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Massachusetts Agricultural

REPOSITORY and JOURNAL.

VOLUME VII.

Ct.NnUCTED BY XHE TRUSTEES OP THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY.

boston:

published by wells and lilly.

1823

Lb 6-0 (o

V7

MASSACHUSETTS
AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL.

Vol. VII ] JANUARY, 1822. ^No. I.

AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE MASSACHUSETTS AG-
RICULTURAL SOCIETY AT THE BRIGHTON CATTLE SHOW,
17th Oct. 182L Sy HENRY COLMAN.

GENTLEMEN OF THE AGRICUT^TURAL SOCIETY,
AND FELLOW CITIZENS,

1 SHOULD have been glad, on this occasion, to have con-
fined myself to the discussion of some single topic, connected
with agriculture or domestic economy ; but the time allow-
ed me to prepare for this duty, has been much too short to
do this in a manner satisfactory to you or myself. I
must therefore be permitted to take a wider range ; and
here I beg leave, with all possible respect, to suggest to the
Trustees of this Institution, that in general, and with the
exception of those few distinguished cultivators, whom I
have the honour to succeed in this duty, if they demand a
crop that is worth harvesting, they should give us an oppor-
tunity to prepare the ground and sow the seed at least as
early as the preceding spring ; but where every thing is to
be done by forcing, they must be satisfied with that, which,
through their great clemency, may answer for the occasion,
but, as we are accustomed to say, 'will not answer to keep.'
All I can do is to ask you to go with me into an old field,
which we have often traversed, and determine what is best
to be done with it ; what parts it is expedient at once to
break up ; and by what means we may redeem it from its
Vol. Vll. 1

2 27

2 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

present sterililj ; what enemies we have to contend with
more ii^jarioiis to the farmers prosperity than the Canada
thistle ; and in fine, how we can render that, which is often
offensive by its desolation, as beautiful and productive as
God designed it should be.

I begin then by inquiring, What is essential to a farmer's
prosperity ? We will stop a moment to determine, what we
mean by a farmer's prosperity. I d© not intend therefore
merely his getting rich. Under certain restrictions, the acqui-
sition of wealth is as much a duty as any thing else. It is a
most important moral obligation, to provide by honest means
for those, whom God has cast upon our care, and to increase
our means of doing good in the community ; to these ends
property is essential, and may be successfully applied.
But where a man has no other object of pursuit than to be
rich, and avarice becomes his ruling passion, he will not be
happy, and is most likely to become dishonest. That
farmer is prosperous, who is able by his own personal labour,
and the produce of his husbandry, to provide for the ordi-
nary wants of himself and his family ; to give his children
a suitable education and establishment, in that .situation in
life, in which they are likely to be placed ; to keep himself
free from the curse of debt and mortgage ; to maintain the
character and assert the rights of an independent freehol-
der ; to contribute something every year to the improve-
ment of his estate, and to that fund in reserve, which every
prudent man ought, as far as possible, to provide against a
season, when the accidents of life or the infirmities of old
age may render it necessary to repose from his labours and
cares. This is all the prosperity which a reasonable
farmer ought to expect or wish ; and further than this, the
acquisition of property and the exemption from constant
care and hard labour are not to be desired. The condition
of the man, whose situation 1 have now described, is fa-
voured and enviable. It is a common complaint among
farmers, who, Wesley says, I think unjustly, are more apt to

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

complain than any other class of men, that agriculture is an
unprofitable business ; and there is no doubt that the value
of the produce of our labour is not proportioned to the
price of that labour ; an evil which, as our population increa-
ses, will rectify itself. But even in the present condition of
things among us, if agriculture will not make us rich, it will
be found, where it is properly managed, the source of as
much prosperity as reasonable men ought to desire. I
have myself known so many instances of such sisccessful
husbandry, in parts of the country remote from market, and
where the soil is extremely rough and unpromising ; instan-
ces in which, men, who began life with no other property
than the frock on their backs, and the spade in their hands,
have brought up and well educated numerous families, and
acquired not only a competency but an independency, that
there can remain no doubt on the subject. Let us inquire
then what are the means most likely to ensure success to
the farmer? Next, what circumstances are most likely
to defeat his success ? 1 will endeavour to be as brief
as possible, because a long talk in the morning is a viola-
tion of one of the most important rules of domestic econo-
my. However, we have it from high authority, there is a
time to speak as well as a time to keep silence.

The way to wealth, says Dr. Franklin, is as plain as the
way to market. The whole science of getting rich is com-
prehended in two words, industry and frugality. These in-
deed are the farmers best friends ; and v/ith these, under
the blessing of providence, he may command success.
This is no new discovery. The farmer with us must la-
bour; in our climate the earth gives us nothing without
cultivation. This is not an evil, but a blessing. The health
is preserved, the powers of the body and mind are
strengthened, our capacity for enjoyment is increased by
labour; and constant useful and honest engagement is
an unfailing source of satisfaction and pleasure. The most
important inquiry to the farmer is, how he may best apply

4 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

this labour ? An obvious defect in our system of husban-
dry, which has been often adverted to, but of which we
cannot be too often reminded until there ceases to be any
occasion for the remark, is the large size of our farms, com-
pared with the amount of labour, which we are able to be-
stow upon them. We apply little labour to a great deal
of land ; the rule ought to be reversed ; and we should ap-
ply much labour to little land. The same labour and
manure, which is commonly spent upon two acres, if ap-
plied to one acre of ground, would often give double the
crop a'id leave the land in better condition. A farmer
should not therefore be so solicitous to enlarge his farm, as
he should be to cultivate what he has, to as high degree as
it is capable of being cultivated with advantage ; this should
form the limits of his desires. His farm should be pro-
portioned to the quantity of labour which he can give to
it; and until he has discovered that more labour would be
actually injurious or useless, he need not desire the exten-
sion of his territories. But suppose, you say, that his farm
is already according to this rule much too large ; what shall
he do with it? I answer, if he cannot or will not sell
it, it wouid be better to let a part of it lie waste ; or
if his pride is too much concerned to do this, let him plant
it with acorn?, or walnuts, or chesnuts, or beachnuts, or lo-
custs, a branch of agriculture, if so it may be called, to
which little attention has been paid among us; and which
would in many cases be an appropriation of a part of our
land, highly productive to those who are to come after
us. An early attention to this subject is strongly urged by
common prudence, when we take into view the serious
want of timber and fuel to which we must presently be
subjected, if this provision is longer delayed ; unless we
choose to be governed by the benevolent principle which
some man is said to have avowed, ' who would do nothing
for posterity because posterity had done nothing for him.'

ANNUAL ADDRESS. 5

The next subject of importance to the farmer is manure.
The turning up and breaking the soil thoroughly, the re-
ducing it into tine parts and keeping it hght and loose, the
exposure of it to the sun, and air, and frost, and dew, are all
of the first importance; but tillage will not do every thing.
Manure is essential to the growth of vegetables as supplying
a considerable proportion of their nourishment; and as
exciting their powers to receive, and the powers of the earth
on its part to supply, this nourishment. It is a prominent
defect in our agriculture, that our lands are not enough ma-
nured. We have not sufficient manure ; and what we have,
we spread over too great a surface. The remedy for the
last error is obviously within our power; we must cultivate
no more land than what we can manure well; and, by well,
I mean, not as much, in the cant phrase, as zolll do, but as
much as the land will bear. We may apply more ihan is
necessary; but there is no occasion to give our farmers a
caution on this head. We may apply it improperly, at an
improper season, in an unfit state, to a crop and soil
to which the kind of manure, which we apply, is not
adapted. These matters must be determined by inquiry
and experiment, of which we ought to avail ourselves.
But the great evil is a want of manure ; and this want might
on almost every farm be supplied by means within the
farmer's own power. On the greater part of the farms in
the country, with the exception of those in the immediate
neighbourhood of our large towns, where the subject is bet-
ter understood, it is not extravagant to say, that not a third
part of the manure is made, which might be made. Very
few of them have any thing like a compost heap ; the night
soil is not used ; the drainings of the sink are suffered to
waste themselves on the ground in a manner highly offensive
to the sight and smell, and are considered of no farther
value than as supplying a spot for the growth of a few cu-
cumbers ; in but few instances is any pains taken for the
preservation of the stale of the cattle ; the place of deposit

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

for the manure is seldom coveretl, and it is often so situ-
ated, as that the greater part is wasted by its exposure
to the sun and rain ; in many places the farmer suffers his
swine to range at large in the highways ; and the tops of his
potatoes and other vegetables are wasted on the place where
they grew ; and the scrapings of decayed leaves and chips,
and the deposits of pond holes and ditches are deemed not
worth the gathering. In all these particulars and many
others, which it would be easy to enumerate, the farmer is
obviously neglecting and wasting his most valuable re-
sources.

Next to labour and manure, frugality in living is essential
to a farmer's success. It is not necessary that on this sub-
ject I should be particular; but there are many things in
our habits and manners, which might be amended. There
are few of our farmers, who, if they will look into the ac-
count of their family expenses, and every prudent man will
keep an exact account, will not discover, that foreign lux-
uries constitute a very considerable item of expenditure ;
and it would seem a most important rule for every farmer,
to live as far as possible within his own resources ; to de-
pend upon the produce of his farm for the subsistence of
his family, as far as it can be applied to this purpose. A
good farm, if discreetly managed, will supply almost every
thing that is necessary in this respect ; and the produce of
a farfti, thus used, is of more value to the farmer than to send
it £0 market. There is one topick connected with this sub-
ject on which we cannot be too often admonished, that
is, our extravagance in the use of fuel. We are in this re-
specv, extremely wasteful. It seems highly immoral, in many
parts of our country, to consume more wood than is neces-
sary, when we consider with v/hat difficulty for a long time
among us the waste of wood will be supplied ; and how
greatly the burdens of the poor are increased by extrava-
gance in this matter on the part of the rich. We have
yet much to learn on this subject in the construction of

ANNUAL ADDRESS. 7

our houses, of our fire places, of our apparatus for cooking,
and in Ihe proper managenaent and expenditure of our
fuel. ' 1 have ascertained,' says Judge Cooper, who is well
qualified to speak on this subject, ' that charcoal used and
not wasted will save three fourths of the expense of cook-
ing in a kitchen. When wood is charred, nothing is driv-
en off but acid and water, which are incombustible ; hence
if you weigh a piece of wood equal to one pound, and
weigh u piece of charcoal of the same size equal to a
quarter of a pound, you will find that you are at the ex-
pense in a common fire of burning previously a sufficient
quantity of fuel to drive off three quarters of a pound, the
difference in weight of incombustible fluid before the piece
of wood becomes fuel itself. One dollar in charcoal in the
common shallow French cooking stoves, will go further in
cooking, broiling, frying, boiling, stewing, and baking, than
four dollars in wood in a common kitchen fire place. In
charcoal also, from a diminution of weight, the expense of
carriage is materially lessened, and you can afford to get it
from a cheaper country.'

All that I have undertaken on this occasion is to suggest
a [c\v hints, which I submit to the consideration of intelli-
gent and practical men to use as they deem expedient; I
therefore pass to another matter, which is conducive, if not
essential, to the farmer's prosperity, I mean knowledge,
skill, and experience. Agriculture is an important branch
of natural philosophy. Experience is always a safer guide
and a more competent instructer than theory ; but we owe
much in agriculture to the inquiries of intelligent and learn-
ed men. The nature and properties of different soils, the
composition and uses of various manures, the organization
of plants, the influence of the atmosphere, and of light and
heat upon the growth of vegetables, the structure of ani-
mals and the improvement of the breed of animals, are all
matters of profound philosophical investigation ; and much
as common farmers are disposed in general to deride learn-

8 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

ing in an agriculturist, they are indebted to the efforts of
learned men for ahnost all the improvements which have
been made in agriculture and domestic economy. Agricul-
ture indeed is a science and an art to be studied and learnt
as much as any other art or science; without knowledge
and experience, men cannot expect to be successful in it j
they labour to great disadvantage; and can do nothing
more than pursue the same track, which their ancestors for
centuries have trodden before them.

The farmer therefore should be constantly inquisitive, that
he may obtain a better knowledge of his art, from books, and
men, and from his own observation and experience. Every
intelligent farmer should keep a journal of his husbandry, a
history of the season, an account of the sowing and gather-
ing of the produce of his grounds, and especially of the result
of any experiments in cultivation, which he may make ; it
would be attended with no difficulty ; it would be a source of
pleasure and satisfaction to him ; and might sometimes lead
to valuable improvements ; and he owes it to the communi-
ty often to communicate the result of such experiments. We
should be ashamed of those prejudices, which hinder our
inquiries, and of that illiberality, which is sometimes dis-
covered towards those rich and patriotic gentlemen, who
devote a great deal of their time and property to experiments
in agriculture, unprofitable indeed to themselves, but of the
greatest public benefit. Nothing is so fatal to the progress
of improvement, as prejudice, and the ridiculous conceit that
we are already as wise as we can be. There is no principle
in agriculture that we should not be willing to bring to the
test of experiment ; and there can be little doubt that many
principles, which we now deem firmly established, will be
discovered to be mere prejudices upon further examination.
1 had an instance of this a (ew days since on the ground of
an intelligent and judicious farmer in my neighbourhood.*
It has become an axiom among farmers that an orchard will
not flourish if planted where one has formerly stood ; yet he

* B. Goddard, Esq. Brookliiie.

ANNUAL ADDRESS. V

showed me an orchard of ten years growth, planted where
the old trees were grubbed up, as flourishing as the rest of
his cultivation; and that, if I should point you to his farm, you
would say, was as much so as could be desired. But experi-
ments are important not merely in correcting what is false,
but in ascertaining what is practicable. We have yet much
to learn as to the actual capacities of the earth to yield ; and
Sonne recent experiments have demonstrated in this respect
what, but for this evidence, would have been deemed incre-
dible. A member of this society* has proved that more than
one hundred and ten bushels of Indian corn may be obtained
at a single crop from one acre of our ground ; and an intel-
ligent friend t has assured me that he has raised in his garden
upon two square rods of ground twelve bushels of potatoes,
which is at the rate of nine hundred and sixty bushels to the
acre. The experiments on the subject of soiling of cattle of
another distinguished cultivator,| to whom 1 refer always with
singular respect and pleasure, as a man worthy of the days
of Cincinnatus, seem likely to prove of the highest benefit
to our husbandry, and to produce a new era in our agricul-
ture ; since this practice promises a certain means, within
every man's power, of procuring a competent supply of one
of the best kinds of manure.

Nothing indeed is more likely to increase the farmer's
prosperity than inquiry and experiment, and a knowledge of
the inquiries and experiments of others. We have already
reaped and are likely still further to reap the greatest bene-
fits from the excitement to agricultural inquiries and experi-
ments, produced by the patriotic exertions of this society.
The exhibitions of this day, and of preceding years, afford a
strong testimony in their favour ; and the various agricultural
experiments to which their premiums have led, and the
valuable information detailed in their reports, and the im-
portant and successful attempts, which have been induced by

* Hon. J. Hunnewell, Watertown. t Rev. James Flint, Salem.

t Hon. Josiah Quinrv.

Vol. vn. 2

10 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

their patronage, to improve our stock of domestic animals
b) the introduction of the best breeds of foreign countries,
have conferred incalculable benetit on the Commonwealth,
and may be regarded by every citizen of Massachusetts, with
pride and pleasure.

1 have already, 1 fear, detained you too long; but I pro-
mised to say something of the principal obstacles to a farmer's
success ; and there is indeed one, which so greatly transcends
every other, and which is such a prolific source of wretched-
ness, degradation, and ruin to many of our farmers, that I
shall confine my remarks to that. I am satisfied, it is well un-
derstood that I mean the abuse of spirituous liquors.

1 confess, fellow citizens, that I am appalled by the magni-
tude of this evil ; which is not indeed monopolised by the
farmers, but extends to every class and threatens to over-
whelm us with wretchedness and pauperism.* From the re-
turns of the Marshals in 1810, it appeared that no less than
25,499,382 gallons of ardent spirits were distilled that year,
of which were exported 133,483 gallons, leaving 25,365,899
gallons to be consumed at home. The same year about
8,000,000 gallons of rum and other distilled liquors were im-
ported to this country, which, being added to the above, pro-
duced an amount of 33,365,899 gallons for our home con-
sumption in a single year. Since that time it admits not a
doubt that there has been a steady and rapid increase. This
amount when divided among our population, excepting slaves,
who are not allowed the use of ardent spirits, and children

* During the last year, a Report was presented to the Irgislature of New-
Hampshire, respecting paupers. In this it was stated, that in 1800 the annu-
al expenditure on that item amounted to 17,000 dollars. In 1819, although
the population had not increased more than one fourth, yet the cost of the
poor was 80,000 dollars ; " a ratio of increase, which will double the expen-
ditures in less than five years." In consequence of this alarming discovery,
"the Committee reported a bill, providing, that no person between the ages
of seven years and seventy years, having common ability to labour, should
be maintained at the public expense ; and that no person, who shall be reduced
to poverty by habitual drunkenness, shall be supported by any town.""

ANNUAL ADDRESS. 1^

under ten years of age, would give an allowance to each
person on an average of more than seven gallons and a hulf
a year. Now when we exf^ept the female part of the com-
munity, who use but little, and a large part of the communi-
ty, who use none at all, the quantity consumed by those who
do drink is enormous. In the town of Boston, and we can
say as much in favour of the morals of Boston as of any city
whatever, if I am not misinformed, there are more than eight
hundred licensed retailers of ardent spirit, and many, who
by some evasion escape the law and sell without license.
If we estimate the number of shops and drinking houses upon
a population of upwards of forty thousand, we shall find that
it gives one retailer of spirits to every fifty inhabitants, and
allowing every family to consist of seven persons it is nearly
one to every seven families. If we suppose each of these
shops to sell at the rate of seventy five dollars worth of
ardent spirits by the year, which is not a dollar and a half a
week, and then allow, as I think it is fair to allow, that an
equal amount is drunken in the families, purchased in
larger quantities, the direct tax upon this single town for
this single article, valuing it at one dollar per gallon, is not
less than one hundred and twenty thousand dollars per
year. This, you will say, is monstrous; but suppose that
our calculations are extravagant, reduce them one half; is not
an expenditure of eighty thousand dollars a year for such an
object upon such a population, monstrous I * Now making the
usual allowances for the influx of travellers and strangers
into a large town, and of many vagabonds and vicious people,
who seek the concealment of a city, and the facilities, which

* This estimate must be quite within bounds. " By the most accurate com-
putation, there are 1680 licenses for retailing ardent spirits, in actual force,
in the city of 'New York; making an average of one tippling house to every
fourteen houses in this metropolis. And by adopting the mode of calculation
used by the managers of the Society, for the prevention of Pauperism for the
year 1819, to ascertain the sum annually expended in New York, in the con-
sumption of spirituous liquors, we arrive at the frightful result, that, in 1820.
the sura of §1;893,01], was squandered in the use of this single article 1''

12 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

it affords for depredation, and the quantity of ardent spirits
consumed there, is not disproportioned to what is consumed
in the towns in the country. But the actual cost of the
liquor is by no means the whole nor the worst part of the
expenditure. It has been ascertained by careful inquiry,
that nearly four fifths of the tenants of our alms-houses and of
paupers, wiio are supported by the town or state, have been
reduced to be-pfgary by their own intemperance or the intem-
perance of those on whom they depended.* The same
remark applies to the convicts in our prisons. Its effects
upon the agricultural part of the community are as disastrous
as can well be imagined. I have known in one immediate
neighbourhood seven estates of persons once of respecta-
ble standing in society, and most of them with families,
mortgaged and lost, and their families reduced to beggary,
solely by the intemperance of the fathers and husbands ;
and in a neighbouring state, I have witnessed with unming-
led pain an extensive county, which twenty years ago was
flourishing, now impoverished and desolated by the scourge
of intemperance. But instances without number of the ruin
and misery, which this vice brings with it, occur to every
man, who will open his eyes. Where you see one of
these grog shops established, one of these gates of perdition
set open, there you see the work of ruin begun, and idleness

* The Report made to the Legislature of Massachusetts, the last winter
session, consisting of Reports from several towns in the Commonwealth, states
that in one of the towns it was found that thirteeen-fourteenths of the poor,
whose maintenance was a burden on the corporation, were brought to the
alms-house, "either directly or indirectly, by intemperance.'' Another state-
ment says "Intemperance is the most fruitful source of pauperism. More
than half the adult persons who have been admitted to our work-house, for
sixteen years, have been addicted to the excessive use of ardent spirits."

It is a fact, stated on the proper oflBcial authority, that, during the last
year, of 87 patients admitted into the Hospital for the Insane at New York,
" the insanity of 27 was caused by the intemperate use of ardent spirits."

In an Address delivered the last year at Roxburj', it is remarked "The
bills of mortality declare, that the annual average of deaths in Massachusetts
from intoxication alone, is 666."

ANNUAL ADDRESS. IS

and profligacy, and quarrels, and debt, and mortgage, and im-
prisonment, and poverty, following with inevitable certain-
ty.* In a word the use of ardent spirits is to the community
a source of more wretchedness, poverty and crimes, than all
other causes combined. The farmer is not less in danger
than any other person. Much habitual drunkenness has been
produced, and many a farmer completely ruined, by allowing
to himself and his hired labourers the use of ardent spirits.

