rates— No. i.

To any one, within the county of Lancas-
ter, sending us a club of /fee new subscribers,
accompanied by/ti!<r dollam, we will send Jirc
copes of The Faumer, to any address, for'
one year, from the first of January next, and
two coi>iesof ".Jenkins' Art of Propagation,"
a beautiful octavo of 32 pages, and 2') fine
embellishments, which .sells readily at IjO cents
per copy. To any one out of the county, for
five dollars, fiix copies and two books.
No. 2.

For six subscribers, accompanied hy fire dol-
lars, we will send six copies of The Farmer,
as above, and one copy of the "Life of
Charles Uickens," by Mrs. Ilanaford, or
"Driven to Sea," by Mrs. Coupples, or "The
Presidents and their Adniinl.stratious," or
"The Declaration of Independence." These
are royal 12 mo. volumes of about 400 pages,
handsomely illustrated, and sell for $1.50.
No. 3.

For ten subscribers, and ten dollars, ten
copies, as above, and one box of "Kunkle's
Celebrated Perfumes." These boxes contain
six bottles of perfume, the regular retail price
of which is one dollar per Vx)ttle, or "Tlie
Century of Independence," price $2.. 50 — very
desirable premiums for local lady canvassers.
No. 4.

For f/teen sub.scribers, and fifteen dollars,
we will send sUt-een copies of The Farmer
and a SIO.OO order on Peter Henderson, good
for twenty-four choice fioxrering green-house
planta, twenty jxictagcs of flower xeeds, and
twenty packages of vegetable seeds. Peter Hen-
derson is knoicn all over tlie Union, and there-
fore nothing need be said about the quality of
his goods.

No. 5.

For twenty subscribers, and eighteen dollars,
twenty copies of The Farmer, and one copy
of "Science in Story," consisting of a series
of /ire illustrated square. 12 mo. volumes of
232 pages each (1100 pages). Plea.se see our
literary columns for a more full de.scription of
this desirable series.

No. 6.

For twenty-five subscribers, and twenty-four
dollars, twenty-five copies of The Faksier
and one of "Peck's Celebrated Atomizers,"
worth *10.00 at least. This is the l)est ma-
chine ever invented for throwing liquid solu-
tions and decoctions on insect-infested plants.
For an illustrated description of this machine
see the May (1876) number of The Farjier,
page 00.

To clubs made up lieyond the borders of
Lancaster county the cash amount required
will be greater, proportioned to the difference
in published terms, as to home and foreign
sub.scriptions. Our canva&sers can make these
calculations upon the basis of our first propo-
sition.

We are making arrangements for additional
inducements to subscribers, which, if accom-
plished, will be announced in our December
number, We also intend to increase our

nnmlK-r of desirable illustrations forlHTK, and
add other enibelliKliuients, as fast as our
means will allow, and we respectfully ask thir
public to help us make The ' Lankasteh
Farmer a credit to the "great county," and
the people among whom it is located. Our
tenth volume should be the crowning volume
of the series— 80 we desire.

AN ADMIRABLE SCHOOL-BOOK.

The admonition "fict the Hcst," applies
with remarkable force to .school text-liooks.
As no good farmer buys an inferior hor.se or
implement when he knows a better may be
had for the same cost ; as no wide-awake me-
chanic is content to work with poor tools
when he is aware he can do much more and
better execution with good ones; so the
youthful mind should not be confronted with
obstacles and embarrassments in .school,
which may U; readily avoided by the selection
of proper manuals of'^ instruction.

Many of the schools of the State have
labored under the impediment of a poor text-
book of history, and it is time to find a reme<ly.
We have exaniined with plejisnre and instruc-
tion a new work by Prof. .1. C. Itidiiath,
which is a clear and conci.se history of the
country, in terse, imju-essive narrative, with
elegant maps, chronological charts, instruc-
tive diagrams, apt illustrations, and a degree
of freshness and vivacity which are peculiarly
attractive. It is being rapidly introduced in
all progressive communities, and as a chang<!
wouhl Ijcnctit the schools of our own locality,
we trust those who feel an interest in the
subject — who does not V — will not fail to ex-
amine this most worthy and admirable candi-
date for adoption. See our literary notices at
the end of this number.

^.-— . — . — -

C0CKET8VILLE, Baltimore Covntt, Md., >
December 8, 1877. S
Laxcasteu Farmer — Dcnr Sir; I perceive in
your November number, au article on Improvement
in Wheat Culture. Could you inform me if Mr.
GrofT makes an attachment to drills, old style, or is
it an entire new drill ? I have a liickfbrd <fc Holfman,
and if it could be apjilicd to it , micrht order. Do you
know his price ? If you cannot pive nic the Infor-
mation can you give mo his address ?

Please put down try name as a subscriber to TliK
Farmer for 1878. Yours truly,

. John I. Wiuiit.

[For the. information of our correspondent,
as well as for the information of all interested
in "Mr. Groff's Wheat Cultivator," wc de-
sire to say that it can be applied to any grain
drill of what.soever kind. Those who desire
details, which we cannot give, will do well to
address Mr. A. B. GrofV, at Bareville, Lancas-
ter county, Pa., and solicit a circular.— Kd.]

THE CELEBRATED ARABIAN HORSE
JENIFER.

His Offspring in Lancaster County.
During the past month Colin Cameron, of
Elizalieth Farms, this county, sold to W. C.
Myers, of the State of Oregon^ a yearly .stallion
colt, for Sl,OtH), and a two year old Percherou
filly, for the same sum. These figures
look large, but are no more than we expected
from the foals of the horse. The stallion
colt is the lu-oduce of a Percherou mare and
"The .Jenifer Arabian." The filly is a pure
bred Percherou and in foal by the Arabian.
This Arabian is the U^autiful white horse
often seen on our streets and liefore mentioned
in these columns. He is now owned in the
county, and we have often wondered why
our farmei-s are so slow to avail themselves of
the opportunity to raise the most valuable
horses in the world for all purjioses. The
only fault any one has ever been able to con-
jm-e against this symmetrical horse is, that

178

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ December

"he is small. " This stallion colt weighed as a
yearling, 750 pounds — certainly heavy enough
for all purposes ; but with the weight of a
draft animal he combines the suppleness of the
Arab. Every colt of his in this section is re-
markable, and is held at high figures ;
there can be no better testimonial of the value
of any animal than this. We expect to have
an exact likeness of him some time during the
coming year, also an extended history.

— ^

REMINDERS FOR DECEMBER.
Attend to the celery that has been stored
away in trenches for winter use; cover it little
by little. Protect spinach, onions, shallots,
kale, AC, that were sown in September, and
cover rhubarb, sea-kale.asparagus, artichokes,
&c., with five or six inches thickness of long,
coarse manure. Store away pea-brush, and
other materials of the kind, from the weather.
Commence to collect manure and to prepare
compost heaps. Give air to the cold frames on
sunny days. — I)ick''s Gardener. All the fere-
going relate, mainly, to self — the comfort of
self— the profit of self — and all are perfectly
legitimate and proper. We iire also reminded
that during this mouth occurs the anniversary
of that memorable event which inculcated
an abrogation of self, and a thought upon tha.
condition and necessities of others. There-
fore, examine the little colored labels on your
newspapers and magazines, and hasten to
have the figures changed to 1878 or 1879, if it
is otherwise upon them. — N'obis.

MR. KURTZ'S PUMPKIN.
Taking for granted the weight and measure-
ment of the pum2)km exhibited 1)y Mr. Henry
Kurtz, at the last stated meeting of the Lan-
caster County Agricultural and Horticultural
Society, and which he donated to the conduc-
tors of The Lancaster Faksiei!, we here
adduce the results of our practical discussion
of that gigantic subject of "Pumpkingdom."
According to Mr. Kurtz's statement it
weighed 132 pounds and measured 81i inches
in circumference ; and our further measure-
ment demonstrated that it was about 27 in-
ches in its transverse diameter, and about 20
inches in its vertical diamter. The internal
cavity was large, the walls not averaging
more tlian abeut four inches in thickness. There
was no central axis, the placenta, in three
lobes, adhering closely to the sides, contain-
ing Qii seeds, 020 of which appeared to be
fertile, and 2-t abortive or immature. The
seeds are one inch in length and half an inch
in width. The rind is very thin, the color
inside a rich orange, the texture tender and
slightly gi-anular; and last, not least, the
edible quality is superior, as those who were
partakers of it unanimously attest. Indeed
some members of my family, who heretofore
manifested no particular liking for either
pumpkins or squashes, showed a decided
partiality for this subject. Being so large, I
expected to find it strong, coarse and stringy,
but, except being somewhat fibrous on the
inner side, to my agreeable disappointmeut
it proved quite otherwise. It cooks as readily
as a ripe smokehouse apple, has no bitterness
about it, and contains sufficient saccharine
matter in its composition to make it palata-
ble. Indeed, it excels any of the varieties we
obtained in our market during this and the
past seasons, and may be regarded in fact as
well as in name, a " butter pumpkin." I had
intended to add some apjiles and convert it
into butter, but my family liked it so well in
sauce and in custards that it melted away in
that form before we were aware of it. Mr.
Kurtz's proposition was that I should offer
the seeds at three for twenty-five cents, for
the benefit of The Farmer, but as I have
learned, from experience, that all the seeds of
this kind of fruit do not germinate I have
made the number six ; but I do not hold my-
self responsible for tlie germination of any of
them, nor will I insure them true to their ' va-
riety : for there seems to be more incon-
stancy to species and variety in the Cucur-
BITACE.E than there is in almost any other
family of plants ; and thi'ough this disposition

to hybridize we are indebted for the many
varieties we now have ; and also for the diffi-
culty of their systematic classification. This
subject is probably an improved variety of
Philip Miller's Pepo rotmvhis or modern
botanists Cucxirhita pepo. But I confess that
I am unable to state, with any degree of cer-
tainty, from wliat particular species it has
been derived. In conclusion I beg leave to
say, that ottering these seeds, imder the propo-
sition of Mr. Kurtz, is of no pecuniary benefit
to me, but it maij be of some benefit to the
publisher of The Farmer; for all who have
any experience in the publishing business
know how difficult it is to collect a clear sub-
scription list ; and, as our journal is being run
without any margin for losses, this may be the
means of contributing a little extra assistance
by the friends of the paper, and which it
greatly needs.— i?.

NATIONAL BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIA-
TION.

The following, from such an intelligent
bodj' of men as constitute the above-named
organization, will no doubt be read with inter-
est by those of our patrons who have suflicient
bee-keeping proclivities to engage in the art
and science of apiculture.

Facts for the Public.

The National Bee-Keepers' Convention, in session
at New York, Oct. 16tli to 19th, 1877, aware of the
general lack of information concerning improved
methods of apiculture and its products, respectfully
submit the following statement of facts for general
information concerning a large source of personal
and national revenue in preserving the honey which
God has caused to flow so abundantly in the vast and
varied flora of our country : ■

1. It is now only a few years since the invention of
movaUe comb hiivf has opened up a new era in bee-
keeping, and placed it on the basis of a successful
business pursuit. Such hives, adapted to climate,
furnish every facility for intelligent management of
bees by regulating swarming, guarding against
moths, and manipulating both bees and comb.

2. Tlie inventors of the extractor or Iiouey slinger,
a machine which empties the honey from tlie combs
by centrifugal force, without injury, so that the
combs may be returned to tlie bees, marks anotlicr
great step in apiculture. Thus virgin lioney, free
from foreign admixture is obtained, having the
flavor of the flower from which it is dr.awn.

5. The further invention of artificial comb founda-
tion, made of pure wax, first successfully used to a
large extent this season, completes the requisites for
placing bee-keeping on the basis of a great industry
in our country. Bees receive this artiflcial comb
foundation with readiness as receptacles both for
honey and brood.

i. Simultaneous with the first and all of these im-
provements, the introduction of Italian bees and im-
proved modes of rearing queens, of transporting and
introducing them to colonics, has greatly improved
the value of the honey gatherers, both because of the
superiority of the Italian bee and the introduction of
new blood. New blood prevents tlie danger from in-
and-in breeding.

.5. The great drawback to apiculture is the sHkjt of
the bee. Danger from this source is now largely
overcome by the simple appliances used for the pro-
tection of the Person and for subduing the bees. The
most vicious colony may be subdued in a very few
minutes.

6. To consumers of honey, a few facts are neces-
sary in this article to prevent them from imposition.
Nice white comb speaks for itself and is generally
admired, but the price many lovers of honey cannot
afford. It makes a beautiful dish for the tabk^, but
is no better than extracted honey. AH comb is wax,
and wax in the stomach is perlectly indigestible.
Extracted honey is the pui-e liquid honey as it is
taken from the combs by the Iioney slinger, free from
any foreign admixture. It is entirely difi'crent fiuni
what is known in this market as sirnined honey.
Consumers help to impose upon themselves by tlie
false idea that pure honey will not granulate. They
desire ungranulated honey, and dealers will attempt
to supply the demand. Almost all pure honey will
granulate when exjioscd for some time to liglit and
cold. The granulated state is a fine evidence of
pure lioney. Much of the jar honej' heretofore sold
in the markets, and recommended not to granul.ate,
is a very inferior artice, composed largely of glucose
or some inferior substance. Granulated honey can
be reduced to its liquid state in a few moments by
placing the jar io warm water. When thus liquified
it BO remains for some time before crystallizing. Con-
sumers may be sure of a good wholesome article by
purchasing granulated honey and reducing) it.

7. To producers. By full use of improvements in
bee-keeping, the honey crop of America may be al-
most indefinitely increased and become a great source

of national revenue. None need fear over-production.
The home demand and consumption is largely in-
creased whenever people learn to know the' superi-
ority of such honey. Dealers in New York have
already commenced a large export trade, and they
tell us that their only dilHcult.y is in procuring honey
in proper shape and quantity to supply the growing
demand. Trade demands that they lie pnt in nice,
attractive packages, and in small parcels or jars so
as to be readily handled by grocers and consumers.
Honey was for centuries the principal sweet known,
and is one of the most healthful of all. Improve-
ment in refining sugars have within the last two or
three centuries led to its general adoption. Why may
not also new improvements in apiculture restore it to
its true place as a general favorite which was lost 1 y
bad niauagemcnt and the consequent corresponding
limited supply ?

We belive that improvements in bee-keeping as
compared with old methods are not less than those
seen in railroads and steamboats as compared with
former modes of travel.

For mutual information we would advise the or-
ganization of local societies and conventions to fur-
ther this business among all interested in apicul-
ture. J. H. Nellis, Pres't.

Tnos. G. Newman, Hec'i/.

MORE ABOUT BEES.

Youngsville, Pa., Dec. .5tli, 1877.

Mr. J. B. EsHLEMAN. — Esteemed Friend:
Yours of 1st inst. is received. It would seem
from the article cut from the Ne\r Era and
the note of the editor, that there must have
been quite a controversy in yoin- county rela-
tive to bees and their supposed depredations.
Let me assure you tliat the charges made
against bees destroying fruit of any kind, is
without foundation in fact. If the columns
of the New Era were opeia to the discussion
of the subject, I would undertake to defend
the character of our busy workers. But
from the note at the bottom of the article
you sent me, I infer such is not the case. It
is a fact disputed by no one, that in times of
great scarcity of honey, bees will sip the
juices of all kinds of fruit, when bruised or
tlie skin broken ; but it is quite as much to be
deplored by the bee keeper as the fruit
grower, from the fact that such material is
not the natural food of the bee, and when
stored in the combs is sure to produce trouble
the following winter. There are some peo-
ple hero foolisli enough to think that bees arc
injurious to the buckwheat crop, by taking
the honey from the blossoms. Truly, bees
are a persecuted race. They have to fight
their way through a world of insects
that are no benefit to the human family,
buffet the rigors of our J}"orthern winters,
stand their chances through pelting storms
and parching drouths, and yet tlirough all
this yield a liouutiful harvest of the choicest
sweet for the use of man.

I have 10:J colonies in winter quarters in
the best possible shape. Accept thanks for
tile articles sent. Glad to hear from you at
any time. — T'cr^ rcapedfuUi/ yours, W. J.
Davis.

[The above parties are men of intelligence,
close observation and unquestionable integrity,
and we cheerfully give them a hearing on this
much agitated question at this time. — Ed.]

BARK-LICE.-

What is the Best Method of Destroying
Bark-lice on Fruit Trees.
This question was propounded at the last
meeting of tliis society, and referred to me for
answer ; and, to answer it fully and unquali-
fiedly, would seem to involve the implication
that I k-iiciv "the best method ;" an assiim-
tion wliich I Ijy no means make. Therefore,
my an.swer must necessarily involve only
wliat I may know upon the subject, either
from personal experience, inductive reason-
ing, or gleanings from the exiierimenlal
knowledge of others. The first factor in-
volved in the question, although not the first
in the order of seiiuence, yet absolutely so in
consequence, is, what are harlc-liee? The teim
lire or louse, in the popular sense, covers a
very largo number of small parasitic or in-
festations animals, which are not all included

"Read liefoie the Lancaster County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society by Prof. S. S. Bathvou.

1877.J

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

179

in tbe class Insf.cta, but all arc olijccls of
more or less concern, to cither the animal or
the vPKf'tfi'jle world. Tlie first, the simplest,
and tlic most general division of the insect
world tluit can be made, is to divide it into
two great suh-elasses, namely: the masticat-
inj;, or chewini^ insects, and the suckini:;, or
drinking, insects; technically named MutuH-
hiihiUd and llnnstflbilid. To tlio latter all
the various kinds of lice belong, because thny
subsist by sucking animal 1)1()0(1, or vegetaldo
sap. Jku-k-Hcc, in a general sense, are those
that infest vegetation, and in a i)articular
sense, those that infest the bark of dies-, as
contradistinguislied from those that infest
swnihiit vegetation — or plants, and hence
called pJant-lifc.

]5ark-lice telong to the order IIojioptera.
Tins term is a Greek compound, from omos
the same, and pkron a wing; because of the
liomogeneitj-, or sameness, of tiicirni)per and
lower wings. Tliey are among the most de-
graded of the order to wliich they belung,
nevertheless the males have wings, and one
siiecics at least, is extensively cultivated on
tiic Cactus plants of Mexico, and produces
that brilliant crimson or scarlet dye, known
as "Cochineal." The two most pernic^ions and
widespread si)ecies which infest the fruit trees
of tins country, are what are comnioidy
called, the "oyster-shell bark-louse," and
"Harris' bark-louse." The former is the
Aspidiotnt: concliiformis of entomologists, be-
cause the scale or scab wliich invests the
insect, has tlie form of a minute oyster-shell.
They are also sometimes called the "scale-
insect," or "scab-louse." Tlie latter species
is the Aspidiot^ts Ilnrrisii liecause first discov-
ered by Dr. Harris of ^Massachusetts. The
former is a foreign insect, which has been in-
troduced into this country from Eui'ope; and,
like foreign importations generally, it is the
worst of the two; infesting not only the apple
tree, but also the pear, the cherry, the quince,
the apricot, the crab, the plum, the currant,
the gooseberiy and the ro.se. The latter is a
native of our own country, and is not so in-
jurious as the former, being mainly found on
the apple, the pear, and nionutain-ash. There
are many other sjiecics. which occur on (he
pine, the orangc>, the maple, the grape, the
bireli, the walnut, the hickory and othertrees.
The notorious plujlhi.rn-a, which is <levastat-
ing tlic vineyards of Euroiie, and esiiccially
of France, is a grape-root liark or gall-louse;
and as the Government, and the Academy of
Natural Sciences of that country have, for
the past three years, offered a reward of 1110,-
OfM.) francs for a remedy to ' destroy it, which
has not yet lieen claimed, we may have some
apprehension ot the dilliculties we may en-
counter in attempting to overcome these pests.
The particular siiecies I am considering, how-
ever, are more accessible, inasmuch as they
conline their oiierations to the lesser bi"auclies
and twigs of trees, unless the trees are young;
for they mu.st have a smooth and tender sur-
face, where the sap tlows within the length of
their licaks. The mode of circumvent ing
them is simple and certain, if men will take
the Ironhle to api)Iy it, and apply it at the
proper time. IVrliaps I should have said,
there are several remedies, and a remedy that
is ed'ectual at one pciiod may be ineffectual
at another. In order to apply a remedy with
effect, wc ought to know something about the
economies and habits of the insects we pro-
pose to destroy, else we may only be contend-
ing with tlii^ sliadow of the subject instead of
the substance: and even then we are, liable to
failure from our inelticieucy, or from causes
that arc wholly unknown to ns. Therefore,
when we succeed or fail in the apiilication of
a remedy, we should make a careful record,
not only of the subject and the mode of appli-
cation, but also of the time

The month (jf .lunc — in some species earlier
and in others later — is the great period of
insect transmutation iu this latitude, for,
during that pt-riod, most of the species that
hibernate in the ^wyial state, come forth from
their long winter sleep, and scatter them-
eelves abroad ; and this is particularly the

case with those that feed upon the sap or the
foliage of vegetation, in wliatevcr form they
may pass the winter season. I'Utnt-livr and
hurk-licr usually pass that period in thi? egg-
state, from which their young are. hatched as
soon as their normal food is provided by
liounleous nature, and the necessary heat to
stimulate incubation eupcrvencs. I cannot
positively say on what day of .Tune you may
find the young bark-lice traveling on the
trees, for this jieriod may be accelerated or
retarded by the temperature of the weather ;
but that is the most proper time to ajiply a
remedy. The young are very small, Ijut
their presence can be detected by tlui aid of a
common magnifier. Dilutions of carbolic
and crysilic acid, or solutions of common or
whale-oil soap, and decoctions of tobacco,
have been recommended by the highest au-
thorities, and 1 have no doubt that syringing
the trees with the.sc tlnids would be effectual ;
for, if even a heavy rain should occur when
they come forth from the eggs, millionsof them
will then be washed down and be destroyed.
" I'eck'.s Atomizku " 1 would consider an
excellent instrument to tiirow any liiiuid in
the form of siiray, on trees,* shrubs and
plants; but if the branches could, at the
same time, receive the niauipulatious of a
stiff brush, it would facilitate the good effects
of the application, in using a stiff brush,
however, there is a liability of rubbing off the
leaf or flower buds, excojit on the naked
trunks and larger branches, and I UKirely
mention it here, because it has been recom-
by the Entomologist in Chief at Washing-
ton.*

Tlie late Mr. Walsh, of Rock Island, 111.,
te.sted all the known remedies for bark-lice,
and found nothing so effectual as oH. This
can be applied early in the spring, during warm
days, before the leaf or flower Inids are swol-
len. A good instrument for its application is
a common paint brush. Before the eggs are
hatched, and whilst they are covered by the
scales, no liquid of any kind — except such as
might injure the trees — will have much effect
upon them ; for these scales are impervious to
liquids generally, else there would be no iiro-
tectiou to the eggs during the colds, rains
and snows of a long winter. Oil has, how-
ever, a different effect upon them. It does
not evaporate so rapidly as other liquids, and
it penetrates and loosens the scales, and sub-
seiiucut showers of rains wash them off, and
leave the trees and liranches clean. I have
applied oil on several occasions with entire
success, and I have recommended it to
others, who have been ecpiaily successful. Of
course, it would involve a great deal of lalior
and trouVileon large trees, and W'herea whole
orchard was infested with these injurious

p !StS.

If the question should be asked, " What
kind of oil V" I should feel comjielled to
answer it with some (pialilication. When I
stated in the columns of Tlii': Fakmeh, about
a year ago, that I would not reconiineiul lin-
seed oil, I received communications from two
citizens of the county, stating that they had
apjilied this oil with entire success; but I re-
cently saw a statement in one of our daily
papers to the effect that the writer had used
linseed oil and injured, if he did not entirely
kill, his trees. I used lard oil, and on one
occasion I used a piece of th(^ skin and fat at
the low(U' end of a boiled ham — what the Ger-
mans call a " .spheck-schward" — with good
effect. One of my correspondents used
" ueatsfoot oil" with entire success. Sweet
oil, I believe, would be equally good ; but this
would, perhaps, be two expensive, unless it
was rancid or of inferior tpiality. 1, however,
would not rceonimend caniphene, petroleum,
paratUne or coal oil.

The reasons for my opinion adverse to lin-
seed oil are, because it dries up more rapidly
than other simjilo oils ; it coagulates and
leaves an insoluble film or coating on the
branches, and when it penetrates the pores

■Whitpwaebing with lime has been BtrODgly recommend-
ert bv Horae. For a discusBiou on the subject, ;)»-.t and
<o', iiloise refer to the pre«ent yoltiQie of the Fabmeb,
May number, pp. 66-7i

and hardens therein, it must be injurious ;
for this rciison, also, I would not afiply any
kind of oil late in the season, when the pores
are more open, and vegetable respiration is
more active than it is during winter and early
spring. There is a time and a season for
evc'rything, and success in any direction de-
pends on striking these times and seasous.
J'erhaps. bifore I close, I ought to mention
that within one week— sometimes within tlireo
or four days — after the young bark-lice come
from the eggs, they scatter over the branches
out to their remotest and tendercst ends, and
there they sink their beaks into the twigs,
and divest themselves of their antenna, feet,
and caudal ap]i(^ndages, and become degraded
into a "se;iIe"or "scab,"an<l immediately
coinmenee pumping the .sap out of said twigs,
to their great depUdionand con.sctpient injury.
This, at least, is the case with the females.
The males assume wings, fertilize the fetnales
anil then fly away and perish, if they do not
perish on the spot. After the females deposit
their eggs they also perish, but their dry and
shriveled bodies n main attached to the shell-
like covering with which they have invested
their eggs. If you take the back of a knife,
or your tluindi-nail, and draw them over the
small, white scales of these insects, the
" Harris louse" will produce a red, blood-like
streak, but the "oyster shell louse" will pro-
duce a yellowish or whrtish streak. There
are from a dozen to two hundred eggs under
one scale, it is said, and 1 have myself coimted
twenty-five or thirty. On my premises I havo
never found the oyster shell Ijark-louse, but
Harris' bark-louse I have had very abundantly,
and I am inclined to think that this is the
most abundant species wc have iu Lancaster
county.

Now, all this may .seem too complicated,
and may involve more labor, thought and ex-
pense than you are wiUiug to bestow ui)on a
subject of such apparent insignificance. Well,
if so, the fault is not mine. It belongs to that
inexorable logic of creation through which
material dcvelopmeut can only be attained by
hutnaii labor.

The Almighty did not ciiuse hats, and
coats, and boots, to grow on trees, that we
might possess them \\lien we needed them, by
merely iihicking them. He did not cause
jilows^ and threshers, and gold dollars to
spring up from the ground, spontaneously,
that we might ajiiuopriate them without per-
sonal effort. Ho gives us seed time and
harvest; genial sunshine and refreshing
rains ; summer's activity and winter's re-
pose. He creates the material elements, the
physical laws, and the intellectual forces
wliich combine and guide these, but all else is
the work of human hands. Wo hence con-
clude that "necessity is not only the mother
of invention," but that it is also, fundamen-
tally, the stimulant of all human progress,
and without it man would relapse into bar-
barism. Our children and our children's
children may become more deeply impressed
with this fact than we are. Our 'forefathers,
while the soil was virgin, the forests dense,
and the iiopulation sparse, bad little concern
about lhe.se things, whatever other hardships
they may have had, but a great change ha.s
overcome the spirit of our dreams and we
must lulapl ourselves to the economics of that
change.