I take upon me to say, on the highest medical authority,
that notje is necessary to the strength and vigour of the hu-
man constitution. Men, vrho drink no spirit whatever, can
in fact perform more labour and suffer far less from exposure
to the extremes of heat and cold, than those persons, who
depend on the temporary stimulus of ardent spirits. They
are not so liable to droop under the heat, nor to perish with
the cold, as many facts have proved. The time has come
when it may be laid down as a settled principle, a principle,
which is in the last degree essential to our agricultural as
well as moral prosperity, that no spirituous liquor is neces-
sary to the labour of a farm ; and none ought ever to be used
on a farm, t

* Dr. Nichols in an address recently delivered at Danvers, gives the follow-
ing valuable calculation. " There are but few labourers among us, who pay
less than 50 cents a week, which amounts to a fraction over seven cents a
day, for ardent spirits, &c. Instead of spending this for that which is not
tread, place it in the Savings Bank. At 5 per cent, compound interest,
(the rate allowed.) it will amount in 5 years to 146 dollars 48 cents ; in 10
years to $333,94; in 15 j^ears to $573,93; in 20 years to $881,12; in 30
years to $1761,30. How much," he exclaims, " would this sum improve the
condition of manj- among us, at the age of 50 years.

tit has long been imagined that the labouring classes could not sustain
themselves under the weight of their daily employments, and especially in
founderies and large manufacturing establishments, where they are much ex-
posed to heat, and breathe a confined atmosphere, without the regular use of
ardent spirits. The results of an important experiment made, during the last
season, by Mr. James P. Allaine, of the City of New York, establish the fal-
lacy of this opinion.

" Mr. Allaine is the proprietor, of a large foundry at Corlaer's Hook. Daring
the last season he employed upwards of sixty workmen, more than thirty of

i4 ANNUAL AbDRESS.

The practice of some of our farmers in this matter
deserves to be mentioned with the warmest commendation ;
and as likely to aid in a high degree the interests of hu-
manity as well as of agricullure. I know several cases,
in which farming is conducted with perfect success, to the
mutual satisfaction of the labourer and his employer, without
any spirituous liquor being allowed, and none used, excepting
in the season of haying, and then in the most moderate quan-
tities, because it is at the expense of the labourers themselves.
One of these is a case, in which the farmer has at least
seven hundred, and another nearly two thousand, days' labour
done in the course of the year ; and one of the instances, to
which I refer is not the experiment of one year only, but of
more than twelve years in succession. Every farmer, who
has a proper regard for his duty and interest, and the best in-
terests of his fellowmen, should come to the determination
on no consideration whatever, and in no form whatever, to

whom were men of families. In the course of the summer, he was informed that
many of them were in debt ; and on investigating their concerns, with sur-
prise he ascertained the fact, that every one who was in the habit of using
ardent spirits was involred to an extent beyond his ability to pay ; and, with
a satisfaction equal to his former surprise, he learned the additional fact, that
those who made no use of spirits were in easy circumstances, and their chil-
dren well provided for at school. Nor did a difference of wages, from seven-
ty-five cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents per day, make any percepti-
ble change in the situation of the former class of workmen.

" With this picture before him, Mr. AUaine was at once induced to prohibit
the use of ardent spirits altogether in his shops, during working hours. But
one person left his employ in consequence of this restriction ; and this man
had borrowed of Mr. Allaine, while in his service, upwards of 300 dollars to
pay grocery-bills. In conclusion of his letter Mr. Allaine observes : ' I have
great reason to be pleased with the happy effects of this regulation. I find
my interest better served ; and that those, who, from excessive drinking, had
become of but little worth to me, and, in many instances, of less to their fami-
lies, have now become able and steady ; earn more money ; and their fami-
lies, as well as themselves, have expressed in a language not to be misunder-
stood, the many comforts, and the domestic happiness, which they enjoy in
consequence.'" For several of the above notes I am indebted to the Annual
Report of the Massachusetts Society for ^suppressing Intemperance, which is
just published, with the Anniversary Discourse, by the Rev. Mr. Jenks.

^ ANNUAL ADDRESS. irf

admit within his territories this greatest and most subtle ene-
my to hi:« peace and prosperity, and to the peace and pros-
perity of the Commonwealth.

It will not be deemed foreign from the occasion, if I call
upon every good man, who hears me, to lend his aid in the
suppression of this unnecessary and detestable vice; in
the removal of this greatest disgrace of our' virtuous com-
munity ; and in withstanding the progress of this tremen-
dous moral desolation. How deeply would the sympathies
of the whole country be roused, if it was declared, that in
some one of our most public places, and in broad day light,
one of our fellow citizens, blest perhaps with property and
education, and having those around him, who look with
trembling agony for their subsistence and comfort and honour
to his exertions and character, was about to commit delibe-
rately an act of self destruction ; and not merely to be allow-
ed, but encouraged and assisted, to do it. How would
every generous heart melt at the recital and kindle with in-
dignation at the savageness of those, who could assist at the
sacrifice ! Yet, fellow citizens, this is no picture of the im-
agination : and in a state of society as enlightened, as virtu-
ous, and as much blest as any ever was, these sacrifices under
circunristances of tenfold exaggeration, are every day permit-
ted ; and accomplished by means though of gradual, yet of
certain progress, and as degrading and brutal as can be
imagined. I would not do any man a wrong, but for my
part, I cannot but regard the retailing of spirituous liquors,
excepting in public licensed taverns, and then only to
travellers, the retailing of spirituous liquors to the inhabi-
tants of the same town or neighbourhood to be drunken
on the spot, as an employment among the most immoral of
any that are tolerated by the customs of the community; and
I consider the man, who knowingly and voluntarily contri-
butes to seduce his neighbour, and to encourage his habits of
intoxication, as in fact, if I were giving my verdict on oath I
should say so, as criminal as the common murderer ano

16 ANNUAL ADDRESS.

robber. Far better would it be in most cases for the wretch-
ed victim at once to take his Hfe and his property thaiv
to entrap him by guile ; and to subject his poor wife and
children to the bitterest agony, and to their feelings the deep-
est disgrace.

In the name of all that is dear to religion and humanity,
of all that is valuable to us as men, as citizens, and as chris-
tians, I call upon those, who have influence in the com-
munity, upon those to whom the making of the laws, and
those, to whom the execution of wholesome laws is intrusted,
upon the guardians of the Commonwealth, to inquire what
they can do, and to do every thing that can be done, to
arrest the progress and to close the source of this terrible
evil. It is only the pretence of indolence and inhumanity
that nothing can be done. Let every good man in the com-
munity utterly withdraw his patronage and custom from
places, where such practices prevail. Let the selectmen
of our towns execute their duty and the courts of Sessions
restrain the emission of licenses. Let the grandjurors pre-
sent, as they are bound in oath, every violation of the laws,
that comes within their cognizance. Let the legislators
make it highly penal to sell liquors in any small quantity.
Let all debts, contracted for spirituous liquor be made irre-
coverable by any process of law, and the oath of the de-
fendant, as in case of usury, be deemed a sufficient evi-
dence of the fact. Let the price of a license be such as to
render it profitable but for few persons to obtain it; and so
that they may be compelled to contribute in a just propor-
tion to the support of those, who by their intemperance have
become a charge upon the town. The superior discretion
and wisdom of those, to whom are committed the highest
interests of the community, will suggest many other and
belter means of removing this evil and preventing its further
progress. Never was there a subject more deserving of the
consideration, and solicitude, and persevering exertions of the
patriot and the christian.

ANNUAL ADDRESS. Jlf

Forgive me, fellow citizens, that 1 have strayed thus far
from the proper duties of the occasion. We celebrate the
Fanner's Holiday. It is an occasion on which we may con-
template with honest pride, and with exalted satisfaction, the
happy condition of our Commonwealth. Agriculture, the first
and noblest of all arts, and one of the most honest and hon-
ourable of employments, the great source of national power
and prosperity, begins to excite among us an interest, propor-
tionate to its importance ; and to receive that patronage,
which augurs well for its future prospects — Blest with a
government, which secures to every man the rights of pro-
perty, and the full enjoyment of the produce of his labour;
with a soil and climate, with which we have no reason to
be dissatisfied ; for if they have not the mildness and the
luxuriant fertility of other regions, they are exempt from
many evils to which others are subjected ; enjoying through-
out the community the blessings of education, religion, and
civil liberty ; and with a yeomanry as enlightened, as moral,
and as enterprising, as can any where be found, we may
anticipate the most important and delightful results. In view
of our fruits and our fields, our villages and our domestic
retreats, we may exclaim with the Roman Poet, " Happy
farmers, if they knew the blessings, which they possess."*

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES.

The Committee on Domestic Manufactures award as
follows :

To WiUiam Sheppard, of Watertown, for the best
specimen of Broadcloth, the first premium, $ 30

To the Wolcott Woollen Manufacturing Company for
Broadcloth, the 2d premium, 20

* O fortunatos nimium, sua ^1 hona noiint, Agricolas. — Georg. Lib. ii.
1. 458.

Vol. VII. 3

18 CATTLE SHOlV, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

To Stephen Buttrick, of Framingham, for Woollen
Cloth of Household manufacture, the 1st premium, $ 12

To Jonas Pollard, of Bolton, for ditto, the 2d premi-
um, 8

To the Wolcott Woollen Manufacturing Company for
Cassimeres, the 1st premium, 15

To Edward Howard, of Dudley, for ditto, the 2d pre-
mium, 10

To the Wolcott Woollen Manufacturing Company for
Satinets, the 1st premium, 10

To Isaac Curtis, jr. & Co. of Stockbridge, for do. the
2d premium, 6

To Nathan Barrett, of Concord, for the best specimen
of Carpeting, the 1st premium, IS

To Betsy Delano, of New Braintree, for the 2d best,
the 2d premium, 7

To the same for Linen Diaper, the 1st premium, 10

To Joseph Richardson, of Hingham, for ditto, the 2d
premium, 5

To Thomas Hart, of Dorchester, for Cotton Shirt-
ings, the 1st premium, 20

To WiHiam Phillips and Co. of Dedham, for Worsted
Hose, the 1st premium, 5

To Lemuel Healey, of Dudley, for Sewing Silk, the
1st premium, 5

To Caroline Bronsdon, of Milton, for ditto, the 2d
premium, 3

A piece of Stair Carpeting, manufactured by Miss Anna
Edes, of Charlestown, was of sufficient good quality to be
entitled to a premium, and would have obtained one had
there been the number of yards required by the Trustees.

A premium was withheld for the same cause from Mrs.
Oliver Fiske, of Worcester, who presented a piece of Flan-
nel. In point of firmness, softness and strength, it was
thought entitled to favourable notice. The committee ex-
ceedingly regretted in another case, that of Mr. James

CATTLE SHOW, kc. AT BRIGHTON. IS

llowarth, of Andover, that they were precluded by the un-
seasonable entry of his Flannels, from giving them the ad-
vantage of a premium. The specimen was thought very
good, and perhaps there is no article of domestic manufac-
ture more deserving of liberal encouragement.

The Satinets of Daniel Elhs & Son of Walpole; the
Shirtings of the Thread Manufacturing Company of Seconk j
and the Gauzes of Archibald Kennedy, of Seconk, although
they were entered too late for examination by the commit-
tee, were inspected by the great number of persons who
visited the hall on the second day of the exhibition, and
whatever be the merit of these fabrics, they have obtained
their fair reputation with the public, which will in a measure
allay the disappointment of the manufacturers, who lost their
opportunity of obtaining premiums.

The Trustees have offered the following gratuities :
To Elisha Hammond, of Brookfield, for a specimen of
Rose Blankets, better than any exhibited at Brighton in
former years, $ 5

To Julia A. Drury , of Marblehead, for a Hearth Rug,
quite equal in quality to the best inported, 5

To Mary F. Baldwin, of Chelmsford, for a Hearth Rug,
of prime quality, and a Lace Veil, 5

To Abigail Little of New Braintree, for a Hearth
Rug, 3

To Elizabeth Denny, of Worcester, for ditto, 3

To Rebecca Warren of Chelmsford, for ditto, 3

To Mrs. Lewis of Dorchester, for a Silk Sash, 2

To Priscilla W. Drew, of Plymouth, for a Linen Lace
Cap, 2

To Betsy Merrill, of Salisbury, for Linen Thread of
a very fine quality, b

To Elizabeth O. Spear, of Dorchester, for a Cotton
Counterpane, 5

To Hannah Hoar, of Lincoln, for ditto. 4

To Phoebe Whitemore, of South Boston, for ditto, 3

20 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON,

To Mary Brown, of Hingham, for an imitation Leg-
horn Bonnet, d
To Lydia and Hannah Marshall for ditto, 5
[These specimens were, in neither case, fine ; but every
example of this manufacture is deserving of reward, be-
cause it is of recent origin here. The material is a native
grass; the fabric is more durable than thatof straw, and may
be expected soon to rival the best specimens of a very
expensive imported article.]

To Ebenezer Blake, of Wrentham, for Straw Bon-
nets [of a hner quality than any exhibited at either of
the former shows,] 5

To Benjamin Wheeler & Co. of Framingham for
specimens of Straw Bonnets, very beautiful, 4

To Ann Dalrymple, for a fine Straw Bonnet, 3

To Mr. Cephas Leach, of Easton, for Straw Bon-
nets, 3
[Mr. Leach would have received a larger gratuity, had his
specimens been presented on the day appointed for the ex-
amination.]

To Misses Sarah, Polly and Elizabeth Lewis, for a
variety of Fancy articles manufactured from the Down
of the Turkey — to each, 2

To Miss Odiorne, of Boston, for a Gown made from
Cotton and the ravellings of an old silk gown, 4

[This article, together with several specimens of Thread,
made by two females whose names do not appear, from
shreds of silks and gauze taken from the sweepings of a
milliner's shop, may be classed among the savings of a
minute economy, not to be mentioned but with respect.
Examples of this sort serve to suggest new resources to the
necessitous, and add to the stock of useful employments
for female children in humble life.]

To Jane Swan, of Methuen, for fine Linen Thread, 3
To Hannah Sparhawk, for Worsted Hose, 2

To Mrs. Hawkes, of Lancaster, for ditto, 2

CATTLE SHOW, &LC, AT BRIGHTON. 21

To Mary Ann H. and Margaret P. K. Rider, for nee-
dle work, each 2

To Mr. John Johnson, of Marblehead, for a CapHn
Seine and a Herring Net, manufactured from Cotton, 10
[This is a new article ; the public is indebted, as far as
the committee can learn, to Mr. Johnson, for introducing
the use of Cotton for this purpose. The fishermen of Mar-
blehead, it is said, prefer Mr. Johnson's nets to those made
from Hemp ; whether of foreign or domestic manufacture.]
The water-proof Hats, of a superfine quality, exhibited
by the Watertown Hat Manufacturing Company, appear to
unite the qualities of great firmness and lightness. They
were finished in the best style, and judging from these speci-
mens, their manufacture has attained to great perfection.

A gratuity of twenty dollars was tendered to this Com-
pany at the last annual exhibition. A similar mark of ap-
probation is certainly as well merited, to say the least, the
present year.

The Trustee s have sanctioned a gratuity of teyi dollarsto
Col. Johnson Mason, of Medfield, for a specimen of Duck
made with a machine, the invention of Dr. Jesse Fox of
Saugus, and which has received some improvements by Mr.
Mason. The sum given to Mr. Mason bears no proportion
to a just estimate of the importance of the manufacture, or
to the merit of the specimen. The thread is very even and
no defect could be detached in the fabric, although critically
examined by several navigators. It was thought by these
gentlemen to bear a comparison with the best quality of duck
of foreign manufacture.

The broadcloths exhibited the present year were not of
the class of extra fine. They were the best of that de-
scription of cloths which can be afforded in our market
cheaper than the imported. The cloths of domestic manu-
facture worth from two dollars fifty to six dollars
the yard, have taken the place of imported cloths of

22 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

the same kind, and have put a stop, almost wholly to
the importation. The importation has been progressive-
ly diminishing for some years. Those of the committee
more particularly conversant with the subject, and whose
experience may justify the expression of an opinion, enter-
tain no doubt that the manufacture of middling and Jiyie
cloth may be considered not less firmly established among
us than that of cottons, and that under equal advantages of
capital and good management, it will not be less profitable.
It is creditable to our Woollen Manufacturers, that the Jin-
ishing is now in no degree inferior to that of the English.
The fixing of the blue dye, one of the greatest difficulties in
the art, is now well understood. The blue is made as
permanent as any other colour. There is the same variety
in the shades as in the English cloths, and there is no want
of brilliancy.

The progress of household manufactures in all their end-
less variety, is less apparent than that of the fabrics made
by incorporated companies, because the former are carried
on in retirement, are brought into the market in small par-
cels, without pretension. Their origin is unknown to the
public, and they are often admired and purchased (particu-
larly fancy articles) as the products of the ingenuity and
taste of foreign countries. So far as respects articles of the
first necessity, the domestic manufacture is growing so rap-
idly as, every year, to diminish the importation of many
kinds, and to stop altogether the importation of a few.
Excessive bounties from government for the purpose of
encouraging domestic manufactures must, it is obvious, have
a contrary tendency, since by increasing the profits of a
business already lucrative, which would be the effect of
this policy, too much capital would be diverted into every
successful branch of manufacture, thus artificially raised into
public notice, and ruin would be brought upon those very
cstabhshments, which are now enjoying an amount of profits.

CATTLE SHOW, (fec. AT BRIGHTON. 23

certainly well earned, but sufficiently ample for the desires
of reasonable men, and certainly so for the public.
RICHARD SULLIVAN,
ABBOTT LAWRENCE,
JOHN LEMIST.

Brighton, Oct. 11th, 1821.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HORNED CATTLE.

The committee appointed to award the premiums offered
for every species of Horned Cattle, report. That the wise
provisions of the Trustees in dividing the duties of the com-
mittee on live stock was this year wholly defeated, as to that
branch, which comprises horned cattle, owing to the great
and unexpected increase in the number of competitors.
From eighty different entries of live stock, which was the
number last year, it this year suddenly rose to more than
one hundred. Perhaps there is no surer test of the increas-
ing interest felt in the subject of agriculture generally, and
in the improvement of domestic animals more particularly,
than the increase of the number of different objects en-
tered for premium since the first cattle show in 1817, which
has been from thirty-seven to more than one hundred, and this
at the time and during a period in which three very re-
spectable county societies have sprung up, full grown, in our
immediate vicinity. It must be observed that when we
speak of the number of entries, we do not confound it with
the number of animals, which we are persuaded exceeded
three hundred, and we should not be surprised, if they
amounted to five hundred. This increase, while it must be
gratifying to the friends of agriculture, (or which is tanta-
mount) the friends of their country, like many other good
things has its attendant evils. It renders the duties of those
appointed to decide not only more laborious, but more

24 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

painful and invidious. The labour may indeed, and must
in future years be diminished by a division, unless men shall
be expected to sacrifice their health to the object — but the
other evil cannot by any possible measure be remedied.
The duty must be forever painful and invidious. Thus,
for example, though you may have as many committees, as
there are different descriptions of animals offered for pre-
mium, and it is obvious you cannot extend the division of
labour beyond that point, still so long as you shall have as
the committee had this year thirteen milch cows all of ex-
cellent quality to examine, and while they can only award
three premiums — and so long as there shall be offered
twenty-three heifers, out of which you are to select but
two, the duty must be painful and invidious. For it is not
to be disguised, that it is not the disappointment of not re-
ceiving a prize of twenty or forty dollars, which is the prin-
cipal source of vexation, but it is the mortification of de-
feat, the humiliation of having formed extravagant notions
of one's own animal ; expectations encouraged by all one's
neighbours who comparing our bull, or bull calf, or cow,
or heifer with all those in the little world around us, have
decided the question before hand, that we must gain, not
the money, (for that is too contemptible,) but the honour
of the victory. But the feld of Brighton soon dissipates
these local illusions. There they see the pride of a hundred
villages assembled, and we have no doubt, that if self love
and mortified hopes did not prevent the exercise of sound
discretion, the candidates themselves would, in most cases,
generously award the prizes to their more fortunate compe-
titors. These remarks are made with a view of presenting not
merely to competitors, but to the public, the serious difficulties
of such a mode of trial. Errors may be — nay, must be com-
mitted by any judges however intelligent. The only thing in fa-
vour of their judgment is, that itis disinterested and well weigh-
ed ; and after all, they do obtain something like the expres-

CATTLE SHOW, &IC, AT fiRIGHTOK. !2o

sion of public opinion, without consulting it, because they
have an opportunity of seeing the throng of spectators
around the favourite animals — they do in spite of themselves
hear the verdict of the public, and though they endeavouV
not to be influenced by it, yet it would be absurd to sup-
pose that these marks of public preference had no effect upon
them.

This committee having under their cognizance the
articles for which the show at Brighton was originally
principally designed, may be indulged in making some
general remarks on the tendency, and effect of their exhi-
bitions.

It is not more than forty years, since the idea was enter-
tained in Great Britain, that a spirit and energy could be
given to agricultural efforts, by associations, public exhibi-
tions, and premiums judiciously awarded. The effects pro-
duced in that country, more especially in the improvement
of their stock have far exceeded the most sanguine hopes
of the first promoters of this system. We have little and
indeed no doubt, that the horned cattle and sheep of Great
Britain were fifty years since, not superior to ours. We be-
lieve that the races of domestic animals imported from any
part of Europe, not only do not deteriorate but that they
improve in all the Northern parts of the United States.
We believe that we have native animals of all descriptions,
with the exception perhaps of the crosses of hogs with the
Chinese breed, (which we have however recently imported,)
equal to any Great Britain possessed forty years since, when
Bakewell, Coke, Princeps, and an hundred other farmers,
or opulent land holders in that kingdom, set about the pat-
riotic work of improving their native breeds. They did not
commence it by importations — they confined themselves
simply to selection^ and the effects were such as that in a
few years, bulls, which of the best description at a former
period might have brought one hundred dollars, sold for four

Vol. VIL 4

26 CATTLE SHOW, <fec. AT BRIGHTON*

thousand five hundred dollars. This was no speculation of
a visionary character, like the rage which prevailed with us
for a short time in relation to Merino Sheep. It sustained
itself, and exists to the present hour, so that a bull calf of
certain breeds considered perfect, will bring from two hun-
dred to four hundred dollars.

If we were asked the general character of our best shows
of cattle compared to those at Smithfield on their anniver-
sarj show, or at Lewes, or many other places in England,
we should say that it will require at least ten, or perhaps
twenty years, for us to equal them. Yet it is our firm con-
viction, that if we had never imported a single foreign animal,
but had excited a strong zeal in our own country to select
and propagate the best animals of native production, we
should in the course of twenty or thirty years have been able
to send animals to Great Britain and contend against their
best raisers of stock for the first prizes. Nay more, we be-
lieve no2v, that if we could transport the bestrvorking Cattle
of Worcester and Norfolk, (the latter however being all pur-
chased from back counties) to Great Britain, they might
challenge all the three kingdoms to compete with them ia
all the various points of labour to which cattle are applica-
ble. These working cattle are, we know, as much superior
to theirs, as our stock is inferior to theirs in the articles of
bulls, cows, sheep and hogs. The fact, that we are so su-
perior to them in this point, of which we have no question,
proves, that we have among us an admirable but neglected
race of animals, and the reason is obvious. Is a calf tQ'
markablyy<if ? Does he weigh one hundred and fifty pounds
at the end of six weeks, and that accompanied by an excel-
lent form and proportions ? His fate is decided. He must
feel the sharp knife of the butcher — he must prematurely
pay the forfeit of his uncommon and excellent qualities,
and load the table of our epicures, who would have made a
better dinner on a smaller and less valuable animal.

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 27

It may be reasonably asked then, why have you encour-
aged the importation of foreign stock? Why have you
paid such liberal prices to those who have imported them ?
Our answer is very brief — and we hope satisfactory. It
was done principally with the view of shewing our farmers,
what had been done in other countries in a short time by
.careful selection and cultivation. No man who ever saw
Denton, Mr. Williams's bull— Fill Pail, Mr. Thorndike's,
presented by him to the Agricultural Society — Coilebs, sent
to our country by Mr. Coolidge — or Holderness, imported
by Mr. Parsons, could entertain a doubt, that they were su-
perior to any animals of the same description which we had
ever seen. It was a short and conclusive mode of producing
conviction ; — though equal care might in a few years have
produced an equally improved native stock, yet the process
would have been slow, and every lost year is of great im-
portance.

That these animals did produce a great impression upon
our farmers, it is now needless to state. The simple fact,
that farmers, always too cautious of adventuring their money,
were ready to send their cows at five dollars, and even ten
dollars, to these imported animals, instead of fift)^ cents for
the use of our native bulls, is conclusive.

But what is still more conclusive, because the facts we
have now mentioned might have been the eflfect of fashion,
or of speculation, is, that when the progeny of these animals
appeared at our shows, they attracted every eye, and com=
manded on an average ybur limes the price of our native
breed.

The effect has been so great as to cause the disappear-
ance of our native breed of young animals at our shows,
with a few exceptions.

It ought however to be remarked that our cows offered
for premium, are still almost entirely of domestic growth,
and of most estimable qualities ; so that we seem to possess
all the advantages we could desire of availing ourselves of

28 CATTLE SHOW, &IC, AT BRIGHTON.

the perfection of the British stock connected with females
of excellent properties of our native breed.

We shall now proceed to announce the premiums.

FOR NATIVE BULLS.

The committee award the first premium of forty dollars,
to a bull raised by Mr. Samuel Brooks, of Brighton, sired
by ' Holdcrness' the imported bull of Gorham Parsons, Esq.
of Brighton.

The second premium to Stephen Patch of Lincoln, twen-
ty dollars, for a native bull. This bull was the progeny of
one raised by Payson Williams, who gained the first premi-
um two years since, and is an encouragement to the pre-
servation of our best native stock.

There was several other bulls which attracted the atten-
tion, and held in suspense the opinions of the committee.

The most remarkable of these were a bulls of the Hon.
Mr. Welles, from ' Denton,' the celebrated imported bull
of Mr. Williams, of Northborough.

The bull of Mr. Prince, from ' Holderness,' from Mr.
Prince's Alderney cow, imported and sold to Mr. Prince, by
Capt. Tracy of the London Packet.

A bull of Joshua Coolidge, of Watertown, from the cele-
brated Ccelebs.

Several native bulls of considerable merit, were also ex-
hibited.

BULL CALVES.

The first premium for the best bull calf, was awarded to
Charles Clark, of Framingham, one quarter Fill pail, and
three quarters native stock, fifteen dollars.

This case is worthy of notice. The animals produced by
Fill Pail (Col. Thorndike's bull) have always discovered a
strong resemblance to the parent. His qualities are excel-
lent, but every farmer knows that you are not certain in
crossing the breeds of retaining in the first cross the char-
acter of the original stock. Perhaps in the second or third

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 29

generation you will attain the greatest degree of perfection,
though you may fail of it in the first cross. The decided
superiority of this bull calf is highly in favour of the progeny
of Fill Pail, and should induce our farmers not lighly
to give them up. There were many other fine animals from
Fill Pail, such as Mr. Parsons's two heifers, offered for ex-
hibition, and others which will be noticed hereafter.

The second premium for bull calves was awarded to Fran-
cis Amory, Esq. of Milton, eight dollars.

This calf was out of Coelebs, and long held the committee

in doubt as to his being entitled to the first or second
prize.

A third extra prize, not originally offered or advertised,
for a Bull Calf, was awarded to Samuel Cutter of Cambridge,
five dollars.

This Calf was out of ' Holderness' and was in fine, per-
haps too fine condition to be judged of fairly.

It is indeed important, that farmers should know that their
animals rather suffer than gain in our estimation and award,
from being overfed and presented to us, unnaturally fat.

There was an admirable bull calf offered by Mr. Uriah
Manning of Woburn, of the Coelebs race, who would have
taken a premium, but he was offered two late. He sold at
six months old at our auction for sixty-three dollars.

There was a beautiful bull calf exhibited by Joseph God-
dard, Esq. of Brooklyne, of our native breed, who would
three years since have obtained one of our two premiums,
and we hope this race may not be neglected, but he did not
appear to the committee quite equal to those to whom the
premiums were awarded.

There were also two beautiful bull calves exhibited by
Dr. Chaplin and Major Wheeler of Framingham.

MILCH cows.

The premium for the best Milch Cow, 40 dollars was
awarded to John Stone of Marblehead, for his Cow raised in
Lynn.

3.0 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

His application was accompanied by written documents
and f^atisfaclory proofs, that this Cow had produced from the
1st of June, to near the day of the Show, from 12 to 9 pounds
of butter per week ; averaging 1 1 pounds through the whole
time. It was the only case duly authenticated, and surpass-
ed even the verbal statements, often loose, of the other
claimants. The next year the Trustees will probably require
affidavits on this subject from all claimants — because the
properties of a Milch Cow can be but imperfectly known by
inspection.

The second premium was awarded to John Prince, Esq.
for a native Cow — 30 dollars.

The third premium for a Milch Cow, to Gen. S. G. Derby,
of Weston — 20 dollars. This Cow was of the Alderney
breed, imported by Benjamin Lee, Esq. of Cambridge.

It will be seen that we give high premiums to our excel-
lent Cows, because we believe they are the most important
articles in the improvement of our stock. There was an
admirable Alderney Cow exhibited by John Hubbard, Esq.
of Boston, imported by him, whose progeny, a fine Bull Calf,
was generously given to the Society, for which he has receiv-
ed its thanks, and will receive those of every friend to Agri-
culture.

There were ten other distinguished Cows offered for pre-
mium. Those which the committee deemed worthy of par-
ticular notice among so many excellent ones were — a Cow of
the Hon. Mr. Welles of Dorchester — a young Cow of Dr.
Foster's, progeny of the Cow which obtained a premium three
years since, and an admirable animal — an excellent Cow of
Major Wheeler's, of Framingham, which would have been
classed with those entitled to premium, if he had not with
great frankness very honorably expressed his doubts, wheth-
er she was raised within the state, which is one of our indis-
pensable conditions. This example of Major Wheeler de-
serves our thanks. There ought never to be an attempt to
Gvade our rules.

CATTLE SHOW, &LC, AT BRIGHTON. 31

Mr. Luke Fisk of Waltham, a well known and successful
candidate for our premiums, and highly deserving our notice
as an intelligent cultivator, offered an excellent Cow, but he
had owned her for so short a period as not to permit us to
award any premium.

There were several other excellent Cows, particularly
those of Mr. Brigham, Mr. Sparhawk and Mr. Hunting, but
the weigh of evidence decided the committee in favor of
those selected.

FAT OXEN.

As to Fat Oxen, the Show was comparatively meagre.
We do not at all refer to the inferiority of the animals ofTered,
though we have undoubtedly had better in some years.
From fourteen in number we have fallen to four. Whether
this is to be attributed to the season, or the market, or both,
we cannot determine. We have in deciding these premiums
followed one tully and deliberately settled rule, to give the
premium to the best animal on the whole, without regard to
weight.

We therefore award the first premium for fat oxen, to J.
Hubbard of Hatfield, 30 dollars — weighing alive 2308 pounds.

The second, to Stephen Howe of Petersham, 40 dollars,
weight of his ox, 2460 pounds.

The third, to Asa Rice, jun. of Shrewsbury, 30 dollars.
For an admirable and extraordinary 4 year old steer, weigh-
ing 2068 pounds.

HEIFERS.

The first premium for heifers, among 23 animals of this
class, was awarded to Moses Coolidge of Watertown, pre-
mium 15 dollars — The heifer was of the Coelebs breed.

The second, to Dr. James Prescott Chaplin of Cambridge,
premium 10 dollars — we believe of the Fill Pail breed.

The heifers most distinguished not admitted to premium,
were Mr. Abner Wheeler's two heifers of native breed of
excellent forms and qualities — Mr. Parsons's offered for exhi-
bition only — Major Jaques's 2 heifers of the Coelebs breed
— Hon. Mr. Welles's of his well known excellent stock.

32 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

The Society moreover granted as a gratuity to John Badger,
of Natick, ten dollars for an exhibition of three very tole-
rable heifers, produced at a birth, though not of themselves
in other respects entitled to premium. They are now near
two years old, almost exactly alike, and his desire to gratify
public curiosity merited some remuneration.

In conclusion, the Chairman of this committee must ex-
press his regret, that he was not able to present at the meet-
ing at Brighton, a written report, in which he could have
done justice to all the competitiors, and that in a hurried and
confused statement from memory, fatigued and exhausted as
he was, and unaccustomed for many years to public speaking,
he may not have done justice either to the Trustees or the
Competitors.

JOHN LOWELL, Chairman.

REPORT OF THE eOMMlTTEE ON THE PLOUGHING
MATCH.

The Committee upon the Ploughing Match, consisting of
E. Hersey Derby, Chairman, Is^ac Davenport, Silas Gates
and Paul Upton, Esq. ask leave to Report : —

That a piece of green sward land was divided into lots of a
quarter of an acre each, that there were several competitors,
viz. — Silas Dudley, one pair of cattle, himself, both plough-
man and driver — time employed 43 minutes. Lewis Lilly,
one pair of cattle, himself, ploughman and driver — 53i
minutes, Joseph Curtis, two pair of cattle, with Nelson

Marvel, ploughman, and Moulton, driver — 55 minutes.

Samuel Ward, one pair of cattle, Clark Jenney, ploughman,
and Elias Sawyer, driver — 51 minutes. Aaron D. Williams,
two pair of cattle, David Morrison, ploughman, and Abijah
Seaver, driver — 64 minutes. Jonas L- Sibley, one pair of
cattle, Samuel Sibley, ploughman, Jerry L. Batchellor,
driver — 44i minutes. And Darius Putnam, one pair of
cattle, himself ploughman, and driver — 39 minutes. Places

CATtfcE SHOW, <SrC. AT BRIGHTON. 33

being assigned by lot. That the work in general was very
excellent, and that they have found great difficulty in award-
ing the premiums. They consider the ploughing of Messrs.
Curtis and Williams as rather the best, but being bound by
their rules and regulations to consider not only the excellence
of the work, but the economy of labor as well as the time
employed, and considering that both Messrs. Curtis and
Williams, each had two yoke of oxen and a driver, and Mr.
Dudley had only one yoke of oxen and no driver ; and also
considering the excellence of his cattle, and his peculiar skill
of managing them, together with the goodness of his work
they have been induced to award ;

To Mr. Silas Dudley, of Sutton, the first premium, 20
dollars as owner of the plough; 10 dollars as ploughman,
5 dollars as driver.

To Mr. Curtis of Roxbury, second premium, 12 dollars, as
owner of the plough.

To Nelson Marvel, 6 dollars as ploughman.

To Moulton, 3 dollars as driver.

To Mr. Aaron D. Williams, 3d, 8 dollars as owner of the
plough.

To David Morrison, 4 dollars as ploughman.

To Abijah Seaver, 2 dollars as driver.

They had great pleasure in observing that all the teams
were very fine and under excellent management.

E. HERSEY DERBY, Chairman,

Brighton, Oct. 11, 1821.

REPORT.

The Committee on Working Oxen, consisting of Messrs.
John Welles, Samuel G. Derby, and Elijah Perry, report : —

That they have been much gratified to find that the en-
couragement given by the Society has had so beneficial an
effect.

The Show of Working Cattle this year was certainly supe-
rior to any that have preceded it. Eleven yoke of Work-

Vol. VII. 5

34 CATTLE SHOW, 6iC. AT BRIGHTON.

ing Cattle were entered to contest for the premiums, and,
if the advantages of competition and excitement needed
illustration, it would receive additional force from this part
of the exhibition.

The cattle were in general well made and well matched,
of great power and docility, and their training superior to
what has been before presented to the view of the Society,
Still, in backing, which is a most useful and necessary power
in the ox team, there is more attention needed in our far-
mers. Several owners of oxen went from the exhibition,
satisfied that their cattle were not so well trained in this
particular as to deserve the premium. It is a source of much
gratification to the Committee, that they can feel so strong an
assurance, from the appearance of the young stock, exhibited
this year, that the zeal and enterprise of our countrymen is
likely, for succeeding ^ears, to present a breed of cattle
more deserving of encouragement and more promotive of
the best interests of the country.

After an impartial examination of the working oxen, and
such test of their power and training as couM be had, the
Committee awarded as follows :

To Darius Putnam, of Sutton, 1st premium.

*To Silas Dudley, of Sutton, 2d do.

To David Smith, Jr. of Waltham, the 3d premium.

To John Atkins, of Natick, half the 4th do. $7 50.

To Jonas L. Sibley, of Sutton, the other half 4th do. $7 50.

To Jonathan Davis, of Oxford, the 5th do. ^10.

The fourth premium was divided from the general circum-
stances of equality in the minds of the Committee. The 5th
premium was richly merited by Mr. Davis, for his Steers,

* The second premium which was awarded to Silas Dudley, and would
under other other circumstances have been well deserved, could not consistent,
ly with the rules of the Society be paid, as the same cattle had received a pre-
mium of the Society at an exhibition in a preceding year. This fact was
unknown at the time. This regulation is important in the view of the Trus-
tees in producing a more extensive and beneficial competition. It has been
announced in their advertisement of premiums, and as they thought was fully
understood by the public.

CATTLE SHOW, &C, AT BRIGHTON. 35

only 3 years old, which discovered no want of power in the
usual movements of a load and waggon weighing nearly fifty
hundred.

The Committee on ' Working Oxen' have a full convic-
tion of the motives which govern tiie Trustees of the Agri-
cultural Society, in the premiums which are offered for the
several grades of Working Oxen.

The utility of the Ox-team, its adaptation to the nature
and condition of our soil, and its cheapness of support, said to
be at less than half that of a Horse-team, would induce a
belief that it must be in use in New England altoget'ier.
There are however other and very important considerations.
A judicious farmer may make his team every year of increased
value by their growth and training ; and in case of most of
the accidents that can befal them, the carcase is of nearly full
value. It is not so with the Horse-team. And when it is
considered that, from the use and multiplication of oxen
one of the greatest staple articles of our country is en-
larged, the motive becomes imperative, and the interest of
the Society involves that of the state.

It may be said that these facts are known to our intelligent
farmers ; but it is a sQurce of regret that a great increase of
horses in double teams has taken place, which must lessen
the means of support to our increasing population, and thus
become a public evil.

But your Committee consider that the principal, if not the
only objection to the Ox-team, its want of speed, may be
nearly corrected in the training, and they are happy to see
in the cattle exhibited this year, much to encourage the ex-
pectation. The motives for the use of ox power are so per-
suasive and well founded, embracing so deeply both individu-
al and public interests, that your Committee cannot but
trust they will find a due estimation and support in the dis-
cernment, vigilance and patriotism of the Farmers of New
England.

Per order of the Committee,

JOHN WELLES, Chairman.

36 '..ATTLE SHOW, 6zC, AT BRItlHTON.

REPORT.

The Committee of the Massachusetts Society for the Pro-
motion of Agriculture, appointed to decide on the Premi-
ums for Sheep and Swine, offered at the Cattle Show at
Brighton, report : —

That they award the premium for the best sow to John
Prince, Esq. for that sow which he denominates his Essex
and Blue China, 10 dollars.

The second premium to Dr. Francis Moore, of Brighton,
for a sow from White's imported English breed, 5 dollars.

The premium for the best boar, of the breed denominated
White's breed, mixed, to Luke Fisk, of Waltham, 10 dol-
lars.

The premium for the second best boar, to the *Town of
Cambridge, he'in^ the Byefield mixed breed, 5 dollars.

The premium for the best store pigs, to Josiah Hovey,
10 dollars.

The premium for the second best store pigs, to James
Bobbins, 5 dollars.

For the premium on, merino sheep, the committee regret
that there was no competition. Gen. Austin being the owner
of all which were offered.

The merino wethers, your committee deemed to be well
entitled to the first premium, both for form and flesh, and
they accordingly award it, 20 dollars.

The merino ram exhibited by General Austin, the com-
mittee did not deem to be of so superior a quality as to be
entitled to the first premium, but they award the second
of 10 dollars.

Your committee were of similar opinion in relation to his
ewes. They therefore award the second premium of 10
dollars.

For the premium on native wethers, there was also no
competition. They deem those offered by Stephen Howe,

** The said boar belonged to the poor-house establishment of that town.

CATTLE SrfOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 37

worthy of a first premium, and they accordingly award it,
10 dollars.

F'or the Committee

JOSIAH QUiNCy, Chairman,

REPORT.

The Committee of the Trustees of the Massachusetts
Society for the promotion of Agriculture, on the subject of
inventions, report : —

That the machine called the flaxseed separator, offered by
Mr. Hotchkiss, of Brattleborough, (Vermont,) embraces all
the particulars specified in his statement, and is entitled
to the premium proposed by the society of 20 dollars.

A washing machine was presented by Mr. Hodgdon, of
Newton, for exhibition only, and not for premium, which
consists of a rotatory tub, turned by a crank, operating on
a horizontal block, the sides of which are planes inclined
towards the centre of the tub, and doing its work chiefly
by pressure, was put to trial in the family of Mr. Dudley,
Innholder, Brighton, under the direction of your commit-
tee. On examination, all the persons who were experi-
enced in such operations, and who had worked with it,
and others, who had seen its effect, unanimously declared
their opinion that it was the best machine for this purpose
they had ever seen, and that it had done as much work in
one hour, as it would hare taken the same hand half a day
to have performed in the ordinary way. This machine
would have been entered for premium, had it not been
for a misapprehension (:;oncerning our rules, for which Mr.
Hodgdon is not responsible. Under the circumstances,
your committee recommend to the trustees to award to
Mr. Hodgdon, considering the nature of the machine, and
its apparent utility, the sum of 10 dollars.

A rotatory churn, having a horizontal movement, was
entered by Mr. Jennison for a premium. The only evi-

38 CATtLE SHOW", &IC. AT BRIGHTON.

dence in relation to it was that given hy Gorham Parsons.
Esq. who, although favourably impressed towards it, yet
preferred much the churn presented to the society by John
Mackay. Under these circumstances your committee did
not deem themselves authorized to award any premium.