FROM NORTH CAROLINA.
Sai.isiuky, X. c:., Xov. 2(1, 1877.
Editoh LANtASTEU Eakmer— Dcrtr .Sir;
Farmers in this county, as a general thing,
have been well rewarded for their labor, in
return of wheat, oals, corn, cotton, tobacco,
Irish and sweet potatoes, &c., &c. There
was also an abmnlant crop of apples, peaches,
lilums, prunes, grapes, .so that there is jilenty
to eat, diink and wear. Onr farmers are
much behind in sowing wheat, gathering corn
and cotton. This is in part owing to the fact
that many devoted much time to making sor-
ghum molasses, when perhaps it would have
proved, in the end, more remimerative to
Lave sown ^yheat, and housed their corn and

180

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[ December,

cotton ready for market. Irately we have had
inucli rain fall here, so that planters cannot
plow and get their land in order to put seed
in the ground; perhaps it will be well in the
end ; at least we shall take things as we find
them, and not as we want them. Inasmuch
as we did not create heaven and earth, we
shall not find fault with providential occur-
rences of whatever tendency they may have
upon us. Individually, readers here of The
li'AiiMER, say it is the best agricultural paper
they have ever read. Long and prosperous,
may it live, and to a remunerative end, is our
wish. AVo will say and do all we can for its
welfare. — Fours truh/, M. li.

For the Lakcastek Farmek.
AROUND THE FARM. NO. 4.

Last week was general repair week with
us. Every crack and crevice in tlie barn was
carefully stopped up with boards and mortar.
Some formers have an idea that it don't cost
anything to have stock shivering during the
night, and it don't pay to close cracks ; stock
must have ventilation ! And they say Wes-
tern cattle have no shelter at all, and they
have cattle, (even if tliey do freeze off their
horns and ears) !

All very true ; but could they not raise
better and cheaper cattle if they would
shelter them ? Be assured the chop you feed
creeps out at the crevices the first cold night
and you wonder why yom- cattle do not take
on fat rapidly. It doubly pays to provide a
warm place for the stock during the winter.
But it should not be warm at the expense of
ventilation, the fowl air must 1« allowed to
escape. I ordered sash the size of the upper
section of the stable door to let sunlight in
and keep cold draughts of air out wlien the
nortliwestern storms commence to blow, and
I think my horses will appreciate it.
Turnips for Milch Cows.

Some time ago a man complained that tur-
nips gave a bad flavor to the butter. Our ex-
perience is different. Perhaps it is owing to
the small quantity we give them. AVe cut
fine and give about i peck, mixed with a few
hundsful of chop to each cow, and have not
noticed the flavor in the butter. In one of my
farm journals I noticed that turnips ought to
be cut in the morning for evening feeding,
so that the flavor would evaporate, and I am
convinced by experience that it is a good
plan.

I am afraid we are too much absorbed with
toliacco and neglect to provide sufficient suc-
culent food in the shape of roots. I think
we ought to plant at least an acre in roots for
every liftj' acres in the farm, for few things
arc more appreciated by cattle during the
long winter. — Buralist, CreswcU, Pa., Dec.
3(', 1877. ^

For The LANCASXEn Farmer.
GRAPES AND BEES.

Editor of Lancaster Farmer — Dear
Sir : A few weeks ago I gave a statement
through The JS^eiv Era, and which you liave
now transferred to The Farjier, with some
half a dozen articles in opposition to my state-
ment of facts "that bees cut the skins nf grajKs,
and tluit they destroyed nearly all of my
crop."

Now, with your permission, and in justice
lo myself, allow me to examine, or criticise,
if you please, tlie various contradictory state-
ments of these writers. Ain't some of them
theorists .?

Xo. 0. Your own joking, Mr. Editor, ' 'That
fo\u- blind men, on examining an elephant, all
differed as to its appearance. That they were
all siieciJiaiU!/ right, yencriralh/ wi'ong. "
Though its a ifling at my being a c(0-clcss ob-
server, I \vill pass.

Xo. 1. In the article formerly claimed by
tlie editor of The New Era, us editorial, we
now see signed "F. R. D." Of course we
know Frank! who says "The bees deserve a
good word, for the odium cast upon them by
theorists and careless observers, and no person
wlio brings this charge, ever saw bees stinginej

fruit." True, but we have seen them cut the
skin of grapes!

No. 2. To my own article published in The
New Era, in response, as I then thought, of
the editor's strictures, against the possibility
of the bees damaging sound grapes, I there
stated facts.

No. 3. "M," of Oregon, declares the bees
innocent. If "M" will carefully read my
article, he will see that I do not charge bees
eicneralhj as guilty. I stated that I myself
kept bees for many years, and tliat I also had
grapes, and that it was only within two or
three years that they commenced to injure my
grapes. Of course, I alluded to the Italian
variety — and when tliese cut the skin, the
black bees will also come and get a share of
the sweet juice. lie admits "that never be-
fore this summer did they visit his grapes,"
l3ut tries to explain tliat ' "The Clinton burst
their skins, from some cause unknown to me. "
Did not grapes burst liefore? at least J. S.
says "they did eight vears ago."

No. 4. "W," of Strasburg, "is an extensive
grower of grajjes, but had no trouble before the
present ycaj-. This year he was unable to gather
more than a few perfect bundles. The bees
cleslroyed all the rest. Thousands of bees
were constantly on mv fruit from early dawn
until dusk." Then "adds, "If the skin is
broken in some other way, so 1)6 it, and we
will either have to do without grapes, or the
busy bee, o{ the Italian variety.'''' Just so.
AsM)-. AV., of Strasburg, was not certain
whether the bees or some other insect cut the
skins of his grapes, (perhaps he did not take
tlie time to watch them closely) "but he does
know tliat they destroyed nearly all his fruit,"
and adds, "if the skin was broken in some
other way, so be it."

No. 5. Now, here is where our friend J. S.
comes in, "to relieve the poor bees from the
odium cast upon them by a careless observer.''''
J. S. lays great stress on the word "if," in
AV.'s article, and thinks " as the gi'apes were
\ery thii>-sJcinnccl this year," try s to explain
as to the cause of the skiyis bur.'itinrj, which he
says " belongs to natural philosophy and
vegetable philosophy," and tries to explain un-
explainable phenomenal appearances by going
back eight years, " when after a rain, the sun
striking on the little globules of water on the
fruit, acted like a burning lens, the skin of
the grapes bursted ;" and adds, "let us be
sure we are right, and not jump at conclusions,
as we find many insects that might lie taken
for Italian bees, and not to be distinguished
by a mere cctsiial observer.''^ " Eiglit years
ago," bees did »io( injure our grapes. I sup-
pose the reason why "they did not, was because
there were no Italian bees in our vicinity.
Mr. J. S.'s explanation is a very equivocal
one ! Ugh ! the mystery of being mysterious !
would it not be more satisfactory to say — as
bees come under the order of Natural History,
and the grapes under that of Vegetable
Physiology, consequently these being opposing
forces, and coming into juxtaposition, there
will, of course, be a rupture— a "burst"—
tlien the bees can get their fill of the sweet
juice, and the elements onlv to blame !

No. 6. Mr. J. F. Ilersliey, Mt. Joy, pre-
tends to say "the black bees worked on the
broken grapes, for a few years past, quite as
much as the Italians do now," (Mr. H. keeps
the Italian bees,) and then says, "sound
grapes they never damage ; had Mv. G. 's
grapes all been sound, the bees would never
have visited his vines." My dear sir, my
grapes were as sound as grapes ever are ; in-
deed, more sound and perfect than usual, as
tliere was no mildew this summer to arrest
their growth, and birds and no insects of any
kind visited the grapes as the bees had, and
kept sole jiosscssion till the last grape was
sucked dry !

A reverend gentleman, pastor of a congre-
gational church, with whom I have been in
correspondence for a number of years, and
who is also a live horticulturist, ejspecially a
grower of grapes, on writing to him, lately, I
incidentally mentioned the loss of my grapes
by bees. In a letter just received he says :

" I shouldn't hesitate, if I were you, to pro-
tect myself with Paris green, or any other
such poison against the bees," &c. — Uespect-
fulbi, .7. B. Garber.

[Our venerable friend entirely misappre-
hends us, if he supposes our simile was in-
tended as a "fling" at his being a careless oh-
server, for we are too deeply impressed to the
contrary to reach such a conclusion. AVe
merely meant to infer that isolated observa-
tions cannot always be depended on as ab-
solute illustrations of character per se. — Ed.]

•

OUR PROSPECTS.

There are many signs that for farmers at
least the most of the hard times are over;
and if there be not a remarkable career of
prosperity ahead for the cultivators of the soil,
we shall be very much surprised.

In the first place, the immense amount of
thoughtless debt incurred during an inflated
currency has been measurably reduced. The
people who bought farms at inflated prices,,
incurring mortgages to be paid when currency
and of course tlie price of farm produce would
be near par, have paid up in full the iirice of
their folly, and those who incur debts now
will have some reasonable chance to foresee
what prices they will get for their products
when pay day comes round. There arc not
near .so many western farmers paying ten to
twelve per cent, interest on the purchase
money of their farms as there once were.
The people who have lived on interest will
have to go to work with their money. Bor-
rowers are few. The banks hardly know
what to do wth the money they hold. Instead
of putting it "out to interest" capitalists will
have to invest it in productive employment.
This will put people to work, and the workers
will have to buy farm products.

Not by any means among the least of the
bright features of the future, is the steady
increase in our exports, and the decrease in
the amount of manufactured goods. These
matters especially interest the farmers of this
country, as with industrial prosperity his suc-
cess is intimately bound. It is generally a
good sign when there is a large import of raw
material to be used in our industries and
worked up to be sold over again at an en-
hanced value, but when the imports are of
articles that we could just as well make wholly
for ourselves, it is another thing. Thus im-
ports, heavy though they may be, do not
always show things are going wrong. It may
show a nation is very wealthy, that she can
afford to buy largely, indeed to buy much
more than v/e liuy, and this seems to be ex-
actly tlie condition in which we are finding
ourselves.

Among all the exports of the few past years,
nothing is more gratifying than the iucreasing
shipments of cotton goods. When some of
our eastern manufacturers sent some of these
wares to England, and undersold the British
manufacturers a few years ago, the English
comforted themselves by saying that it was
simply of our overstock, and were sold only at
a loss ; but the work begun then has been
continued until exiiorting dry-goods to Eng-
land is a trade almost as regular as shipping
corn. At Manchester there arc regular agen-
cies for supplying American goods, and the
American brands are generally popular. The
amount of goods sent from England to the
United States is not one-fourth of what it was
a few vears ago. The number of yards of
cotton "goods shipped from the United States
in 1877, though not all to England, was over
ninety-six millions, by far the largest year's -
business ever done.

All of this must redound to the farming ;
interest. It costs much less to sell food to •
operatives in the United States than to opera-
tives in Europe, and the more of them we ■
have the greater is the gain to \\s.— German-
town Telegraph.

[^Delinquent subsci-ibers will confer a
favor by remitting their arrearages immedi-
jitely, as we must have money to pay the
printer.

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

181

EARLY PROLIFIC RASPBERRY.

Our illustration represents a single stalk of
this magnificent plant, the berries being re-
duced to about two-thirds their natural size.
There were i:!8 berries on this stalk. A very
important and valuable peculiarity about tliis
variety of the r.aspberry is, that it has never
Iwen known to "winter-kill." Tliey have
stood successtully, and without a sinstle fail-
ure, the test of nine years fruiting, according
to the testimony of Mr. Felton, Merchantville,
Camden county, N. J., who is the originator
of them, and who has
had eighteen years ex-
perience in their culti-
vation. As Its name
implies, it is an early
fruit and coraes into
market immediately
after, ifnot simraultane-
ously with, the latest
strawberries. The plant
is .short-jointed, of a
stocky habit, having
very dark foliage, great
vigor of growth, and is
perfectly hardy, as above
stated. " The fruit is
large, roundish, coni-
cal, regularly formed, of
a dark-red color, and a
rich, brisk, vinous fla-
vor, somewhat inclining
to acid. These berries
were exhibited at the
'Ureat Centennial,' and
were highly commended
l)y the judges, ride re-
jiort published in the
(MUivator and Countri/
(lentlerium.

There are a great
many people who desire
to have fruit but do not
like to bestow much
time or labor in its cul-
tivation ; or they may
not have time to do any-
thing more than make
a hole in the ground
and stick a plant into it,
and then let it take care
of itself ; or, again, they
may be too negligent or
indolent to attend to
careful cultivation.
Now, if only one-half
can be realized that Mr.
Fenton realized, under
the most ordinary cul-
tivation, tiien hero is a
lierrythat will admira-
bly suit that kind of
people. AVe quote: "Mr.
F. has on the back part
of his place three acres
of unimproved land,
planted with these ber-
ries, which yield annu-
ally abundant crops,
without manure or cul-
ture. On the 5th of
July, 1870, he picked
from one row 21 yards
long and one yard wide,
with only ordinary cul-
ture, .58 pint boxes full
at one picking, or at the
rate of about 0,070 boxes
per acre, which at 10
cents per box, would
amount to the neat sum of $007 per acre, or
$6,070 for ten acres, at one picking, which
would hardly be one-fourth of the .season's
crop." Now, multiply this by four, as a whole
season's crop, and afterwards make reason-
able deductions for unforeseen contingencies,
and there still remains a wide margin of profit.

These plants may be had by addressing
Messrs. Giuson & Rennktt, nurserymen,
Woodbury, N. J. Price, $.3 per dozen : S-20
per 100 ; $150 per 1,000. Half dozens, half
hundreds, and half thousands furnished at the

same rates. Wliat can be raised in New .Jersey,
we tliink, could lie more than realized on the
rich soil of ]<aneasler county.

ADDRESS.*

Mr. Pkksidknt : As we are assembled
here to-day, representatives of the Lancaslei'
County Agricultural Association, a great
name indeed, the interi'St involves our jire-
.sent, and ol'icn our future welfare, as in lloly
Writ we, ilnd many hints and comparisons on
agriculture and its fruits, sucli as, they will

come with joy and gladness, bringing their
sheaves with them; and no heart can feel
more joy and gladness than the farmer
in a good harvest, in his field with one sheaf
under each arm, and his mind free from all
care, but filled witli good prospects before him
for a good price for the in-odncts of his labor.
1 hold that Adam and Cain were the first
members of such an association, with Adam
as its President, who was sent forth outpf the

"Read before the Lauoaater -Agricultural and Horticultural
S ety, MODdar, December 3d, 1ST7, hy Henry Kurtz.

garden of Kden to till the ground. His first
•son, Cain, was a tiller of the soil, his second
son, Alx'l, was a keeper of the sheep. (Jenesis,
4th chapter. Through jealousy in the field,
Cain slew Abel, and the Lord cursed the til-
lage of Cain. In onr day it looks as though
the tillage was cursed for some of our farmers,
but we'rather attribute this last to our own
cursing and mismanagement in tillage. We
have before us a (Jerman article on agricul-
ture which may ha vt! been written hundreds
of years jigo, as the book from which I shall
lead, in the (ierman
language, is several cen-
turies old, which we can
apply to ourselves of the
present day with profit
to all. Although you
may say it is too olij to
harmonize with this pro-
gressive age, and is old
fogyisli, yet it may not
be " amiss to practice
some of its teachings.
Solomon, the wisest man
on earth, being wise in
spiritual, as well as tem-
I)(>ral things, says : "He
lliat observeth the wind
liall not sow, and he
li a t regardeth the
ouils shall not reap,
iikI he that receives no
instructions is a fool ;
liut the words of the
wise are as goads, and
as nails fastened by the
masters of assemblies
which are given from
one slieplierd. And fur-
ther, by these, my son,
be admonished; of many
books, there is no end,
and much Sjjeakiiig is a
weariness of the llesh."
And fearing I might be
wearisome to you will
conclude with liis cou-
clusion, "Fear God and
keep his command-
ments, for this is the
whole duty of man."
Let us therefore do
good, and improve our-
selves in culture, and
not be weary; in due
time we shall reap.

To show what be-
ongs to agriculture, or
tillage of tlie ground, it
seems unnecessary to
mention anything, be-
cause it is known to
every person, and ex-
pressly because the dif-
ference is .so wide ill
dilTerent localities in
fields as well as in .soil,
as the instrumental
jiower used is greater at
one place than at an-
other. The fields are
cultivated also differ-
ently in different locali-
ties ; at one place oxen
arc used, at another
horses ; at one place one
pair is sufficient, at
tmother it takes four to
six oxen or horses. The
plows should be long
and naiTOW, and the plow irons long and
narrow, or they will take too much land,
whereby the ciilltivation will not be the
better and the draft is heavier. The plow-
iron should be of steel, need not be sharpened
so often, as it cuts easier and turns the .soil
better, and is smooth and cannot stick to
the plow. The harrows, rollers and i)lows
are of different kinds and make. In .some
localities the oxen cany the yoke on the
horns, at another by the neck ; here are the
fields broad and short, and there long and

182

THE LANCASTER FARMERS

[December,

narrow ; here are the oxen shod, especially on
hilly land; in level places we know nothing of
it ; at some places are the harrows apart in
tlie middle, and are hooked together with
iron rings, so they can give and have a better
grip. iJefore everything a good farmer
should have plenty of farming implements,
so he may not have want in time of need, be-
cause it is vexatious and olTeiisive in time of
need to borrow from your neighbor and sel-
dom without bad feeling and ill-will, because
the most of times you bring it back worse
than you got it ; therefore, should the farmer
in time prepare what he may want in time of
need. Especially should the farmer in the
winter time repair such implements or make
new ; or on rainy and stormy weather, when
he cannot work in the fields and it compels
him to stay in tlie house, he might repair all
kinds of wagons with ladders, beams, dung-
boards, lime boxes, presses, and anything
that is wanted, or may be wanted in the
future. Yoke-bows, felloes, spokes, wagon
wheels, tongues, hay beams, sieves, sleighs,
plows, rollers, dimg, hay, corn and straw
forks, shovels, rakes, curry combs, trestles,
grindstone, all kind of large and small sieves,
rider, grain shovel, grain fan, stamper, mal-
let, troughs, tremel, reber, axes, digging
iron, drawing knife, hub rings, auger, ladder,
drawing bench, traces, breast chains, bands,
plough irons, seed baskets, bags, and all kinds
of articles belonging to farming ; iron work,
horse shoes, shine nails, wagon rings, Inib
rings, single-tree, sickles, saws, cutting
knife, snitzer, steiumeiser, hammer, stamp
handle, smith work, sleigh boxes, and every-
thing of the kind at least double ou hand,
that when the busy time comes, if anything
breaks, or is needed, or to have to be fetched
at a strange place, when the work is pressing
in harvest time or otherwise, and the neces-
sary work must be stopped and the time lost
thereby, it is not even enough that the farmer
has all these things double and plenty if he
does not keep them in a systematic and pro-
per iilace, because it is a small difference in
time of need, something not to have, or have
and not know where to find it.
^ '

For The Lancaster Fabueb.
SPLENIC, OR PERIODIC FEVER OF
CATTLE.

In Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Virginia,
Kentucky, Carolina and Georgia, the so-
called Spanish or Texas fever has been the
causes of losses prior to and since the war,
and this has occasioned the most violent feel-
ing of opposition among stock raisers to the
driving of these cattle through those States.
A Missourian's letter, to a prairie farmer,
says, "Talk to a Missourian about modera-
tion when a drove of Texas cattle is coming
and he will call you a fool, while he coolly
loads his gun to kill, and he does kill the cat-
tle until the drove takes the back track; and
the drovers must be careful not to get between
the enraged farmers and the cattle." Tliis
looks like a sort of border ruffianism, but it is
the way to keep clear of the Texas fever. Illi-
nois will yet have to do the same thing. Con-
gress should do something in the matter ; very
stringent laws were passed in regard to the
rinderpest, and yet it is scarcely more fatal
than Texas fever. Texas stock should not l)e
allowed to pass the thirty-fifth parallel of
north latitude alive. Texas has five million
head, worth eight to ten dollars gold; the net
yearly increase, after deducting twenty-five
per cent, for loss, by disease and other casual-
ties, amounts to seven hundred and fifty
thousand head.

It is impossible to exaggerate the suflfering
of Texan cattle as they are transported by
steamer from the Texan coast to Nevi' Orleans
and thence to eastern and western cities'.
They are gathered in droves of two to twelve
hundred steers, and driven at the rate of
eight to ten miles a day for six to nine hun-
dred miles. Whether we study the malady as
seen in Texas, or Smoky Hill, in Kansas,
where sudden shocks to the system of a steer
that has stampeded, developed symptoms or

produce death ; or look to the other animals
apparently fresh, and grazing, it is evident
that a large herd traveling from the region
whence splenic fever is propagated, carries
not only the active cause of such propagation,
but the evidence of specific disease induced,
which remains for an indefinite time latent
and unobserved. It has been observed when-
ever and wherever cattle from the States on
the Gulf of Mexico have been driven North
during the summer monlh.s — and is most
marked in cattle of Georgia, Tennessee, Vir-
ginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois
and Indiana — wherever these cattle have
grazed simultaneously or after Texas lierds.
It is incapable of communication by simple
contact of sick with healthy animals, and
in the strict sense of the term is
neither contagious nor infectious. It is
an enzootic disorder, probably due to the
food on which Southern cattle subsist, wherebj'
the system of these animals becomes charged
with deleterious principles that is afterwards
propagated and dispersed by the excretia of
apparently healthy animals as well as ob-
viously sick stock. The malady is probably
incapable of communication by inoculation,
and the flesh, blood and secretions of such
cattle have been handled and consumed by
human beings without the manifestation of
untoward results. Texas cattle, from all
ages, are aftlicted with it in a somewhat latent
and mild form, and its incubation is from five
to six weeks duration; the temperature of the
body then rises, the secretions are checked,
and indications of depression and listnessness
are afforded by drooping head, depressed ears,
arched back, approximation of limbs and
indisposition to move or to rise when down,
urine mostly dark, of port-wine color, and is
retained for hours, and then evacuated in
considerable quantities; hurried breathing
and tremors are almost invariable symptoms,
more or less paralysis in hind quarters, fore
quarters, or both. When the brain is affected
it occasions wild, staring gaze, and in the first
case there is more or less blindness. Animals
recover, especially if from the South, but in
the northern stock is extremely fatal, destroy-
ing most every animal attacked. Death
usually occurs in three to four days, and may
not occur for from twelve days to six weeks.
Death is usually produced by great prostra-
tion, the animal lying and refusing to rise,
retention of urine, head occasionally drawn
forcibly around to the right side, and the
muscles of the neck twitching without much
intermission. Cows having splenic fever will
suddenly yield but half the usual quantity of
milk; at first the animal eats, ruminates occa-
sionally, and its paunch appears full, but soon
it will lie down, preferring a pool of water.
The depressed head, drooping ears, arched
back, hollow and twitching flanks have a ten-
dency to draw the hind legs under the belly,
and kimckling over over at the fetlocks behind,
are early and marked symptoms; the skin is
dry and rigid. A small delicate blood-clot is
apt to be seen on the surface of the droppings;
at first the urine is clear. Many cases, it is
true, may not be known until the urine is
bloody; in ten to fifteen per cent, the urine
remains its natural color. When bloody urhie
flows death will soon follow.

The skin, very often infested with ticks, is
occasionally studded with dried drops of
blood, as if the animal had sweated blood.
The spleen usually presents a dark color, with
a deep red pulp, which oozes out of incisions
made through the capule, and weigh in native
cattle one-half pound, Texas two and a half,
and Cherokee two and a quarter pounds,
in health ; while from splenic fever it
is enlarged from two to twelve pounds, but
rarely exceeds eight. The scraping with a
knife readily forces out tlie currant-jelly-like
pulp, and leaves the trabecular free and
clear. In thirty noted diseased spleens Dr.
Manheimes found only two in which the trab-
ecular were firm and sound. They are gen-
erally destroyed and undistinguishable from
any other part of the tissues of the organ.
Dr. Ranch, medical oflicer of Chicago, aflilrms

that the meat is not poisonous, and is incapa-
ble of injuring human beings. The flesh
shows no signs of morbid change. During a
period of three months cattle were allowed to
die in Illinois and Indiana, but when large
herds were attacked they tried to get as many
sold in eastern markets as possible. Cattle
trucks have thus been filled in large numbers
with infected steers, which died or were
slaughtered and connnittcd to the rendering
tanks ; but not a single case has transpired to
show that these animals have induced any
disease in the stock of eastern cattle. How
different from rinderpest, or lung fever,
which, under similar circumstances, would
have caused the farmers of Ohio, Pennsylva-
nia ami New York to record a bitter experi-
ence, similar to that of the much injured Illi-
nois farmer. Texan steers are the most
dangerous innnediately after leaving Texas,
but after they have traveled a long dstance
they are less liable to do mischief ; hence the
conclusion, that if cattle are driven into
Kansas, Missouri or other States in the sum-
mer or autunm of one year, and grazed in
such States during the winter and spring they
can be readily intermixed without danger.
Texas herds, therefore, do purify themselves.
The point is to know the exact time it takes,
and if means can be used to accelerate the
result. A nipping frost is the most eflectual
cure, as it destroys the vegetation upon which
the cattle feed, thereby destroying the most
plausible source of transmission. Texan
steers can graze side by side with native cat-
tle, only having a fence between them, with-
out transmission, thereby thoroughly and
successfully refuting the idea of tick trans-
mission, as the ticks are not easily fenced in.
Both native and Texan cattle, dead and alive,
have been seen entirely free from ticks.
There has been no relation whatever between
the abundance of the ticks and the severity
of the disorder. It is supposed that the ticks
are eaten, but close examination has ever
failed to trace any of them, during the de-
velopment of the disease, in the alimentary
canal.

The tick is not confined to Gulf coast cat-
tle, which we know communicate the disea.se,
but it is met in many States where cattle are
reared that never cause splenic fever. Why
should the ticks not communicate the malady
from Western steers to other cattle, if they
can induce it by crawling from Texan to
■Western stock ? It is not contact with the
cattle that transmits the disease, as they have
been housed together, watered together, the
sick with the well, with no bad eftects.

Splenic fever is an enzootic ; it originates
in the Gulf States. Florida cattle driven
north are as dangerous as Texans, deriving
the same deleterious properties from the soil
on which they are reared, in all probability
the vegetation on which they feed. Milk
sickness is due to cattle feeding on low wood-
land pastures, where poisonous plants abound.
The poison which contaminates the food is
capable, through that food, of attacking a
second and third animal or as many as par-
take of it. Here is a striking similarity be-
tween milk sickness or trembles, and splenic
fever. The animal, food poisoned, may show
no sign unless driven hard or frightened.
Texas cattle accustomed to feed ou certain
pastures thrive, and their systems throw oft',
in excretions, these poisons for three or
four months after they leave their native
soil. Herds of these animals necessarily de-
posit a large amount of whatever they ex-
crete, and thus pastures are contaminated,
the grasses of which prove deadly poison to
healthy and susceptible cattle. It is certain
that the herding of cattle on the lands over
which Texan cattle have passed, is the ordi-
nary and probably the invariable cause of
splenic fever. The .systems are charged with
poisonous principles, which accumulate in the
bodies of the acclimatized animals that en-
joy an immunity.

Southern cattle may be driven so as to im-
prove in condition, and yet for from two
weeks to three months continue to excrete the

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

183

deleterious poison tliat alTeets tlie cattle of
tlie States through wliieh they art! drivpu.
The disease may be, but is very rarely pnipa-
gated tlirougli tlif I'eediui; of liay. Tlie dis-
ease occurs mainly duriuj; tlie hot luoulhs
and autumn. The frost kills the wild grasses,
and conse(iuently the disease disappears ; and
in the spring, if there are no new lierds of
Texaus on the pasture, tiiere is no disease.
Heat was thought to aggravate the disease.
There is not tlie slightest foundation that
ticks disseminate all the disease. Siilenic
fever does not belong to that vast and deadly
group of pureh' contagious and infective dis-
ea.ses, of which the rinderpest, the lung
plague and eruiitive fevers are typical ; that
however warm tlic weather may be, nothing
like anthrax poison is developed in the sys-
tem, and the tlesh, blood and other tissues of
animals is incapable of inducing any disease
in man or animals.

Splenic fever is not malignant typhus or
typhoid fever; it has no analogue among hu-
man diseases, but is, however, developed
under conditions, which prevail where the
so-called malaria injuriously allects the human
health. Splenic fever may be classed among
the incurable maladies, as w'e know of no
antidote to the mysterious poison inducing it.
(iood imrsing meets with very tritling success;
bleeding has been resorted to with some suc-
cess either in consequence or in spite of the
remedy. Purgatives have been tried with
good results in a few instances, and with de-
jiressiiig and killing effect in many more.
Ked water in cows of Scotland is often cured
by opiates which check the discharge of
blood, and with alcoholic stimulants in mod-
eration and free use of mucilaginous drinks,
the same has been tried in splenic fever with
little or no success. There is only one remedy,
that of keeping the cattle positively apart for
a season, which will sometimes necessitate the
fencing in of local stock, wliile at other times
the Texan must submit to some overcrowding.
Texan cattle should reach Western Kansas in
the summer or early autumn, keeping the
stock fresh on the abundant grasses, and ship
Kast when the packing season begins. Such
a course being rigidly adhered to, you will
have no more of splenic fever. Cmnpikd byll.
M. K.

For The Lancaster Farmer.
GYPSUM.

Gypsum has been used as a fertilizer for a
long time, but its first earnest advocate in
America seems to have bei^ii Benjamin Frank-
lin. A story runs that Franklin, to Impress
his neighbors with its value, caused the
" effects of gypsum" to be formed on a clover
field against a hillside with this article, and
the luxuriant growth induced made converts
of- all the farmers in the neighborliood.

In order to be able to apply gypsum to the
best advantage, it is necessary to know of
what it is composed and the manner u\ which
it acts. Its compo.^ition is, when nearly pure,
suli>huric acid, 44 Itis. ; lime, 31 ths. ; water,
20 tt)s. ; and sand, &c., aliout 5 Itis. ; the two
former being, of course, the only valuable in-
gredients. As far as lime is concerned, its
application does not help an,\ in a calcareous
soil, or where lime is applied, as in every one
hundred pounds of the gyjisum there is only
about one-half bushel (I! 1 Itis. )of lime. In a
soil which is deficient of lime this small
amount may help some, and as there are parts
of the country where the soil is naturally de-
ficient in the latter and where it would be
very expensive to apjily it in anything like the
quantity applied in Lancaster county, a heavy
application of gypsum may have an effect to
which we are all strangers. In the time of
Dr. Franklin its use was, no douljt, much
more apparent than it is now, and in our own
neighborhood it was largely used by nearly
every farmer some twenty years ago or more,
when liming was not practiced so much yet ;
now it is seldom used.

"We now come to sulphuric acid, the only
remaining ingredient valuable for its fertili-
zing properties. This is found more or less
in all vegetat)le matter, and of course the soil

I must Contain enough to supply all the needs

of the plant in thisi-espect ; as the ingredients

of any soil must necessarily be many limes

greater than the amount taken up oy the

j plant. As the surface of the roots come in con-

' tact witli only a very small portion, it follows

that if th<' soil is supposed to be destitute of

sulphuric acid, which is not often, if, indeed,

at all the ca.se, then the application must be

many times the amount a crop is supposed to

j remove.

I The following table shows the amount of
, sulphuric acid removed by the crops named
and the amount of gypsum needed to replace
the same :

CHOP.

Rye-

Wheut— Grain

Straw

■Oram

Straw

Oats — Qraiu

Straw

Corn — Grain

Fodder

Buckwlieut — Grain.

Meadow buy

Timothy hay

Red Clover liay

Total 008

Turnips

Sugar-beet root....
Tobacco leaves

u

H

09

r- =

»*

f

n

• <

;«i

~

0.2

2

4.4

so

U.3

Ik

3.3

4(1

U.'o

1

2.0

50

Ofl

3

T.2

80

0.3

!

9 6

i

7.2

2

6.S

100

3.0

400

IG.O

4U0

0.0

1

11.6

0.6
10.0

0.;

7.6

1.1

« 9
1.3
1C.4

0.7
21.8
16.4
15.4

S.2
36.3
13 6
26.4

From the above table it will be seen
that the amount of acid removed is quite
small in all the grains, but in their straws
and in hay, roots and tobacco it is considera-
ble. Tobacco and turnips especially remove
a notable quantity, and no doubt both of
these as well as grass clover and the straws
would be materially increased by a liberal ap-
plication. The ([uantity recommended is
generally from one to two hundred pounds
and it is said that a larger application does
not generally show more effect than the latter
would have done.

Johnston (English) states that in this coun-
try the practice is to apply it at the time of
putting in the seed, and thinks that in a dry
climate it is better to be mixed with the soil.
In this section of the country gypsum is ap-
plied in nearly all cases as a top dressing, and
scattered over the plants. My impression is
that the above mentioned author made a mis-
take in both instances; he favors the mixing
with the soil in a dry climate because of its
insolubility, but with the exception of dry
spells this will not hold, for a gallon of water
dissolves about one-fourth jiound of the gyp-
sum, and to dissolve a dressing of two liun-
dred pounds would take but eight hundred
gallons of water, which would be a very
slight sprinkling when spread over an acre.

If the sulphuric acid is the object, there is
no need of its application in the following
cases:

Where sulphate of magnesia, (epsom salts)
sulphate of potash, sulphate of soda, or sul-
phate of ammonia are applied, as these will
furnish all the sulphuric acid needed.

Where the sulphate of iron exists in the
soil, and lime is applied, the lime and sul-
jihuric acid having a stronger affinity for each
other than the latter and iron, they will unite
and form sulphate of lime (gypsum).

Gypsum is also sometimes indirectly the
promoter of luxuriant vegetation. As in the
ca.se of iron and lime, the acid had a stronger
allinity for the lime, so it seems to be the case
in ammonia and lime, the acid leaviufj the
latter and uniting with the former (which is
usually called "fixing the ammonia,") and
forming sulphate of ammonia, which is one of
the highest priced and most powerful artificial
fertilizers known. The gieat effect Borac-
limcs resulting from the use of gypsum may
in many cases result from this fixing of the
volatile ammonia, and particularly so when
the soil has been receiving liberal coats of
manure rich in this ingredient.

Probably a better plan for applying the
gypsum to bring about this result would be to

scatter it at short intervals over the manure
pile and thus prevent from the beginning the
escape of ammonia ; it .should be (Kinea-s often
as the stables are cleaned which is generally
about once a wi^ek. This plan was recom-
mended in the F.vioiicn about a year ago, and
the American Ayrindturisl for this month
has among its hints the following :

"(Jround gypsum spread upon the floors
will prevent the pungent odor common to
stables. This vapor of ammonia is hurtful
to horses' eyes, and the fretiucnt cause of
oiihthalmia, and resulting blindness,* with
which so many horses are troubled. Throw a
few pailsfiil of water upon the fioor first, and
then scatter around a shovelful of the gyp-
sum."

In consideration of all that has been said
above it would apjiear that in a limestone
country, or on land that is limed, the appli-
cation of the gypsum may not pay for the
labor of applying, and to fix the ammonia
would probably Ije better used on the manure
pile or even in the stable.

If it is to be applied on the field the follow-
ing has been found to be tlie result of appli-
cation "to clover at different periods in the
spring," as quoted by Johnston :

Undressed, 100 pounds ; top-dressed, on
the ;!Oth of March, 132 pounds ; top-dressed,
on the 13th of April, 140 pounds; top-
dressed, on the 27th of April, 150 pounds.

The effect of a top-dressing of gypsum
seems, therefore, to be greatest when it is ap-
plied after the leaves have been pretty well
developed. — A. IS. K.

[We, ourself, when a boy working on a
farm, suffered more or less from sore eyes,
sujiposed to have been contracted through
much contact with horscsf but, although a
long time ago, it occurs to us the cause was
assigned to a pungent dust that arose from
them, in our manipulations of the curry
comb, and not from the exhalations of vapor;
and yet, after all, that may have been the
cause, and we not know it, or both circum-
stances may liave combined to produce that

effect. Ed.1

^

OLEOMARGARINE— THE NEW
STITUTE FOR BUTTER.

SUB-

Interesting Letter to Prof. Baker, of Millers-
ville — The Mode of Making Artificial
Butter Explained by President
Deshler.
We have received from Prof. Baker, of the
Millersville State Normal School, a specimen
lump of oleomargarine, the new substitute
for butter. It looks like butter, its odor is
like that of butter, and it tastes like butter —
and pretty good butter at that.
Prof. Baker's Letter.
Millersville, Pa., Nov. 7, 1877.
To the Editor of The JVctc Era.

Dear Sir : 1 send you a specimen of oleo-
margarine, or artificial butter, a portion of a
quantity sent me for examination by the
United "states Dairy Company of New Vork.
And the communication received from the
president of the company contains so much
that seems to me of general interest connected
with the history and manufacture of the new
product that I .send it also, thinking that you
might find something in it for the readers of
your paper. — TourK truly, Thos. li. Baker.
Tne ''Substitute" and How it is Made.
New Youk, Novcml>cr 1st, 1H77, 1
21 Courtland St., Room 53. )
Prof. Tlmnas li. Baker, State A'on»ia2 School,
Millersville, Lancaster, Pcnn.:
Dear Sir: Yours of the 20th ult., asking
for a specimen of our artificial butter to ex-
amine and show to your class, has Ikjcu
received, and we shall take pleasure in com-
plying with your wi.shes.
It is proper to state that a great deal of this

•I know of 1 young man who, whAD a boy. got sore eye*
from cleaning a hon«c stable, and they remained In a bad
condition for a long time. I think he cannot se« out of
one eye now, or it is very much weaker than the other, all
resulting from the vapor of ammonia. No doubt many
readers have had their eyes set a smarting when going into
a horse stable ; the use of gypsum will prevent all this.

184

THE LANCASTER FARMEI^.

i December,

product is made surreptitiously by infringers
upon the patent, of whicti we are the owners, and
that the quality of their article is often exceed-
ingly inferior, owing to their avarice, their un-
cleauliness, or their departure (ignorantly or
other wise) from the conditions that are essential
to the production of a good food-product. Of
course we bring suit against infringers wher-
ever we find them and can secure sufficient
evidence that they are intruding upon our
rights.

It may interest you and the young gentle-
men composing your class to have the history
of the invention of this new food-product,
and some general account of the methods
pursued in its manufacture; and though my
time is much absorbed otherwise, I have pre-
pared the following brief outline sketch on
the subject for your information:

For several years, prior to the year 1869,
M. Mege, who is an eminent French chemist,
had been employed by the French govern-
ment to prosecute inquiries looking to the
improvement in the manufacture and quality
of numerous common articles of domestic
food — such as bread and the like. The re-
sults of his inquiries, wnich were in the in-
terests of the working and the rural popula-
tion, were so marked and useful, that at the
instance of the Empress Eugenie he was in-
vited by the goveniment to institute further
investigations, having for their aim the pro-
duction of a fatty food suitable for taking the
place of ordinary butter, adapted for the use
of sailors on long voyages, and of the poorer
classes at home, which might be sold at a
much lower price than it, and be capable of
longer preservation.

In response to this invitation, M. Mege
made a series of elaborate experiments with
cattle, on the government farm at Versailles,
the object of which was to ascertain from
whence the buttery particles in the milk of
cows was derived ; and the conclusion he
finally reached was, that it was produced
from the fat of the animal by being reab-
sorbed and carried into the circulation, and
being deprived of its stearine by respiratory
combustion, it furnished its butter solids to
the udders, where, mider the influence of the
mammary pepsin, it was changed into glob-
ules of butter. Following his investigations
still further, and carefully noting and copy-
ing the operations of nature in the living
animal, M. Mege finally brought to light the
hitherto undiscovered secret that the pure
fat of slaughtered animals, melted at about
the temperature of the natural heat of the
body, say from 103° to 125" Fahrenheit, but
not in any case to exceed the latter maxi-
mum, when duly refined, separated from
albumen and membrane, and relieved of its
stearine, is absolutely free from disagreeable or
tallnwy odor and taste, is made capable of
■prolonged preservation and is identical with the
butter glohrdes in the milk of cows. He also
ascertained that to raise the temperature in
melting above 125° would be destructive of
all these results, imparting to the fat by the
decomposition of the membrane, fibre, etc.,
through the agency of a high degree of heat,
a disagreeable taste and odor, impairing its
capacity for preseiTation and rendering it un-
fit for use as an article of food.

M. Mege's next practical step was to churn
this pure oil — popularly known as oleomargar-
ine— with water, a small quantity of milk, or
the curds of milk, and a suitable quantity of
common salt of soda. The result was a pro-
duct which, when worked in the same man-
ner as ordinary butter, is in almost every
respect identical with it, having the same
chemical constituents existing in almost the
same proportions, and when carefully made
being indistinguishable from it in consistence,
taste and odor.

Having given you this historical outline of
the invention, I will now present to your
notice the methods pursued in the manufac-
ture of the product, and I think it will serve
to satisfy any reasonable inquirer that the
prejudice is utterly unfounded which has been
sought to be created against artificial butter,

on the ground that it is made from soapfat,
from disgusting grease, collected from kitchens
and gutters, or from the decomposed fat of
animals, diseased or otherwise, in which filth
and ordure were present. These are some of
the baseless charges which have been coined
and diligently circulated by interested parties,
who are apprehensive that the Mege patent
will supply a formidable competitor for the
favor of consumers of butter. How baseless
these charges are will appear from the follow-
ing relation of the process pursued by one of
the largest manufactories of this new and im-
portant food product, under a license I'rom
our company :

The caul fat of freshly slaughtered animals
is brought from the large abattoirs in New
York and its vicinity, daily from 3 or 4
o'clock p. m. till midnight, in amounts vary-
ing from 30,000 to 100,000 pounds per day.
As it arrives it is inspected, and any green or
decomposed fat rejected. It is then placed in
large vats through which a constant stream
of cold water is passing, by which means the
animal heat is extracted from the fat, and it
is cleansed of all foreign matter — blood, albu-
men, ordure, dirt, etc. When this is com-
pleted, the fat is cut into pieces of from four
to ten pounds weight and placed in similar
tanks through which a constant stream of
tepid water is passing, where its cleansing
and purification are finally completed. AVhen
it has been thus thoroughly cleansed it is fed
into hashers driven by steam, such as are
used in making sausage meat, out of which
it passes, completely minced and disinte-
grated, into a series of jacketed-kettles —
wster-baths, the water of which is raised
to a temperature not to exceed 12.5°F. In
these kettles the fat is gradually melted,
being constantly stirred the while, until
the membrane, animal fiber, etc., are entirely
separated and have sunk to the bottom in the
form of scrap, leave a limpid refined fat super-
natant. This supernatant fat, which consists
of pure oil suitable for conversion into butter,
and stearine, is then drawn off into large ves-
sels and placed in what is technically kndwn
as "the seeding room, " where a curious and
interesting process takes place — the stearine
gradually forming in spongy flocculae through-
out the mass, until in about twenty-four hours
it is all crystallized and becomes distinct from
the oil in wliich it is immersed. When this
crystallization is complete the mass is allowed
to solidify, when it is packed in small cotton
bags and subjected to pressure an atmosphere
of about 80° F. the pure oil oozing out in a
golden stream and the stearine being left in
the bags. The oil thus expressed is a beauti-
ful limpid translucent fluid at the temperature
of 80°— congealing at a lower temperature —
is free alike from membrance, stearine taste
and odor, dissolves in the mouth quickly,
leaving no trace of stearine adhering to the
teeth or gums, and is ready to be converted
into butter.

In another part of the factory, faultless in
its arrangement and in its sweetness and
cleanliness, there are huge chums run by
steam, tables for working the butter and all
the appliances of a well-ordered butter dairy;
and here the oil whose process of manufac-
ture we have witnessed is converted into rich
yellow and creamy butter.

Trusting that you will find ray long com-
munication of interest to yourself and the
young gentlemen under your care. — / am
yours respectfully, M. D. Deshler, President of
the United States Dairy Company.

THE OMNIVOROUS CATERPILLAR.

"All owners of trees should take advan-
tage of the present season to apply the pre-
vention, or means of destruction of the
caterpillar, recently so successfully introduced
in European parks. The plan is simple, and
unattended with peril to the tree. Bore a
small gimlet hole into the trunk of the tree,
about a yard from the ground, penetrating to
the depth of one-third the diameter. Fill
this hole with flowers of sulphur, and then
plug the aperture with wood. The rising sap

will carry the sulphureous impregnation to
the farthest extremity of every twig and leaf,
and no caterpillar, even of the most infernal
origin, can exist upon the tree." — American
paper. [Whether the above is much known
in England, or whether the writer merely as-
sumes that it is a European custom, in order
to give force to his assertion of the eflicacy of
his nostrum, we are not aware. Certainly, if
the caterpillar tribe can be thus easily ban-
ished from trees, the fact caimot be too widely
known.— Ed. J. F.]

We find the foregoing in the Journal of
Forestry for the month of September of the
present year, a very clever English magazine,
published in London. We reproduce it in
order to illustrate the subterfuges which wri-
ters sometimes resort to, when they desire
tlieir statements to be credited by intelligent
paojile.

The author of this pet remedy was no doubt
feeling for a foreign indorsement by quoting a
foreign precedent, but he gets it very fiiintly.
Twenty or thirty years ago, the sulphur theory
had a good many disciples in North America,
especially in Pennsylvania, not only as an
exterminator of cateipillars, but also of cur-
culios, tree-borers, and codlings, but latterly
it has become quite exploded. There were
occasional coincidences which gave the remedy
some color among those who were entirely
ignorant of the economies of insects and their
transformations. We may instance the case
of Mr. Jones, who witnessed the foliage of a ,
favorite young walnut tree rapidly disappear-
ing under the attacks of a multitude of black
caterpillars (the larvse of " Datana minis-
tra.") and forthwith he bored the hole and
applied the sulphur. Within twelve hours
thereafter every caterpillar disappeared, and
!Mi\ Jones was in ecstacies. The next year,
to his horror, Mr. Jones noticed the caterpil-
lars in increased numbers, and applied the
same "sulphureous" antidote, but the insects
ignored it altogether ; and, through their in-
creased numbers, and his unbounded faith in
his remedy, they stripped every leaf ofi" the
tree, and then abandoned it for a more luxu-
riant feeding ground.

Now, the reason for all this is very simple,
but the Joneses of society "won't see it."
The caterpillars of this insect (a "walnut
moth,") when they are fully developed, leave
the tree and go into the ground, or spin a sort
of loose cocoon among the rubbish on the
ground, as the case may be, for when the sea-
son is favorable they produce two broods ;
hence, when Jones applied the sulphur in the
first instance, it was about the transforming
period, and they deserted the tree in obedi-
ence to their natural instinct, and the sulphur
had nothing at all to do with it. In the
second instance, they were not ready to leave,
and they didn't, sulphur, or anything else
plugged up in the trunk of the tree to the
contrary notwithstanding.

Now, there is something very peculiar in
the constitution of some human minds, which
leads them to place more confidence in one
apparent success of this kind than they would
of distrust in a dozen of failures. Any per-
son who has ever attempted to mix flowers of
sulphur and an aqueous fluid, must have ex-
perienced the ditticulty, even after long and
violent agitation, and where it is plugged up
in a gimlet hole, the difficulty of its being
taken up by the sap, becomes still more appa-
rent—indeed, although very fusible, it is abso-
lutely insoluble in water, and if it were not,
it would be quite as obnoxious to the life of
the tree itself as to the caterpillar.

Of course, if there are any believers in the
sulphur remedy, it is not our purpose to dis-
turb them in it ; but it appears to us that if
there was any virtue in it— so cheap and
simple is it in its application— we siiould not
now hear so many complaints about cater-
pillars, tree-borers, curculios, codlings and the
many other insects that infest trees and shrub-
bery. Moreover, can any one doubt that if
" the rising sap will carry the sulphureous
impregnation to the farthest extremity of
every twig and leaf," it would not also carry

I

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i85

it into and through all the tissues of the fruit;
and if vindfiit enough to kill or expel eater-
pilliirs, that it would have the same effect
upon cuiculios and codlings, and also upon
any vertebrates (including man) that partook
of the fruit "i" We do not believe that sulphur
can arbitrarily have such au eftect upon tlie
sap, leaves, and fruit of trees, any more than
we do that I'aris green arbitrarily affects the
quality of the jjotato tuber. There are appli-
cations of sulphur, however, which are ob-
noxious to insect-life and health, but they are
also obnoxious to plant-life and health — con-
fined fumigations, for instance — and we have
heard of insects being expelled by applications
of the dry powder to the leaves. The exhala-
tions of sulpluu- in a hot sun cannot be very
agreeable to insects, any more than it is to
human beings.

When sulphur is administered to animals or
to man, it is for the eradication of some in-
fection, and to produce a healthful condition
of the physical body, whether applied inter-
nally or externally ; and, in the latter ease,
before it can have that etlect, there must be
a deconii)osition and assimilation, and this is
facilitated l)y the heat and digestive fluids of
the stomach, and its beueficial effects will be
in proportion to such assimilation. But to
introduce the dry flower of sulphur into a hole
in a tree, and then [ilug it up, such assimila-
tion does not take place, or if so, in an almost
imperceptible degree. One instance, at least,
came to our knowledge, in which the sulphur
had been examined eighteen months after it
had been introduced, and it was found that it
had not yet luidergone any change, but was as
dry as when first applied to the tree, and con-
sequeiitly could have been of very little benefit
or injury, if any. In conclusion, we do not
wish an "American paper" to be considered
as a reflex of American opinion on the sub-
ject of " omnivorous caterpillars" and the
means of their destruction — especially in its
resuscitation of obsolete theories. We blunder
enough already, in grasping after shadows,
without permitting this "straw" to be laid
upon our sufliciently heavy burdens, except
under protest. — if.

^

THE CHERRY.

Something of its History, Cultivation, and
Most Profitable and Best Varieties.

In my pomological studies the clierry lias
been one of my favorites among fruits, and
during the past year, reading so much of its
not being a fruit suited to general culture, I
conclude that a little more may be said, and
perhai)s be of interest to many young readers
of the journal devoted to rural life pursuits,
and also induce thoughts to be written and
published by others.

The history of the cherry makes it one of
an eaily period, it having been cultivated be-
fore the date of our present record of time.
In a communication to the London Horticul-
tural Society, some thirty odd years ago, the
cherry is said to have been brought to Eng-
land from Asia Minor, where then grew two
varieties, one having black fruit, the other of
an amber color. The trees there attain a
height of ninety feet, the stems or bodies
measuring five feet in circumference. When
Pliny wrote — about the time of the com-
mencement of the Christian era — the cherry
numbered something over a dozen varieties
known as distinct ; at this present time there
are something over two hundred and thirty
distinct varieties, to wliich are attached near
three hundred synonyms. Writers vary in
their statements as to the size of the first
known cherries, and also as to its introduction
into England, as well as the point from which
it was brought. One author says it was taken
to Britain "in the year 69 B. C, and from
Cerasus, a city of Pontus, whence its Latin
name. Botanically it belongs to the order
Bosacciv. There is a variety in a wild state,
native of the states, but the cultivated varie-
ties can not be engrafted, or budded, and
healthily grown upon it. It is, however, in
all its varieties easily propagated upon any of

the different classes— as Muzzard, from which
come our sweet cherries ; Morello, to which
all our sour and half-way sweet varieties may
be said to at lea.st jMirtially belong.

They arc readily grown from seed and when
taken from isolated trees arc liable to produce
varieties similar to the parent ; but when sev-
eral different varieties arc planted near each
other, and the .seed taken from them, there is
no dependence upon what they may bear of
fruit in future. The seed should not be per-
mitted to get dry, Init as soon as gathered,
cleaned of pulp, mixed half and half with
clean sand or tine charcoal, placed in Iwxes
about four inches dee)) having holes in the
bottom for drainage, and then set in the open
air, but where they can receive no direct sun-
light. Ground for growing them should Ixj
prepared in autumn, and as soon a.s the frost
is out in the si)ring the seed .should 1* sown
in drills— distant as you plea.se, but the seeds
about four inches apart, and covered with
one inch of light soil ; over that, a little leaf
mold, or fine hay, cut straw, etc.

Pieces of roots of any of the cultivated
varieties can be grown, when cut into pieces
about four to six inches long and planted in
the ground, covering the upper end about one
inch deep with light soil. This course is often
practiced where by chance a man has only a
Mazzard cherry on his place, and desires to
grow trees for his own planting from cuttings
or buds given him by a friend. Saddle graft-
ing is best, next to budding, and done upon
roots early in spring has been successful.

The origin of many of the l)est varieties of
cherries now known can be attributed to Pro-
fessor Jared Potter Kirtland, of Cleveland,
Ohio, who first grew numbers from seeds se-
lected and personally gathered from trees of
different varieties growing near each other.
Varieties originated by Professor Kirtland
rank to-day, not only in this country but
abroad, as among the leading best varieties
from the earlier to the latest in ripening. As
I have heretofore said, the cherry has been
one of my favorite fruits, and as long as I
live I shall look back upon the many pleasant
hours I had when visiting and noting the
Kirtland seedling cherry trees, year after
year. It caused me many a reminder of my
boyhood gatherings of cherries on my father's
farm in New England, and of the old
"Black Hearts" and "American Hearts" on
Branford (Conn.) hills, that I looked over
after fifty-edd years and found as productive
as when I was a boy.