A machine for threshing grain constructed upon a good,
and as far as your committee was apprized upon a new
principle, was presented by Mr. Asa Shattuck, of Pepper-
ell. A model only of the machine was presented, so that
your committee could not have the advantage of seeing its
operations personally. The evidence adduced, was satis-
factory, so far as it related to the trials therein specified.
Your committee, however, from the evidence before them,
were of opinion, that its effect was not superior to that for
which a premium was formerly granted to Mr. Holchkiss,
nor did the evidence of the trials to which this machine
had been subjected, amount, in the opinion of your commit-
teei to proofs of that continued farming use, by a practical
farmer, which, in their apprehension according to the pro-
mulgated rules of the trustees, would justify them in decid-
ing that it is ' the best, the simplest, and least expensive
machine for threshing wheat and other small grains.'

A machine for threshing and winnowing wheat, was pre-
sented by Mr. Gragg, of Londonderry. This machine was
complete, and performed its work excellently, in both ope-
rations. It is simple, and considering its objects, not ex-
pensive, the cost complete being forty dollars, and it was
said to be well calculated to thresh grain mown as well as
reaped. The proprietor had however brought with him
no certificates, nor had your committee any opportunity of
putting it to such a trial as would justify their awarding any
premium. They think so well of the machine, that they
are of opinion that if the proprietor shall adduce certifi-
cates within three months of what it is capable of perform-
ing, and if said certificates shall be satisfactory to the board.

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 39

as to all the particulars stated in the published regulations,
he will be entitled to the premium.

An invention was presented by Mr. Simon Willard of
Roxbury, for exhibition only, and not for premium, being
an alarum clock, every part of which was executed in his
own manufactory, excepting the glass. The work was neat,
elegant and simple, and well adapted for its purposes, and
in every respect worthy of that ingenious and distinguished
clock-maker.

A lead pipe for the conveyance of water, was also pre-
sented for exhibition only, by David Loring, the proprietor.
The execution was neat, and as far as your committee could
judiie, from inspection, it would answer all the purposes spe-
cified in the advertisement of Mr. Loring, the proprietor.

There were also several other articles offered for premi-
um, but no person being present to explain the principles
or the operation of the machines, your committee deem
themselves discharged from the necessity of reporting upon
them particularly.

For the Committee.

JOSIAH QUINCY, Chairman.

Brighton, Oct. 11th, 1821.

REPORT.

The Committee on Agricultural Experimehts, to whom
was also committed the inspection of several articles of Ma-
nufacture, Report : —

That four several lots or parcels of Cheese, of more than
one year old, and twelve lots of new cheese, were offered
for the Society's premiums ; of the former, that from the
dairy of Mr. Job Rainger, was considered to be the richest,
best made, and best flavoured cheese, and is entitled to the
premium of ten dollars ; — that from the dairy of Mr. Elisha
Matthews, the next best, and is entitled to the premium ot"

40 CATTLE SHOW, &LC. AT BRIOHTeN.

five dollars. Of the new cheese, that from the dairy of Mr.
Daniel Hunter, was considered to be the best, and is entit-
led to the premium of ten dollars ; — that from the dairy of
Mr. Nathan Rjce, the next best, and is entitled to the pre-
mium of five dollars ; the whole of said cheese was made in
the town of Js'ezo Bmintree in the county of Worcester.

Several parcels of Butter were also exhibited, all of them
very fine. The lot entered by Mr. Stephen Hastings, of
Sterling, in the County of Worcester, was considered to
be the best made, and of good flavour, and is entitled to
the premium of ten dollars ; — that entered by Mr. Luke
Bemis, of Watertown, the next best, and is entitled to the
premium of five dollars.

A great variety of Vegetables was brought to the Society's
Hall for exhibition. His Excellency Governor Brooks
caused to be exhibited some white globe turnips, of a very
superior quality, the produce of his farm in Medford. Some
uncommonly fine Ruta Baga, and Carrots, were sent from
the farm of Gorham Parsons, Esq. ; — and from the same
farm, some sweet potatoes, of a large size, and in no re-
spect inferior to those of Carolina. From the farm of John
Prince, Esq. some Mangel Wurtzel, and some white Rus-
sian Radishes, of a very large size. This species of the
radish is cultivated in Russia for the purpose of feeding
stock. Mr. Prince also sent to the Society's Hall, a speci-
men of Flax, of a good quality, produced and dressed on
his farm in Roxbury. From the farm of E. H. Derby, Esq.
some potatoes of the best possible size for the table, the
growth of the present season from the shoots of the third
and fourth planting of the same seed potatoes. Mr. Derby's
account of four crops of potatoes, raised by him the present
season, will accompany this report. From the farm of Gen.
Hull, some large Ruta Baga, a particular account of the
manner in which they were cultivated, will be communicat-
ed by Gen. Hull, to the Trustees, as soon as the crop shall
have been taken from the ground.

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 4i

Mr. C. C. Brown, of Watertown, exhibited some very
Jarge fine ears of ten and twelve rowed white corn. From
the farm of Mr. Elijah Saunderson, in Waltham, two water
melons, one of them weighing forty-two, and the other for-
ty-seven pounds. Mr. Nathan Adams, of Medford, exhibi-
ted a large beet, a species of the Mangel Wurtzel, with some
observations on its great utility as a food for milch cows.

Several specimens of sole leather, and dressed calves
skins, were offered for the Society ''s premiums : — of the for-
mer the parcel entered by Mr. Samuel Hobbs, of Weston,
was considered to be the best, and is entitled to the pre-
mium of ten dollars. Mr. Hobbs also exhibited some har-
ness leather, of an excellent quality. The parcel of sole
leather entered by Messrs. Benjamin Myrick &i Co. of Rox-
bury, was adjudged to be the next best, and is entitled to
the premium of five dollars. The calves skins entered by
Mr. Nymphas Pratt, of Shrewsbury, were thought by the
Committee to be the best ; those entered by Mr. Thomas
Prosser, of Roxbury, the next best. Several tanners and
curriers, competent judges of the article, pronounced both
parcels of calves skins to be dressed in a very superior
manner ; the former is entitled to the premium of ten dol-
lars, and the latter to the premium of five dollars. ,
THOMAS L. WINTHROP, Chairman,

0:^ The Committee on Agricultural Experiments will
make an additional report early in December, before which
time the evidence demanded by the Trustees, of the crops
of the competitors for premiums, cannot conveniently be
furnished.

ACCOUNT OF FOUR CROPS OF POTATOES RAISED IN ONE

SEASON.

April 10, 1821. Planted half a bushel of late potatoes,

part kidney and part roupd ones, cut into sets in a hot bed
Vol. VII. fi

42 CATTLE Show, &c. at Brighton.

May 7. Transplanted first set of vines, as I should cab-
bages, and replanted the sets.

May 21. Transplanted the second set of vines, and re-
planted the sets.

June 5. Transplanted the third set of vines, and re-
planted the sets, and hoed the first and second set of plants.

June 30. Transplanted the fourth set of vines.

July 1. Commenced digging full grown potatoes from
the first set of vines, since which my family (a large one)
has been fully supplied, and I have lately commenced dig-
ging the fourth set of vines.

The potatoes exhibited, were taken from the third and
fourth sets of vines, and there are very few small ones.

E. HER8Y DERBY.

Saltm, Oct. 1821. n

REPORT.

The Committee on Agricultural Experiments, submit for the
considerations of the Board, the following, in addition to their
Report dated the 1 1th day of October last, to wit : —

That Payson Williams, Esq. of Fitchburg, in the county
of Worcester, is entitled to the Society's premium of twenty
dollars, for having raised the greatest quantity of Potatoes,
being five hundred and fifty-one and a half bushels, on one
acre of land. Mr. WiUiams has been a successful competi-
tor for some of the premiums offered by the Trustees, three
years in succession, which must be attributed to his skill in
husbsandry, and to' the excellent management of his agricul-
tural concerns. In his communication to the Committee, he
states, that " he planted 24 bushels of potatoes, 3 of which
were the Irish Apple, so called, imported from Liverpool,
last winter, 3 the Fitchburg Whites, and the remainder the
Rio de La Plata Reds. — The relative yield between the
European, American, and South American, resulted in favour

CATTLE SHOW, (SZC. AT BRIGHTON. 43

of the reds of La Plata 5 yet in quality, for the table especial-
ly, the Irish are far superior to either, and ripen four weeks
earlier than the other kinds." The entire expense of culti-
vating this acre of land in potatoes, including the value of
the manure, was eighty-four dollars and ninety-eight cents.
Mr. Williams also claims the premium of thirty dollars, for
having raised the greatest quantity of Spring Wheat, on one
acre. The Committee, however, did not consider him to be
entitled to said piemium, the quantity raised not exceeding
a medium crop for Massachusetts. In his letter to the Com-
mittee, he says, " The extreme drought of the season will
account for a crop of no more than twenty bushels and
twelve quarts of wheat from the acre.

That Messrs. Tristram, and Henry Little, of Newbury, in
the County of Essex, are entitled to the Society's premium
of thirty dollars, for having raised the greatest quantity of
Indian Corn, being one hundred and five bushels and six
quarts of sound corn, on one acre. In their statement they
say, " The seed was the eight rowed yellow corn, selected in
the field, the preceding crop, from the most fruitful, thrifty
stalks — four or five kernels put into each hill — the hills were
four feet by three feet apart : it was hoed three times, and
the vacant hills filled up the first and second hoeing by
transplanting from those that had four or five stalks, calculat-
ing to have three stalks in each hill." — The entire expense
of cultivating the acre, including the cost of the manure, was
thirty-nine dollars. Messrs. T. & H. Little, are also entitled
to the premium of twenty dollars, for having raised the great-
est quantity of common English Turnips, on one acre, being
seven hundred and fifty-one bushels, 'completely trimmed,
fit for the market — about two hundred bushels have been
sold, some of them were sold by the ton, and have been
weighed, and we find that they weigh fifty-four pounds to the
bushel. The land was ploughed with a horse, and a double
mould board plough, in ridges three feet apart — one row was
sowed on each ridge, with a machine, which took one pound

44 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON*

of seed, and a hand roller was made to pass over each ridge,
which completed the sowing, which was on the fourth of
July. When they were out of the way of the fly, they were
thinned, to the distance of one foot apart, on the ridges ; they
were twice plouged and hoed : about the last of October
they were harvested.' The entire expense of cultivating
the acre, including sixteen dollars, the cost of nine cords of
manure, was thirty-two dollars and thirty-three cents.

That John Prince, Esq. of Roxbury, in the County of Nor-
folk, is entitled to the Society's premium of twenty dollars,
for having raised the greatest quantity of Mangel Wurtzel,
being six hundred and forty-four bushels, on one acre. Mr.
Prince says, ' The soil is a rich light loam, on a hard, gra-
velly bottom, on a hill descending to the South, having sixty
apple trees in the above space, averaging fifteen feet high,
which obliged me to have the rows directly up and down hill.
The heavy rains washed, and very much injured the crop ; —
could they have been across, I doubt not one third more at
least of roots would have been gained. The entire expense
of cultivating the acre, including forty-six dollars for twenty-
three loads of compost manure, was sixty-nine dollars and
seventy-five cents, being 101 cents per bushel, of fifty-six
pounds weight ; from which must be deduced a large quanti-
ty of thinnings during the season, and also of leaves at the
time of harvesting. Having succeeded perfectly in perserv-
ing my roots in the ground last winter, as published in the
Repository, No. 3, volume 6, I have this year deposited, in
precisely the same manner, most of the above crop, and
also about four hundred and fifty bushels of Ruta Baga.'

That E. Hersy Derby, Esq. of Salem, in the County of
Essex, is entitled to the Society's premium of twenty dollars,
for having raised the greatest quantity of Cabbages, being
forty-three tons, nineteen hundred and ten pounds, weight,
on an acre.

Mr. Derby is also entitled to the premium of thirty dollars,
for having raised the greatest quantity of Vegetables, (grain

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 45

peas and beans excepted) for winter comsumption of the
stock on his own farnn. It will be seen by the certificates
produced by Mr. Derby, and which accompany this report^
that he raised the last season on his farnm, 749 bushels of
Mangel Wurtzel, 530 bushels of Carrots, 526 bushels of
Swedish Turnips, 1288 bushels of Potatoes, 126 bushels of
Russian Radishes, 757 bushels of common English Turnips,
43 tons and 1 9 hundred weight of Cabbages, and 1 5 ox cart
loads of Pumpkins.

That Mr. David Little, of Newbury, in the County of
Essex, is entitled to the Society's premium of twenty dol-
lars, for having raised the greatest quantity of Ruta Baga,
being six hundred and eighty- eight bushels, on one acre.
' The seed was sowed on the 12th and 13th of Jnne, one on
each ridge, which took 3-4ths a pound of seed, and covered
with a light harrow, drawn by a horse, lengthways of the
rows. July 5th, commenced ploughing between the rows,
boed and thinned them to the distance of about 10 or 12
inches. They were twice hoed and ploughed ; the 8th day
of November commenced harvesting; — six men and four
boys pulled and trimmed ofFthe tops fit for the market, in five
hours ; they were then measured — the product was six
hundred and eighty-eight bushels.' The entire expense of
cultivating the acre, including the cost of four cords of ma-
nure, was twenty-three dollars seventy-nine cents. Mr.
Little also raised five hundred and thirty bushels of common
Beets on one acre.

That Mr. William Mears, of Marblehead, is entitled to the
Society's premium of twenty dollars, for having raised the
greatest quantity of white Beans, being thirty-two bushels and
four quarts, on one acre.

That Thomas Shepherd, Esq. of Northampton, in the
County of Hampshire, claimed the Society's premium of
thirty dollars, for making the most satisfactory experiment
to ascertain the best mode of raising Indian Corn ; having
raised sixty-one bushels and twelve quarts of corn, and one

46 CATTLE SHOW, &€. AT RRIGHTON.

hundred and sixty bushels of ruta baga, on one acre. In
his letter to the Committe*., Mr. Shepherd makes the fol-
lowing statement : — ' the acre was sowed in alternate rows
of corn, and ruta baga, the corn rows being eight feet
apart. The whole field of nearly twenty acres, except
the acre that produced eighty-seven bushels and f| was
sowed in rows eight feet apart ; and the half acre,
which yielded sixty-one bushels and twelve quarts was
not better than a fair average of the field. It is my
belief, that seventy-five bushels of corn, and three or four
hundred bushels of ruta baga, (or two or three hundred
bushels of potatoes,) can be raised on one acre of good
rich ground, cultivated in this way ; but the corn must be
sowed very thick in rows, eight feet apart, and the ditch
well filled with fine mellow earth, and plenty of manure ;
nor is it an expensive mode of culture, considering the
great crop to be obtained. The cross ploughing and fur-
rowing is extra work ; but this it is, with the aid of the
harrow, that makes the great crop, if sowed in wide rows.
as my experiment this year proves, having got at the
rate of one hundred and twenty-two bushels and ^^
to the acre, in this way ; and in the narrow rows,
with more exhaustion of the land, only eighty seven and
II bushels.' Your Committee have not awarded to
Mr. Shepherd the premium claimed by him. The width
of the rows, as recommended, favours unquestionably
very much the growth of the corn ; and the crop,
taking into the calculation the ground actually occupied by
it, was certainly very great ; still your Committee are not
convinced that Mr. Shepherd is entitled to the premium for
making the most satisfactory experiment for ascertaining
the best mode of raising Indian corn. Much praise is due
to Mr. Shepherd, for the extensive and correct manner in
which he has, for several years past, cultivated one of the
finest farms in New-England. Mr. Shepherd also claims the
Society's prenaium of thirty dollars, for introducing a grass

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 47

superior to any before cultivated in this State, which your
Commitec would most gladly award to him, could they,
after due consideration, believe him to be entitled to it ;
but from their own observation, and the best information
they have been able to obtain, they entertain doubts if the
clover supposed by him to be altogether a new one, be
such. ' The stalk,' says Mr. Shepherd, in his letter to the
Committee, ' is very small, and when ready to cut for hay,
the whole field looks like a cherry tree fully ripe. It never
lodges ; and nothing can exceed the beauty of the field
when in full blossom ; it is short and does not yield, the
first cutting, so great a burthen as the common clover, but
in a season much more ; it will remain in the ground, and
yield a crop the third year, but perhaps it seeds itself partly,
it will do two years. Being satisfied that the second crop
would give seed before the frost set in, 1 have this year
made the second trial, with the most complete success,
having obtained from the rowen clover nearly two hundred
pounds of seed to the acre.' It is understood by your
Committee to be the general practice with the farmers in
the states of Connecticut, New-Hampshire, and some parts
of Massachusetts, to procure their seed from the second
crop of red clover. In Pennsylvania, says Dr. Mease, in
his Domestic Encyclopedia, the pratense, or common red
clover, annually produces three or four crops for two years
at least ; the seed is collected both from the first and se-
cond crop, but principally from the former. Mr. Eliot
wrote his Treatise on Husbandry, a work held in high repu-
tation by all agriculturists, more than seventy years ago :
he says, land in good heart will bear two crops of clover
in a season, and recommends saving the second crop for
seed.

Claims for premiums were also exhibited to your com-
mittee by Thomas Shepherd, Esq. for having raised eighty-
seven bushels and three-fourths of a bushel of Indian corn,
on one acre. Col, Samuel Wrisrht, of Westford. in the

48 INDIAN CORN.

County of Middlesex, for having raised seventy eight bush-
els and five quarts of Indian corn, on one acre. Mr. John
Dwinell, of Salem, for having raised five hundred and
twenty bushels of carrots on one acre •, and on the like
quantity of land, five hundred and eighteen and a half
bushels of potatoes. And John Prince, Esq. for having
raised the greatest quantity of vegetables, (grain, peas and
beans excepted,) for winter consumption of the stock on
his own farm.

For raising the greatest quantity of parsnips, common
beets, onions, and dry peas, for proving by actual experi-
ment, the best season, and mode of laying down lands to
the grass, whether Spring, Summer, or Fall seeding, be pre-
ferable, and with or without grain, on different soils ; for
soiling cattle ; for turning in green crops as a manure ; for
the greatest quantity of good honey, and superior skill in
the management of bees ; for the best mode of rearing,
feeding, and fattening neat cattle ; for the best superfine
flour, manufactured in the State of Massachusetts, from
wheat raised in this State, no claims for premiums were
made ; these several objects are of great importance to the
Agriculturists of this Commonwealth, and deserve, and the
Committee hope will have their attention, in the coming
year.

By order of the Committee,

THOMAS L. WINTHROP, Chairmaiu

Boston, Dec.22d, 1821.

J^ezubwi/, November 14, 1821.
[To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Sociely]
GENTLEMAN,

1 HE following is a statement of the production of one
acre of land cultivated with Indian corn, by the subscribers

INDIAN CORN. 4U

on our farm in Newbury in 1820, and 1821, the soil is a
dark clay loam. in 1 820, one third of the land was cul-
tivated with flax, and manured with night soil, and it gave
us a handsome crop, the other two thirds was planted with
corn and manured with six cord of compost manure to the
acre, it gave us one hundred and three and a half bushels
to the acre. In April, 1821, ploughed and cross-ploughed
again about the 20th of May, the twenty-fourth it was plant-
ed in the following manner, in hills four feet by three apart
and the manure put in the hill at the rate of six cord to
the acre, the manure was made in the barn yard the pre-
ceding year, and drawn on to the land in the fall 1820,
the seed was the eight rowed yellow corn, selected in
the field the preceding crop from the most fruitful thrifty
stalk, there was four or five kernels put in each hill, it was
boed three times, and the vacant hills filled up the first and
second hoeing by transplanting from those that had four or
five stalks, calculating to have three stalks in each hill.
One half pint of ashes was put on each hill in every
alternate row after the first hoeing, but we saw no ad-
vantage by so doing, the stalks were topped about the
20th of September, and the 20th of October, the crop was
harvested and measured, and there were two hundred and
ten bushels in the ear, and a fraction over, which fraction
was shelled, which made six quarts, there was a number of
bushels of ears shelled, and found that two bushels in the
ear would make one in the kernel, that we had one hundred
and five bushels and six quarts of sound corn.

EXPENSES.

Rent of the land, ^9 00

Ploughing twice over. - - - - - 3 00

Manure, - - - - - - - 12 00

Drawing the manure, and planting, - - - 8 00

Hoeing three times. - ... - 3 00

Harvesting, ..-.-. - 4 00

$39 00

Vol. vn. 7

•70 ENGLISH TURNIf.

The stalk or stover, we value equal to one and a half tow
of English hay.

TRISTRAM LITTLE,
HENRY LITTLE, Owners.
This may certify that I have assisted in harvesting and
measuring the above crop of corn, and there was one hun-
dred and five bushels and six quarts. JOHN SMITH.

This may certify that I have measured the above acre of
land planted with corn, to the best of myskill and judgment,
and there is one acre and no more.

SILAS MOODY, Surveyor.

Essex, ss. ^orem^er 26<A, 1821.

Then the above named Tristram Little, Henry Little, John
Smith, and Silas Moody, made solemn oath, to the truth of
the above certificates by them several signed, before me,
EBENEZER MARCH, Justice Peace.

Newbury, November 14, 1821o
[To the TiUBtees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

The following is a statement of the production of one
acre of land cultivated with the common English turnip on
our farm in Newbury the present year, the soil is a clay
loam and has been down to grass five or six years, in 1 820,
cut about one ton of hay, the present season cut sixteen
hundred ; after the hay was off the ground, which was the
1st of July, the land was ploughed, nine inches deep, eight
cords of manure was spread on, and the land well harrow-
ed, the manure was a compost about three quarters marsh
sod (from (lie ditches on the salt marshes,) and the remain-
der was made by the cattle and sheep, <Src. well mixed.
The land then was ploughed with a horse and double mould

ENGLISH TURNIP. 51—

board plough, in ridges three feet apart, one row was
sowed on each ridge with a machine, which took one pound
of seed and a small hand roller was made to pass on each
ridge, which completed the sowing, which was the 4th of
July, when they were out of the way of the fly, they were
thinned to the distance of one foot apart on the ridges, and
they were twice ploughed and hoed about the last of Oc-
tober they were harvested and measured, the produce was
seven hundred and fifty-one bushels, completely trimmed
fit for the market, about two hundred bushels have been
sold, some of them sold by the ton, and have been weighed,
and we find that they weigh fifty-four pounds to the bushel.
Yours, Respectfully,

TRISTRAM LITTLE,
HENRY LITTLE.

EXPENSES.

Ploughing and harrowing, - - - - ^4 00

Manure, - 16 00

Seed, 50

Ridging the land and sowing, - - - - 1 50

Thinning, ...... . 2 67

Hoeing, ...... - 2 33

Harvesting, ... . •. . 5 33

^32 33
This may certify that I have measured and staked off the
above land cultivated with turnips, to the best of my skill
and judgment, and there is one acre and no more.

SILAS MOODY.

This may certify that I assisted in harvesting the above
stated crop of turnips, and there was seven hundred and fifty
one bushels. JOHN SMITH.

Esses, ss. November 26, 1821.

Then the above named Tristram Little, Henry Little, Silas
Moody, and John Smith, made solemn oath to the truth of
the above certificates by them severally signed, before me,
EBENEZER MARCH, /Ms^ice P€«c/'c

52 i'OTATOE.S.

FiUhburg, November 12, 1821.
I To the Trustees of "(he Massachusetts Apiri'iiUurril Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

L \G.\VA trouble you with an account of the product of one
acre of potatoes cultivated by me the present year, and en-
tered at Brighton, in conformity to your rules.

The land from which the crop was taken, is situated on
the ton of a very heavy swell or hill, the soil a deep, dark
loam, which has probably been under cultivation for forty
or fifty years.

In the June, of 1820, broke the ground, turning un-
der a good crop of English grass, which was left to fer-
ment during that summer and in the sprinc of 1821, after
spreading on twenty-six buck loads of manure of thirty-
three bushels each, on a part of the field (the manure made
by neat cattle during last winter,) was cross-ploughed and
harrowed, then struck the furrows three feet apart both
ways at right angles, and on the remaining part put four-
teen bucks of sheep litter in the holes at the intersection.
The potatoes planted between the twenty-third and twenty-
liinth of May., The seed used was twenty-four bushels ;
three of which was the Irish apple, (so called,) imported
from Liverpool last winter, three of the Fitchburgh whites,
and the remainder the Rio-de-la-Plata reds.

1st. Having performed 18th and 19th June, 2d, do. 25th
and 26th after which in July, the weeds were eradicated by
the hand hoe* On harvesting the crop in October, found
live hundred and fifty-one and a half bushels to the acre.
I would here observe that the relative yields between the
European, American, and South American, resulted in fa-
vour of the reds of La-Plata, yet in quality (for the table
especially,) the Irish are far superior to either, and if we
take into view their earlincss, (getting ripe at least four

POTATOES. 53

weeks sooner than the other kinds,) their cultivation in this
country must be advantageous, particularly so to the far-
mers in the immediate vicinity of our cities and large towns
whose opulent inhabitants are ever ready to pay roundly
for the luxuries of the table. The product from three
bushels, of tKe Irish potatoe (cut in the usual way) was forty
bushels which no doubt would have been much greater, had
the seed not have vegetated on ship-board so much ; a cir-
cumstance probably not to be avoided in their transporta-
tion across the Atlantic. The next year this potatoe will
have a fair Irial, what I shall not plant will be disposed of
at a reasonable price for the like purpose.

PAYSON WILLIAMS, Owner,
AARON BIXBY, Assistant.

EXPENSES.

Breaking up the ground, five cattle and two men, one

day, ^4 00

Plough for one day, - - - - - 0 75

Cross ploughing, 2 50

Plough for do. - - - - - - 0 50

Harrowing and furrowing, . . - . 2 00

Forty loads manure, at one dollar, - - 40 00

Twenty-bushels potatoes for seed at 25 cents, - 6 00^

Whole expence of getting out the manure and planting, 9 00
Expence of hoeing, . . . . . 7 50

Nineteen days work havesting, at sixty-seven cents, 12 73

^34 98

Worcester ss. J^ovember 15, 1821.

Personally appeared, Payson Williams, and Aaron Bixby,

and severally made oath, that the above communication, by

them respectively subscribed, contains the truth, before me,

CALVIN WILLARD, Justice Peace,

54 MANGEL WURTZEL.

Roxhunj, November 30, 1821 =

iTo the Trustees of the Massachusetlg AgriciiUural Society,]
GENTLEMEN,

1 HAVE this year raised a crop of Mangel Wurtzel, of which
I now give you the result. The land was a grass in the
spring of 1 820pit was broke up early and sown with oats,
which were cut in the milk and estimated near two tons to
the acre ; a very light dressing of compost manure was then
given and lightly ploughed in, and was then sown with the
common Turnips in rows, and produced a tolerable crop. In
April and early in May this year, it was twice ploughed and
harrowed, when twenty-three ox cart bucks of good compost
manure, was dropped in the forrows made by the double
mould board plough two feet and a half apart and covered by
the same, and the seed sown by the fingers on the ridge (after
flattening) at about six inches apart on the 15th and 16th
May. The 8th June, they were hand and horse hoed, and
the extra plants thinned out and weeded. The 22d June,
some vacancies were filled up by transplanting. The 28th
June again earthed up by the double moulded plough, and
again on the 17th August; no more labour was bestowed,
(except thinning out so as to have the plants about one foot
apart, which were given daily to the hogs for a considerable
time.) The 22d and 23d of October, they were all gather-
ed, when the amount of crop was found to be 586 baskets,
each of which would contain H bushel of Potatoes. One
cart load of 26 baskets, 1 weighed myself, and found the net
average to be 621 pounds, making 36771 pounds; at 56
pounds per bushel is 656 i bushels on one acre and 3 rods, or
644 bushels per acre. The soil is a rich light loam on a hard
gravelly bottom, on a hill descending to the south, having
60 apple trees in the above space, averaging fifteen feet
high, which obliged me to have the rows directly up and
down hill, the heavy rains washed and very much injured

MANGEL WURTZEL. 55

ihe crop. Could they have been across. 1 doubt not one-
third more at least of roots would have been gained, the
expence as follows :

21 i days work of men, at - - 85 cts. - - ^18 27

4i " " " boy, '^ . - 54 " - - 2 30

3 " " " oxeit, " - - 85 " - - 2 55

I " " « horse, " - . 85 " - - 63

23 loads compost manure worth - - - - 28 46

^69 75
Cost 101 cents a bushel of 56 pounds, besides a large
quantity of thinnings, during the season, and also of leaves
at the time of harvesting ; having succeeded perfectly in
preserving my roots in the gound last winter, as published in
in the Repository, No. 3, vol. 6. I have this year deposited
in precisely the same manner, most of the above crop, and
also about 450 bushels of Ruta Baga.

It seems hardly fair that all the cost of manure should be
charged to this crop, deducting one half the value thereof,
presuming that the field must be at least so much benefited ;
the actual cost of the roots would then be little more than
seven cents a bushel.

I am gentlemen, with respect, &;c.

JOHN PRINCE.
We the subscribers hereby certify and declare, that we
have worked on the farm of John Prince, Esq. during the
whole of the past summer, that we assisted in the cultivation
of a piece of ground with Mangel Wurtzel, that we have
seen the statement above, made by Mr. Prince, of the
culture thereof, and the produce, and hereby attest to the
accuracy thereof. EPHRAIM DOWNES.

MIKEL HENRY.

Norfolk, ss. Roxhury^ November 30, 1821.

Then the above named John Prince, Ephraim Downes
and Mikel Henry, appeared and solemly swore to the truth
of the above by them signed, before me,

JOHN PARKER, Justice Peace.

56 CABBAOEh.

Roxhury, October 16, 1821.
I Mather Withington, of Dorchester, a sworn surveyor
having been requested therefor by John Prince, Esq. of
said Roxbury, hereby certify, that I have this day, surveyed a
piece of ground on which he now has a crop of Mangel
Wurtzel growing, and find it to measure one acre and three
rods, there are also growing on said ground near sixty
apple trees of twelve to eighteen feet high.

MATHER WITHINGTON, Surveyor.

Saletn, November 30, 1821.

DEAR SIR,

I have raised the present season the following quantity of
vegetables, the most of which I expect to consume in the
winter, feeding my stock on the farm.

3200 early cabbages, at 4 1-2 lbs. 14400 lbs. or tons 6 8 2 8
29 loads 6144 Savoys, - "5 3-4 " 35328 " « '< 15 15 1 20
23 " 4873 drum heads, " 10 '< 48730 " t' " 21 15 0 10

Tons. 43 19 0 10

Cabbages, at 56 pouvids per bushel,

- 1758

Pumpkins, 15 Ox cart loads.

- . 750

Potatoes,

- 1288

Beets and Mangel Wurtzel,

- 749

Carrots,

530

Swedish Turnips, ....

- 526

Russian Radish, - . . -

126

English Turnips, - - - -

- 757

Bushels, 6484

The work oi my farm has been so blended, I find it ex-
tremely difficult to ascertain the exact cost of each kind of
vegetable, having been favoured this year with a good set of
men, and allowing little or no spirit, but plenty of good beer,
1 think 1 can state they have been all raised at a moderate

POTATOES. 57

expense. The cabbages at the best, the English turnips the
next, and the carrots by far the greatest expense.

Having two large barn cellars, I have put a large portion
of the roots into them. Most of the Swedish and common
turnips ; I have placed on the barn floors, and covered them
with salt hay, which mode answered perfectly the last season.
For the cabbages I have selected one of the most airy situa-
tions on the farm, spread a few leaves on the ground to
keep them clean, and placed them upside down, close to
each other, and shook in among them leaves suflicient to
cover them, leaving part of the roots projecting out, then
threw on just enough sea weed to prevent the leaves blowing
away. 1 adopted this course two years since, and kept them
in fine order until 15th of April. I am indebted to Cobbett
for this mode of preserving the cabbages. My store pigs
have been kept for the last three months upon boiled cab-
bage mixed with bran and water, and fomented for 24 hours,
and are all in fine order. I am sir, yours, &c.

E. HERSY DERBY.

Thcmas L. Winthrop, Esq.

Chairman of the Committee on Agricultural Experiments.

We certify that we were employed by E. Hersy Derby, in
taking up, securing and keeping an account of the vegetables
raised by him except the summer cabbages, and the quantity
stated by Mr. Derby, we know to be correct.

DAVID G. CROMBIE,
HEMAN GIBBS.
Essex, ss. Salem, December II, IB^U

Then David G. Grombie and Heman Gibbs, personally ap-
peared and severally made oath that the affidavit by them
above subscribed was true, before

JONATHAN P. SAUNDERS, Justice Peace.

Salem, November 30th, 1821.

DEAR SIR,

The ground on which the cabbages were raised is a moist

loamy soil, rather shallow, upon a substratum of clay. It
Vol. VI I. ' 8

58 RUTA BACA.

produced a very good crop of potatoes the last year with a
moderate dressing of manure, was twice ploughed this spring
and eleven loads of leached ashes and the same quantity
of burnt clay from the Salem labralory were spread before
the second ploughing. The seed was sown 26th of May,
and began transplanting 23d of June. The savoys were set
in squares two feet, by two, the drumheads a little farther
apart, and both were hand hoed three times during their
growth. Commenced taken them up 19th, and finished 24th
of November, had they been pulled the first of the month
I have no doubt there would have been over forty tons, as
a great many of the outer leaves had fallen before they
were weighed. I am, Sir,

Yours, with respect,

E. HERSY DERBY.
Thomas L. Winthrop, Esq.

Chairman of the Committee on Agricultural Experiments.

J^ewbury, J^ov ember 29, 182i.
[To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

1 HE following is a statement of the produce of an acre of
land cultivated with Ruta Baga, on my farm in Newbury,
the past and present year, the soil is a dark loam on a
gravel bottom, cultivated with potatoes in the year 1820, it
was broken up in the fall of the year 1819, and in the
spring following, it was ploughed across the furrows and har-
rowed, then furrowed in squares, of about three feet, about
four cords of manure from the sheep yard was put into the
squares and the potatoes put upon the dung, the crop very
small owing in a great measure to its being injured by a
large red headed worm, (commonly known by the name of
the dung worm,) in May 1821, the land was ploughed eight
or nine inches deep and harrowed, June 12th, furrowed the
ground deep three feet apart and put four cords of compost

RUTA BAGA. 59

manure into the furrows, about half wasfrom bogs, the remain-
der was from the sheep and cattle, the dung was then covered
by turning a ridge upon it, a harrow then was drawn by a
horse length ways of the ridges, the seed was then sowed
the 12th, and 18th of June, one row on each ridge which
took three-fourths of a pound of seed, and covered it with
a light harrow, drawn by a hojse length ways of the rows,
July 5th, commenced ploughing betwixt the rows, then bow-
ed and thinned them to the distance of about ten or twelve
inches, they were twice ploughed and hoed, the 8th
of November, commenced harvesting, six men and four
small boys pulled and trimmed off the tops fit for the mar-
ket in five hours, they were then measured, the product
was six hundred and eighty eight bushels, two cart loads of
the average size, containing forty-six bushels each, and one cart
load of a smaller size, containing forty-five bushels have been
weighed, at the scales by the weigher and his certificate of
the three loads weighed is annexed to this. I have also cultivat-
ed one acre of beets the present year.for which I entered my
name for premium, but as my crop falls short, amounting
only to about five hundred and thirty or forty bushels I con-
clude that my mode of culture will add nothing to the stock
of general knowledge, therefore I wish to^be excused from
making a particular statement on that subject.

I am yours,

with great respect.
DAVID LITTLE.
Statement of expense of cultivating one acre of Ruta
Baga on the above plan, calculating labour at four shilings
per day.

Ploughing and harrowing, - - - - ^2 00
Four cords of manure, - - - - - 12 00
Three fourths of a pound of seed, - - - 1 12i
Furrowing, ridging and sowing, - - - 1 33

Ploughing, thining and hoeing, - - - 4 67
Harvesting. _ - 2 67

$23 7Si

Co BE^NS.

I hereby certify that at the request of David Little, 1
measured a piece of land on his farm, and set oil' there-
from one acre, having ruta baga thereon.

TRISTRAM LITTLE.
This may certify that I assisted in harvesting and mea-
5uring the above crop, and the produce was six hundred
and eighty eight bushels.

RICHARD STICKNEY.
Essex, ss. November 30, 1821.

Then the within named David Little, Tristram Little,
and Richard Stickney, made solemn oath to the truth of the
several certificates, within written, and by them respectively
subscribed, before me.

EBENEZER MARCH, Justice Peace.

I hereby certify that I weighed three loads of Ruta Baga,
for Captain David Little, which weighed as follows.

I 821, November, Sth, first load,

This load smaller size, do. second load.

November 9th, third load,

Salem, September 7, 1821.
(To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]

The subscriber in support of a claim heretofore entered for
the Society's premium for raising the greatest crop of beans,
offers the following statement of the manner &c. of cultivat-
ing the lot, its situation and amount of crop.

The lot is part of a farm owned by Messrs. N. and J.
Hooper, situated near the boundary line of the towns of
Lynn, and Salem, has been broken up for about four years,
the present year was dressed with about ten load, (one yoke
of oxen) of barn manure, ploughed and sowed in usual way.

cwt.

qrs.

lb.

22

0

00

18

3

00

21

0

20

EZRA HALE

ON FLAX- 61

after crop was up, the rows were harrowed once, with horse
harrow and hoed, and once after that, the weeds were
cleaned by hand, the sowing was about 10th of May and
gathered about 20th August, and the whole amount of crop
was tliirty-four bii^hcls and twelve quarts of clean beans.

Respectfully, &:c.

WILLIAM MEARS.

We hereby certify that the statement made within, by
.\Ir. William Mears is correct, that we were present at the
measuring of the crop of beans raised on said lot, and that
the same was thirty-four bushels and twelve quarts.

WILLIAM HATHAWAY.

DANIEL BUTLER.

Essex, ss. December 21, I B21.

Then William Hathaway, and Daniel Butler, made oath
that the statement and affidavit by them above subscribed,
was true. Before

JONATHAN P. SAUNDERS, Justice Peace,

[We insert the following letter of Anthony Dey, Esq. entire, both on ac-
count of the interesting nature of the topicks therein discussed, and the
clearness with which the facts are detailed.

We have not thought we had a right without his permission to separate it,
or else in conformity to our general rule we should not have inserted that
/jar/ which relates to his own machine for cleaning flax, and which it is
manifest he thinks superiour to Hill and Bundy's, which has made so
much noise in Europe. It may be so, and we hope it will so prove ; and
we are ready to give Mr. Dey all the advantage to which his enterprizc
and skill entitle him by announcing the progress he has made, but we
beg it to be understood, that no opinion is expressed by the editors of this
work on the subject. Time, the best critic on human arts and inventions,
will decide its fate. We wish complete success to the undertaking.

Editors.

New'York, December I, 1821.
Sir,

In pursuance of the promise made you, 1 will endeavour
to give an account of my operations in relation to flax.

62 ON FLAX.

The land on which i cultivated about sixty acres of flaX;
the present year, is reclaimed salt mash adjoining the
Passaick River opposite the town of Newark, in the State
of New-Jersey. The three preceding years I had put it
out on shares and deriving little or no advantage from
it, I determined about a year ago, to dispose of it.
The tenant had not cleaned the ditches during that time,
and it may be said truly, it was in a very unpromising con-
dition to raise a crop of flax. Flax among our farmers had
been very little cultivated, although the crop is considered
generally as sure, as any other in husbandry, yet the risk
and labour of rotting and cleaning was such, that it was
only raised in small quantities and then from necessity to
supply the farmers wants. I had never cultivated it upon
my farm or turned my thoughts towards it, until about the
close of the last year, when I saw a sample of beautiful
flax resembling floss silk, the plant of which had been dress-
ed in an unrotted state, in a machine invented by Messrs.
Hill and Bundy of London, or one of them, and reduced to
its beautiful state by some chemical process.

My attention was immediately turned to the subject,^r5f,
to ascertain if my land was adapted to the cultivation of
flax, and secondly^ as to the profits to be derived therefrom.
I did not apprehend at the time there would be the least
difliculty in procuring from England the machines and a
knowledge of the mode of preparation to bring the flax into
its beautiful white state.

1 soon became satisfied that my land ruas good for raising
flax or hemp, if properly managed ; and after estimating
the expense, and the probable result, I determined it was
profitable. And if it was profitable on a small scale, it was
also on a large one, and therefore I not only determined
and entered into a contract to have sixty acres of my own
land laid down in flax, but I contracted with several far-
mers to the extent of about forty acres more, the plant of
which they were to deliver me as it came from the field at
the rate of eight dollars per. ton. (under the expectation

©.V FLAX. 63

that the land would yield three tons to the acre.) Thus
you see J stood committed for about one hundred acres of
flax.

My examination had satisfied me, that in England tzoo
bushels of seed was considered the best quantity to be sowi^
on an acre of land, if the object was to cultivateybr^ax /
if /or seed^ which heretofore has been the great object in
this country, a much less quantity. I enquired of every
practical farmer, that came in my way, but I lament to say, I
found not one, who had ever made an actual experiment
with flax, to test the result, and the most I could obtain was,
that some had sown a half bushel of seed and some three
pecks, and it had produced about so many bushels of seed
and so many pounds of flax, in one year, and about another
quantity in another year, but as to the quantity of land
they knew not, nor the quantity of flax by actual weight.
It had been sown in broad cast and it depended therefore
very much upon the length of the sowers legs and the man-
ner of using them, whether a greater or less quantity of
land was sown. One important item I did ascertain, namely,
never to sow the seed on the same soil it was raised on, but
to change it.

These circumstances determined me to make an experi-
ment and observation upon every measure I pursued, that I
might test the result, and compare with others, who like
myself might unknown to each other be pursuing a like
course. I found various opinions as to what seed was best,
I therefore determined to take five different kinds, namely, (1)
Rhode Island, (2) from the country north or west of Al-
bany, (3) from Queens County, on Long Island, (4)
from the town of Bergen, in New-Jersey, and (a) also, seed
from Essex County in the same state. I began to sow on
the 30th of March, and continued to sow every week
until the last week in May. My land was intersected with
ditches and divided into small lots from two to five acres
each, and the day of the month and the kinds of seed sown

64 ON FLAX.

was carefully noted, that I might be able to judge which was
the best time to sow, and the best seed.