The cherry in many sections and soils is
well fitted to border avenues and for street
shades, had we laws giving protection to our
property without guards, as we have now our
road lines without fences. Then, as in Ger-
many, the traveler, by a simple request,
could obtain a cherry, apple or pear as he
passed along, for all have varieties of habit
of growth suited to shade and beautifying
public roadways.

Transplanting
from the seed bed to the nursery row— or
from the nursery row to the permanent place
for growth— if done in the autumn should
be done early, and only on soils dry of surface
and base in winter. By "dry" here we mean
where the water will not remain stagnant.
The moving in spring should also be early, as
the cherry is one of the first of fruits to swell
its buds.

Pruning at the Time of Transplanting.
This is about tlie only time that the knife
should ever be used on the cherry, then all the
ends of the roots should be smoothly cut slop-
ing from the under side ; small crossing
shoots cut away smoothly at the main stem or
branch from which they start, and one-half of
the last season's growth of strong shoots
should be cut back, leaving the last bud
pointing the way the coming shoot .should
grow, to help form an open, round, regular
head.

Standard Trees

for orcharding should have their heads below
rather than ahove three feet from the ground :

and, south and on the western ))rairie8 and

bottom lands, they should not be over two feet.

Dwarfs.

Those grown upon Mahaleb or Morello
stocks should branch as near the ground as
possible, and be so tiimnied by sumnier
piiiching of ends of twigs and rubbing out of
imds that the lower limbs would always lie
the strongest.

Soil and Situation.

The soil Ijest suited to the best varieties of
the cherry may be said to be such as the
chestnut and inagnoliH delight in, viz. : A
rich light loam, on a gravelly sul)-soll; neitlicr
stagnant water nor limestone base will grow
the cherry succes.sfully. The rich alluvial <le-
l)osits often to be found upon creek and river
ix)ttom» and prairies, while they may not hold
water or c(iiit;iiii a base of crude limestone,
yet have not the food in them that makes
lieallh to the cherry, no matter what variety.
The Mazzard and all of the cla.s» of sweet
chenies are more open and spongy in root and
wood than the Morello or Duke. Again,
wild cherries do not want lime in huge (luanli-
ties, neither will any variety bear a .suridus of
water. Place them on level, loamy soil
underdrained by a natural gravel, or, if of
hard brickmaking clay and well drained Ijoth
from surface and underground, they will suc-
ceed. Again, if the ground is a wet clay,
plow it into beds of tweh'c feet wide, raising
the centre of the strip, line-bed, or border,
three feet above the base of the dead furrow
or ditch Ijetween, and trees planted on lliat
centre will succeed. .So much for soil. If
situation can be commanded, have it where
the sun will have no influence after 'i o'clock
p. m. If this cannot be obtained when plant-
ing the cherry, then at the siime tinie i>lant
upon the western boundary of the orchard a
belt forty feet wide of evergreens mingled
with deciduous trees — not so thick as to stop
the current of air through them, but so that
they will break the afternoon sunshine and
severely cold winds. .Situations sloping south,
open to the mid-day and afternoon suns, will
be liable to injury from two causes — I. e.,
creating too rapid circulation of saji, and
keeping it rapid until the cold of night affects
it, as cold chills the blood in the animal frame;
it also induces the early starting of the bud,
often bringing it into bloom and rendering it
liable to injury from late vernal frosts. Xorth-
eru exposures are recoinmended, and where
they can be protected from western sun and
wind they often do well ; but an eiistern one I
regard as best. The forenoon sun may excite
circulation, but not as rapidly as mid-day, or
from 1 to 3 o'clock p. ni. ; while there is,
also, more or less of moisture in a morning
atmosphere, and none in the aRernoon, the
tree has a chance to have its circulation gra-
dually checked ere the cold of night, which it
has not when planted on ground sloping south,
west or north. When planting on either of
the Inst exposures, or on level land, let your
tree slope to the southwest, as the sun has less
effect upon it in that position. — F. J{. EUiolt.

WHAT SHALL WE TEACH OUR GIRLS?

Teach them self-reliance.

Tejich them to make bread.

Teach them to make shirts.

Teach them not to wear false hair-
Teach them not to paint and jiowder.

Teach them to wear thick warm shoes.

Teach them how to wash and iron clutliRs.

Teach them how to do marketing for the
family.

Teach them how to make theirnwn dresses.

Teach them how to cook a good meal of
victuals.

Teach them that a dollar is only a hundred
cents.

Teach them every day, dry, hard, practical
common sense.

(iive them a good, substantial common
school education.

Teach them to wear calico dresses and to do
it like a queen.

Teach them to regard the morals— not the
money— of Ijeaux.

/

186

THE LANCASTER -FARMER.

[December ,

Teach tliem to say "No!" and mean it, or
"Yes!" and stick to it.

Te.ach them to liavo nothing to do with
dissohite or intemperate men.

Teach them all tlie mysteries of the kitchen,
dining-room and the parlor.

Teach them that a good, round, rosy romp
is worth fifty delicate consumptives.

Teacli them that the more they live within
their incomes the more they will save.

Teach them that the farther tliey live be-
yond their incomes the nearer they get to the
poor-house.

Teach them that a good, steady mechanic,
without a cent, is worth a dozen oil-pated
loafers in broadcloth.

Teach them accom]ilisliments — painting,
music, drawing — if you have time and money
to do it with.

Teach them the essentials of life— truth,
honesty, uprightness— and at a suitable time
let them marry.

Teach them that God made them in his own
image, and that no amount of tight lacing will
improve the model.

FACTS NOT GENERALLY KNOWN.

Melons were found originally in Asia.

The cantaloupe is a native of America, and
is so called from the name of a place near
Kome, where it was first cultivated in Europe.

The nectarine is said to have received its
name from the nectar, the particular drink of
the gods.

Pears were originally brought from the East
by the Romans.

The Greengage is called after the Gage
family, who first took it into England from a
monastery in Paris.

Filberts originally came from Greece.

The walnut is a native of Persia, the Cau-
casus and China.

The Greeks called butter bouturos — "cow
cheese."

Before the middle of the seventeenth cen-
tury tea was not used in England, and was
entirely unknown to the Greeks and Romans.

The bean is said to be a native of Egypt.

The cucumber was originally a tropical
vegetable.

The pea is a native of the South of Europe.

Spinach is a Persian plant.

The tomato is a native of south America,
and takes its name from a Portuguese word.

The turnip came originally from Rome.

Sweet marj(jram is a native of Portugal.

Coriander seed came originally from the
East.

The clove is a native of Molucca Island, as
also is the nutmeg.

Capers originally grew wild in Greece and
Northern Africa.

Garlic came to us first from Sicily and the
shores of the Mediterranean.

Ginger is a native of the East and "West
Indies.

Sage is a native of the South of Europe.

The goosebcn-y is indigenous to Great Bri-
tain.

Cloves come to ns from the Indies, and take
their name from the Latin chu-us, or French
clou, both meaning a nail, to which they have
a resemblance.

The horseradish is a native of England.

Vinegar is derived from two French words,
vin aiyre, "sour wine."

The nasturtium came originally from Peru.

Parselej' is said to have fust come from
Egypt, and mythology tells us that it was
used to adorn the head of Hercules.

It is a curious fact that while the names of
all our domestic animals are of Saxon origin.
Norman names are given to the fiesh they
yield.

When .Tames Buchanan was Minister to
England he had ears of corn, hermetically
sealed, sent to him from this country.

The w^ord biscuit is French for " twice
baked," because, originally, that was the
mode of entirely depriving it of moisture to
insure its keeping.

Claret is a corruption of dairet, a term ap-

plied in France to any red or rose colored
wine.

Almonds are natives of the northern part
of Asia and Africa. In ancient times they
were much esteemed by the natives of the
East.

Apples were originally brought from the
East by the Romans. The crab apple is in-
digenous to Great Britain.

The a.sparagus was originally a wild
sea-coast plant and is a, native of Great
Britain.

The chestnut is said by some to have origi-
nally come from Sardis in Lydia, and by
others from Castenca in Thessaly, from which
it takes its name.

The onion was almost an object of wor-
ship with the Egyptians two thousand years
before the Christian era. It first came from
Egypt.

Quinces originally came from Corinth.

Apricots are indigenous to the plains of
Armenia.

Cherries were known in Asia as far back
as the seventh century.

Damsons originally came from Damascus.

Lemons were used by the Romans to keep
moths from their garments, and in the time
of Pliny they were considered an excellent
counterpoison. They arc natives of Asia.

Citron is supposed to be the Median, As-
syrian, or Persian apple of the Greeks.

Rhubarb is a native of Asia.

The strawberry takes its name from an an-
cient custon of putting straw beneath the
fruit when it began to ripen. Its delicacy
was praised by both Virgil and Ovid.

The peach originally came from Persia.

We are indebted to the infamous Catherine
de Medici for ice creams.

TEN RULES FOR FARMERS.

1. Take good papers and read them.

2. Keep an account of farm operations.

8. Do not leave farm impleinents scattered
over the farm exposed to snow, rain and heat.

4. Repair tools and buildings at a proper
time, and do not suffer a subsequent expendi-
ture of time and money.

5. Use money judiciously, and do not at-
tend auction sales to purchase all kinds of
trumpery because it is cheap.

C. See that fences are well repaired, and
cattle not grazing in the meadows, grain
fields or orchards.

7. Do not refuse correct experiments, in a
small way, of many new things.

8. Plant fruit trees well, care for them and
get good crops.

9. Practice economy, by giving stock shelter
during the winter ; also good food, taking out
all that is unsound, half rotten or mouldy.

10. Do not keep tribes of dogs and cats
around the premises, who eat more in a month
than they are worth in all their lifetime.

^

SOMETHING ABOUT DRAGON FLIES.
It is not to be wondered at that several
young people should wish to know something
about Dragon -files, for they are among the
most noticeable of insects. Their long slen-
der bodies, their large heads, with prominent
eyes, and their wido^'read, gauzy wings,
which reflect beautiful colors in the sunlight,
are sure to attract attention. More than all,
their rapid flight, now darting with the great-
est swiftness, then remaining stationary over
a spot, and then as .suddenly moving back-
wards, gives them a mysterious air that no
other insects have. It is no wonder that they
have been looked upon as harmful insects, for
they go about in a silent, strange way, as if
there was some mischief to be done. There
are over 400 kinds of Dragon-flies, found in
various parts of the world, of which we have
om- share in this country ; about .^0 are known
to live in the Northern States, and there are
others in the South, hut while they differ in
size, color, etc., all have similar ways of
living, and a description of the habits pf one,
answers for all. While their long, snaky
bodies, their savage look and their darting
flight, make them suspected, and they are

generally looked upon as dangerous, I may as
well say here, and answer several questions at
once, that they are perfectly harmless, so far
as man is concerned. They have no piercer
or sting, and though the larger ones may be
able to pinch with their jaws, if you put your
finger there and try to make them do it, they
do not bite, sting, or otherwise harm people in
any manner. I know that they have a bad
reputation. When I was a youngster, they
were called "Devil's Darning Needles," and
I was told by the older boys that if a boy
should tell a fib, one of those "Darning
Needles" would come and sew up his mouth.
All my playmates must have been very truth-
ful, as I never saw one with his mouth darned
by one of these " Needles. " But such notions
are not found among boys alone ; in various
places these insects are called by names which
show that they are thought to be dangerous.
In England they are called "Horse-stingers,"
and in Scotland "Flying Adders." In some
parts of this country they are known among
the boys as "Snake Doctors," it being thought
that they attend upon snakes, probably be-
cau.se they are seen hovering over the ponds
where there are water snakes. On the conti-
nent of Europe they have more pleasing
names. In France they are Demoiselles, or
"ladies," and in Germany Wasserjungfern, or
"Virgins of the Water." In traveling in the
Southern States, I had heard them often
called "Mosquito Hawks," and was told that
they devoured so many mosquitoes that it was
considered wrong to kill one of them. At
last I had an opportunity to learn that, for
once, a popular notion was correct. One ex-
cessive hot day in June I happened to be on
Lake Pontchartrain, not far from New Or-
leans ; there were several pleasure houses, to
which the people came from the city in the
cool of the evening for a drive, and for ice-
cream and other refreshments. These places
were mere sheds, or shelters, and on the inside
of them were mosquitos by the million, rest-
ing in the heat of the day, to be all fresh to
receive the evening visitors. I never before,
or since, saw so many mosquitoes, for they
were so thick as to make the sides of the
building look gray. There were also hundreds
of Dragon-flies — good big fellows — which flit-
ted about and fed upon the mosquitos at such
a rate, that I saw at once that they were well
named "Mosquito Hawks." When we see
these insects so busy darting here and there
they are no doubt hunting for mosquitoes and
other insects upon which they feed. But the
early life of the insect is quite as interesting
as that of its perfect or winged state. The
female insect places her eggs upon the stem
of water plants, just at. or below the surface,
and from these hatch out the larva, or the
first form of the insect. The larvae of the
butterflies and moths we know as caterpil-
lars, and that they live on plants on the land,
but the larvffi of some insects, including the
mosquito and Dragon-flies, live entirely in the
water until they are ready to change into per-
fect insects. Tlie larvie of the Dragon-flies,
sometimes called the "Water Tiger," and
well deserves that name, for it is one of the
most voracious of living creatures. The
"Water Tigers" may be found in pools and
muddy ponds, and in still places along the
margins of rivers, and, though not handsome
to look at, they are very interesting to wiitch.
If you wish to study their ways, you can
easily catch them with a small net and put
them in an aquarium, or what is better, a jar
by themselves, in which some water plants
are placed. If you put them in an aquarium
there will, after a while, be little else left, at
least of the smaller inhabitants, for they at-
tiick creatures much larger than themselves.
It is diflicult to .say which is the most curious
in the "Water-tiger," (which is a convenient
and shorter name for the Dragon-fly larva,)
its head or its tail. Curiously enough, the
creature breathes through its tail 1 You, no
doubt, know that fishes breathe through gills
placed in the head, and as the water flows
over these they take up the air that is dis-
solved in the water, and thus carry ou a slow

\

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

187

kind of breathing. But in the "Watcr-ti^'er"
its gills are jilaccd near its tail ; it talccs in
water there through an opening, and I'orces it
out again, and that is its way of breathing.
IJul this o|Knin>; an.swcrs another imrpose.
The animal erawls (luite slowly, and as it is a
great feeder it would not get much food did it
depend solely upon its legs. If you wateh one
of them in seareh of food you will 1)e surprised
to see the sluggish fellow dart for its prey with
the greatest speed, and this motion is one of
the many strange tilings about the ereaturo.
Ordiuarfly the water passes out of the open-
ing in the tail ipiitc slowly, but, when neces-
sary, the inseet can foree the water out with
a sudden srpurt, and that pushes it along
Ihrougli the water willi great swiftness, upon
the same prineiple tiiat a roeket is sent
through tlll^ air. Not less curious are the ar-
rangements at the otiier end of the insect— at
the head. As usually seen, it appears a
<iuiet and rather harndess looking larva. But
let a small insect or other animal come within
reach and, presto, the mild looking fellows
shows a savage pair of pincers and becomes
a very tigerish animal. This arrangement for
taking its prey is called a "mask," and when
not in use is bent down under the head of the
insect, and quite out of sight ; it is so ar-
ranged that whatever is caught by the jaws
of this mask is brought, when that is folded
\uider, right opposilc the true mouth
of the insect, where it can be eaten.
These Water-tigers not only prey upon other
water insects, but even devour small ti.shes, and
seem to live only to destroy and eat other
living things. They go on feeding and grow-
ing, some one year, and some, it is said, for
two years, when the time conies for them to
change to perfect insects— to leave the water,
and begin a new life in the air. You know
that when caterpillars and most other insects
—as 1 have shown you on several occasions —
make this change, they go into the pupal
state, and either spin a cocoon, or form a
chrysalis in some way, remaining apparently
lifeless for some time, and at length break
their enclosing shell or skin, and come out a
perfect butterfly, moth or beetle. But the
Dragon-tlies are quite too busy to keep still,
and even in the pupal state are as lively and
greedy as ever. They change their skin, and
show a hump, where their future wings will
be, and the eyes of the perfect insect may be
seen under the skin, but as to keeping quiet,
it doesn't know how. At last its time comes,
and the i)ui)al crawls up the stem of some
plant, and leaves the water forever. Instead
of breathing the water through its tail, it
now has to breathe air through openings in its
sides, and instead of propelling itself, rocket-
like, through the water, it has lo dart through
the air, and for this it mvist have wing.s. All
these are provided. The pupal skin at last
bursts, and the perfect Dragon-fly slowly pulls
itself out. At first the wings are damp, limp
and useless, but they gradually spread and
iliy_and what beautiful win^s they are 1 They
are worth a close examination ; see the deli-
cate framework, so eiu-iously netted, with a
beautiful membrane lilling the spaces between;
this is wonderfully thin and transparent, and
the light often plays on it with rainbow colors.
Can anything be more complete than this
transformation— from an ugly inhabitant of
muddy water, to a light and graceful creature
of the air 1 But there is one thing which the
Dragon-fly does not leave behind him with the
remains of its former life— he has his appetite,
and skims away through the air devouring
other insects, quite as effectively, as it did
l)efore as a ''Water-tiger." There is one
thing about the perfect insect you will not
fail to notice— that is the great eyes, or rather
masses of eyes, as the microscope shows them
to be ; these, while the insect is alive, have
lieautiful colors ; besides these, there are three
little single eyes, usually placed in a row on
the front of the head. So far from the Dragon-
Hies being dangerous, we may look upon them
as not only harmless, but so far as they de-
stroy mosquitoes, as really beneficial insects —
at any rate, I hope that I have shown you that
they are really interesting ones. I have said

nothing alwut the scientific names of these
insects, there being several ditlorent genera,
or kinds, and only those who study entomolo-
gy will care to know the systematic names,
but it is well to know that these belong to the
division or sub-order NeurnjUcra, which means
uerved-winged, and includes, iH-sides tlio
Dragon-tlies, the May-tlies, the I^cc-wings,
and' besides others, the Caddis-flies, one of
which I told you about, as the iuscct that
builds a stone-house. —vlmericau vl;/nci(/(i/nxf.

CURING MEATS.
In culling up pork, if wanted for family
use, take out the chine or back bono the whole
length ; if too fat, a tip may Ik? cut oil' this
and made into lard. To avoid waste, the bone
of the ham should be cut out through with a
saw just below the joint, and then the ham
should be nicely shaped out with the knife.
Cut the shoulder off, three or four ribs wide,
and if small, it may be cured with the ribs on,
to good advantage. Take all the ribs oft the
sides, after which they can be made into lard,
sausage, bacon— as you may wish. Should
you have more bones than you can use while
fresh, make a weak pickle of 4 gallons water,
5 lbs. salt, 2 07,. of .saltpetre, and one pound
browu sugar. This will do for 100 lbs. of
meat, and keep it sweet till warm weather.
Cut your chines, ribs and pieces for bacon
into pieces of convenient size,anddrop loosely
into this pickle, taking care to keep them cov-
ered. After standing six weeks or two
months, pour oft" the pickle ; boil and skim till
clear, and put back on the meat when cold.
This makes meat of delicious quality for boil-
ing, superior to ordinary pickled pork. For
pickling pork, cover the bottom of the tub
with coarse Turk's Island salt, and pack the
meat on edge, then enough salt to entirely
cover the meat, and then another layer, till
you have it all in. Make a pickle as strong as
possible, and pour on the meat till covered,
but not to rise above the salt. Keep the
pickle entirely covered with salt, or it will
become tainted. It is important to use a
sweet, clean tub. One in which beef has been
cured will not do,as it will soon taint the pickle.
Should the weather be warm and the hogs
heavy, they should be cut in two lengthwise,
as soon as possible after dressing, as the
shoulders often taint before they can get
thoroughly cooled. 1 have heard people won-
der why their shoulders did not cure well, as
they had taken great pains with their meat,
when the real truth was, the meat was in-
j ured before it was put into the pickle. Hams
and shoulders should be taken out of pickle
and repacked at the end of two weeks, as the
pickle will become quite fresh near the meat
as the salt is absorbed. The great desidera-
tum is to get the bone and joint well cured,
and then you will always have good bacon.

Cut the fat into small pieces, and have your
iron kettle thoroughly cleaned) ; put in a pan
of the cut fat, and start a slow fire under it.
When it begins to melt add more fat and stir
it, but do not have the fire very hot ; as soon
as the fat becomes clear, and cracklings are a
light brown, begin to dip out and strain into
vessels. If on tin keep them in cold water to
prevent the solder from being melted. Bear
in mind that lard only needs to be melted, not
cooked, and the less it is heated the whiter
and harder it will be.

Every one knows how to make sausage, but
few have any good rule for seasoning it ; here
is a good one : To 40 pounds of meat add J
of a poimd of salt ; i of a pound of black
pepper ; if red pepper and sage are wanted
add them to taste, but I tliink it better with-
oui them. To cure a beef's liver choose a red
one of fine grain, lay in on a large meat di.sh,
and sprinkle it daily with a mi.xture of salt,
sugar and saltpetre ; each day pour oft the
blood and wash the liver, and again sprinkle
with the mixture ; do this daily nine times,
then hanf it up to dry. Shaved thin and
cooked vPMi butter and cream, it is delicious.
One pound of salt, i ounce of saltpetre (fine),
and i cupful of pulverized sugar will cure a
liver of 20 pounds weight.— Co«»<ri/ Oenlhman.

OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Society.
Ttie repiiliir iiirMitlily iinTtiiii; (if the I.aii^asti'r
County A),'rliiilliin>l hihI lloriliiiltural Soilcly wa»
liclil on Moniliiy aflfrnooii, Ucicmbor :), In tlic
Allii-nirum roontB.

The followhitc nicnil>erH were prencnt : Calvin
l'(x)i>er, President; M. I). Kenillj.', II. M. KnKle,
Levi W. (iroir, .1. n. tiarlicr, .Simon 1'. Khy, Hairy
Myers, Henry .Hliilliier, V. 1.. IIuiiBeeker, I.evI .S.
Kciiit, I'rof. .S. S. Uiithvon, I'eler S. Heist, Joseph F.
Winner, Casper lllller, Henry Kurt/., Henry Krh, .1.
M. .loliiiston, W. 11. Broslus, .Mr. Molllnger and Mr.
Wcldlc.

The {.oclety was called to onler by the President,
Cuhin Co<il)er, esq.

The re^fiilar Sceretary, .Johnson Miller, lieini; ab-
sent, Joseph K. Wltnn'r was elected Secretary pro
tent. On motion, the reaillnfc of the minutes of the
last iiieeling was dispensed with.

Reports on the Condition of Crops.
H. M. Enoi.k said crops liave gone Into winter
quarters In iiood condition. Tlicre Is not much else
lo be said.

M. I). Kendk) reiKirted what he thought was an
error In the report of the State Board of Agriculture
in relation to the wheat crop of this county. With
10(1 as the standard for ft full crop, the yield of this
county was given at 7ti, or about threefourths of a
full crop. He believed the wheal crop was more
than that. If not a full crop, It was nearly so.

An Informal discussion between the members
proved, however, that the general opinion was that
the report of the board was'alwut correct. Some of
the other crops of the county are given as follows :
Kve, 8C; oats, 100; hay, 80; potatoes, 1:!0; garden
produce, 10:i; tobacco, ».'>; apples, IS; peaches, 41;
pears, 80; cherries, M; grapes, 100; berries, tiO; coni,
«6. These figures were believed to iH! a very fair
average of the crops for 1877.

Reading ot Essays.
PuoF. S. S. Ratiivon proceeded lo read an essay
ou the best method of destroying bark-lice on fruit
trees. The essay was of great length and very prac-
tical, and the society, on motion of S. P. Kby, voted
its thanks to the learned author. Sec page 178, 171).
S. P. Kby knew of a gentleman who has used a
remedy for the bark-lice which has proved elTcetual.
It was a railroad engineer; he took a ball of greasy
cotton such as is used by engineers; he put sulphur
over it, and then placed it under the trees infected by
the lice, and set it on fire; the smoke destroyed tlie
lice efl'ectually. He desired lo know the best time
lo make the application of the oil, to which Prof.
Kathvon responded, that warm days in early June
was the best lime; about that time the young leave
their winter homes and travel off.

H. M. Engle thought as we were all interested In
the subject of watching insects, all should provide
themselves with magulfylug glasses, as they cost but
a trifle.

Mr. Bollinger said a friend of his tried oil, and
Ihree-fourlhs of his trees died, apple, peach and
other trees — did the oil kill them f

Mr. Weldle used whale oil soap ; it kills the in-
sects.

M. D. Kendio said he used common lanl oH on
trees to keep away rabbits, and it had an injurious
effect ; the bark turned almost black, and It came
near finishing them.

P. S. Reist bought a lot of trees in a foreign nur-
sery and most of them died— he didn't have to use
any oil whatever lo kill them— they all died without
that remedy.

S. P. Ebv had experience just like Mr. Kcndlg s,
and he Is afraid of nsing lard on young trees.

Caspku Hii.i.ER staled thai raw llnseod oil is the
thing to use on trees. It is used to prevent lire
blight as well. He also uses a compound of white-
wash, soft soap and salt. It is cheaper than oil and
quite as good.

JosEPU WiTMEU had a tree on which the tiark-
llce were very plenty. He used an application of
common soap suds and it destroyed the insects effec-
tively.

Referred Questions.
" Wliat is the best mode of conslrucling cisterns?"
was the question referred to Andrew Pownall, and
answered by him af follows :

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of tlie Agrievllural
ami llortieuUnral Huciely of Laneaiter County:
A question was referred to me at the meeting of
August 0, 1S77, which as yet remains nnanswered,
and which reads thus : " What is the best mo<le of
constructing cisterns for farming purposes?" I would
answer now. There Is such a difference In situations,
and the locations of farm buildings are so varied,
that It would be diffleult lo determine which would
be the best way to construct a cistern without tlrst
knowing something of the buildings and their sur-
roundings. I would build the cistern In Ihe bridge-
way of the barn, if there should be sufflclent fall to
draw the wftter off at will in the stock yard. But It

188

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[December,

is necessary to bear in mind the necessity of keeping
the cistern a sufficient depth under ground to pre-
Tent freezing. This plan has one objection, however.
Sometimes a careless person is left to draw water for
the st^ck and forgets to shut it off, consequently the
water runs to waste, and does damage by flooding
the stock yard. But, if properly attended to, such a
cistern is preferrable to one with a pump therein, as
it is much easier to turn a spigot than to pump water
for fifteen or twenty head of stock, and then it is
cheaper also. It costs less for pipe that conveys
water from cistern to trough than would a pump. I
constructed a cistern some years ago, (1870, I be-
lieve,) on this plan, that has given entire satisfac-
tion. We have had sullicirnt water at all times for
our stock, (say from twelve to twenty-five head),
and you may remember we have had it very dry at
times, both winter and summer, during the past
seven years. It is built alongside of a bridge wall,
and is lined with a sixteen inch stone wall, (a twelve
inch wall would answer as well.) The stone used
were not more than six inches in thickness, many of
them much less, and laid in good mortar ; then the
whole inside plastered with a good coat of Kosendale
cement mortar. The cistern is egg-shaped, with
small end down hill, where the pipe connects. The
dimensions are twenty-one feet long, twelve feet wide
across the middle, and seven feet deep, in the clear.
The cistern is arched over and covered with earth to
the depth of three feet. I did not keep an account
of the cost, the main object in view being to make a
good, permanent job. The repairs have not amounted
to fifty cents since being built; so you may judge
whether I have done well. Hoping the foregoing
may be of some benefit to the querist, I am yours.
Most respectfully,

Ambrose Pownall.
" Docs it pay to steam feed for stock ?" was the
next question brought up for discussion.

H. H. KuKTZ gave an affirmative answer. The
advantages of this system are seen in feeding hogs
with boiled or steamed corn and slop. The warmth
of the slop warms the animals and aids digestion.
It is equally benelicial for horned cattle. He has an
apparatus for steaming hay, straw and corn-fodder,
and has the happiest results from this method. On
cold water cattle do not thrive so well as on warm
slop and steamed feed. The warmer you give the
slop to cattle the better the effects.

S. P. Edy heard a cattle grower remark a few
days ago, that he no longer steams the food for his
cattle ; he found that when turned out of the barn
hey took cold.

Jos. F. WiTMER had no personal experience, but
his father-in-law has been steaming the food for his
stock for years. He has found he can save one-
third the feed. He feeds no whole or unsteamed
grain to his hogs. On a visit to James Young, he
asked the latter some questions on this subject. His
reply was that it was food saving and profitable,
and he fed all his cattle in that way.

Caspeu Hiller thought that there was no neces-
sity for scalding food for hogs. Once he scalded the
corn for his hogs, but now he feeds whole corn, and
lie thinks with quite as much advantage as before.
He does not feed in troughs, but has a brick floor in
his pen, and on this he throws the corn, where they
must gather it up slowly, and this gives them time
to masticate it. When fed in a trough they eat too
rajjidly and swallow the food whole.

W. H. Brosius had some experience in feeding
boiled corn to hogs. He was decidedly of the opin-
that it pays to steam food for cattle. An animal
will develop more rapidly on steamed food. . He put
up 27 hogs on the l.jth day of September, 1869,
weighing at that time 4,449 pounds. On October
12th following they weighed .5,973 pounds, having
gained 1,.53.5 pounds in 27 days. During this period
they consumed 99 bushels and 38 pounds of cornmeal.
This was a gain of 2' ^ pounds per head for every
day they were thus fed, giving a total of 15;^ pounds
of pork for every bushel of cornmeal fed.

L. W. Groff had a few words to say on steaming
food, and approved of feeding warm food, but he
had no actual experience in steaming. A cattle
dealer \vhom he knew began to steam food for his
stock ; he went to much expense and continued it for
two years, but finally gave it up. He also knew a
hog drover who did the same thing, and also gave It
up at the end of two years. He thought they made
a mistake in over-boiling the food. Mere scalding
might have been better.

II. M. Engi.e asked Mr. Groff whether he had not
fattened hogs on distiller's slops. He could not see
how men could come to the conclusion that steamed
food does not pay. He thinks those who give it up
find it too much trouble. He thinks 2.5 or 3S per
cent, of food can be saved. He has come to the con-
clusion that a load of corn fodder steamed is equal to
a load of hay fed dry.

New Business.
H. M. Kurtz was onhand with an essay on an ancient
volume hehad present with him. (See pp. 181 and 182)
Because so old, many may think there is nothing In it ;
but we may often letirn more from those who are gone
before than from those of to day. He then proceeded
to read out of the book, in German, a number of

aphorisms that were very practical In their character,
and proved that men had ideas about farm economy
two hundred years ago on which we have not Im-
proved since that time. But notwithstanding the
interest of the extracts, there were very few who
understood the language in which they were read,
and the propriety of reading any further was raised .
Mr. Kurtz proposed to give the substance In English,
but the reading was deferred until some future time.

M. D. Kendig reported a balance In his bands of
$9.50, left over from the money collected to buy a
cane for Prof. RatJivon ; he wished to know what to
do with it. On motion, this balance was paid into
the treasury of the society.

Levi S. Reist had seen an article in The Lan-
caster Farmer copied out of The A'eic Era, recom-
mending farmers to buy their trees at home. He
gave an Instance of how men had been swindled by
some tree agents, but who, If they had been sub-
scribers of our home journal, would have seen the
article referred to and thus have saved their tempers
and their money.

Messrs. S. S. Rathvon, Levi S. Reist and C. L.
Hunsecker were appointed a committee to examine
and report on the fruit on exhibition. Their report
was as follows :

We, the undersigned committee, appointed to ex-
amine the fruit, &c., on exhibition, beg leave to
make the following report :

Mr. William Weidle deposited three varieties of
pears, namely ; Beurre Olalrgeau, Lawrence, and
Glout Morceau. These were all of good size, per-
fect form, and excellent quality. Nothing could
possibly excel, at this season of the year, bis Law-
rence pears. On the whole, he has been very suc-
cessful in this line of fruit culture.

Mr. Casper Hiller deposited specimens of a seed-
ling Rambo apple, which be obtained at a fruit stand
on the corner of East King and Duke streets. This
the committee considers an excellent fruit, and
worthy of cultivation, and In this opinion they are
supported by all who have tested It. These apples
were raised In the county, and the vender of them
will confer a favor by reporting to the Society or the
editor of The Farmer, the name and residence of
the person from whom he purchased them.

Dr. J. P. HiESTAND deposited a specimen of oleo-
margarine butter, from the manufactory of the U.
S. Dairy Company, N. Y. A good article of the
kind, but not at all comparable with Lancaster
county butter.

Mr. J. HuBER deposited choice grape cuttings for
distribution.

A prepared specimen of the " Kurtz donation
squash " or " pumpkin " was placed on the table,
which was pronounced good by those who are partial
to that kind of fruit.

Respectfully submitted,

8. S. Ratbvon,

C. L. HON.SECKER,

L. S. Reibt,

Committee.

H. M. Engle thought the society ought to select
a room on a second floor for Its meetings instead of
imposing on the Athseneum Association. A motion
to this effect was made and carried. Messrs. S. P.
Eby, S. S. Rathvon and Wm. McComsey were ap-
pointed a committee to huut up a room for the
future meetings of the society.

A sample of oleomargarine from thc^manufacturers,
the United States Dairy Association^ was presented
by Prof. Baker, of MiUersville, and was tested by
the members.

H. M. Engle called attention to the fact that
some time ago an effort was made to have members
prepare essays on the methods of cultivating the
various farm crops, but nothing has been done. He
for one would furnish an essay on some such subject.
He moved the subject of soiling stock be discussed
at the next meeting, and the motion was carried.

Prof. S. S. Rathvon read an article on the large
pumpkin exhibited by Henry Kurtz at the last
meeting. There were 644 seeds in the pumpkin,
one by one and a-half Inch In size. It proved an
excellent article. The walls were only four Inches
In thickness. Made up Into various dishes, it gave
general satisfaction.

There being no further buslnes before the society,
on motion It adjourned until the first Monday in
January, 1878.

TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION.

A stated meeting of the Lancaster county tobacco
growers' association was held in the Athenaeum on
Monday afternoon, November 19. The following
members and visitors were present :

M. D. Kendig, president. Manor ; W. L. Hershey,
secretary, East Hempfleld ; Henry Kurtz, Mount
Joy ; Colin Cameron, Elizabeth township ; Sylvester
Kennedy, Salisbury ; Henry Sblffner, Leacock ;
Wash. L. Hershey, Raphe ; A. P. McIUvaine, Para-
dise ; I. W. G. WIreman, York ; J. M. Johnston,
Lancaster ; George Zentmoyer, Elizabeth ; Samuel
Smith, Elizabeth ; Harry Mayer, East Hempfleld ;
William Rose, Elizabeth township : J. M. Stauffer,
Earl ; Christian Musser, Earl ; A. M. Hiestand, Mt.
Joy; F. Y. Erb, Stark county, Ohio ; J. M. Hess,

Manhelm ; Joseph E. Miller, East Hempfleld; John
M. Snavely, East Hempfleld ; John DIffenbaugh,
East Hempfleld ; J. R. Wilson, East Hempfleld; J.
G. Rush, Pequea ; W. S. Kennedy, Salisbury ; Wm.
Ruth, Elizabeth township; A. H. Summy, Man-
helm ; Jacob M. Frantz, Manor.

Crop reports having bean called for, Mr. Kurtz, of
Mount Joy, said stripping had commenced, but not
much was yet stripped. Thus far the tobacco has
turned out much better than was expected.

Colin Cameron, Elizabeth township, said In his
neighborhood there was not as much tobacco grown
as In some other sections of the county ; he had
noticed some little that had been stripped, but not
much, the stem at the butt ends of the leaves being
as yet too soft to safely tie Into hands. Some are
stripping the leaves and arranging them, but are not
yet putting the tobacco down in bulk, as it would be
apt to rot if they did so.

Wash. L. Hershey agreed with Mr. Cameron
that the tobacco was as yet too soft to strip with
safety.

Sylvester Kennedy said there is a good deal
stripped In Salisbury, and it looks' very well, being
of good color and quality. It is also very free from
worms.

Henry Shiffner said some farmers In his neigh-
borhood were almost done stripping. The crop I3
very good, equal to any ever grown in the county ,
and better and more to the acre than ever before
grown in Upper Leacock.

Mr. Rush, of Paradise, said he has stripped about
two thousand pounds. That part of the crop which
he placed farthest apart on the poles and hung most
carefully Is not so good as that which he hung more
closely together. It was due to say, however, that the
tobacco hung most closely was topped lower than
that which was hung farther apart.

Colin Cameron asked If it was not the common
experience of growers that when tobacco was hung
too widely apart it would fail to cure as well as if it
was hung closer.

Henry Kurtz answered, that tobacco should be
hung as closely as it can hang without touching ;
otherwise It will mow-burn or rot.

Sylvester Kennedy thought the tobacco should
be wilted before it Is hung in the shed, then it can be
hung closer than if put in green.

W. L. Hershey, East Hempfleld, thought a good
deal depended on the time of year It was cut. If
tobacco was cut early and hung far apart. It would
be more apt to burn on account of the warm weather.
If cut later It would probably cure better.

Henry Kurtz said that In his neighborhood the
tobacco cut latest cured best. That cut in August Is
more apt to rot than that cut In September. Ho
would let it stand a week or two even If It was ready
to cut In August, and not cut until September.
Late tobacco also had more body than that cut
earlier.

Henry Shifpner favered early planting and
early cutting. He thought the tobacco was gener-
ally, but of course not always, better when planted
and cut early.

"How soon after stripping should tobacco be
cased?" was the question proposed last meeting for
discussion at this meeting.

Colin Cameron said he would not case his
tobacco at all ; he would rather sell at a low price
than attempt to case it. He did not believe there
were half a dozen farmers In the county who know
how to pack tobacco, and if they do, they are steal-
ing another man's trade. The best policy is to pre-
pare your crop for market and then sell It to the
packer.
Henry Shiffner agreed fully with Mr. Cameron,
Mr. Kennedy said he thought we should be un-
der no obligation to packers or anybody else. If we can
make more by packing, let us pack ; If we can make
more by selling before packing, let us sell. Weshould
not allow ourslves to become the victims of any combi-
nation of dealers. They will take advantage of the
farmer if he Is Ignorant of the value of his tobacco.
Every farmer should know when to pack and how to
pack.

Henry Kurtz read a communication showing
that there was an irrepressible conflict of Interest
between the farmer and the packer. Ho favored
the plan of each farmer packing his own tobacco.
He gave some Instances In which be had been large-
ly beneflted by packing his own crop. He suggested
the appointment of a committee of five to complete
an arrangement by which an organization of farmers
might escape from the extortion of the middle men.
His plan contemplated a board of directors selected
by the society, who should have charge of the crops
of the members and pack it or have It packed at low-
est net price. He said that tobacco Immediately after
stripping Is too soft for packing ; It should be ranked
up In a dark place until It is fit for casing.

J. M. Johnston thought It would be Impossible
to get along without the aid of the packers or "mid-
dle men," as they were termed. From discussions
here it Is evident that the farmers are not agreed
among themselves as to the best means of growing
tobacco. Until they are thoroughly acquainted with
growing It they had better devote themselves to that
branch of the business and leave the packing to

1877.]

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

189

those who understand it. As well might the farmers
go Into the manufacture of cigars or tobacco, or do
their own milling or tanning, or make their own
shoes or clothing, as to successfully pack tobacco
without learning how to do It.

Henry 3iiiffnkr was decidedly opimsed to the
idea of organizing the growers of tobacco into a
packing oesociation. Ife urged farmers to make
themselves thoroughly acquainted with the best
methods of growing tobacco. If this were done they
could grow twice as much jier acre as they do now,
and gel more for their crop at much less expense to
themselves.

Colin Cameiiom was in favor of the farmers
packing their own tobacco, and thus save the com-
mission that now went into the pockets of the packer.

Wasu. L. Heksuey read a paper in which he took
the ground that Pennsylvania tobacco was no better
than it was fifteen years ago ; but the increased
price now received for it, was owing to the fact that
New York dealers came here, made selections of our
best leaf and sold It as Connecticut. When it be-
came known that this was done, the New York
dealers came among us ; tlie price of our tobacco
went up, and Pennsylvania leaf attained a reputation
second to none. Now dealers go to Ohio and Wis-
consin, purchase inferior tobacco, bring it to Penn-
sylvania, pack it and palm it off as Pennsylvania
leaf, to the great Injury of the reputation of our
crop. This should be put a stop to, and perhaps the
best way to do It would be to organize a movement
for the packing of our own tobacco.

"Is fall plowing advisable for tobacco?'' was dis-
cussed.

Colin Cameron said : " Yes, certainly ; even if
it does not, which it does, kill the worms that prey
upon the crop, it mellows the ground and enables it
to absorb the valuable qualities of the manure." He
believes that tobacco ground should be plowed and
manured in the fall ; the manure should be plowed
down in early spring, by which time it will have rot-
ted, and then the ground should be plowed again at
planting time.

A. H. SuMMY would plow down the manure in the
fall, then lime the land and In the spring plow down
the lime.

IIknry Kurtz thought spring plowing was best.
He manured with lime, the corn stubble in the
spring, turned it down together with the growing
weeds, and never had any trouble in getting a good
crop. He thought that if the ground was plowed In
the fall it might lose by evaporation some of Its fer-
tilizing qualities.

Colin Cameron did not believe that plowing
could possibly have the effect of impoverishing land.
On the contrary he believed every successive plowing,
even without manure, tended to enrich the land.

Sylvester Kennedy believed that the more the
land was shaded the better would be the succeeding
crop. He would leave the second crop tobacco leaves
on the ground during the winter as a protection to
the surface.

Mr. 1. W. G. WiREMAN, of York, had cultivated
several varieties of tobacco lor experiment. After
he took off the crop he dug up the roots, and suc-
ceeded in pulling out some that measured sixteen
Inches from the surface. He argued that If a plant
struck its roots down sixteen inches the easier It was
for the roots to get down there the better for the
plant. The amount of tobacco per acre realized in
Japan Is as much as 4,000 pounds. The Japanese
plow or dig down to a depth of sixteen inches. He
favored deep plowing, and a frequent mellowing of
■the soil.

On motion of W. L. Hcrshey, the thanks of the
society were tendered to Mr. Wircman for his ad-
dress.

"Should tobacco seed be sowed In the fall or in
the spring ?" was a question referred to Wash. L.
Hershey. He answered, that he favored sowing in
the spring, though some of his neighbors were very
successful in fall sowing. He would recommend
spring sowing as being preferable.

Sylvester Kennedy said he bad sowed some
seed in the fall and covered it with manure ; early
in the spring he sowed some more just alongside the
other, and later in the 6i)ring he sowed another bed.
That which was sowed in the fall was the best, the
plants coming up stronger and thriftier.

Henry Kltrtz and President Kendig favored
sowing late In the spring, say about the middle of
April. The plants will bo ready to set out in four or
live weeks thereafter.

A. H. SuMMY had tried several modes of sowing.
The best plants he had raised were those sown In the
spring in a bed on which he had burned a pile of
brush, and buried the seeds iu the asfces.

Henry Shiffner said he thought the committee
recently appointed to visit the several tobacco growers
of the county, Insjwct their crops and report ou their
condition, had better be abandoned. He feared the
committee's motives might be nilsundersliwd If they
reported a crop to be inferior. He declined serving
on the committee.

Henry Kurtz agreed with Mr. Shiffner, and for
one would not serve on the committee.

J. M. Frantz, a member of the committee, said
he would not serve as a member of the committee
if Mr, Shiffner declined, for he was certainly thp best

qualified man In the society to Judge of the quality
of tobacco when It is ready for market.

After some discussion Messrs. Kurtz and Shiffner
withdrew their declinations, and President Kendig
was added as a member of the committee.

" What is the best method of utilizing tobacco
stems (" Kcfcrred to A. H. Summy.

" Is lime beneficial to the culture of tobacco, and
how should it be applied to produce the b«>«t results ( "
was proiW)8ed for general discussion ut next meeting.

Henry Kihtz exhibited some fine specimens of
tobacco of the Centennial and Connecticut seeil
varieties.

Adjourned.

THE LINNiEAN SOCIETY.

The Llnnaran Society met on Saturday, November
L'lth, and had five members and three visitors pre-
sent, with the President, Prof. Htahr, In the chair. In
the absence of the Secretary, Mrs. Zcll was appoint-
ed Secretary, ;<)o. tern. Dues were collected, and
reading the proceedings of the last meeting was dis-
pensed with.

Donations to the Museum.

1. Three large (fossil !) molar teeth were douuteil
by Mr. A. C. Stauffer, of Dlllervllle, Lancaster
county. Pa. In digging a drain at the depth
of three or four feet, Mr. 8. came ujKjn a rock
of alx)ut a foot In thickness, and in removing it In
order to deepen the drain ho found these teeth be-
neath It. They are similai" to teeth found in the
marl deposits of New Jersey, not much unlike the
molars of a horse (Eipins cnWn/w/i), but also strong-
ly resembling the teeth of a species of Afegathfrium
found in Georgia.

'2. The vertebral column of the common cat (Frlix
doiiifnticiiii) was donated by Mr. Uipple, of North
Queen street. In this city. These vertebraf — from
the cranijuii to tho pclvix — Mr. K. found between the
floor and the ceiling of his house, in making 6t>nie
repairs, where the animal had probably become im-
prisoned many years ago, and had perished .

3. A box containing '2li cases of "caddlee" or
"case-worms," and 12 specimens of the exuded
larrce In a bottle ; donated by Mr. BuUar (teacher,)
of Spring Garden, in this county.

Mr. B. found these cases iu "Trout run," York
county, in searching for crustaceans for bass-bait.
They are the cases and larvr of the ash-colored
"caddlce-fly," (I'hrygnnin cinerea) or an allied
species, and belong to the order Trieoptern.

4. Two pseudo-amorphous specimens of red-hema-
tite (Iron) donated by Professor Dubbs, of Franklin
and Marshall College, and are from Ironton, Lehigh
county. One of these specimens is iu form similar
to the "foot," the "hammer," and part of the bar-
rel of a pistol ; and the other is an oblong sphere, or
egg-shaped.

5. Two insects — one in a liquid and one dried —
donated by S. S. Rathvon. The bottled specimen is
"Harris' water beetle" {Dytiiois JIarrmi,) noticed
some weeks ago in the J)aiUj Tnlrltifjcnrcr. It lived
until the 1.5th of November. The other specimen
was a species of solitary Hemipteha (liednriitH
?iMm(i«i(/i,) that occasionally infests hum.an habita-
tions, and disguises Itself by covering its body with
small particles of down, dirt, lint, or anything else
it can appropriate.

(j. A small liottle containing a germinated squash
seed, found in a solid and healthy fruit when cut
open, on the 20th Inst. It had grown three inches,
and threw out rootlets ; by the same.

Donations to the Library,

1 . Telegraphic determinations of longitude in the
West Indies and Central America. Donated by Miles
Rock, Esq., of the Signal Bureau at Washington,
D. C. This is a fine quarto volume, full of scientific
matter.

2. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sci-
ences of Philadelphia for April, May, June, July and
August IbTT. ,

3. An octavo pamphlet, "on the method of the
creation of organic types," by K. D. Cope, A.M.,
donated by the author.

4. The Lancaster Farmer for November, the
Journal of Microscopy, and sundry circulars and
papers.

Historical Section.

Two envelopes, containing twenty-one scraps of
local and general biographical and historical contri-
butions.

Papers Read.

■"One paper by Mr. Rathvon relating to the objects
donated.

During the session of the society a dark, gloomy and
most violent rain-storm prevailed without, which also
had a gloomy influence within, from the fact that those
present had an ocular demonstration of how the
labors of many years and also the whole building
may ultimately liecome ruined, or at least seriously
damaged, in consequence of the iuefl[iciency of the
roof in keeping out the water during a heavy rain,
and in this state of gloomy anxiety the society ad-
journed to the appusl meeting on Saturday, Decem-
ber 39, 1877,

AGRICULTURAL.

Liquid Manure.

The subject of the value of liquid manure lii its
application to crops. In HiM, garden anil lawns, Is
again freely iliKcussed. .Meehl, the l.nndiiii million-
aire alderman, WHS among the tlrst to appiv it l4i
field crops, and fur this purpose prepared a great
deal of expi'iislve maehhiery ami employed a great
many men to do the work. Ills crops bore testi-
mony to Its great fertilizing (lualllles, anil these re-
turns Mr. M. was not slow in laying before the
British pulille. Ills Btatlstles were 'liberally quoted
In this country, and he has a great nuiny disciples- -
on paper — as those wlio adopted bis iiiethisl of
applying manure soon abiiniloned It on aeromit of lis
exiM-nsivencss. These ilisejples failed to sec that in
all .Mr. .Meehi's slutenienls he made no comparison
as to the relative exp<'nse of the two modes of appli-
cation and the relative products. This was carefully
oinltteil ; and if we are correctly iiiformeil — and It
looks as if the liifornuitlon is correct, as wi* have no
recent slatemeniK from that quarter — the jiracllie
has been abandoned by the rich InlriHlucer, and it
must have been from the fact that the ohl diimIc of
applying manure to land Has the quickest and most
profltalile.

For small lawns and gardens — where the cx|>onse
is a matter of no consequi-nce — there is no moile of
enrichment so certain and clleetiveas liquid manure,
for in these cases it can be applied with water-|H)tK
commonly used l)y gardeners. For this pnr|H>sc a
basin should dug from ten to twelve feet in diamler
and three feet deep, whieli should be filled with
stable manure, and either a conductor from a ruof
turned njion it — rain water being the best — or sup-
plied from hydrant or puiup, the water being added
gradually, so as to admit of the daily turning over
of the mass. In a few days or a week it will be III
for use, and can be applicil as the necessity may o<'-
cur. In thisliniilcd way liquid manure can be used
with great ellect ; but uiH>n the larni it would take a
mint of money to so dispose it, w halcvcr the licnefi-
eial results may be uix)U the crops. — Oermantovn
Tcliffraph,

Saving Sweet Potatoes.

Commissioner Janes, of Georgia, gives the follow-
ing directions in his November report: It is very
inii)iirtant to save them projierly. They are now full
of sap, and will be more dis|)OSid to rot Iu the bills.
They sliould be dug when the ground Is as dry as
IKissilile, and be allowed to dry In the hill before
covering w ith earth. A very simple plan for hilling
potatoes is as follows : Select a dry situation, from
which the water will easily run ; drive down a rough
stake, to stand three and a half feet in height, In the
centre of a circle of about seven feet in diamter.
Raise the edge of this circle by drawing U|) the
earth from without. Cover the entire bed thickly
with dry flue straw, or other dry material. Heap
the potatoes of this bed around the .stake so that the
sides may be as steep as ['ossible. Then cover en-
tirely over with dry corn stalks or brimni sedge set
ujiright, or with boards, in such a manner as to pre-
vent the rain, which may soak through the earth
covering, from reaching the interior. Then cover the
whole with several inches of earth taken from im-
mediately around the hill, leaving the top of the hill
open for ventilation, but protected from rain. On the
ai>proach of severe weather, gradually increase the
(.overing of earth to a depth of one foot.

Opposition to Potatoes.
Tiic Loudon Sprdaiur says: "Arihdcacon Deni-
fon, on the occasion of hislwenty-flrsl harvest-home,
made the other day a speech on the fiK>d and drink
question. There were some odd tlihurs at this festi-
val— a loaf of '.U pounds and a cheese weighing !MI,
for example — i)ut nothing quite so odd as what the
Archdeacon himself said to the Somer.set folk. He
fiercely fell feul of the imtato, and rated it as if it
were no Ix'tter than a Low Church Bishop. He had
made up his mind not to plant anollier iiolato as
long as he lived. ' To do so was sinipiy to waste the
seed and poison the ground, and the more they
planted that tuber the more would lliey |k>Isou the
ground, until it stank iu their nostrils.' People
ought to plant. Instead of [lolatocs, peas, beans and
beet-root, which were not subject to disease. He
did not go with Cobbelt in praising l-eer, which made
people's faces red, but be reiommiinleil as a substi-
tute for eider 'a delightful lieverage. eonsistlng of
oatmeal and water, flavored with a little acid.' We
do not mind his praising lliis ' deli'.'bl lul beverage,'
which Hill be sure to Ik- appreciated as it deserves;
lull it is a litttle tiM) bad in the Archdeacon, In rc-
s|>i>iiding to the clergy, to go over, horse and foot, to
the side of the Colorado beetle."

How Long Will the Forests Last ?
I'nder sneh atremeudous yearly ilrainllic question
naturally couies up, how long will our forests hold
out at tlie present rale of manufacture? It Is really
au Important question, upon which follows the in-
quiry as to what we are lo do lor liulldiiig material
when this magnificent wood — pint — is exhausted.
One authority after snotbcr has cutcrcd formally

d90

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[December,

upon itB Bolution, with satisfactory results in local
instances, but very vague ones as to the field at
larpc. At the rate we are cutting it to-day, from
thirty to fifty years ssems to be agreed upon ae about
the limit. Twenty years ago there was apparently
no limit, for the consumption was not only less, but
the means for its manufacture were primitive, and
accomplished much smaller results tlian now. It
seems as if it were impossible to further improve the
machinery of saw-mills : but the near future may,
for all that, sec sawing machinery in comparison to
which that of the present will be contemptible. So,
although twenty years ago there was no foreseeing
the end of the timber, now, with the modern mills
and myriads of them, we are beginning to calculate
with dire certainty as to the time when the " Wooded
Age" will be a thing of the past. — Chax. D. Jiobinsoii,
Scribncr for December.

^

Silver Hull Buckwheat.