The flax sown on the 31st of March, was about two inches
high when the severe snow and hail storm of the 17th and
J8th of April, last took place. I expected it would have
been destroyed, but it was not, and yielded on weighing each
and every load that came from it, a little more than one ton of
the plant or stem to the acre. I considered it my worst
lot, my best lot was sown the last week in April, upon a
green sward and harrowed well, it yielded a little less than
two tons to the acre. I impute this difference, principally
to the circumstance of the storm on the first lot, which re-
tarded its growth and gave the weeds an opportunity to
struggle with the plant, and to the almost total absence of
the weeds on the green sward. The whole crop averaged
about one and a half tons to the acre.

I cannot say, that I perceived any difference arising from
the kind of seed sown, ^but the time when sowed is impor-
tant, in my District of country, I consider any time from the
20th of April, to the 10th of May, the best time. All the
seed was foreign to my soil. It was all choice seed of its
kind and had been selected, and cleaned by the seed mer-
chant in New- York, and set apart by him to sell to the far-
mers for seed, except one single parcel of seed from Essex
County which was not so. That seed was foul having a
considerable quantity of milberry as it is called in England,
or as it is sometimes called with us negro head. I remark
in order to show the necessity and importance of having
clean seed. That one of my friends whom I had prevail-
ed upon to sow ten acres, lost his whole crop that was com-
pletely destroyed by the milberry. it entwins itself around the
flax plants and completely brings them down to the earth.
If he had taken the trouble of sending to the city of New-
York and obtained clean seed it would not have happened.

A gentleman from Columbia County, in this State, in-
formed me, he found it necessary to change his seed every

ON FLAX. 65

year, and he found the seed raised on land near the sea, bet-
ter than what was raised north or west of him. That in
two years his flax would degenerate so nnuch as to make the
crop scarcely worth pulling. I have now a hank of flax sent
me from Minisink, a town in Orange County, it was prepared
and cleaned in the old way, and measures 4 feet in length as
dressed, and is of a fine quality. It is called sapling flax, and
produced 900 weight of clean flax, (as is said) to the acre.
I have gent to procure a quantity of the seed at any price,
that 1 may cultivate it for the seed.

One of my lots was sown in the morning of Saturday, the
the 19th of May, there was a shower in the afternoon, and
on Monday morning the flax was bursting through the earth,
throughout the lot. It was a fine lot of flax, free from weeds,
but according to my judgment and that of my farmer, the
best lots of flax, as I have before observed, were those that
had been sown between the 20th of April and the 10th of
May, and there was no perceivable difference between them.

As I sowed two bushels of seed to the acre, with a view
to a crop of flax and not seed, so 1 pulled my flax as it was
passing from the blossom to the boll. The seed was not yet
formed, the boll was in milk, but it will nevertheless yield
from 4 to 5 bushels seed to the acre, fit for crushing or feed-
ing.

I would recommend, if the farmer cultivates for flax, to
sow two bushels to the acre, and to set apart one or more
acres for seed, to sow 3 pecks to the acre; from all the in-
formatiom I have been able to obtain, that is the best quantity
to be sown, if you cultivate for seed, but the flax when dress-
ed will be too coarse to make fine linen, and cannot be made
as white by my process of bleaching.

As I contracted for all my flax concern, I paid at the fol-
lowing rate, namely :

For ploughing, harrowing and sowing seed per acre, 3
For two bushels of seed per acre, ... 3

For pulling arid spreading on the ground per acre^ 3

For drying, bundling and carting to the barn^ • ^1 50

Vol. VII. 9 $1050

66 ON FLAX,

where my flax now remains until my machine can be set
in motion by horae or ox power, which I hope will be before
January next.

In the month of February or March last, I learned that
it was impossible to obtain the English Machines, the British
government had refused, on the application of Mr. Rush, the
American Minister, to let them come. I then directed my
attention to having them made in imitation of the English
Machines, as represented in the 8th number of the Journal of
Arts and Sciences, published in London, and republished in
New-Y^ork, by Mr. Eastburn. I employed two persons in
this city, who undertook to make them, warranted good, and
after keeping me in suspense until August last, produced at
length, a Breaker and Rubber, for which I paid them $200,
which are literally good for nothing. At the time these
machines were about to be delivered, I employed Mr. James
Macdonald, to set them, together with others I contemplated
to have made, in operation, by animal power, but finding them
as I have before mentioned, useless, I threw them aside and
employed Mr. Macdonald to make me one on an entire new
plan. This has succeeded to my wishes, and a Certificate given
me by several gentlemen who saw the machine operate is as
follows ;

CERTIFICATE.

" We were present at a trial made of a newly invented
machine, made for dressing flax or hemp in an unrotted or
unretted state, belonging to Messrs. Anthony Dey and James
Macdonald of this city. The machine is constructed to go
by water or animal power, but on the trial was worked with
facility by four men ; one of the subscribers held a watch by
which it was ascertained, that three ordinary lengths of flax
plant, unrotted, were carried completely through the machine
in less than one minute, and three lengths of hemp through in
a little more than one minute. It is estimated that when
driven by the proper power, the machine will clean one ton
of flax plant or hemp, rotted or unrotted, in a day, and Mr.

ON FLAX.

67

Day exhibited and gave each of us a sample of flax in a fine
beautiful white state, resembling floss silk, which he estimates,
from the experiment he has made, may be cleaned through
the machine and reduced to its beautiful state for about two
cents a pound, and informed us that in doing it, he did not
make use of any other preparation, than is to be found in
every farmer's house in abundance, and which was done
after the flax had passed through the machine. New-York,
November 1821. — T. L. Ogden, David B. Ogden, Richard
Varick, Rudolph Bunner, Lekay de Chaumont, George
Brinkerhoff, Benjamin L. Swan, George Griswold.

An opinion has gone abroad, that this machine is nothing
more or less than a copy of Hill and Bundy's machine — the
following affidavit, independent of one moment's view of the
machine, will satisfy every person I hope to the contrary.

AFFIDAVIT.

William Wright, at present of the city of New-York, mill-
wright and machine maker, being duly sworn according to
law did depose and say, That in the Year of our Lord, 1817,
and part of the year 1818, he resided, in Rathbone place, in
the city of London, and worked at No. 422, Oxford-street Lon-
don, part of the time aforesaid he was employed in making the
breaker and rubber of Hill and Bundy's flax machine ; that in
the year 1819, he left England, and went to the city of Phila-
delphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, that in the month of
October last, he came to the city of New-York, and ha? been
employed under the direction of James Macdonald, m finish-
ing a hemp and flax dressing machine for Anthony Dey : hat
having made many of Hill and Bundy's machines, hs is ena-
bled to say, that the one constructed by Mr. Macdonald for
Mr. Dey, is totally unlike Hill and Bundy's having nothing
about it, at all like those of Hill and Bundy, and as far as he
knows or believes it is unlike, in every particular, any machine
he ever saw or heard of for breaking or cleaning hemp and
flax." — Sworn, &c.

Signed, WM. WRIGHT.

GS ON' FLAX.

After several experiments, 1 produced the sample of flax

I sent to you, and which you received from General Sumner.
When my patent right to this discovery is secured, I will then
disclose the process. Suffice it to say, at present that the ma-
terial with which it is accomplished is not only cheap, but ia
every farmer's house in abundance, and will in no degree, 1
think injure the quality of the tibre, and while Hill and Bundy's
flax cost them six pence per pound sterling, equal to about

I I cents of our money, to clean and bleach, I am satisfied
'rem the experiments I have made, that cleaning in the ma-
chine and bleaching by my process can be done for about two
cents a pound. It remains for me to shew thdititis profitable to
raise flax, I know an opinion prevails that flax is an exhaust-
ing crop, and that two crops cannot be raised in succession,
but I have never yet met with an individual who says he has
tried it. The same 60 acres which 1 cultivated this year in
flax, I contemplate to put, part again in flax the next season
and then seed it down with grass seed, and the residue with
about 40 additional acres in hemp. 1 shall be able then to
test the principle. I do not believe that upon such strong
soils as our reclaimed Marshes, we can exhaust the soil or any
principle in it by the same kind of crop, in two or three suc-
cessive years, where those crops are not permitted to go to seed.

Buckwheat is considered a great scourge when it is per-
mitted to go to seed, but Buckwheat is sown for manure and
when in blossom ploughed under. It must therefore, I think,
be the seed, which exhausts that principle in the soil that
requires a change before the crop is renewed. Admitting
however that I am wrong, yet there is hardly any Farmer,
that cannot prepare and set apart ten acres out of his farm
annually for flax, his land should be put in good condition,
for unless it is, it ought not to be sown with flax, and if in
good condition will yield I think, beyond doubt, one and an
half tons of plant or stem to the acre. The English calcu-
late 3 tons to the acre, but I can only say, I think it is incor-
rect, There is a market at Patterson in New Jersey, to
make sail cloth, and in our cities for more flax to make cor-

ON FLAX.

69

dage, than will be raised these five years in our country,
after retaining what is required among the farmers for family
purposes.

Suppose then a farmer raises ten acres of flax at one and
and an half tons of plant to the acre. The owner of one
of the flax and hemp machines can afford, when flax brings
fifteen cents a pound, to give fifteen dollars a ton. Then 15
tons, the produce of 10 acres at $15 per ton is - - $225

DEDUCT.

At the same rate, which I paid in cash for like services, but
which is done by the farmer, and therefore saved to him,
viz : —

Ploughing, sowing and harrowing 10 acres at $3 - $30
Twenty Bushels of clean seed at $1 50 - - - 30

Pulling and speading at $3 30

Drying, bundling and carting to the barn, or the machine

at $1 50 per acre, $15 105

$120

!n other words $12 per acre clear profit, and what can a
farmer in these times raise to equal this ?

And if he will take his flax to the machine and have it
cleaned, and receive only as much as he could get in the
old way, after rotting and dressing, he will receive more
money.

I have been ofiered 25 cents per pound for my crop, which
will yield me, upon a fair calculation, six thousand dollars.

I will now furnish you with an estimate of the expense and
value of the machine, from which you can form an idea
whether the patent right for a town or a county is worth
purchasing by an enterprizing man.

It is estimated two machines will cost, including the
machinery to go by horse power, $1200, and if by water,
then about $1000, and that a horse or a pair of oxen, will
drive two machines.

70 ox FLAX.

The machine is four feet wide and calculated to dress
an ordinary bundle of flax weighing two pounds, at a time,
and it will take through three lengths of such flax in in a
minute. That data will furnish a much greater quantity
per day, (say ten working hours,) but 1 have no doubt each
machine will dress including all interruptions, one ton of the
plant in a day. Having been obliged very hastily to take
down the machine to prevent pirates from robbing us, I did
not make an estimate of the yield of the flax in the manner
I intend shortly to do. Hemp was tried and yielded thirty-
three per cent clean fibre. I adopt therefore in the follow-
ing estimate the English calculation.

One ion of plant will yield according to Mr. Millington's
testimony under oath before a Committee of the British
house of Commons, (see Journal of Arts and Sciences, Nos.
8 and 9. p. 32,) at the rate of twenty-five pounds of fibre,
fit for the hackle or hatchel, for every hundred pounds of
the flax plant.

TWO CALCULATIONS.

1. The product of twenty-five pounds of flax at ten cents,
which I think is the very lowest it will ever be sold for.

Two tons, produced by two machines, at the rate of twen-
five pounds for every hundred, is in pounds - 1000 lbs.
At 10 cts.

Each days earnings of two machines is, - ^100,00

DEDUCT.

Suppose you give twenty dollars per. ton

for flax plant, say two tons at twenty dollars

per ton is, - - - $40 00

Two men, four boys, and a horse or oxen,

say $5 00

45,00

Net j)rofits per day, .... - 55 00

Say three hundred working days in the year, - 3 00

Per Annum, $16,500 00

16,500 per annum.

ON FLAX. 71

According to Mr. Millington's estimate in the Journal of
Arts and Sciences above referred to, No. 9, 35, nearly two
thirds of the fibre is saved by the new process.

2. Suppose you clean flax for the farmers for toll, and
give them more than they can get under the old system.

If nearly two thirds is saved by the new system, you can
give the farmers one hundred pounds and reserve fifteen
pounds out of every hundred pounds of plant for the ma-
chine, and two of those machines will dress about as much
as an ordinary township will raise, and every additional
machine required will be so much the more profit.

Then say, fifteen pounds of clean flax, out of every hun-
dred pounds, in two tons of the plant is, - 600 lbs.

10 cts.

Deduct expences as above stated - - -

Say three hundred working days in the year,

$16,500 00
say 16,600 per annum.

The machine thrashes the seed. In neither of these es-
timates have I included the tow, nor the benefit of the
seed, nor of the boon or woody substance, (see Journal No.
9, p. 34,) which is said to be when unrotted, good food
for horses, cattle, &c. I presume you are by this time
pretty tired of my long story, but I cannot refrain from
stating one occurrence which will speak louder than all the
above calculations.

Last spring a wager was laid, as to the weight of a piece
of Irish linen, the retail price of which, at the stores in
this city, was twenty-five dollars. A piece was obtained
and weighed six and a half pounds. Now then suppose ten
pounds of flax was used and washed in making this piece of

$60

00

5 00

$b5

00

-

300

72 OK CARROTS.

linen, which at twenty cents per pound would make our
farmers soon rich, and would cost two dollars. We pay
then twenty-five dollars, to whom and for what ? Let every
thinking man ponder on this subject, then we shall unite
heart and hand to employ our own means. We will retain
our money and add to our independence.

I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Yours,

ANTHONY DEY.

Corner of Nassau and Cedar Streets-

S. W. PoMEROY, Esq,

Jiewton, November 28, 1821.

[To lUe Corresponding Secretary of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.}

Sir,

On the 5th day of June, of the present year, I commenced
sowing an acre of Carrots on my farm in Newton, and con-
tinued until the 9th of the same month, when the sowing
was finished. They were sowed in rows, three feet apart.
Tiie ground was ploughed and wed twice, between the
time the carrots were sowed and the first of August ;
on the last mentioned day, I set out Ruta Baga plants
between the rows of carrots. They were placed eigh-
teen inches apart. Twelve days after the ruta baga
plants were set out, they were slightly hoed, and the
ievf weeds which had grown in the rows of carrots, were
pulled. About the middle of September the ground was
entirely covered with the leaves of the ruta baga and car-
rots, and remained free from weeds or grass, until the crops
were gathered. The land had been planted, a part with
potatoes, and a part with corn the year before. Late in
the Autumn, it was ploughed into ridges, as is my practice
with all land designed for cultivation the next year. The
last of May, after the grass and weeds appeared, in a dry

ON CARROTS. .* ^

day, the ridges were harrowed down, and a smooth surface
was made. Fifteen common loads of barn yard manure
was then spread on the land, and immediately covered, by
ploughing ridges three feet apart, and as deep as it could
be done by two strong horses. By this harrowing and
ploughing, under a hot sun, all the first growth of weeds
was destroyed. The ground remained in this situation,
until the 5th of June, when I was ready to sow the carrots.
The ridges were then split with the plough, and thrown
back into the furrows, by ploughing as deep as possible
with the same team, which formed the rows or ridges on
which the carrots were afterwards sowed, i was careful
not to form these ridges, faster than the carrots were sowed,
that the seed might have the advantage of the freshness
and moisture of the earth, when it was first turned up. By
this means, the carrots came up in the rows, and could be
distinctly seen in the field, before there was any appearance
of weeds. When the seed was sowed, there was no ma-
nure of any kind put into the rows, and none made use of
in any way, excepting what was spread on the land in the
first instance, and immediately covered by the plough. The
crop was gathered the beginning of November, and the
acre yielded, three hundred and thirty three bushels of car-
rots, and two hundred and eighty-four bushels of ruta baga.

Being of the opinion, that the carrots were too thick on
the ridges, the last week in August I commenced pulling,
and thinning them for my hogs, and continued it daily, until
the last of September. It is impossible for me to say what-
quantity was taken from the acre during this time, which was
about five weeks ; it was however sufficient, with only the
common waste of the house, to support five large hogs, and
fourteen pigs, a part two, and a part three months old.
Besides, a considerable quantity was given to the horses and
oxen.

Vol. VII. 10

/4 dN CARROTS.

They were given to the hogs, &c. without taking off the
tops. This was in addition to the quantity above stated.

As it was my intention, to set out the ruta baga between
the rows of carrots, I thought it better to spread the ma-
nure over the whole of the ground, than to drop it in the
furrows, and cover it by turning back the ridges. In that
case it would indeed have been directly under the carrots,
but the ruta baga would not have had a share of it. Besides, the
ground was twice thrown into ridges after the manure was
spread, and consequently well mixed with the earth. By
this process of ploughing, the ground was loosened, sufficient-
ly deep for the carrots, and at least as well pulverized, as
it could be done with a spade. The ridges were made as
high as it was possible to make them, at the distance
apart which I have mentioned. The higher they were rais-
ed, the deeper the ground is loosened, and a large surface
is formed for the sun the light rains and dews to act on.
If we have a dry season, it is generally, the latter part of
summer, when the leaves of the carrots and ruta baga, plant-
ed in the manner I have stated entirely cover the ground.
There is no doubt but a much larger quantity of carrots
might be raised from the same ground, provided there was
double the quantity of rows or ridges. In that case the
rows would only be eighteen inches apart, and the ground
could not be ploughed between the rows. It would be ne-
cessary therefore that all the labour should be done with
a hoe, and by weeding. Besides, by hoeing and weeding,
the ground would not be so well loosened and pulverized,
as by the plough.

It may further be observed, if the rows were only eigh-
teen inches apart, the surface of the ground must be flat,
(as there would not be room for ridges,) and of course
would become harder, and more unfavourable to the growth
of carrots ; and there would not be so great a surface for
the dews, the rains, and the sun to act on, as 1 before men-
tioned.

ON CAEROTS. jO

By sowing the carrots in the nnanner I have stated, the
ground can be ploughed as long as it is necessary, before
the proper time arrives for planting the ruta baga. Thrs
ploughing perfectly prepares the ground for the ruta baga,
and all the labour attending the cultivation of this latter
plant, is the setting out, and once hoeing.

There is another advantage attending this mode of cultivating
the ruta baga, and- carrots on the same ground. The leaves of
the ruta baga spread to the rows of carrots on each side. In the
morning, after plentiful dews, I frequently visited the field,
and observed the leaves of the ruta baga covered with water,
and the dew drops gently falling on the rows of carrots.
I am satisfied the ruta baga did not diminish the quantity of
carrots ; I left a part of three rows of carrots, in different
parts of the field, where I planted no ruta baga ; in these
rows, the carrots were not larger, and did not produce more
than the others. 1 have not made this communication with
a view to a premium from the Society; and consequently
have not furnished you with the vouchers, which would be
required ; my sole object is in the decline of my life, to do
allj in my power to promote the cause of agriculture, which
1 consider the basis of the prosperity and happiness of our
country.

With the most perfect respect, I am,

your most obedient servant.

WILLIAM HULL.

Jieiuton, Kovemher 3, 1821.
[To tbe Corresponding S.-cretary of tlie .Massachusetts Agricultural Society.}

Sir,

In a former communication, I stated the manner in which
I cultivated Carrots and Ruta Baga, on the same ground.
An objection has been made to the cultivation of ruta baga ;
that when cows are fed on it, an unpleasant flavour is given
to the milk, and consequently to the butter ; and likewise

"/6 ON CARROTS.

when' beef, cattle, sheep, and hogs, are fatted on it, the beef,
mutton, and pork will taste of the root.

With respect to the milk and butter, I think the difficul-
ty may easily be removed. For a month past, I have fed
my cows freely on ruta baga, and have adopted a practice,
which is recommended in Skinner's American Farmer, Vol.
1. p. 60. ' Dissolve two ounces of Salt Peter in a quart
of water, and before milking, put two table spoonsfull into
the pail, provided the pail is to be filled.' I have fed my
cows freely on the ruta baga, for more than a month past,
and have adopted this practice ; the milk has been entirely
free from any disagreeable taste, and the butter of a fine
yellow colour, and perfectly sweet. If the remedy, which
I have here mentioned, should not in all cases, with re-
spect to milk and butter be effectual ; and if it be true that
beef, mutton, and pork, will be effected in the manner which
has been stated, there are other useful purposes to which it
may be applied, without any of the inconveniences, which
have been mentioned. The useful purposes, to which I
refer, are, in feeding working oxen ; young cattle ; cows,
which do not give milk ; horses ; and store hogs : all these
animals eat this food greedily in a raw state, excepting hogs,
and when boiled or steamed, my hogs eat it, with as good a
relish, as they do potatoes or carrots, mixed with a very little
meal, or soap boilers scraps, prepared in the same manner,
as the potatoes and carrots are prepared. I have made an
experiment of this kind ; 1 have a pair of young horses,
which stand in the same stable, and perform the same la-
bour. One I fed on carrots, the other on ruta baga. They
are both in good order and condition, and the one fed on the
latter root, is as strong, and in every respect equal to the
other. From my practice, and experience, I am satisfied,
this is a very nutritious root, and well calculated for the pur-
poses I have mentioned.