D. N. Kern writes to the Practical Farmer : In the
year 1?78 I procured one pound of this buckwheat,
and from that pound I got one bushel. In 1874 I
sowed half a bushel and got twenty bushels. In
187.5 I sowed two bushels and got fifty bushels. In
187ti I sowed four quarts and got six bushels. This
year, 1877, I sowed four quarts on one-fourth of an
acre and got twelve bushels. I found one stalk that
stood by Itself, some ten feet away from the main
])atch, that measured three-fourths of an Inch across
at the base, and it had one hundred and fifty
branches ; each branch had on an average six spike-
lets, and each spikelet had on an average ten grains
in all nine thousand grains. I would like to hear
who had a stalk of common buckwheat that had
done better. This buckwheat makes more and bet-
ter flour than the common kind. But still there are
plenty of farmers that sow the common kind and say
it is no use to pay two dollars for a bushel when you
can get the common kind for one dollar.

^ — _

Is Hungarian Grass Safe Feed for Horses ?

A correspondent objects to our remarks on the
healthfulncss of Hungarian grass as feed for horses,
on the ground "that the seeds are small and hard,
very diflicult of digestion, and liable to cause in-
flammation, producing all the symptoms of founder ;
the grass a'so is a diuretic, acting strongly on the kid-
neys and causing weakness of the loins." This is the
first time we ever heard charges so serions made
against Hungarian grass, and we have known of its
being used for a feed for years. The best time to se-
cure the crop is when it is In blossom, and before the
seeds have forniet:. The beards at this time have
not reached that degree of stitfness which the writer
thinks causes injury to the stomach of the horse,
while the embryotic seeds are perfectly harmless.
One large farmer in the State has, to our personal
knowledge, been using it for feed for his horses, at
one time keeping eight on it without injury ; but then
he always aims to cut at the right time. — St. Paul
Pinonecr Press.

^

Age of Nursery Trees.

Mr. Aldrieh, of Nebraska, set out over 1,C00 apple
trees, a part of which were three years from the
graft ; some were two years old ; but three-fourths
were only one year old when planted, and these suc-
ceeded much the best. He decidedly preferred one-
year trees. President Furnas said that in the spring
of 18fj7 he planted 100 three-year-old trees, wilhont
losing one ; the next spring he planted beside them
100 one-year trees, and now the latter are the largest
and thriftiest. On the whole, however, he prefers
two-year trees, although more care is required in
taking them up properly and re-setting them.

Several planters in dilfereut parts of the State
agreed that young trees when set out, should lean
towards the southwest, to protect the stems from the
sun's rays.

^

Interesting Facts. '

The number of seeds of wheat in one pound is
10,000.

The number of seeds in one iK)Und of barley is
]."),400.

The number of seeds in one pound of oats is 30,-
000.

The number of seeds in one pound of buckwheat
isi'i.OOO.

The number of seeds in one pound of red clover is
'_'49,fi00.

The number of seeds in one pound of white clover
is 6S8,400.

HORTICULTURAL.

Virginia Tobacco.

The Baltimore Bnlleliii, referring to the State's
interview with the tobacco men of Kichmond, very
wisely says : " If we substitute for the misnomer
'over-production' the true phrase, pitching larger
crops than they have force to till, wc will come at
the real source of the decline in reputation of Vir-
ginia tobacco. The folly of this sort of husbandry is
that it destroys all the profits. A Connecticut far-
mer puts his last year's onion patch in tobacco — a
lot of two or three acres at the outside — and makes
more of it than the south-side planter makes from a
hundred acres."

Mice and Young Trees.

There was a great deal said last spring of the in-
jury done to young apple-trees during last winter by
mice, and the only remedy that wc have yet seen
suggested Is to stamp the snow firmly around the
trees. This is, however, not believed to be a remedy
at all, and we doubt if it is of much advantage, even
should there be always snow to thus use. But our
method is a " remedy," and we have tried to impress
the fact upon our contemporaries for the past twenty-
five years, but we should say, judging from their
ignorance in answering imploring correspondents
what they must do to save their trees, that it has
received but little attention in many quarters.

It is simply to bandage up the stems of the tree
with any cotton or woolen cloths or old muslin with
two or three wrappings, letting the bandage go into
the ground an Inch or two, and six or eight inches
above ground and tie up. This should be renewed
every autumn, if necessary, until the trees are large
enough not to be injured. Those who are in earnest
for a remedy will try this and save their trees; but
it will be too much trouble for others to devote a
couple of hours to this labor annually, and they will
rather run the risk with the mice.

This niethod will keep out the borer also, as we
have stated on several occasions. Rabbits can gnaw,
when the stems are sm.ill enough, two feet from the
ground, and would require the bandage to be much
higher. Tarring would help as a protection, but we
have known in many cases the simple bandage to be
allsuflicient, and the tar to be Injurious to the tree.
But the best way to treat rabbits is to feed them.
They never injure trees, except when snow covers the
ground and they have nothing to live on. For this
purpose cabbage, turnips, apples, or any vegct.ible
offal will answer, and especially hay, of which the
rabbit is very fond .

^

Setting Trees.

The art of making fruit and other trees grow and
thrive, lies in a few brief rules as follows :

Dig them up with great care, retaining a large
proportion of their roots ; and any roots mangled, to
be cut off at the mangled ends smoothly with a sharp
knife.

To be kept in the shade, if set out the same day
they are dug up. If not set the same day, dig a
trench in your garden deep enough to receive the
roots, pack in the trees side by side as closely as
possible, with the tops touching the ground, then
cover the roots ; a foot deep with soil, treading and
packing it around the roots ; and if the trees are to
remain a few days, it would be well to cover the r
tops with any coarse litter to shade them from the
sun.

When set, trim the trees according to the extent
or quantity of roots they have, by shortening in the
branches, and by removing a superfluous branch
here and there. From one-third to one-half of the
top of a tree, when reset, should always be shortened
in.

Dig holes of ample size, so that all the roots will
be in their natural, horizontal position ; and place
the surface soil by itself, to be first used aroimd the
roots, and the subsoil on top. P.ack the earth firmly
among the roots, and before the holes are entirely
filled up, turn half of a pail of water into each, and
wait a few hours to finish filling them.

No manure should be put among the roots ; but it
maybe placed over them, near tlie surface of the
ground. A mulch of barnyard litter around the
trunks of the trees is very good to ward oft" the effects
of a drouth.

-^

How Jacob Taylor Grows Plums.

.Jacob Taylor, a colored citizen of East Notting-
ham, owns a little property in the western part of
the township, near Hopewell. He has several trees
of blue or prune plums, which bear an alnindant
crop every other year. A few years ago when he
had but one tree, it bore seven bushels, which he
sent to the Philadtlphia market, and his net reccipis
were ?4 per bushel— 8'28. Previous to that year
Jacob's tree did not bear any perfect fruit, the cur-
culio, the deadly enemy of the plum, alwavs stinging
the green fruit when well-grown, causing it to fall
off". At the suggestion of a neighbor he soaked corn
cobs in molasses diluted with water and hung them
in bunches on the limbs, and tied a band of cotton
saturated with the same solution around the trunk
of the tree. The theory is that the band prevents the
i isect from ascending the tree, and when any do pass
this blockade they are attracted to the sweetened
cobs and deposit their eggs therein instead of the
fruit. His trees bear every other year and only when
he practices this curculio remedy. He supplied
many of our citizens with plums last week at forty cts.
per half peck. — Orford Press.

thus discourses as "an old hand" on a subject which
is under discussion in the western papers ;

One says every intelligent horticulturist docs it so
and so ; we have tried h's plan, hut it goes too slow.
Another says that wood should not be left attached
to the bud ; while others hud without the horizontal
cut. One method which we have practiced for forty
years, with fair success, we still adhere to. Cut a
cross through the bark, then a downward cut, an
inch and a half in length, lift the bark carefully and
insert the bud. To tie with strips of rags, as one
recommends, will do where but a few buds are set ;
but for our purpose wc would have to rob the rag-
man.

This season we have some 5,000 to set. With any-
thing like a fair chance, wc count on 90 per cent, to
grow. The taking out of the wood is useless labor,
and even ofteu tears the germ out with it ; and as to
the cutting out of the bud, so described by the doc-
tor, and cut a similar one out of the tree, the hud
must be held to tie it. I often cut five buds, have
four of them belwecn my I'ps, set all of them, then
the tie, thus saving the trouble of laying down the
knife and picking up again. Old as I am I can bud
1,000 in a day and tie myself.

Budding. >

The eminent horticulturist, Samuel Miller, former-
ly of Lebanon, now the editor of the horticultural
department of Caiman's Jtitral World (St. Louis,^

American Fruit in Europe.

The foreign demand for American fruit is now so
great that Europe and Australia will take nearly all
tlic fruit, fresh and dried (dried peaches excepted)
which the United States can land in their markets in
good condition. England prefers fresh fruit, and
since October of last year has taken 390,000 barrels
from the United States, beginning with the latter
part of October, at the rate of 8,000 barrels a week,
increasing in four weeks to 17,000 barrels. The aver-
age in December was 20,00 barrels weekly, and one
week the number ran up 28,.5l'.5. These were mostly
Baldwins, Greenings, Russets, and Newtown Pippins.
It is estimated that England will take an average of
from 12,000 to 15,000 barrels a week for the entire
season of nine months. The working classes of
Germany and the workingmeu of Australia are the
chief customers for American dried fruit .abroad, but
the iX)or people of England and Russia buy to a
limited extent. As long as dried apples can be ex-
ported from New York at five or even seven cents a
pound, the workingmen of Euroi)e and Australia
will buy all that can be spared. The business of ex-
porting fruit is one that has been chiefly built up
since 1805.

^

Cracked Pears.

Chas. C. Mullen, of West Philadelphia, writes to
the Germantown Tch;/raph: Seeing in your paper
of July 25ih an article on "Cracked Pears," I have
to say that all my varieties rusted, became hard as a
stone, and cracked open. My beautiful while Doy-
ennes shared the s.tmic fate. For the last two years
I have sowed salt around the trunks of the trees,
enough to make the ground white, and the result is,
I have nn more flinty, hard, cracked pears, and my
white Doyennes have rcgaiucd their plump size and
beautiful rosy blush.

1 write this for the benefit of all who like perfect
fruit. I have no doubt the mystery lies at the roots,
salt being death to all the worm tribe. I believe ap-
plied lo all apple orchards it would be as effectual as
scalding now is to pear trees. I ap])ly the salt but
once a year, and whitewash the trees with a strong
salt pickle to prevent washing olf.

Forest Planting in France.

The past spring has been very favorable to the
large areas in France lately planted in forests. It is
stated that 5,000,000 hectares or 12,-350,000 acres—
about half the area of Ohio— have become unproduc-
tive as agricultural lands. Pine trees without any
cultivation and a very inexpensive supervision can be
made to grow u|ion these barren acres, netting aliout
S2..50 per annual of profit. This would add to the
productive capacity of these lands about $30,000,000
per annum. Other trees have been planted with
similar economic resuhs, and now landed proprietors
are looking to tree-planting as a means of utilil7.ii;g
their unproductive acres.

The grape yield in Ohio has been very satisfactory
this year, although there were serious apprehensions
of a failure in the spring. From Putin-Bay alone
'iO,000 baskets were shipped. They have fetched
from two and a-lialf cents a jiound for Concords lo
six cents for choice Dehiwarcs. Catawbas have sold
for four cents and ujiward. Wc arc now using the
latter grape and they cannot be surpassed liy any
out-door grape and by few in-door.

The farmers of Minnesota have taken hold of the
tree planting liusiness in earnest. Over 10,000,000
of cuttings were set out duriug the past year, most
of which are doing well. The young trees consist
largely of cottonwood and white willow, but fliere is
also a liberal sprinkling of maple, larch, white oak,
etc.

1877,

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

i9l

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Economy in the Use of Fuel.
Much money Ib waslcd In tlio too rajiiJ conilpiislioii
of coal, especially wlicn Uio licaliiiK apparatus is a
furnace lu the cellar. If tlii» Is left tu llie uianage-
inent of servants, they will keep the (ire-box full, and
all the damiiers open, with the Rrate-liars red hot
below, and the thermometer amonj; the eitthties In
the rooms above. This Is too hot for beallli, Injures
doors and furniture, uses up the furnace, and wastes
fuel. In runnlni: a furnace for the last tliree years,
wc have found " jiea coal," which is the screened
refuse of the coal yard, an excellent rcjrulator of the
heat and a great saving in the coal bill. It is often
thrown away in the coal yard, and when sold, can
generally be had at half the price of furnace coal, or
less. It contains as much earbou as coal of larger
Bl/.e, and if the combustion is properly regulated,
will go as far iu heating a house. For all that is
consumed there Is a reduction of one-half In thi! cost.
But II Is of special service in the regulation of the
combustion of the coarser coal In moderate weather,
or during the night, when a lower temperature is
desirable for sleeping rooms. Ordinarily, a furnace
need be visited but three times a day to keep up a
comfortable warmth In the rooms above. Beginning
in the morning at six o'clock, the ashes are well
shaken down, fresh coarse coal Is added, and a thin
layer of pea coal on top of this. This process Is re-
jieated at mid-day, and at nine or ten in the evening,
on retiring for tlie night. More of pea coal is added
at the last visit, to check the combustion for the
night. In the morning tlie whole mass of coal in the
fire-lox is completely ignited, and there Is a good fire
to begin with. More or less of pea coal is used ac-
cording to the temperature of the weather. It is the
best regulator of combustion we have ever tried, and
saves from a quarter to a third in the expenses of
heating for the winter. Tliis Is an item worth look-
ing after iu these hard times. — Americait Ayricnl-

tttrUt.

^ ■

Extravagance.
A charming and intelligent Freuehwoman, who
prides herself on licingan accomplished housekeeper,
declares that every family of moderate means iu
America throws away enough to support a family of
equal size. She can prepare dinner Irom food which
an American housekeeper would throw away. She
says it is distressing to see, as she often does, a man
atmarket buying a steak from the round because
his straightened cireumslanecs forbid the purchase
of choicer cuts. She does not pity him because it is
from the round, but for the wretched, unpalatable
manner in which it will be served to him at dinner,
hardened and dried liy broiling, instead of being
stewed with vegetables and delicately flavored after
the French method. Wlicn poverty tries the soul
and empties the iKJcket-book, high-priced table luxu-
ries have to be abandoned, and as a con.iequence
cheaper meats and inferior cuts are bought, and a
miserable, inadequate, poorly supplied table Is the
result. And still the expenditure is far beyond that
of a French family, who will fare sumptuously on
half the money.

A Cure for Diptheria.

Dr. Chcnery, of Boston, Is honest enough to pub-
lish his siiecific for the cure of diptheria. It Is hypo-
sulphite of soda. He says it is a sure remedy ; that
he uses it in his practice, and has cured more than
one hundred and fifty cases. We sre told : "A dose
of hyposulphite is from five to fifteen grains or more
in syrup every two or three hours, according to the
age'and circumstances of the patient.il'urging Is the
one evil which an overdose can produce, hence aa
much as the patient can bear without producing that
result is a good rule in the severer cases. Tlie solu-
tion or mixture can be used in doses of five drops to
half a drachm in milk. For thorough stimulation
the amount is greater than can be taken in water.
Dr. Chenery usually gives the speeifie in such d ^ses
as can be readily taken iu milk, using milk besides
as food for small children. It is said, however, that
hyposulphite prevents the digestion of milk, and
therefore it should not be given in less than one hour
after administering the medicine."

Canada claims to have produced the largest
cheese on record. From the IngcrsoU factory has
been turned out a cheese weighing 7,00(1 pounds. It
was 6 feet 10 inches In diameter, ;i feet in height and
21 feet in circumference. It rcciuircd one milking of
7,000 cows, or 3.5 tons of milk, to produce It.
^

Household Recipes.

MoLA^SEs Fkuit Cake.— 1 pound of sugar and %
pound of butter, beaten to a cream. Slightly warm
2 cups of molasses and mix well w ith the butter and
sugar, next the well-beaten yolks of l! eggs and ".j
cup of sour cream ; 1 tablcsiioonful of cinnamon and
1 of cloves; 1 t.ablespoonful of ginger if desired; 2
pounds of sifted flour, with the well-beaten whites of
6 eggs ; 1 heaping teaspoonful of soda, dissolved in
bot water, and at the last 1 pound of currauts, well

washed and dried. Flour the fruit well before mix-
ing. Bake in two bread pans lu a slow ovou.

iRIiBPKOAC IIAIM.E WaY tO liKOII. A StFAK. —

First see that tlie fire is clear anil not too much of it;
oi>eu wide all tlic ilralts, to carry oil' the smoke that
is made during I lie process of boiling ; then see tliat
the gridiron is smooth and quite clean ; rub It
well with whiting or chalk ; lay on your steak. Do
not (lound it, nor after it is In the Are stick a fork into
it, as tlie juice will escape. Neither salt nor |»epper
it. ; do that fin the dish. Placi* the gridiron close to
the lire for the (Irst few minutes, to carbonize
the surface, then turn it over quickly to carbonize the
other side. Now it should be exjiosed to a slower
fire, to do which place two bricks on thciredgcs, and
rest the gridiron on Hum. The steak should he
turned repeatedly and carefully, and when it feels
rather firm to the touch it is rare, and, if so liked, it
should be taken olf, laid on a hot dish, on which 1 ';
ounces of butter has been melted, less than onc-hatf
teaspoonful of salt, a pincli of white pepper and one
teaspoonful of chopped parsley, well mixed ; lay the
steak on one side and then on the other. Serve Im-
mediately.

Smai,i,-Pox— To Pki^vent 1"itti\o. — A great
discovery Is reiHirted to have been made by a surgeon
of the Kngllsh army In China to jirevcnt pitting or
marking the face. The mode of treatment is as
follows :

When in small-pox the preceding fever is at Its
hclglit, and just before the eruption appears, the
chest Is thoroughly rubticd witli croton oil and Tar-
tar-emetic ointment. This causes the whole of the
body to break out to the relief of the rest. It also
secures a full and complete eruption, and thus pre-
vents the disease from attacking the internal organs.
This is said to be now the established mixlc of treat-
ment in the English army in China, by general
orders, and is regarded as petfcctly elfectual.

CiKE FOK CiiAVi'ED Hands. — One part of glyce-
rine, four of Pond's Extract or Witch Hazel, four of
water ; put In a bottle and shake well ; it is ready for
use Immediately ; it is well to shake thoroughly each
time of using.

CoTTACiE PiDDiN'ii. — One cup of sugar, two and
a half teaspoons butler, two eggs, one cup milk, one
pint flour, two teaspoons baking powder. Serve wilh
wine sauce.

Chickens. — In frying chickens we try to have the
lard very hot, spiukle the pieces well with flour, put
them in and cover tiglitly for awhile, cook as fast as
possible without burning. After a little while take
ofl: the lid, season wilh salt and pepper, and if brown
turn the pieces and brown again as fast as possible.
We think the meal is more tender and much more
juicy than when allowed a longtime over a slow lire.

MrsH. — While the pot of water is boiling stir in
the sifted meal slowly, beating hard, \\lien thick
enough, until the whole mass is smooth and then we
pour 11 out into a crock and set in a cool place. We
generally put the salt in the water. M'u have not
yet noticed any raw taste about it.

Cheese and Bueau Toast. — Grate half a cup of
good cheese — use your cruinlis and dry pieccB — mix
with It one cup of grated bread and Hie yolk of one
egg, half a spoonful of butter, and three spoonfuls
of rich cream. Adda salt spoonful of salt, and a
sprinkle of cayenne and mustard if desired. Toast
two or three slices of bread, spread the cheese mix-
ture on quite tliick, put into the oven a minute or
two, and send to table hot. Or lay on a lop slice,
and make sandwich. Take a sharp knife and cut
into four pieces.

CooKiNO Potatoes. — The Xcliraska style is .-.s
follows : Wash them well in cold water, cut off a
small piece of each euil, put them into the pot and
fill up with the coldest water you can get. Do this
at least two hours bclbre the lime to |)ut them over
the fire, then boil i(uickly until ilone, (by fork proof);
take olf the lire, lay tlienion anapkin in their jackets,
cover up with the corners and serve.

Indian Mi'^kiss. — One (niail of Indian meal,
scalded, one quart of wheat flour, stirred in the meal
when cool, one dessert sjioonful of salt, one lable-
spoonful of melted Initter, four tablesixionfuls of
condensed eggs, and one-half lake of compressed
yeast, or two cents' worth of bakers' yeast, and milk
sullieient to form a si ilf batter. If for breakfast, sel
over night : for lunch, early in the morning.

Mini e Pies Without Meat.— One cupful sugar,
one cupful molasses, one cupful water, one and one-
half pounds rai.slns, (chopped,) one-half cupful
weak vinegar, one-half cupful butter, a little salt,
three eggs, three pounded crackers, spices tosuit the
taste. This will make six small pies.

LiNCH Cake.— One large tablespoonful butter or
lard melted In one cupful hot water, two ciipsftil
molasses, one quart Hour, stir two teaspoonsful bak-
ing ])owdcr into the molasses; line tin with buttered
paper and bake.

New Enoi.and SroNGEC'AKE.— Eight eggs, their
weight in sugar, half their weight in flour, a lemon
rind grated, and add juice ; beat the whiles separate
and add last; line the pan with builered paper, and
b»)ie in a pretty quick oven three-quarters of an hour.

LIVE STOCK.

Caring for Stock.
This Is a dally ii|H'ration now, and, until grata
grows in the spring, will Ik' the most ini|)<irtaiil one
on tlie farm. Much of the annual profit of the far-
mer— in many ea.'-es, "'/ the profit— ^Icpende u|Hin
his skill and experience In feeding and inanaL'Ing the
stock through the winter. He must guard against
wasir of feed, waste of flesh, waste of vilalily, for all
these mean a waste of money. Five cents a day
appears like a small siiiii, but when it applies loan
animal in loss or gain, during five moiitlis of the year,
it may rejircsent a large proportion of llio entire
year's profit or loss, as the case may be. The first
care of the farnwr should he to provide warm Bheltcr
for every aiiiriial he possesses. This advice has been
repeated so often that It has become trite, but Ills
just as good ailviee as It ever was, and nine out of
ten farmers can still iirofit by It, though they may
have read II a thousand times, .\lne-tenths of the
cattle sheds and stables of the country arc not half
warm enough for proiier winter prolccllon. .More
care Is given, generally, to the horse stables, but
three-fourths of these will not keep the animals
comfortable during the cold weather of wlnt<'r in the
Northern States. The llooring anil the sides should
be absolutely air-tight, and ventilation provided for
at the top. The practice of tying horses up with a
halter should be abandoned. Each horse should
have a roomy box, with a door nt Ihe rear oix'iiing
into a hall or piissaL'c way. The manner In which
horses are usually tieil up lu narrow stalls, wllh no
liberty whatever. Is irinl, and Is a fruitful source of
Injury. Give them lilierty of moveinenl and room to
turn round and lie down if they desire. A recent
writer asserts that the teinperature Inslilc the slablii
should be but little higlicr than outside, as this would
avoid sudden change from warm to cold and vice
vernii In taking the animals In ami out. He Is a
merciful man, truly, but how would he like the
apjilicat Ion of his theory In his ownca.se? Sudden
and extreme altcralions arj to be avoided,
of course, wherever possible, hut this writer
did not take into consideralloii the dlflTer-
cnce bctwecu the state of rest inside the
stable, and active exercise outside — a diircr-
cnee, as Captain Cuttle would say, "as is a
dllfcrcnce." Wi^wcml'l not advise close, unventi-
latcd stables, but if they are made warm enough to
kccji the animals from shivering and the dung from
freezing to them whenever they lie down, and are
kept clean, we would rather risk them than the well
ventilated stables , so commonly seen — ventilated all
over, sides, floor and overhead.

Feeding ranks in importance with shelter, in a con-
sideration of this subject. Every farmer thinks he
knows just how to Iced to the licst ailvantage, and
licrhaps they ilo know belter than they practice.
Most farmers could improve in one resi>eel, at least —
and that is giving more Yaricty of food. How com-
mon is the practice of confining callle to corn fodder
the whole winter, and horses and sheep to hay. It
would be easy to exchange two or three times a week
— give tlie horses, or even the sheep, a bundle of
fodder, and the callle a nip of nice hay— and yet a
great many never do this much, even. A feed of
I roots (KMa.sionally woulil contribute ten times Its cost
to the welfare of the animals— horses, sheep, cattle
and hogs— and in lieu of roots, a c(M)ked meal of
chopped hay, or fodder, with grain or meal of sonio
kind, would answer the same piirjiosc. Furnish a
variety somehow, for it is aa necessary to animals as
to men.

Watering Horses.

This subject is again on the carpel, and llicie arc

as many views as lliere are w.ilcrs as to when, how

often and how much water a horse is to he allowcil

daily. Some think oik f a day is enough, some twice,

some thrice, ami .-ome that water should always be

in reach of a horse w hen in the stable ! People ae-

cuslonied to use, feed and water horses soon find out

how to treat them, and in this Irealmcnt how often

I they should be w.iUred daily. Tluw who only drive

I horses and know nothing "nuuc about them, may

j neglect them through ignorance or inaltcniion, but

must understand thai Ihey slioulil be watered three

' times a dav at regular intervals wilh cold water In

I summer, if it can be had, and mild water in

i winter. Pump or spiing watir ni-eis these coiidi-

lioiis. If driven tlicv shcmlil not be watered until

1 cooled oil', and Ihen t'liev should be allowed as much

I H.- they can drink, and not driven again immediately

after." In the stable these Ihiiigs settle themselves.

The common iiraetiee Is to water before feeding.

' HoiFCB watered three tlmrs a day— morning, no<in

and night— will be iu far belter condition for work of

anv kind than if watered hall a dozen times, as some

' people driving allow their horses to be. They will

>weal less and be more livi ly. and we believe will !«•

1 in better health. Once a d.i'y or twice a day even is

I not sullieient, though horses can get along wilh it as

I can cattle, but it is not advisable oj humane. Iu

I ftelds where there are full watering-troughs cattle

will be found to go to them aliout three times a day

and horacs the s&rae.—Ocrmantvun Tclegiaph,

192

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

[December, IST^^

Take Care of the Horses.

Tbe Illinois Humane Society, throusrh an appeal
issued by their committee, make the iollowing BUg-
ffcstious, which owners of horees will save their own
interests by attending to.

1. Shoes. — If horses are sharp shod in icy weather,
they will pull larcrer loads to greater advantage ; It
is poor economy to neglect the proper shoeing of
horses, which may thus be seriously injured.

1!. Blankets, etc. — Horses should be protected
by blankets or water-proof covers from rain or snow,
while standing. The cost of a blanket is very small,
and its use would repay the outlay very many times.

Any wooleu or other protection placed under the
pad or saddle, and extending back over the hips,
will be found very useful, as protecting a weak part
of the animal.

o. Ci.iPi"iN«. — The clipping of horses at this sea-
son is considered to be, at least imprudent, and by
this society inhumane ; owners are respectfully urged
to allow the animals to retain the covering which
nature has provided.

i. Check Reins. — "Work horses, if at all, should
be checked very low ; they can thus pull to greater
advautage, protect their eyes from rain or snow, and
are less liable to stumble or injure themselves. It will
be noticed that the city railway companies have
largely abandoned the use of check reins.

.5. Bits. — It is prudent to warm with the hands,
or otherwise, bits before placing them in the horses'

mouths.

^

Knowing Horses.

A few mornings since the milk wagon of Mr. S.
Wm. Cox, near Kosedale, was harnessed and brought
tothedoorreadytogo to the railway station. Mr. Cox
went into the house for a few minutes, leaving "Bob"
iinhitchd as was the usual custom. Bob waited for
some time when, probably fearing that the milk
would be too late for the train, he trotted off. When
the owner came out the team had gone and he started
for the station on foot. Arriving there he found that
Bob had made the trip in good order, and had backed
up to the platform where "he was patiently waiting
fur the wagon to be unloaded.

This animal was not more knowing than one owned
by a friend of ours near Marshallton. Last winter
his little son attended school a mile away. In the
morning he rode a favorite horse to the school,
where on being turned loose he trotted home. In the
evenings he was again turned loose, and proceeding
to the school he awaited the appearance of his young
master to be ridden home again. — Keimett Advance.

Propagating Rabbits.

A foreign correspondent of that veteran journal,
the New York Eveuviq Punt, in its weekly edition,
speaks of the propagation of rabbits in Italy, a busi-
ness that we have often thought could be profitably
conducted here on a much larger scale than at
]iresent. The correspondent says that tbe rearing of
rabbits in Upper Italy has been very extensively
pursued for years, and is now extending Itself
throughout the country. For the jjclts and skins
aloneof this little animal, Italy i)ay6 foreign coun-
tries twelve million francs annually. As an article
of food it is highly esteemed, and iu fact almost every
portion of the labbit can be turned to profitable ac-
count. With us many of the cheai)er furs for sale
are made of the skin of the rabbit which is dyed in
various hues.

LITERARY AND PERSONAL.

School Text Books.— The study of United States
History, although sadly neglected in past years, has
received new impetus of late, largely owing to the
improvements in books upon that subject. We have
recently given some attention to school histories and
have found one so eminently worthy of recommenda-
tion as to deserve more than a passing notice. The
book referred to is Prof. Kidpat,h's History of the
United States, already largely in use in this State
and several of the Western States, and highly com-
mended wherever its merits are understood. Ex-
perienced educators everywhere vie with each other
in the heartiness of their words of approval for its
correctness, beautiful style, elegant illustrations,
comprehensive charts, authoritative maps, and
other noteworthy features ; while students are said
to seize upon and devour its terse, instructive and
entertaining narrative with all the avidity of youth
in the perusal of an exciting romance. It is fact
dressed in elegant periods, noble diction, impressive
characterizations, and illuminted by appropriate in-
cident and bcautilul pictures. Tbe publishers have
made the most elegant and attractive school-book
now bef<jre the public.

It is not the purpose of this article to analyze its
merits nor indicate all the details in which it is supe-
rior to anything of the kind yet seen in this part of
the country.' A notice like this must be general,
but our readers will thank us for a word about one
valuable feature which really ought to be seen to be
adequately appreciated. Tbe colored cironological

charts, which ehow at a glance — what cannot be
gleaned from t»e text of any history — the men and
events which were contemporaneous, make a new
and valuable feature by distinguished merit and pe-
culiar to this work. More than fifty topograpical
diagrams show the vicinity of every battle and Im-
portant event ; and the maps — which are not only
geographical but civil and historical — show the
political divisions of the country from time to time,
with comprehensive indices of our territorial
growth.

It is as neat a volume in its physical proportions,
general make-up and Ulustratloue, as one would
wish to see. Its publishers, (Messrs. Jones Brothers
& Co., of Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Chicago,)
have spared neither pains nor expense to render it
acceptable to tx)th eye and mind, and we learn they
are reaping a rich reward for their enterprise and
forethought In Its large sales. If our citizens look
into the merits of this history, we have no doubt but
that the sales will be further accelerated.

Prof. B. F. Shaub, our County Superintendent, en-
dorses the work in the following terms :

"I have carefully examined Kldpath's History of
the United States. I like it in every respect. In ap-
pearance it is the most attractive school history that
I have seen. Its matter Is well selected and charm-
ingly presented. It is a book that can rest on its
own merit,

Dickens' Little Folks.— Nothing has given the
writings of Charles Dickens so strong a hold upon
the hearts of parents as the well-known excellence
of his portrayal of children and their Interests.
These delineations having received the approval of
readers of mature age, it seemed a worthy effort to
make the joung also participants in the emjoyment
of these classic fictions.

With this view, the different child characters have
been detached from the large mass of matter with
which they were originally connected, and presented
in the author's own language, to a new class of
readers, to whom the little volumes will, we doubt
not, be as attractive as the larger originals have so
long proven to the general public.

A series of twelve volumes has been prepared,
presenting, among others, the following characters :
"Little Paul, from Dombey & Son ; "Smlke," from
Nicholas Nlckleby ; " Little Nell," from The Old
Curiosity Shop; "The Child Wife," from David
Copperfield, to., Ac.

A new edition of the first volume of this scries,
"Little Paul," from Dombey & Son, has just been
issued, Illustrated by Darley, and attractively
bound. The other volumes will follow at short in-
tervals.

For sale by all booksellers, or sent post-paid for ?1
by the publisher, John R. Anderson, Hartford,
Conn.

Extracts from the "Transactions of the Academy
of Sciences of St. Louis, Vol. III. No. 4." By Chas.
V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D., State Entomologist of .Mis-
souri. An exceedingly interesting contribution to
natural science, in a well executed octavo pamph-
let of .34 pages, with one plate containing 40 finely
engraved figures, illustrating the Hypermetamor-
phoses of Epicanta and ITorina, insects belonging to
the family of "Blister Beetles," or Oil Beetles ;" be-
sides several wood-cuts. The letter-press relates
mainly to the "Larvae Characters and Habits of the
Blister Beetles belonging to the genera Macrobmit
Lee, and F;ncan«a, Falen ; with remarks on other
species of the family Meloid^ ;" and especially to a
remarkable new genus in said family, which has
been found infesting the cells of the Mason bee in
the United States ; with additional notes and re-
marks on other Insects. It is very probable that
these papers will possess little interest to the masses
of mankind, but to those who are laboring in the
field of practical entomology, with little time and
few oportunltlesto make personal observations on the
habits of insects, they will bea welcome help In solv-
ing problems heretofore dark or ambiguous, and
these will appreciate the labors of Prof. Riley, and
accord to him the credit due.

Gone on Before, O'er the River of Time.—
A most magnificent song by Prof. P. O. Hudson,
adapted for Organ or Piano, and most respectfully
and affectionately Inscribed to the memory of a be-
loved comrade and brother. Major Joseph Barton,
who was for a number of years a member of the
Continental Vocalists (with the author.) Major
Barton passed to his spirit home March 10th, 1877,
at Urbana, Ohio. The song will no doubt become
ver}' popular as the melody is beautiful and the
words are well adapted to it.

l8t Verse.
Lov'd ones are paeeing from shore to shorp,
One more liaa been called aud gone on before,
Gone to hifl home In that Ijeautiful land.
Where angels stand watctilng its magical strand.
We know be was welcomed by friends o'er the stream,
When mortal we oft sang as "only m dream,"
Now a bright spirit In splendor is seen,
In hie new home of em'rald, Illy and green."

4,-30.5 copies were sold by the publisher, in seven
days. Mostly all orders in advance of publication.
Every lover of music should buy a copy. Price 40
cents ; mailed upon receipt of price, Address all

orders to F. W. Helmick, Music Publisher, 50 West
Fourth Street, Cincinnati, O.

Helmick's Munical Monthly, 35 cents each number
or $2..50 per year.

A Manual op Vegetable Plants containing tbe
experiences of the author in starting all those kinds
of vegetables which are most difficult for a novice to
produce from seeds. With the best methods known
for combating and repeling noxious insects, and pre-
venting the diseases to which garden vegetation is
subject. By Isaac F. Tillinghast; of the firm of
Tilllnghast Brothers, Growers of Plants and Seeds,
Factoryville, Wyoming County, Pa.

This is a neat 12 mo. volume of over one hundred
pages, and contains a large amount of useful matter,
condensed in a small space, that is highly important
to nurserymen, seedsmen, market gardeners and
farmers geuerally. This little work sells readily at
jl.OOacopy. We will send The Lancaster Far-
mer to any address, post paid, for one year, and a
copy of this book, at the low price of ?1.50.

The "Herald of Health" for 1878, will be a
volume of great importance to farmers and mechan-
ics. Inasmuch as it proposes to publish, during the
year, twelve articles especially devoted to the moral
"and physical interests of these classes of people ; ■
besides other rich and varied literature, which we
shall notice more fully in our January number.
This excellent journal is published by Wood & IIol-
brook, i;i and 15 Laight street. New York, at?1.00
a year. The Lancaster Farmer and the Herald
of Health will be furnished to subscribers, postage
paid, at $1.50 a year in advance. Address the Editor
or Publisher of Farmer, 101 North Queen street,
Lancaster, Pa.

Notice.— In our advertising columns is noticed
Stoddart's Musical Library, a serial publication, now
under way, which from its extraordinary cheapness
will effect a revolution in the music publishing inter-
est. Messrs. Stoddart & Co. agree to give for the
low price of one dime, a (joHection of the most popu-
lar instrumental and vocal music, printed on full
size music paper, of the best ([uality. The same
amount and quality iu fact as would costS1..50if
published separately. This is a step in the right
direction, and one which will find instant and hearty
favor with those whom it is intended to benefit.

The Dominion Farmer and Agricultural
Gazette, a monthly periodical devoted to the im-
provement of live stock and the interests of
stock raisers, dairymen and the general farmer.
Oflftce Main street, Drayton, Ontario, Canada. Price
50 cents. Single copies 5 cents. By Proctor Brothers.
No. 1 vol. 1, issued 1.5th of November, is on our
table— an eight-page quarto— and from its neat ap-
pearance and solid contents, we think it worthy of
encouragement, and tender it ahcarty " God speed."
Pretty Little Blue Eyed Stkangeh, is the
title of one of the prettiest songs we have ever heard,
it was composed by Bobby Newcomb, tbe celebrated
minstrel professional. The melody is bound to cap-
tivate every lover of a good song and remain fresh in
their memory a lifetime. Price, 35 cents per copy.
For sale by any music dealer in the United States, or
can be had from the publisher, F. W. Helmick, .50
West Fourth street, Cincinnati, O.

VicKs' Illustrated Monthly Magazine for
January, 1878, is on our table, and is a realization of
the most sanguine anticipations that the most fas-
tidious could have indulged, from its announcement
in the last number of the Floral QiMe. Its frontis-
piece, an illustration of " Phlox and Pansy," is
superb. Full of valuable floral literature, aud pro-
fusely illustrated from beginning to end, the scenic
aspect of which is "just heavenly."

" Touch Me Gently, Father Time," is the title
of a new and beautiful song and chorus, by Charlie
Baker, author of the famous " He Holds the Fort of
Heaven." Dealers are ordering it tiy tbe thousand.
The whole couutry will soon be singing " Touch me
Gently, Father Time." Any music dealer will mail
you this beautiful song for 40 cents. Published by
F. W. Helmick, 50 West Fourth street. Cine nnati,
Ohio.

The Youno Folks' Monthly.- The Christinas
number of the Young Folks' Monthly comes to us
full of good things for old and young ; Stories, .Ad-
ventures, Charades, Declamations, Puzzles, etc.,
etc. This Magazine should be in every household
where entertaining and instructive reading is want-
ed. Only Jl.OO per year. Address The Young
Folks' Monthly, Chicago, 111.

; We are under obligations to .Mr. A C. Veterling,
of Allegheny city, for a miniature folio, admirably
compiled and tastefully executed, and containing the
Ten Commandments, a brief summary of tbe Doc-
trines of the New Church, the inspired books of the
Sacred Scripture and the Creed, as used in the Pitts-
burg New Church Sunday-school, and which ought
to be appreciated and used by Sunday-schools ;)«i- «<•.
Photo-Electrotvpe Art Journal, a quarto
illustrating the wonderful new art of photo-electro-
typing, by which pictures on any subject can be fur-
nished at a very low price, and said to be better than
wood, and nearly equal to steel or copper. Issued
quarterly at 25 cents a year. Philadelphia, Pa.

THE LANCASTER FARMERS

III.

Dyspepsia, Dyspepsia. Dyspepsia.

Dj'flpesia ifl tho most perplexing of all huinnu nllnn-iitK.
Ite symptoms are almost infinite in tbeir variety, ami the
forlorn iiml ilespondent victims of the tllHoaHO often fancy
thtmBelvee tlio prey, in turn, of every known malady. I his
1m due, in pert, to tlio deny wympathy whieh exists Itetweon
the stomach and the brain, and in part also to the fact that
any disturbance of the dl^jestive function iiccessaHIy die-
orders the liver, the bowels and the norrous system, and
affects, to some extent, the quality of the blood.

E. K. Kuukere IJitter Winoof Ircn a sure cure. This is not
a new preparation, to lie tried and found wanliuR ; it has
been preacribed daily for many in the practice of enjineut
physicians with unparalleled succeas; it is not expected or in-
tended to cure all the diseases to which tlni human family is
tubject, but is warranted to cure Dyspepsia in its most ob-
Btinate form. Kunkel's Bitter Wine of Iron never fails to
cure. Symptom's of Dyspepsia are loss of appetite, wind
and rising of the food, dryness of the month, heartburn,
disteSBion of tho'atomach and bowels, constipation, head-
acho, dizziness, sleeplcssncHH, and low spirits. Try tlio
greut remedy anil bo couvinced of its merits, (let the
genuine. Take only Kunkel's, which is put up only In $1
bottles. Depot, 2J9 North Ninth St., Philadelphia. Advice
by mail free, by sending 'i cent stamp. Try one bottle of
Kunkel's Iron and bo couvinced of itfl merits. Sold by
drggists and storekeepers everywhere.

"Worms. "Worms. "Worms.

Removed alive. Tape Worm removed alive in from two
to three hours, with vegctible medicine, Head and all pass-
iDg from the'system alive. No fee till the head pasHes. The
Doctor never fails to remove Tape, Seat, Pin and Stomach
Worms. Ask your druggist for a bottle of Kunkel's Worm
Syrup. Price, $1 per bottle. It never fails ; or send to Dr.
Kunkol. 250 North Ninth Street, Philadeli'hiu, I'a., for cir-
cular with full instructions, by enclosing 3 cent stamp for
I of same. Kunkel's Worm Syrup is used for chil-

Buy

return <

dren or adults with perfect safety, as it ia vegetable,

it, and try it.

0^ 0^ ■ W^ Oreut chance to make money. If you
■ "■■I II cnii'e get gold you can get greenbacks.
Iv III Mm m^^"' "•'^'^ ^ person in every town to take
%J| \0 bia^ I subscriptions for the largest, cheapest
and West Illustrated family publication in the world. Any
one can liecome a successful agent. The most elegant
works of art given free to subficrlbt3r8. The price is so low
tli;it almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak-
iiit^ over $150 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over
4n7 eubscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money
list. You can devote all your time to the business, or only
J Dtir spare lime. You need not be away from home over
nit^ht. You can do it as well as others. Full particulars,
ilirections and terms free. Elegant and expensive outfit
I lee. If you want profitable work send us your address at
(.ince. It costs nothing to try the business. No one who
engages fails to make great pay. Addrtaa " The People's
.Jiiumal," Portland, Maine,
9-8-1 y

$777!

I is not easily earned in these times, but it can bo
made in three mouths by any one of either
sex, in any part of the country who is willing
to work steadily at the employment that we
furnish. $66 per week in jour own town. You
need not be away from home over night. You can give your
whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It
costs nothing to try the business. Terms and f5 Outfit free.
Address at oucc, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine.
9-3~ly

Half Dozen for - - - $6.00!

SHIRT FRONTS,
CI

D^uuuuiu,
I.lneii niMl Pnprr Collars nnd CiitrN

SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER

AT

E. J. ehisman'S,

No. no North Queen Street,
Second door from Shober's Hotel.

9-l-ly

NEWSPAPER

ADVERTISING.

A book contaihing a bst of towns in the U. S,. having
6,000 pop., and the newspaper having largest circulation.
All the Religious. Agricultural, Scientific, and other special
class journals. Tables of rates, showing coat of advertis-
ing and everything which au advertiser would like to know.
llUiled on receipt of ten cents. Address

OFO. I\ ROWEM< A CO.,
10 apruce-st., N, Y., (opposite "Tribune" building).
9-10-f.m ^_

GET THE BEST.

Mnrrow^N Pictorial Family Bible and En-
cyclopedia or Biblical Knowlcdfcc, contains 64
I'lijiortant features, nearly 1,800 illustrations and many fine
1 litfs byflustave Dore and other artists, Genuine morocco
lui. lings and heavy j'anel, ten style.s and prices. Send for
t-irt-ulars and terms to agents. H. L, MAItUOW & CO.,

Indianapolis, lud.

P U LM O N A

Is beyond comparison the best remedy for the aire of ('ON-

SUMl'TION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVAMCKI) STA(1Eh),.1 «?/( mfl,

Uronchxtas^ Catarrh, and all derangements of the NEUV-
OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing paktioui.akh of
MANY CAS?,8 euccEssFULLV TREATED, fuIl advise for the
treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certificates
of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants.
Address OSCAR G.MOSES, Sole Proprietor, IS Corllandt
Street, New York. 9.10-Cm

1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877

CASSIMERES,

COATI»i<JN, :WUKSTERD8.

TESTINGS, SUITINGS,

Meltons, Ohiviots and Tweeds,

Plain, biinc'il, Hliliifd ulid iliuKoiiiil.for RjiriU); and Summer,
at the Merchaut TiiUoiiug aud Clothing Store of

RATHVON & FISHER,

(EBtablialied in the year IWO),

Corner of North Qncen and Orangc-Sts.,
LANCASTER, PA.

Extra flnished and trimmed. Ready-mado Olothlug, for

MEN" AND BOYS,

and ololhiug cut or made to order iu the most satisfactory
manner.

A flue line of GRNTS' FORNISmNa GOODS, and
goods Bold by the yard or piece.

9-1 -ly

RATHVON & FISHER,

PraclionI TnllorH.

M. HABEEBUSH,

MANUFACTURER OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

KAUUI.EN.

COLLARS, "WHIPS, &o.,

ALSO DKAI.KU IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

BUFALO KOBES,

Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.,
No. 30 Penn Square,

9-1-1 y LAJ^OASTER, PA.

A GREENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR, 1

For $1.00 we will send free by mail, |

any one of the following lots : ■

8 distinct rarlclicR, Monthly l{o909,WiDtcr flowering. ■

8

" Cnrnntion Pinkn, "

" Chinese rhryftonthcraus, "

'* Znatil GoranluuiBj "

" Duublo, " '•

'*^ Ivy LoBved '* "

" IU-liotropc§, "

" Abulilons, »'

*' Double Camellai, '*

" Azfllean, "

" Lobster factus, "

" itouvanlias, "

" Strvlas iind EupatorluDU,"

" Double Vinloti, "

2

" I'oiiiBftla, rtcarlet & White, do. do.

" I'lunibajio, ili>. do.

8

4

e

" Jlosseo, "

e

" Murantas, "

8

20 ii>gortcil Tulipi, D11I69. ■

50

Croeus ■

2

" Jacobtfau Lily, Bulbs. ■

12

OxmHn. ■

4I.ll)oflho V.llcy, ■

8N

-VF I'carl TuboroBO. M

OR BY EXFBESS : ■

3 of ony 01' the above $1 colloctloni for 13. ■
6 " 3 ■

I :: t: 1

II :: ?: 1

Or the whale colloctlon of 238 Rulbn and rianti sent by H

Ripruta on receipt of (l.'i.tMl, to which ellhiT ofour booki, H

OAliDKNlNO KOK l-UdKIT, 1-KACTlCAL KI.OKICl'L- B

Tl'llE, or OAllDKMXO FOH I'l.F.AHUIIE (»«luo tlJO ■

cucli

, win bv added. iPeeciiutlve Ctlaloiruc frou. ■

PETER HENDERSON & CO., 1

SeeclHnirn nn<l FloriNlN, 1

35 Cortlandt St., N. T. 1

^^^^H

9-T-ly]

GRACE'S SALVE.

A Vesrelable I'ropnrntion, luvcntcd in tho ITtli
ceiitur>' by Dr. William (Irace, BurKf^on lu King Jamen'
army. Through itB agency he cured thousandH of the moM
eerious sores and wounda, and wan regarded by all who
knew him as a puMic bein'factor. tiSc. a Ix>x, by mail 30c,
For Bale by drnKtfisU generally,

AGENTS WANTED.

AddroBB CETH W. TOWLZ £ SCHS, Beaton, lliii.
9-lO-Cul

H. Z. RHOADS.

CHAS. Q. RHOADS.

H.Z. RHOADS &BRO.,

38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa.,

Vrbolcaole anil ReUU Dealer* In

DIAMOMS, WATCHES, JEWELRY

SILVEEWAEE, SPECTACLES,

BroQzes, Cloclst and Watclini&kers' Materials,

Jobbers in i^MEiycAN Watci^es.

ORDERS RECEIVED FOR
Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods.

9-l-ly]

REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN.

1823. SEra FOR 1878.
NEW YORK^'OBSERVER

The Best Religiousand Secular Family News-

paper. $3.15 a Year, post-paid.

Established 1823.

37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.

SAMPLE COPIES FREE.

9-in-Cra

1760. ESTABLISHED 1760.
GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.,

26 and 28 "West King-st.

HARDWARE,

BUILDING HAEDWAEE.

GLASS,

PAINTS, OILS, PVMP8,

TERRA COHA, Mali LEAD PIPE,

LEATHER BELTING,
SEEDS,

PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Afronta for tba

'' Ohio " Reaper and Mower,
Whann'e Phosphate,
Fairbank'a Scales,
Duponf 8 Powder,
Harrisburg Nails, &o., &o.

Wo h«ve the l«r((Mt dtock of d«ner»l H.rdwire in (be
State, and our prlcce are an low auU tornu aa lilxral aa can
bo found elaewhere. V-l-U.

IV.

THE LANCASTR FARMER.

[December, 1877.

LADIES I

WE HAVE JTJST OPENED

GUNDAKER'S

MILLINERY AND TRIMMING

STORE,

A NEW LOT OF

aAMBORGEMBROIDEBEi) EDGINGS

AND

INSERTINGS,

AT THE VERY LOWEST PRICES. Also,

SILK & WORSTED FRINGES,

Corsets, Kill QIotcs,

Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades
and styles,

craps: ve:xi.s,

CEAPE BOXl«fETS & HATS,

KUCHINGS,
al! styles and widths, and everything else in

LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR,
that is good, desirable and cheap. .
Give us a call at

Nos. 142 & 144 North Qncen-st, Lancaster., Pa.

9-l-lv

i(

OTTT OF -WOB-S."

SONG AND CHORUS, BY

ALICE IIA"WTHORNE.
Author of ** Listen to the Mocking Bird," " I'll sail the seas
over," '* TVhat is Home without a Mother/' etc., etc.
" Out of work, without a penny,
Pleading hel i before thy door,
Without friends among the many —
Ixjok with pity on the poor."
• , * One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever
written, will give the author a more extended popularity
than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents — or,
illustrated title page 40 cents.

For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on
receipt of price by the publishers.

J. M. STODDART & CO.,
9-9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

ESTABLISHED 1832.

a. SENER & SONS,

Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and
finished

X^UniBSFl,

AIbo Sash,

The best Sawed SHINOI.CS iu the country.
Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c.

PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING

and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any
other. Also best I'OAI^ constantly on hand.

OFFICE AND YARD :

Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts.,

9-1-ly

BS2TS02T, BITRPES <& CO.,

OFFEE FOR SALE A FINE LOT OF

THOROUGHBRED LIVE STOCK

Including Aldernej ^nd Ayrshira 0ATTL3J and CALVE3, of the finest hard Rsgistered Stock.

PIGS A SPECIALTY.

England. YORKSHIKESot our Duke H.
ESSEX PIGS.

Barkshires aired by our Celebrated Imported Boar, " THE

COLLIER;" winner of Six High Honors an i First Prizes In

and the beat importations CHESTER WHITE, POLAND CHINA AND

SHEEP <& LAMBS.
SUPERIOR POULTRY.

SOUTHDOWN, COTSWOLD,
LAMBS.

AND LEICESTER SHEEP AND

All the leading varieties of best class LAND
WATER FOWLS.

Breeder's Alannnl and STew IUn«trntpd Descriptive Cataloirae «r Thorongrhbred C.tttle,
Sheep, HoR«, Pnllnry. etc. Second Edltlnn. JlTsT tlllT. ContfiinInK over .50 Piis'cs T»lo'
able Rendiue, besides 10 Fnll Page Stock Cntw, from life, ol° onr nncst liuportetl itiid Prize
Animals and 1'otcIs. Price. 23 cents. Postpaid. Kvery Farmer needs It.

SEED W^HEAT AND ALL SEASONABLE SEEDS.

'B^Our Annual Illustrated Descriptive Seed Catalogue, for 18T8, will be issuei December Ist, offering many Choice
Novelties. It may be had Free for the asking.

BENSOIT, BXTEPEB Ss GO-, 223 Chureh Street, Philadelphia,

PX.'X'BSOtTTSC ROCK ^O'WTX.S.

WE know no breed of Poultry that has gained a more Wonderful 1 opularity. in so short a time, than the PLYMOUTH
KOCKS. This popularity is wonderful when we cjiisider that Pure Bred Poultry is chiefly cultivated by Fan-
ciers, whose aim Is artistic beauty, and the Plymouth Rocks possess few fancy points— iheir merits being in their econom-
ical qualities. This is almost the only breed of Poultry iu which nothing has been sacri&ed for mere fancy. They
origiuated by crosses of several breeds, thus gaining great vigor and streugth of constitutlou. They have large, well-
shaped bodies, with a superabundance of choice meat on the breast and most esteemed parts. They will attain a weight
of FIVE POUNDS at four months, when they make splendid market fowls, while the Asiatics are not ready to market
until eight months old. The Plymouth Rocks have bright yellow legs, free from any feathers, and beautiful yellow skin.
They are good layers, and are not hard to break from sitting. They make first-class mothers, and the chicks are hirdy
and easy to raise. They are in a pre-eminent degree the FARMER'S FOWL, combining as they do more excellencies for
general farm use than any other breed now known. They pay better to raise pure for market than any cross-breeds or
mongrels. We think the day is not far distant when these fowls will be bred by Farmers everywhere for market. The
outlook at present points this way, as all farmers who have tried them pronounce them all that can be desired. The de-
mand for them already far eicoeda expectancy— out -selling now any other breed.

"W. ATLBH BXJHFBS. Fhilfldelpliia, Fa.