I am sensible in recommending to farmers the cultivation
ni articles, to which they have not been accustomed, there

ON CARROTS. 77

is a great responsibility. Our soil and climate is well calcu-
lated lor the production of corn, rye, barley, potatoes, peas,
carrots, &c. which the farmers have been in the habit of
cultivating. These are valuable articles and afford many
comforts.

x^ll at present that I should venture to recommend, is that
the ruta baga may be added to these articles. I recommend
it, because 1 am satisfied, from experience, there is nothing
which can be cultivated on the same quantity of land, and
with the same labeur, more valuable. The same acre of
land, which will produce forty bushels of corn, with the
same manure, will, according to the observations 1 have
made, produce at least five hundred bushels of ruta baga ;
this is twelve and a half bushels of the latter, for one of the
former. After corn is planted, it is the usual practice to
plough and hoe it three times. It is liable to be cut down
by late frosts in the spring, and injured by early frosts in
the Autumn, and the ploughing and hoeing is at the most
busy seasons of the year.

I have been in the practice of setting out the plants, in-
stead of sowing the seed in rows. It is not necessary to
set them out, until the beginning of August. At this time
it is easy to destroy all the weeds, and grass with the plough
and harrow.

After plants are set out, it is only necessary to plough
and hoe them once. The leaves will soon cover the
ground, and prevent the growth of weeds. I think it must
clearly appear, that the expence and labour of cultivating
an acre of ruta baga, is not by any means as great, as that
of an acre of corn. The plant is of an hardy nature, and
may be set out in the dryest time. The last season, I set
out a part of my field, after a rain, when the ground was
moist. The other part when it was dry, and under a hot
sun. The first did not wither in any degree, but grew imme-
diately ; the leaves of the other died, and it appeared to
be necessary to set them out agian. I however waited a

78 ON IRRIGATION.

ew days, and new leaves came out from the roots. The
last when the crop was gathered, were full equal to those
first planted. It is a root, which delights in a dry, loose
soil, as an evidence of it, 1 set out a few rods of very rich
ground, highly manured, with these plants, and in a situa-
tion, when I could turn water, through the rows. The tops
grew rapidly, they had large long necks, but the bulbs
were not as large, as those set between my rows of carrots,
on a lighter soil, and which were not watered. One of my
neighbours, the present year, planted half an acre on
the dryest and poorest part of his farm, with no other ma-
nure but pond mud, and had about two hundred and fifty
bushels. I mention these circumstances to show, that
land which is unfavourable to other vegetables, seems to be
favourable to this.

JN'ewton, December '2ij, 182/.
[To the Coiresponding Secretary of the INIassachusetts Agricultural Society.]

In a letter, which I lately addressed to you, I stated the
reasons, which then prevented me from communicating a
stystem of irrigation, which I had adopted, and practised on
my farm in Newton.

. Those reasons were, that a woollen factory on the same
stream below, had been established, and that the proprietors
contested my right to use the water, in the manner I did for
the purpose of irrigating my grounds.

Having since examined the subject with more attention,
and obtained the opinion of counsel, in whose judgment, I
can place the fullest confidence, I am satisfied there can be
no question, with respect to my right.

I shall therefore proceed to state generally the manner, in
which I have conducted the operation, the effects it has pro-

ON IRRIGATION. 79

dueed, and make such general observations, as the experi-
ment has taught me.

A never failing stream, sufficiently large for a corn mill,
passes in its natural course, through the easterly part of my
farm, about the distance of forty rods. On the easterly side
of the stream, are about six acres of land. On the westerly
side, is a plain of about sixty acres from which the farm rises
into hills.

Nearly where the stream first enters my land, I have re-
paired an ancient dam, by which the water is raised about
ten feet higher than the highest part of the plain, I have
mentioned. From this pond, or reservoir, I have opened a
small ditch, on the east side, by which 1 irrigate the principal
part of the land, on that side of the stream. Here is a gen-
tle declivity, and the ditch is carried nearly as high, as the
surface of the reservoir.

The great object in raising the water, was to spread it
over the sixty acres laying on the west side of the stream.
For this purpose, I dug a channel, about eight feet wide, from
the reservoir, over the highest part of this ground, winding,
and circuitous, in its course.

This channel terminates, and discharges all the surplus
water, ioto the original channel of the stream, before it
leaves my land. I found it impossible to make this main
channel on ground of the same elevation. To carry the
water on the highest part of this plain, I was obliged to raise
the banks, in some places, as much as three or four feet.
From this main channel, are a number of outlets, all made
on the highest ground. At these out-lets, I have no regular
gates, but make use of large, tough sods, to stop, or let out
the water, as occasion may require. From these out-lets,
the water runs into small ditches, made only by ploughing a
furrow, observing the same rule, with these small ditcheS; as
in the main channel, to make them on the highest part of
the ground, intended to be irrigated. I think it better to
make use of these sods at the out-lets, because it is attended

80 ON IRRI«ATION.

with much less expense than gates ; and because if they are
on the land, they ought to be dug up, and when they decay,
they become good manure, and may be replaced by others.
On ground nearly on a level, it is difficult to have too many
of these small ditches. They are formed, with very trifling
labour, with the plough, and the water will run from one to
another, which will prevent it remaining stagnant on the
grass. In this way, there is as great, and perhaps a greater
advantage in irrigating ground nearly on a level, than where
there is a declivity. The manure is not so liable to be wash-
ed away, and the numerous ditches, occasion no loss of
land. Before the time for mowing, these ditches will be
entirely covered with the most luxuriant grass, and from my
observation, a larger quantity grows on the same space, near
them than at a distance from them.

In this manner, the water can be spread, as occasion ma}
require, over the whole of the field. It would be an injury,
instead of a benefit, should it remain constantly on any part
of the ground. To change it, nothing more is necessary,
than to put down the sods, at the out-let, or out-lets, where
it has been running and take them up at other places,
where the water is most wanted.

Where the water first enters the main channel, from the
reservoir, I have a gate, by which at any moment, I can stop
the whole or any part of the water, and leave the ground
irrigated perfectly dry. The main channel has a circuitous
direction around my house, which aflfords a convenience foi
baths, watering my cattle, and all family purposes. During
the course of three or four years, the whole of the labour,
in forming these water courses has been done by the com-
mon labourers on my farm, and at times, when it could best
be spared from other necessary business.

Until the last year, 1 avoided irrigation in the winter, 1
did it, in conformity to the opinions of the best writers, I had
examined on the subject. Observing on the different parts
of my farm, where springs, and small streams run over the

ON IRRIGATION. 81

land at that season, the grass was much earlier, and continu-
ed to grow more luxuriant ly. I was induced to try the ex-
periment, and spread the water over the dry land during the
whole of the winter. I am so far satisfied of the utility of
it, that I shall continue the practice ; besides that water in
winter is warmer than the atmosphere, a large quantity of
rich sediment is carried on thf land. Indeed, 1 am of the
opinion it may be made useful at all times under proper
management. This opinion however ought to be qualified,
by observing, that different soils may require a different prac-
tice. If the ground is of such a nature, that it heaves by the
frost, in such a manner that the water will not run over its
surface, it will do an injury instead of a benefit. As 1 be-
fore observed, it is impossible on this subject to lay down
any general principles, which will apply in all cases.

No general plan can be pointed out, without some excep-
tions ; very much will depend on the situation of the ground,
and other circumstances. Near the reservoir of water, where
the dam is erected, should be a gate in the main channel,
where all the water can be stopped, and turned down the
original channel of the stream, and prevent any from running
in the artificial water courses, and spreading over the land.
There are times when it will be injurious, even on dry
land. In hot days, when the sun is intense, the water should
be entirely taken from the land, the night, and cloudy
and rainy weather, are the most favourable seasons. Water
is not only injurious to stand long on the surface of land,
especially in hot weather; but it is equally injurious at all
limes, to remain stagnant, under the surface. This can only
be prevented by drains, on which subject it is my intention
at some future day to make a communication.

Among the best writers on the subject of irrigation, there
arc various opinions with respect to the most suitable sea-
sons of the year for the purpose.

There is no doubt, but the spring and autumn, when the
rains are heavy, are very favourable. One great advantage.

Vol. VII. 11

82 ON IRRIGATION.

and perhaps the greatest, arises from the rich sediment,
which t!ie water carries on the land. From the experi-
ments I have made, I am satisfied there is no mode of culti-
vating and fertilizing land, with so little expense, and so
profilably, as by irrigation.

It is however to be observed, that however valuable water
is to land, when properly nmde use of, there is nothing more
injurious to it, frequently, when left to its natural course, or
when injudiciously managed. It is necessary to have the
entire command of the water made use of for irrigation.
The least observation will be sufficient to shew, that large
(juantities of our best land are rendered useless by water.
It is in nature, that all streams seek for the lowest grounds.
These grounds are covered by the water, where it remains
stagnant, and every kind of vegetation is destroyed. Two
important advantages are gained by a proper mode of irriga-
tion ; one, the water is carried on the high and dry grounds,
with all its enriching qualities. The other, the low grounds
are left dry, and in a situation to be cultivated and become
abundantly productive.

It will be seen by the plan 1 have adopted, the first thing is,
to erect a dam, in some suitable situation, to raise the water,
and form a reservoir, higher than the ground to be irrigated ;
no regard ought to be paid to straight lines in forming the
channels ; it is better, they should be winding and circuitous,
and it is all-important, their courses should be on the highest
ground intended to be irrigated. The out-lets, from the
main channel, and small ditches, ought to be numerous, and
it is necessary to exercise the best judgment in forming them.

It is in this case as in all others which relate to agriculture,
very much will depend on the sound judgment of the person
who manages the farm. There is another advantage I have
experienced, since I commenced the system of irrigation ;
heretofore, after mowing my grass, I could not walk over the
ground, without a swarm of Grasshoppers, and other insects
Hying up before me. They have now disappeared, and I

ON IRRIGATIOIsf. 8S

know of no other cause, than that tlicy have been destroyed
by the water.

Those fields which were dry, and without hardly a blade
of green grass, after the first nnowing, are now at that season
covered with the richest verdure. Such part^ of my mowings
grounds, as 1 have irrigated, without carrying on any ma-
nure, excepting what was carried on by the water, have
greatly increased, both in the quantity and quality of the hay ;
and according to my best opinion, there will be no occasion
of breaking up the land, as long as the operation of tiie
water is continued. Some parts of the land, which 1 irrigate,
I have manured, and have found myself amply remunera-
ted. The coarsest and rawest manure, retaining all its
strength, may be put on these lands, in the fall, early in the
spring, or after the first mowing and the water not only pre-
vents it from burning the grass, but decomposes it in such a
manner, that it has a greater etlect, than when it is old, and
some of its virtues have evaporated, as will be the case when
exposed to the sun, and the air in its preparation. When
history informs us of the great advantages, which the earliest
nations of which we have any account derived from fertiliz-
ing their lands by water ; when it is considered in what high
estimation, it is held in every part of Europe, and indeed
in other parts of the world; and from the lew experiments
which have been made in this country, what vast advantages
might be derived from it, is it not matter of surprize, that
more attention has not been paid to it here, and that it has
hitherto remained without any patronage ? In Switzerland,
the first agricultural society grants it the first premium.
I believe, there is no country on earth, better calculated for
improvements, by this means, than ours. Streams almost in-
numerable pass over it, inlheh* natural courses, and have car-
ried and continue to carry, the richest part of the soil into the
ocean. This rich manure, which is now entirely lost, with
little expense, and without the aid and labour of dung carts,
might by spread over our cultivated fields, and render them

84 SEASON OP THE YEAR FOR THE CUTTING Or TIMBER.

productive, be^'ond any calculation that the most sanguine
can imagine. Yet we stand, uninterested on their banks,
gaze at ihem as they pass, without an effort to regulate their
courses in such a manner, as to reap the advantages of the
rich treasures, they contain. It is certainly a neglect of a
blessing, which a munilicent Providence has provjded and
offered for our acceptance. If the account 1 have here given,
and the observations I have made, can be of any use, 1 shall
be happy. In any event, I am satisfied, the experiment, I have
made, has been attended with great advantages to the farm
I cultivate. In four years, my crop of hay has increased
more than ten fold, and this has been effected principally by
irrigation. I am with highest respect, your most obedient
servant.

WILLIAM HULL.

ON THE MOST SUITABLE SEASON OF THE YEAR FOR THE CUT-
TING OF TIMBER, WITH REFERENCE TO ITS DURABILITY.

IT would seem surprizing, that a question so easily decided
by a (ew experiments, should in this age be still a subject of
dispute. Yet so it is, and although a careful collection of
facts, one would suppose, would readily settle the dispute,
(for upon such a subject above all others, facts alone must be
resorted to in preference to (heory.) yt-i it is true, that in this
age, in which science has attained to a higher degree of cer-
tainty and perfection than in an} former one, this most in-
teresting question lemains the subject of conflicting and oppo-
site opinions both in Europe and America. The vast impor-
tance of it connected as it is with the durability of our
houses, and utensilsof wood, and the still if possible more im-
portant question oHUe^ durability of our ships, one would have
hoped would nave lea philosophers to ascertain by unques-
tionable experiments the true principles, and to put the ques-
tion at rest.

SEASON OP THE YEAR FOR THE CUTTING OF TIMBER. 85

Commodore Porter has published a very elaborate essay
©n this subject, and Col. Pickering has with great ingenuity
and characteristic frankness, replied to the Commodore, and
collected a great mass of facts on the subject, which appear
to us not only to impugn the opinions advanced by Commo-
dore Porter, but to settle the question in the minds of every
man, who is acquainted with the habitual caution and exacti-
tude of Col. Pickering in relation to questions of this sort.

It bad been our intention to introduce both Commodore
Porter's and Colonel Pickering's views of this subject in the
present iiumber of our Journal, but the space necessarily occu-
pied by the ofllcial accounts of the proceedings of this society,
would not permit us to accomplish what we had proposed.

It may be thought by some persons, that we had better
curtail our accounts of our shows and of our premiums, and
give place to original communications on such interesting
topics.

It should however be recollected, that, after all^ the inter-
ests of agriculture and of our country are best promoted by
diffusing through the whole mass of the people a taste and
zeal for the promotion of agriculture generally, rather than
to confine their attention to the speculative examination of
any one point however interesting it may be. The question
above referred to, though highly important, seems rather to
be more calculated for a philosophical or scientific journal,
than for one purely agricultural. It seems to us to be of
greater importance to show, that while Dr. Deane. thirty
years since, spoke of 100 bushels of potatoes as the average
crop, on indiflferent soils and under ordinary culture, and men-
tioned 300 and even 400 bushels on an acre with an air of sur-
prize as the product of the best Irish culture of that plant, we
are enabled to prove, that not one only, but many of our far-
mers are able by the recent spirit infused into the agricultural
classes of society, to produce from 400 to 300 bushels of that
root per acre — and that this has been done not by amateur cu]-
tivatcr= of fortune, regardless of the cost, but that the natnial

o6 SEASON OF THE YEAR FOR THE CUTTING OF TIMBER.

and common tillers of the soil have out-stripped those who
regarded not expense in the attainment of their ends. The
same remarks apply with still greater force to the other arti-
cles of root culture, and it is now seen that the Essex and
Worcester farmers take the lead in the culture of the car-
rot, the Mangel Wurtzel and the Ruta Baga.

No man can doubt that considered in relation to agricul-
ture only, these proofs of success in that art should have the
preference, to the disputed, though highly important question
as to the best time of cutting timber. But though we con-
tend for this opinion, w^e are by no means of the sentiment
that the other should be neglected, and therefore while we
regret that the limits of this number will not permit us to
give at large as we intend to do, the arguments of Commo-
dore Porter and Colonel Pickering on the best time of cut-
ting timber with reference to its durability, yet we with
pleasure devote the small space left to us to the following
interesting letter from Mr. Poor, on the same subject, and
fully supporting the hypothesis, and corresponding with the
facts advanced by Colonel Pickering.

Nezohuryport, July 31, 1821.

GORHAM PARSONS, ESQ.
DEAR SIR,

1 HEARD you observe the other day, that every kind of in-
formation which would in any measure serve to advance the
agricultural interest of the country, should be made public,
and every friend to agriculture, should do all in his power to
have it generally diffused. It has since occured to mc, that
the following facts may be of some service. If you are of
that opinion, you are at liberty to communicate them in that
manner you may think proper.

The following are the facts alluded to, and are within my

^SEASON OF THE YEAR FOR THE CUTTING OP TIMBER. 87

own knowledge and observation, viz: — In the fall of 1812,
my grandfather (then ninety-one years old) in conversation
with a respectable mechanic on the subject of the durability
of timber, urged with much earnestness, the great impor-
tance of cutting or felling the trees in the old of the moon in
the month of March, the mechanic with as much earnestness,
but with great respect to the old gentleman, insisted that the
month of June was the best month, that timber cut at that
time and well seasoned, was worth double that in March ;
it was to be sure much harder to work, but would endure
longer and for any use on a farm, particularly ploughs, carts,
harrows, drags, &ic. it was incomparably better, and he fur-
ther observed that he was once of grandfather's opinion, not
from his having made any actual experiment, but from having
been told from his youth, that March was the proper month
for felling timber trees, that from accident he at tirst had an
opportunity of testing the ditference, and on further attention
to the subject, he was fully confirmed in his opinion. My
grandfather still adhered to his opinion, but was desirous of
making an experiment by selecting two white oak trees, size,
situation, general appearance as to age and health, and the soil,
as near alike as possible, that was done at the time (the fall of
1812.) In the month of March following, in the old of the
moon one tree was cut, the timber carried to the mill and sawn
into suitable timber and scantling for an ox cart, and put
up to season in the open air, the middle of June, the other
tree was cut, carried to mill, and sawed into timber, &zc. suita-
ble for an ox waggon, and put up in the open air to season, and
treated in every respect as that cut in March. In the fall of
the year, both parcels of timber were housed, and in the
spring following, an ox cart was made from one, and an ox
^vaggon from the other parcel, both painted and the work
alike in all respects. They were used principally for haul-
ing stone, and if there was any difference in the service to
which they were used, it was that the June timber had the
hardest, they were both housed in winter, and commonly

88 ON THE SILKWORM.

remained out in summer. At (his time the one made of
timber cut in March, is very much decayed, the raves defec-
tive, much bruised, and a general appearance of decay and
of being much the worse for wear, while that made of timber
cut in June, is |)erfectly sound, and has not jsiven way or
started in the joints, or in any respect appears half as much
worn as the other, although as before observed it has been
put to harder service, and it is a fact that in this instance the
June timber is very much harder, and is not so much bruised
as that cut in March. I send you a piece of plank from each
parcel, and you will at once perceive that a striking differ-
ence is in favour of that cut in June ; the mechanic who in-
duced this experiment, says timber cut in June, must be sawn
soon after 'tis cut, and n^ear the size in which it is to be
used, for it is much more difficult to work than timber cut
in March, but it will not powder-post or crack in the sun; he
is also of opinion that it would be far more durable as ship
timber, but this experiment goes only to prove its superiority
for farm use, and I am fully satisfied that it will be for the
interest of farmers to use for their carts, waggons, i:c. tim-
ber cut in June, in preference to that cut at an earlier period.
I should like to know, why June is the best time. an<l how it
happens, that even accident should not have done away the
long established opinion, that timber to endure and be ser-
viceable, must be cut in March. Should the preceding facts
be acceptable my object is obtained,

And I remain your obedient servant.

BENJAMIN POOR.

[To Uie Trustees of t!ie Massacluiselts AgricuHural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

JtlAViXG viewed with pleasure, the laudable exertions of
your Society for the improvement of agriculture and manu-
factures. I entertain a disposition to contribute my mite,

ON THE SILKWORM. 89

to the promotion of this benevolent and useful design. What
I design at present is, an essay upon the culture of the Silk-
worm, and an exhibition of its effects for several years, in
my family.

I was induced to undertake the cultivation of Silk, from
the well known utility of this article, in a great part of our
clothing, and almost all the ornamental parts of dress.

About five years ago, I began the cultivation of the Silk-
worm, having previously prepared a good supply of white
Mulberry trees, the leaves of which are the only support to
this animal, with any kind of profit.

It is true that the life of the Silkworm may be preserved
for a (ew days by some other vegetables than the Mulberry,
as lettuce, and leaves of the low brian berry, but nothing else
than white Mulberry will produce silk to advantage, even
the black Mulberry not excepted.

The average quantity of sewing silk and twist, annually
manufactured at my house, is about one thousand skeins,
sometimes more, and often less ; and the quantity might be
increased almost to any amount if consistent with other pur-
suits. It might be profitable economy to large families
who expect to labour for their support, and whose landed
property is small ; for I have no doubt that one acre of land
well covered with Mulberry trees, would support Silkworms
sufficient to produce six or seven hundred dollars worth of
sewing silk annually. And the Mulberry will flourish well
upon any land that is suitable for the apple tree ; and I be-
lieve as well in this as any other country.

The proper time for hatching the Silkworm, is about the
10th of June in common seasons, and it continues to feed up-
on the Mulberry leaves about five weeks. Then it withdraws
and winds itself within a very beautiful ball, where it continues
about nine or ten days in a dormant condition. Then, if it
be not destroyed for the sake of its silk, it eats through the
ball, and appears in the form of a large white miller. This
is the state of perfection to the Silkworm. In this, it propa-
Vol. VII. 12

90 ON FOREST TREES.

gates its species, prepares for a numerous posterity, and then
it languishes and dies,

I have sent you a specimen of our silk and twist, together
with a pair of gloves for your inspection, and hope it will
meet your approbation. The manufacture of silk in this
country, may be greatly to the advantage of it, by affording
employment to children and other cheap hands, and there-
by prevent the exportation of its specie. Therefore, would
it not be advisable to give encouragement to this kind of
domestic manufacture ?