For NINETY DAYS FROM DATE
Elegant Table Silverware i

r-in be =6'- lire J by nil ''n cinipUnne? witli ilio f-ilLiwin:; coinlitioiia: ThcNiitinnnl SlWer
Plniliig (■onumtiv. 704 rht>;tDUt Stiwi, riii:.i.li;l|(li i:i, m.iii'it;ic'_iiiprs of Piiie Coin i
■-t iiiJitnl .^ilTcr-Vlaled Wnfe. ivill HCii-I l.i i.uy ntii.- n liu irccJv.-s Ihi^ iiolifO, a Sft oT

U iii.ie KxiiB-Plnte'l Silver S|io<iiis. and eugrave ou each epoon any desired

initial. Yon nrc rpqmred ti> cut on I lliu rnlli.wiug Silverware Clou [mil iiu'l 3c ud 1 1 to
the abu»e Conipauj-. wilh tout nnmi; and nd-lress. and aI«o m enclose with ll 75 cents
m pn_9 all dim gc.4, irtcluding cost of ciict iwing niiLinlN, [.ntklug. boxing, and exiTcsa
cliirgeit. The S|ioonfl will be Kt'tlt >»r fxpr. s^ inf mnil. if von Imve uo eipress fdrici;).
mid delivered iu yonr hauil!i niilioiii fiutbcr eoni. 1 lieie Ppoi.m ore guarniite>.'-t in be
of tlie best ni-ileiial, acd equnl lo Ihr besi SiWer-Ptul-.-d W.Trf mode, as the rollowius
lelUr from the ('(itnpcnjr will ICNiifr ;

OVPK-K «.P National Rii.vru Plating Co., 704 Chestnut St.. PhSlnaelphia. Pr.

To whom it may Concern.— The H(Kinn.s sent out ualertliii nrrau^^ctueiit
wl ^tmi :iniL'i.' iii'L' of bust quiility, lir^t heavily plat--''. wiUi pure nlcLel (the hiifdcft
wli!ie nirlnl known), and a donblc-exlra plnt'e of piiro Cuiti-Siiinrtftrd Silver addi-d oil
i.ijMjf the 11 cki'l, thus reiiderlni; ihciu tUt- very best Slivor-Plated Wnre niuunfac-
tiiie'l. U'f will htiuur no order which dui-a m.t contain the -Silvei ware Conpou. and we
will n<-t honor the Coupon nfier nim iv d:i\s fn>m the d:i(e of thi'* paper.

ISigued] NAl'ION AL SILVER PLATING CO.,

704 Cheetnut St.. Philadelphia.

SII^VERM AIEK COUPON.

On rereiptof this nunpon, together with 75c'-nts to covt-r all charges, inclnd-
ne express or nialliiii;, cni^rnvlng nnd boxing, we hereliy agree to ncud to any ad-
Iresfl a sot of our pure Cidii-Staiidiird doulile-exlnt pUtcd

SI LVER SPOONS,

.nd on each Spoon cngraAi,* any desired iuiUal. All chiirgf?^ are to be pripnid by
lif 75 cents arut us, aud the Spooiis will t>e delltcred at destination fl-co of aD>
ith-;- 'hnrBC.

Good for nlnetT dnv9 from dnto of t'ii'< pnpf^r, nf*er whicli (hii Ponpon Is null
md Toid. [Slkned] NATIONAL SILVER PLATING CO.,

704 CheslMut St., Philadelphia.

Should it be desired, any one of ihe TollowinE aiticles will be sent In
lieu of the SpooUH oil payniciii. of the followintt charges : Six solid steel
knives, bluduand handle o'ne solid piece, best st<>el. double nickel and silver
plaiod. %'l\ si-x f-rks. double nlekel and silver plul^d. 9.t uts. If all tlioio
(fnoda are desirdl, enclose the tulnleharf^es, which will be7o ct«. for spoon »,
%i for kt;ivcs. and Vo ct-i. for fork^— tolal. $3.7it— thus s«^oriiii: for 8.1.70
wliiii would CO I vou niuih in-ne in Juiy other wi.v. Bcmember that
each article, except knivea, will be engraved with any initial
doaired without eJttra cottt.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

ThH lihcal ofTor hold« good for only ninety d.iyf from date, therefore
iL Is lo the intercut of all who run sei-nrc its beoellt« to ?>ee lo it tbat Ihey
are n>>t dL-bam>d by reason of the expiiiition of the ilniespeclQcd. Allk-t-
tcra urderii't; Silverware Hbuiild be liddressed direol to the

NATIONAl!. SILVEU PIRATING CO.,

No. 704 Chestnut Street.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

AMOS MILEY,
108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa.,

MANUFACTUEBB OF AND DEALKB IN

Saddles, Harness, Collars,

DridleB, Wklps, Sic. Also a flno lot of Trunks, Valises,
Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes.

Harness and Trunks neatly repaired.

9-l-ly

A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr.,

MAHUFAOTUEKE OP

FRENCH CALF BOOTS

pon
OENTLEMEjr.

FRENCH KID BOOTS

FOB

I.ADIES.

No. 36 West King Street,

LANCASTER, PA.

DUNBAR'S CHILD' S~silOES A SPECIALTY.

9-I-ly

Q 'V<aQr» I To lobMribers in
O. 1 Ceil ■( Iho oonnty.

SINGLE OOFZES 10 CE2TTS.

To ratwcrlbcn out of ) d; ■( O Q
ibrcouuty. ( >pl.^t->

Trot S. S. EATHVON, Editor.

LANCASTER. JANUARY 15, 1878.

UNN^US BATHVOW. PubUiW.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

Our Tenth Volume, ---...]

Do Bcfo Keally Destroy Fruit, - - - 1
Pergonal, -.---•--l

Special Premiums for 1878, - - - . 2

About Mosquitoes, --..-- 2

Only a Farmer, .-•-.. 2

The Horued Owl, -.--.. 2
Programme of .Meetlnp of the Pennsylvania

Board of Agriculture, ----- 3
Breeding Stock — She.*p HuKbandry — Fruit Grow-
iug by Faruiera — Barriyiirrt Miinure.

About Bate, ..--.-- 3
A RemaikiiLle B:it CaTe ju Bexar County, Texas.

January, - 3

Kiu:heu-Gitr(len Calendar.

Standard of ExulU'nic of Berk»hire Swine, - 4
Adojited by (be Auiericau Berkshire APBOciBtiou.

.Iapaue«e Persimmon or Date Plum, - - 4

Mysteries of a Cold Air Spring, - - - 4
Interesting Dt-scriiition of the Martie Township
Cave — Scientilic TLeories Concerning It.

Answer to a Correspondent, - - - - .")

PodisrceofSliort-IIorued Bull Javeline, 23526, - .5
Clul)bing, ------- -5

AddrcRS, ....... 5

Care of Domestic Animals, - . . . fj

Communication, ------ 6

Kvivu of a fu ArticI fl in the Dec. No.

Ttie Ilelianec Kasplierry, 7

Essay on JLinurc, ------ 7

J. B."(i., et. al., vs. Italian Bees, - - - 8

Chemical Ferlilizers, . . - . - i)

."pceialtic* in Farming, ----- 9

Cliolcra jVmong Fowls, - . - - \o
(iuinea Fowls, -------10

Our Local Organizations, - - - - 11

J*rt)ceediijgB of t!io J,anoaster County Agricnltnral

and Ht'rtirulniral Society — A Little Spice by

tlic Way — Senator Muninia.

Tobacco Groweis' Association, - - - - 11
Croii Kejiorts — TltilizingToliacco Stalks — Lime on
Tobacco Land— Tobacco iu Bulk — Bills Paid —
Business for Next Meeting.

The Liunican Society, ----- 12

Papers Read.

AGRICULTURAL,

Agricultural Outlook, ------ l.T

A Portable Fence, ------ 13

Pulverizing Manure. ------ 13

Cost of 11 Bushel of Wheat, - - - - 13

Improving Wheat, ....-- 13

HORTICULTURAL.

Cultivation of the Lilac, ----- 13

New Vegetables, ------ 13

Suggestions About Plants, - - - - 14

Sowing Flower Seeds, ------ 14

Bury the Rubbish, 14

Rust on Blackberries, ------ 14

A Hint to (irape Growers, - - . . 14

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Scarlet Fever, ------- 14

Useful nintt for Home, ... - 14

Suggestive to Fault-Finder», . - . . 14

Household Recipes, ----- 14

LIVE STOCK.

Sheep for Profit, .-.-.. 15
Animal Instinct, -------15

Sheltering Cattle, ------ 15

ENTOMOLOQICAL.

Somethlni; About Insects, - - - - 15

A New Household Pest, ----- 15

CIrouuiventing the Turnip Beetle, - - - 15

POULTRY.

Poultry and Egg Production, - - - - 1.5

Give the Fowls' Pure Water, - . - . 15

Something for Poultry Men, - - - - 15

Cabbages for Fowls, - - . . . 1,'i

Buckwheat, - - 15

Feeding Young Chicks on Rice, ... 16

Coal Ashes for Fowls, ----- 1(5

Literary and Personal, ----- 16

X878

X878

BARGi^lNS! BpCi^lNS!!

In Winter Clolhlnfr Troni now nntil the
Oeioninij Nprinf; : either

READY MADE,

, and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa.

EDW. J. ZAHM,

DBALKB IV

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

WATCHES,

SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE.
CLOCKS,

JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY.

Solo A^ent for Iho Ainndel Tinted

OR MADE PROMPTLY TO ORDER, OJrJ:lJ^..>'±i^^^J_,IZJO.

ItrpairJTiR ptrictlv :i(trt|(]oil to
at the Ola ftaml vt

RATHVON & FISHER, i»„«^*™'^°°^"'^''-

NO, 101 NORTH QUEEN ST.,

LANCASTER, PA.

Clotlis, Cassimers, Mlmj and Worsted fioofls

in (V'airiil'Ic Htyk-n.
ALSO A GKNKKAI. LINE OF

UNDERCL0THIN6&FURNI8H1N6 GOODS,

as cheap as the cheapeBt and ae ^ood aa the best.

M. HABERBUSH,

MANUFACTURED OF

Plain and Fine Harness,

SAItltl.KN,

COLLARS, WHIPS, FLY NETS. &c.,

AI.IJO DEALER IN

TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS,

Bur.vi.o i{(iBi;s.
Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Q-loves, &c.,

No. 30 Penn Square,

9-I-lT I.ANCASTI.U. PA.

> J'TT'fVf' /

GRAND TRIUMPH IN HORTICULTURE.

The cri.iwiiinK rcwnll <if ICiiihtt^u iieam of c;ire uiid lull —

The CinilerellaniuM'oniinentiil S4rnwl*errieH
and Karly Frulllic uud ICvllaiirc Itaspbrrrien iB

DOW uffered to tbe I'ublic ; Tewieil 5iine rei%ri». unti in
our judfcmeut the Four lleHt I'nylnfc .Hnrkei
Berries.
tW Oatalooue aud Tbicc List Fret.

tilBSO^f A BENNETT.
Nurserymen and Fruit Grower*, Woodbury, N. J.

Fifty pages— ytH)IliuBtralioue, with DeHcriptionrt of tlion-
Biiiids of the IjCf^t FiowprH and Vft/i-tftblps iu the world, nud
the tray to ^row thim—-Al for a. Two Cent postage Htamp.
l^riuled 111 (^ii^ruiiiu :,\ui l.titili^li,

Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden, 50 cents io
I»ai rr rovcvi* ; in eietf.Mit cloth r-ners, Jlj'it.

Vick's Illustrated Monthly Magazine.— :)-J)>affe*i fine
Illiislmtious, and ^.'olored I'Ulf in ivtry uiiniljer, I'lioe
fUW :i yvar • Five cojiee lor J.'.tiii.

Adilri-bH, -TAMES VICK. KnrL'etor, N. Y.

DOLLAR-AND-A-HALF FOR TEN GENTS.

StoililnrtVx Mittticnt I.ihrart/. just jubliithed, 13
paRCB, full ei?,*', l>et«t ;imt nn»ff i-opular niUHit- for lOccutfl.
y^w ami Popalar SowiSy Jktncr aiui Injirn/tuftifal M%tMc,
OperaM, Jfymnn, etc., etf. For Bait* by nil newHjiupor deal-
er*:. rowlage *2 ct*ut«, to be sent in addition to alcove, if
ordere*! from tbd pnblifibeni.

J. M. sTonnAitn & co.,

0\2-^t] T2.1 (Mi-.KTNrr SijiKii. riiii.&mi.iMiiA.

CHRONIC

l-ntbn innrk^d out by (bat
idiilneMl of all booka —
•I'Uiiu Hoin«' T:ilk and
Medical Common Sonao,''
— u«uirly 1,'HH> i atJ*'8, 'J'Kt illiiatrntioufl, by Pr. K. IJ. FooTE,
of I'jfN Islington Ave.. N. T. rurcbawr* of iblp li-»ok are
at lilMTty toeoiiMi/l ttH author in per»on or by null frte
Pncf- by mail$;i.2.'i for the ^S/a/if/zitv/ tnliMon. or $1,50 foi
the /*o/)t4/ar cflitioii. which contuinn all ibo name niattei
nud lUuKtratiouH. ('outiuts tiibleH free. Aft^ntn Wttnte-d.

MT'RUAT HIM, prUIJSKTNG CO .
O-lO-ly tliJi> J-H*** 2*»th SI. N. Y.

FREE.

For a Clab for either tbe Eureka Shirt or Dreaa Chart, I
will Reod a Chart free on receipt of 25 cti*. to pay for mount-
ing and portage. Mm^-. A. J. MARKOW,

Indian a poUa, jud.

ir.

THE LANCASTER FARMER.

S<-HEDlTI.Ii:.

as fr)llows :

Ari-ive
Harrisburg.
4;it5 a. m.
7:5tJ a. ni,
111:411 a. 111.
Ool. S.OO p. m.
1:00 p. m.
1:25 p. m.
l::w p. in.
^:'15 p. m.
Col. 2:4.5 p. m.
j S:10 p. m.
I Col. siiio p. m.
s:4ii p. m.
10:."iii p. ui.
12:45 a. m.

Philadelphia.
3:110 a. m.
7:00 a. m.
10:110 a. m.
12:30 p. m.
3;45 p. in.
5:00 p. Ul.
(i:00 p.m.
7:20 p. m.
9:00 p.m.
The H;inover ,\ccomniodatiou, wet^t, connects at Lancaster
with Kia^iara Express, west, at 0:35 a. m., and wiU run
throufih to Ilanovei'.

The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas-
ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m.. and luus to Frederick.
The Pacific Exprf-sp, ej^et, on Sini'lay, -vvlieu flnggi-d. v;\\'
stop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount -Joy and Laudis-
viDe.
. *The only trains which run daily.

tRnns d;iily, t-xcrevit Mi>ndiv>\

EVEE? BEE-SEEPES SHOULD SEAB TES

PEXXSYI-VANIA KAII<ROAI>
Trains leave the Depot in this city,

I Leave

WEST\V.\RD. Lancaster.

Pacitic Express" i 2:40 a. m.

Way Patseugert ' 4:50 .a.m.

Niagara Expref-s 9.35 a. m.

Col. Accoiiimodatiou I 7:20 p.m.

Mail trail] via Mt. -Toy j 11:20a. m.

No. 2 via Columbia : 11:20 a. in.

Sunday MaU i 11:20 a. m.

Fast Line" 2:10 1'.m

Fro'b^j-ick .\rcomniodatiou . ' 2:13 p. in,

Hun-isburg .\cconi | 6:00 p.m.

Columbia ,\ccommodatiou.. : 7:20 p. in.

Harrifibui-g Express i 7:25p,in.

,PittsbnrK Express 9:25 p.m.

Cincinnati Express' 11:30 p. ni.

E.\KTWARD. Lancaster.

Atlantic Express' | 12:30 a. m.

Philadelphia F.xpresst 4:10 a. m.

HalTisbiirg Express 7::i5 a. m.

Columbia ,\ccoinniOiIatiou.. 9.2.S p. m.

Pacific Express ■. ; 1:20 p. m.

Sunday Mail 2:00 p. m.

Johnstown Express 3:05 p. ra.

Day Express* ■ 5:iS p. m.

Harrisburg Accom 5:.50 p. m.

An eleeant 36 ]i:iee MontliW devoteft to

SOIENTinC AHD PSACTICAL BEE-OULTDEE.

Th" most. 8U'-'cc3iful End experienced Bce-ilaslerJ in Ainenc*
lire its regular correspondents. It i« the Olokst, Largest »nd

BEST BEE PAPER IN THE WORLD;

TWU liOLI.Ar.S A VKAR. Specimen Copy 10 cts. Addresa

7I1011. 3, Hewman <e Son, 971 W. Uadison St. Cliicagi!.
9-12-2-t

TO AGEHTS.

Tlie Gsntury Ci art.

A 100-yenr Alruaiiiic. whereby yon vm ascertain what day
Ofthcweek Kiiy day of the mouth is or whiit day of the
mouth any day of the week is, waB. or will be. from 1799 to
1900, or iii what duy auy event lias takeu place, from 1799
. to 190iJ, :!ud HWO'other ocL-urreiioes. The gresitest in- -^
5 ventioii of luau. Every ) ersoii will buy one; also the -C
'fS great K;,'yijtiau Puzzle. Sport for .all. Kithei* article =
e seut on receipt of 2-5c. po^t paid, or $1 per dozen. *■
^ Ageute wanted everywhere. L-.idies and Geuts secure
your towu uf oiico. Yuu can make $20 per week. Send for
sample.

n-12-fim]

KOiISS BRO'S. Sovdtv Dealer ;.

in.l and 10) Washington St.,"CHlrAU(.l. 111.

A FARMER'S FORTUNE.

The plaee to learn how it maybe obtaiued is the Grea
Ameki:'.a.n Stock Jouhnal, a large 24 i-age monthly, one of
the chenpest and best Tarm Magazines in the country. Tells
about Farming and Stock Raisiup iu all its branchee. No
farmer's Family should be without it, as it will save many
times its cost.

and a desiie to pliict' it ia the hiwAs o:' all. li-d us to make
the liberal otTer of seuding it thr<-u n;oiiths on tri;il for

TWO DIMES.

Liberal pi-finiuins, a spccnicn cn);y and sho'v bills free to
oil who will use them. All who siUwcribe before .January
let, 18T8, h'et the October, November and Jiecembev num-
ters fieo. Addresa, POTTS BUOTHEBS, Parliescurg,
Chester co.. I'a. [9-ll-3m.

A TR-JE FAEMSE'S PAPES.

SGIENTIG FARMER.

BOSTOV. n.VSSi.

revotca to tlic Interesis ol ProfilaWe AgncnltirB.

"Its dei.aitnients lucludr CHK.Misriiv. Botaxv and IIon-

TICUl.TVRK, DaIIcT ANP STOCK VETFIUNARY, ENTOMOLOGI-
CAL The li'irUD, CONFKKENCE COBSEB and MISCECLASE-

o^jsLou Parin Practice. Kncal .Architecture. The Farmer
in Polilics, etc.— all being conducted on that idea of cor-
rectness which is to advance the farm profit, and lift Agri-
culture iu a higher social position.

Circulates in Every State and Territory.
Subscrilitiou price only Jl.l'o per y.-ar, Vend stami) for
samide copy and circular ol Special /•n-mmni.f and itufnce-
menis for r/.)':.-. ^ P'-" '-*"'■

P U I- M O N A

ia beyond comparison the best remedy for the rurc ot CON-
SUMPTION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAliEs),.l.>{f/inia,

Bronchitan. Catarrh, and all derangements of the NERV-
OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing PAitTicnnAKS of

MANT CASES SX'CCESSFULI-Y TREATED, full advise fOT the

treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certificates
of actual cures, will lie sent free by mail to all applicants.
Address OSCAR G. MOSES, Sole Proprietor, IS Cortlandt
Street, New York, 9.10-6m

THAT HEAD OF MINE.

If you would know what it contains, read the
"Phrenological Journal." Terms, $2 a year (reduced
from $3). with a beautiful Phr-nological Bust of
Plaster of Paris, nearly life-size, as Premium to each
subscriber.

THE PHRENOLOGICAL

Has been published for forty years, is widely and favorably
known, iccupviug a place peculiarlv its own, devoted to the
siudy of HUMAN NATUKK in uJl its pUnses, mcluding
Phrenology, Piiysiognniny. Ethnolpgy. Physiology, etc.,
together with the *• Science of Ukalth," and no expense
wi'l be sjiared to raak? it the bcs' -iinblicitiou for general
ciiculatiou, tending ahvays (o •u;;ke men better phypically,
mentally, and morally. 'I'ite JntTnNAL for ISTs will contain
a series of carefully-prepared papers on Pkaotical Purkn-
OLOGY. called

"BRAIN AND MIND."

These will be amply iliuKtrated, and. with the Pkemium
Bust, will furnish the reiider witli a clear exposition of the
Science iu its various departments. Also, a special series
of papei's on

"The Training of Children,"

Basides the Portrait aud Biograpbioiil iSketch Department'
which will be fully Muppiicd. and eacli Xo. will contain uhc
ful suggestions on Home and Sanitary Jlatterw,

A PREMIUM HEAD.

To each subsciiber we will ppiid a IN.odel Phreuologinal
Head, or Bust, showing the esucl: locaiiou of each of the
Phrenological Organs— a very oruamental figure made in
Plaster of Paris. 25 cents extra for boxing and packing
each Bust must be sent. Large size will be sent by express,
or No. -i, smaller, by nmil, post-paid.

PRICE REDUCED.

The jirice of The Juurnai. is reduced from $3 to $*2 a
year. Single Noh. iit ceuta. ,

AGENTS WANTEP. Keud 10 cents for Specimen No.
and TenuH, Addre:-«

10-1-lm]

S. R. WELLS & CO.. Publishers,

7'i'3' SSr^sjKlnny, Xow York.

J. STAUFFER,

WiMM II I

t-' t- T-'.

LANCASTER, f ENN'A.
23S EAST ORANGE ST.

All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CAN.a-
DIAN PATENTS, TKADE MARKS, and I'uPYRIGHTH.
promptly attended to. His experience, succedifi aid faithful
atentiou to the interests of those who engago bis services
are fully ackuowledged and api-reciated.

Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable Ajj
sistant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing
or description. [U-l-tf

My amuial Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seed for
1878 will be sen! FUKE, in Jjnuarj, to all who apply. Cus-
tomers of last season nee 1 not write for it. I oflfer one of
the la.rge8t coUeci ions of vegetable seed ever sent out by
any seed house iu America, a large jmrtion of which wer«
gvcwu OH my six seed farniH. Prwted dirertionn forndtiva-
fiitn nn each jmcfcafje. All seed sold from mv eatablishnient
warranted to be both fiesh and trne to nani'-; so far that
Hlinuld it prove otherwise I will retill the order gratis. Aa
the original introdncer of the Hubbard and Marblehead
Squashes, the Marbleh*'ad Cabbages, and a score of other
new vegetables, I invite the patrnnn,''t' of aU T'hnare anxious
to have their xeed DIRECTLY' FROM TlIK GliOWEltJreah.
true, a?id of the very he-it strain, A'ftv I'cffftuhles a spe-^
cialtif.

9-l-2-4m] JAMES J. H. GREGORY, Marblehead, MaOT.

ADVERTISING.

$t.O0O WORTH FOR $$^.50.

The cheaiiest and besf way to reach readers outside Of
the large cities is by using one or more of our six lists of
over 1«000 newspapers, divided to cover difl'erent sec-
iious ot tho country. M'eekly i'ircolalion ov«r

<(<><>. 000. Advsrtiseujents received for one or more lieta.
For catalogues containing names of papers, aud other in*

formation aud for eatinuites, address

SEALS i rOSTEE, 41 Park Eow (Timee Bailding), New 7wk.

HULL & SCOTNEY,

GENERAL

COMMISSION

MERCHANTS,

No. 346 North Water Street.

PHILADELPHIA,

and wholesale dealej-wa iu Butter, Cheese, Lard, Tallow,
Eggs. Piiultry, Gauie, Stock, Pot.atoes, Apples, Graiu,
•nTTmfriTTn Flour, Fur, Wool, Cotton. Kice, Tobacco,
nil I I H W Pe;inuls. Broom Corn, Dried Fruit, Hay,
UU 1 xijil. Hops. Foreign aud Donjestic Fruits, aud in
fact we can sell any and cverythiugat the highe.it market
price ; make prompt ftn'Tl'nn'n returns, and LIRE-

made on all ship- UilIllUUJJ, ments except periah-
able articles. To show that we do au extensive business,
any game dealer in Philadelphia will tell
Tou we handled more game last season
than all other Houses iu Philadelphia jiit
together. Send for price Eist, Stcncd, &c., &c. REFE-
Sli-:\CK CASH, or we refer you to AWY RENPOST-
.•ilBI.E IIOl NE iu ttlR t'l I'Y.

EGGS.

POETRY.

c, &c. REFE-
WY REN POST-

GAME.

THS BEST OFFER I

We will ei'U dutmg tho^f hard tinier

$510 Hanos for $210,

And all oih.er styles in the same proyortion, iucludiug Grand,
Squ.ire aud Upright— all /irst-c/as-— sold direct to the people
at factory prices. No agents; no oonimissious; no discounts.
These Pianos made one of the fiuest displays at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, aud were uuauhnously reeummeudedfor
the Highest Hokobs. Regularly incorporated Aranufao-
turiug company— New Mauufactory— one of tlie largest and
tiuestin the world. The Square Grands contain Mathushek*e
new patent Duplex Overstrung Scale, the greatest improve-
ment in the history of Piano making. TUo uprights are the
fluost in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don'Hail to write
for Illustrated aud Descriptive Catalogue— mailed fiee.

MSNDEL3S0HN PIANO CO.,

9-T-Iy JVo. .'56 Broadway, Jf. T.

Rfl PER CENT TO AGENTS, forlhe Illuslrated Monthly.
JU DNION IN CHKIST, 50 cents a year; also large
c;.hh cou'juissinii or v.iluablc premium to cauvasere
for THE LONDON CHEISTIAN HERALD, m lUustratgl
Weekly, coutaining sermohs ot V. H. SPUKGEON, DK.
TALMADGE and D. L. MOODY, interesting articles, eerijl
story, etc. Three months, 75 cents, $2.50 a year, from U.
8 Branili Offlce. Write now for sample copies and temli
free, to U. A. KING, IT Hible House, N. Y. City.

THE NATIONAL AGRIOULTUEIST AND W0BKIN8
FARMEE, established 1S47. a double iiuarto, 16 page, Il-
lustrated Family Paper, devoted to Agriculture. Stock
Raising, Bee-Culture, tc. Try it ! fi months f»r 5B cents,
or with the ILLUSTRATED PRONOUNCING DICTION-
ARY 'A 0 paoes. 25t> engravings, cloth, sent with the
paper a year, both post-paid, lor only $1.30. Large ooim-
mifl«ion8 or valuable premiums to Agents. Address

WM. L. ALLISON, 128 Nassau St., New York.

^^^r^;^^AA,^r^,f^^i^Ar^'

;^.tAP^A3A^^.A

;:AAr^r

A^w^t?

>A'AA'T»-

S^i5a?:o^>^'^X■^ >A/

^^'S«^

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