The pursuits of agriculture and manufactures are evident-
ly progressing, through the aid of your society, and others of
the same description ; and there is no doubt, your satisfaction
will be in proportion with your endeavours to promote the
prosperity of your country.

And I would just observe, that the whole of our silk has
always been manufactured at my house in every operation,
and the colouring thereof. The natural colour of silk
is white.

From your friend,

And humble servant,

REUBEN HOLCOiMB.

Sterling, County ul" VVoixester, October 4th, 1821.

[The following letter from the Hon. John Welles to the Corresponding
Secretary, on Forest Trees, relates to a subject of the greatest im-
portance to the State of Massachusetts, a State destined to become
very populous by its industry, its capital, and its superior advantages of
all descriptions for extensive manufactures. The best mode of preserving
our wood-lots from decay, can be ascertained only by extensive and fre-
quently repeated experiments. No man in New England has enjoyed
greater opportunities than Mr. Welles, of making and witnessing such ex-
periments.]

1 sOiME time since, in a communication to the Agricultural
Society, made some observations upon the growth and ctil-
Jure of the apple tree, (No. 1, Vol, 6.) with a view of stat-
ing from experiment how the natural disadvantages of soil
miuht be counteracted.

ON FOREST TREES. 91

It is now my intention to resume the subject, for the pur-
pose of leading to a more general enquiry as to the laws
which govern and regulate vegetable life, as well in that
majestic production of nature, the Forest Tree, as in the
fruit-bearing tribes.

How then amongst us is vegetable life aflfected by cli-
mate ? How, by other causes ? and what is the duration of
the several kinds of Trees ?

That these questions may be rightly answered, known
facts are to be collected from the observing ; and such
results must be obtained as may lead to the most accurate
decision of which the subject is susceptible. Thus, whilst
in this great process of nature, general knowledge is en-
larged, it becomes the immediate source of practical utili-
ty. Or in other words, experience, gathering strength as
time passes by, becomes our unerring guide. Much has al-
ready fiecn done by the publication of extracts from Mi -
chaux, relating to the varieties in the American forest. But
if with a like zeal we can obtain from others of the present
time, whose information is competent, known facts as to
the age of trees ; there is no doubt sufficient knowledge
might be had, to establish a general system accurate enough
for every wished for purpose.

And why should not the laws which influence vegetables,
be as definite as those which govern animal life ? What
one generation cannot do, let two eflfect. And as to excep-
tions, let it be remembered, that they do not disprove but es-
tablish general laws.

A time will come (especially if coal is not found more
abundantly with us) when from the increase of our popula-
tion and our manufactures, the cutting ofT and the re-growth
of our forests, or to use a more appropriate term, our wood-
lots, will form an important subject of calculation. It will
be desirable to estimate with precision, at what period the
earth will again present a renewed growth ; as well as the
most beneficial time and mode of using the axe. Some in-

92 OM FOREST TREES. '

deed may be so favoured with length of days as to avail
themselves of this labour of the earth more than once.
But if not, to their successors and to the community, the
subject is highly important and replete with interest. The
diversity of opinion on these topics, and the occasional and
scattered instances of the great longevity of trees, while
they render the subject more intricate, make it also more
essential as a topic of enquiry. These variations from
the general law in this country, as well as other similar ones
in past ages and in tiie present times, should form no im-
pediment to the general rule.

As relates to our forests or wood land, it is a fact gene-
rally known, that where they are cut otf and a renewed
growth is wished for, if they are of hard wood, they should
be cut when the sap is down, or the leaf off the tree- This
being mostly in the winter season, is most convenient to our
husbandmen. It is considered as very essential b}^ Euro-
pean writers as well as some of our own country, that trees
should be cut as near the ground as possible, as a means of
throwing back the suckers more toward the roots. This
practice is dictated also by economy as a saving of the best
part of the wood and timber. In the publications of the
Scotch Agricultural Board, by Sir John Sinclair, it is observ-
ed, ' that of the trees which being cut down send forth no
shoots, are the beech and the whole family of the pines.'
They are considered in Europe ' as limited to one generation.'
There is a mode here, however, as to the latter tree which
has the effect of producing a succession. After cutting off
a pine lot, the plough is introduced, a crop of rye is obtain-
ed beneficially, and the seeds of the pine v/hich were on the
surface being thus buried in the soil, a new and rapid growth
is produced. This is aided if one or two middle sized seed-
bearinjT trees are left on an acre. It is said that in some
parts of our country there is a change or a succession of dif-
ferent growths, even of ditlt^rent genera or families. Upon
this seeming incongruity I cannot reason, from want of ex-
perience.

OK FOREST TREES. 93

As to the important principle, at what age or how often it
is best to cut off our wood, we should on the whole be dis-
posed to name a period between 40 and 50 years, as most
favourable for what is termed hard-wood trees. The writer
lif re refers not only to a variety of facts as to lots in different
parts of this state, but to opinions of many judicious farmers.
This is corroborated by a number of experiments, where
po/tions of a lot have been cut off at the period of time
above stated, and the product of which considerably exceed-
ed that of other parts of the same lots, which had been left
standing, in the aggregate quantity upon an acre. This was
the more discernable where the ground had been cut clean ; a
practice which cannot be too highly recommended.

By the agricultural reports before alluded to, it appears
that in the lots reserved for wood (called coppices) it is con-
sidered as most profitable to cut otf the growth every 40
years. It will be perceived that for this country a longer peri
od is inclined to.

As to the pine, that called the pitch pine, {Pinus Rigida,)
is the prevailing growth in this State. The general opinion is
that it may be cut to advantage once in about 40 years.

Though trees may shoot up in heighth by standing longer,
yet the period of most rapid vegetation is mostly over, and
by this means much of the under growth is necessarily de-
stroyed.

It may be here remarked, that those trees which took their
start in the earlier stages of vegetation on our soil, and have
grown separate, have put at a distance all competition. Hav-
ing the advantage of extent of ground, air, light, &;c. besides
being more valuable as timber, they have attained great-
er age and size than has been since known.

One observation will tend to the vindication of our coun-
try from that censure, which has been bestowed upon us by
some superficial travellers. We have been condemned
's evincing a want of taste in cutting ofll' our forests without
caving what it would take a half century (o produce, a shade

94 ON FOREST TREES.

near where it is proposed to erect buildings. The fact is,
that trees of original growth have their roots mostly in the
upper stratum of earth and near the surface. A tree acts
upon its roots, and is acted upon by the wind, sustaining in
common with the whole forest the force of this element, and
it becomes accommodated or naturalized to the pressure.
But when left alone or unsustained, it is borne down by
the first gale, often to the injury of property, and even
of life. It is true wisdom therefore, that induces the settler
to cut or girdle the whole growth, that a danger so serious
may be avoided.

Considering tbe oak as the monarch of the wood, we begin
where this tree predominates. From a careful examination
of several lots of considerable extent, which have been cut
clean, and where there could be little doubt that the growth
was, as it were, primeval ; not more than seventy rings could
be discovered. As the outer rings were not very distinct, it
may be fairly inferred, that many years might have passed by
without this indication of increase. The result seems suffi-
cient, more especially if it shall be confirmed by coincident
facts, to establish the preceding hypothesis ; that it is gene-
rally most beneficial to cut off our wood lots at some period
between forty and fifty years ; varying the rule somewhat as
circumstances may dictate.

Where lots are left for a much longer period, or where the
old trees are gradually selected as wanted by the proprietor,
the growth becomes more and more feeble.

The English writers generally lay down a different result
from M'hat appears to be the fact in this country as to the
growth of wood.

First they assert, that after a period of about fifty years the
forest trees will not shoot anew after being cut over. This
is so far from being the case here, that it is believed that
scarce an instance has occurred, where lots are fenced and
rattle are kept out, but that a new growth has rewarded the
owner of the soil. In several lots of old growth upon Blue

ON FOREST TREBS. 95

Hill in Milton, it was predicted that there would not be a new
growth. The wood was cut off in about 1800, and there is
now a fine vigorous succession of the same sort of trees.

Old lots, when the wood is taken therefrom, are too often
left exposed as pastures or in commons ; the roots are surcharg-
ed with sap ; the shoots, when they rise up, are of rapid
growth, tender, and nutritive ; they are cropped by cattle
and sheep, and the erroneous conclusion above stated is too
hastily drawn, in this country at least. The next point,
upon which we must dissent, is this. That ' the trimming
of wood lots is beneficial.' True it is, that some of our
farmers think that the stumps of their trees may be deprived
of a portion of their numerous suckers for a few years.
They are used to serve as hoop poles. Perhaps from the
necessity of the case, ajid the situation of the country, this
may be justified. But experience here seems fully to estab-
lish it, that wood lots should not be trimmed in the manner
recommended by the English writers, for the purpose of let-
ting in the air and light. In a variety of instances where this
has been done, the consequence has been that the leaves
have been blown away, which would have made the land lie
light and nourish the roots. A thick grass sward has been
formed, and the lots have been stunted in growth, and most
essentially injured.

There is no doubt that in the family of the oaks there is a
great difference in growth and duration. The red oak,
(Quercus Rubra) ; the grey oak (Quercus Ambigua) ; the
swamp white oak (Quercus Prinus Discolor) ; in forests at-
tain their growth sooner than the white oak (Quercus Alba).
The latter tree spreads its limbs parallel nearly with the
earth by engrossing a greater extent of soil ; it has the benefit
cf better nutrition. As it seldom predominates in the forest
in close growth, it does not perhaps mature much under
from 60 to 80 years, and when in single and favourable situa-
tions, it requires a much longer period. The Chesnut of the
United States, (Castanea Vesca) is a long lived tree, but less so

96 AORieULTURAL INTELLIGENCE-

than the white oak ; it grows to a large size and is valuable for
timber. In Scotland, they conjecture some of their Chesnut
trees to be nearly 300 years old. As has been before
observed, the white oak and the elm, in common with all
other trees when well situated in cultivated grounds, and
near roads and houses, attain great and protracted age, and
must be considered as forming (if not exceptions) classes of
cases by themselves, not interfering with that system under
which we place our forests and wood lots. I feel that I
owe an apology to you sir, as well as your readers for the
length of this communication. My object has been to excite
an attention, which is becoming more and more important as
to our wood lots, and I feel desirous of bringing those forward
who are better informed. As it may furnish, however, some
amusement to the curious, and lead to the general benefit and
ornament of the country to adorn our highways and pleasure
grounds with trees in rows and otherwise, I shall subjoin a
*variety of instances of the size, age, &zc. of several in this
neighbourhood and elsewhere, which will serve to show what
an astonishing increase time insensibly effects in this wonder-
ful product of the earth.

1 am Sir, respectfully yours, &:c.

JOHN WELLES.

Dorchester, October 31, 1821.

AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

J HE following letter from a very intelligent and highly re-
spectable cultivator of Maryland, expresses a sentiment,
which we have often endeavoured to impress in our Jour-
nal ; to wit, the great importance of having a common lan-
guage in agiicuUure as well as in every tiling else. There
is nothing so unsettled as the familiar names of grasses and

* This Appendix was: necessarily omitted, but will appear in our next

■)\l\yiihfy.

AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE. 97

fruit trees, and indeed of the varieties of the potatoe, and
many other cultivated articles.

We do not agree with Mr. Forman, that in Europe there
is more of this confusion of names. So far from it, the
men of education all understand each other when speaking
of grasses or fruit trees. The only perfect mode of ascer-
taining precisely, whether we do agree in our application
of names, is the one which Mr. Forman has wisely adopted,
that of sending, reciprocally, specimens of the plants, togeth-
er with the name, or names, if more than one, by which they
are known in our vicinity. We have no hesitation in say-
ing that one of the plants sent on by Mr. Forman was the
phleum pratense of botanists, known also by the names of
meadow catstail, according to Nicholson's Farmers Assistant,
Timothy Grass, Herds Grass, Foxtail. With us it is called
Herds Grass, in England Timothy, in the middle states Tim-
othy. Col. Pickering was perfectly correct therefore in giving
ing the synonyme of Timothy to the Phleum pratense.

The other specimen which we saw was the Poa Pratensis
of botanists, so known from Sweden to Spain, and from Maine
to CaroHna, Its most usual vulgar name here is ' Red top ;
a natural allusion to the colour of its heads before flowering.
We have heard it called also Rhode Island grass. Mr.
Forman's communication first informed us, that it ever had
obtained the name of Herds grass, to which it has not the
most distant resemblance. We would observe, that the ap-
phcation of these names in New-England, to those two grasses,
is of very ancient date, having been published with us more
than half a century since, and so far as we know they have
been uniformly so applied ever since.

Another of the grasses sent by Mr. Forman was the Ave-
na Elatior, ' tall meadow oat grass,' ' tall oat grass,' in Far-
mer's Assistant, ' oat grass,' ' wild oat,' and Nicholson says
sometimes called ' orchard grass,' which it very little resem-
bles, and which is as well known in both Great Britain and

Vol. VIT. l.-?

US AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

America, (though not much cultivated in either,) as any grass
whatever.

The fourth grass sent by Mr. Forman is the Dactylis Glo-
merala of botanists, properl)' ' orchard grass' of England
and America, or ' Cocks foot,' as some have it. We think
it would be more convenient to unite in calling it ' or-
chard grass,' as its English title. Sir Humphrey Davy's
Agricultural Chemistry, and Mr. Muhlenberg, will en-
able us to understand one another when we speak of Dac-
tylis Glomerata; but ' Orchard grass,' would be more con-
venient as a common name. It probably derived this fa-
miliar name from its being fond of the shade of trees, often
found in orchards and, thriving better in such situations, not
than it does elsezvhere, but better than almost any other grass
would. We have ourselves some hundred tufts of this grass
which thrive and flower annually under the Tiha Europasa,
a European lime tree, which has the densest foliage of any
tree we have, and which have flourished there for thirty
years past, while no other plant except the mosses has been
able to sustain itself under such disadvantages.

Rose Hill, August 3, 1821.
[To John Prince, Esq. one of the Trustees the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.

SIR,

In this package you will find some varieties of our cultivated
meadow grass. I am influenced by the strange confusion re-
specting their names, and my attention has been more
closely drawn to the subject by the remarks of Mr. Picker-
ing, who confounds the herds and timothy.

In Europe, the boasting Europe, we are not surprized to
learn that in adjoining towns and counties, the most com-
mon vegetables are recognized by different names, but in

AGRICULTURAL INTELUGENCE. 99

this country, we have not, and I devoutly pray we never
may have any thing like provinriahsm, in language or habits.
The seeds and specimens are perfect, being all gathered
by myself, and I beg of you that you will exercise your in-
dustry to give to the public through the medium of your
valuable repository, not only a botanical description, but the
true vulgar names of these grasses. I am,

Your obedient servant,
T. M. FORMAN.

William Little Esq. of Boston, presented to the Trustees
of this Society a quantity of wheat sent out for this pur-
pose by the American consul at Leghorn, being the sort of
wheat, the straw of which is used in making the Leghorn
bonnets. This wheat was last spring distributed throughout
the State with the request that those who should try it would
state to us their success.

Of all the persons to whom it was sent, only two have
given any reply ; and these accounts are so flattering as to
give us strong reason to believe, that it will succeed better
than almost any other species of wheat. Whether the straw
will be as fine and as clean as the Italian is yet to be decided.

Dr. James Thaxter of Plymouth appears to have managed it
with great skill, and obtained from less than a pint, sixteen
quarts and three fourths of large grained wheat; being more
than thirty-three for one. The upper joint of the straw is
much larger, the Doctor remarks. Robert L. M Lellan Esq.
of Colrain, has also made a return of his experiment, he
sowed only three gills, and its produce was at the rate of
thirty bushels to the acre. He remarks that the straw was
stronger than that of common wheat, and as he thinks twice
as strong.

We cordially recommend to the notice of intelligent cul-
tivators ' the American Farmer,' edited by John S. Skinner,

100 PREMIUMS.

Esq. at Baltimore. It is conducted with great industry,
skill, judgnnent and impartiality ; and from the central situ-
ation of the Editor, possesses great advantages, as to infor-
mation, which few or no other periodical works, could enjoy.
If we have hitherto abstained from what we consider a no-
tice justly due to this work, it has arisen from a principle
which we have always prescribed to ourselves, to wait till
experience should convince us that a publication was truly
worthy of the patronage of our subscribers and members, be=
fore we should venture to recommend it.

We are happy to hear that Messrs. Wells & Lilly are
about to publish a new edition of Dr. Deane's New-England
Farmer, with important corrections and additions, to adapt
it to the present state of agricultural knowledge. No work
on this subject with which we are acquainted, has been ar-
ranged in a more convenient form as a manual for farmers.
Dr. Deane's Dictionary was truly respectable for the period
in which it appeared, and has always been deservedly popu-
lar in New-England. We have no doubt from the measures
taken by Messrs. Wells &i Lilly, that it will issue in a very
im,troved state, and prove highly useful at this time, when
the attention of our farmers is so earnestly drawn to this sub-
ject.

CATTLE SHOVV^, EXHIBITION OF MANUFACTURES, &c. &c.

1 HK Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for the Promo-
tion of Agriculture, encouraged by the patronage of the Legis-
lature of this State, intend to offer in Premiums, not only
the sum granted by the Government for that purpose, but
also the whole amount of the income of their own funds.
They, therefore, announce to the public, their wish to have

PREMIUMS. 101

a Cattle Show, and Exhibition of Manufactures, &c. &c. at
Brighton, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 9th and lOth of

October, 1822, to begin at 9 o'clock of each day, and they
otfer the following Prentiiums : —

FOR STOCK.

For the best Bull, raised in Massachusetts, above one

year old, _ . - - - ^30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 20

For the best Bull Calf, from five to twelve months

old, - - - - - - 15

For the next best do. do. ... - 8

For the best Cow, not less than three years old, - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 20

For the next best do. do. - - - - 15

For the best Heifer, from one to three years old,

with or without calf, - - - 15

For the next best do. do. - - - - 10

For the best Ox, fitted for slaughter, regard to be had

to the mode and expense of fatting, - - 40

For the next best do. do. - - - - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 20

For the best pair of Working Cattle, - - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 25

For the next best do. do. - - - 20

For the next best do. do. - - - 15

For the next best do. do. - - - 10
For the best pair of Spayed Heifers, not less than

one year old, - - - - 25

For the best Spayed Sows, not less than four in num-
ber, and not less than five months old, - - 20
The claimant to be entitled to either of these two last
premiums, must state the mode of operation and treatment,
in a manner satisfactory to the Trustees.
For the best Merino Wethers, not less than six in
number, having respect to form and fleece, - ^20

102 PREMIUMS.

For the next best do. do. do. - -1©

For the best native Wethers, not less than six in

number, do. - - - - - 10

For the next best do. do. do, - - - 5

For the best Merino Ram, do. - - - 15

For the next best do. - - - - 10

For the best Merino Ewes, not less than five in num-
ber, do. - - - . - 20
For the next best do. do. do. - - - 10
For the best Boar, not exceeding two years old, do. 10
For the next best do. do. do. - - - 5
For the best Sow, - - - - - 10
For the next best do. . - . . 5
For the best Pigs, not less than two in number, nor

less than four months old, nor more than eight, - 10
For the next best do. do. - - - 5

None of the above animals will be entitled to premiums,
unless they are wholly bred in the State of Massachusetts.

For the best Ram which shall be imported into this state,
after this advertisement, and before the 15th day of October
next, of the improved Leicester breed of long woolled sheep,
or of the best Dishley breed, or of the fine, and long woolled
sheep of the Netherlands the length and fineness of whose w6ol
shall be found superior to those of our present breeds, ^50, or
a gold medal of that value, at the option of the importer.
For the next best do. do. - - - - 40

For the best Ewe, of any of the said breeds import-
ed under the same terms, and of the like superi-
or qualities, - . _ . . _ 40
For the next best do. do. , . - . 30
No animal, for which to any owner one premium shall
have been awarded, shall be considered a subject for any
future premium of the Society, except it be for an entirely
distinct premium or for qualities different from those for
which the former premium was awarded.

Any of the above Stock, when raised and still owned at
the tinae of the exhibition, by the person who raised them,

PREMIUMS. 103

will entitle the claimant to an allowance of ten per cent,
in addition. But Sheep, to be entitled to any of the above
premiums, must be raised by the person entering them.

FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Indian Corn on an acre, not less than seventy
bushels ... . - ^30

To the person who shall make the most satisfacto-
ry experiment, to ascertain the best mode of raising
Indian Corn, in hills, in rows, or in ridges ; not
less than half an acre being employed in each
mode, in the same field, the quantity and quahty
both of land and manure to be equal and uniform
in each mode ; all to receive a cultivation requi-
site to produce a good crop, ... - 30

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Carrots on an acre, not less than six hundred
bushels, - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Potatoes on an acre, not less than five hundred
bushels, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Parsnips on an acre, not less than four hundred
bushels, ... . . - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of common beets on an acre, not less than six
hundred bushels, - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Mangel Wurtzel on an acre, not less than six
hundred bushels, - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Ruta Baga on an acre, not less than six hun-
dred bushels, - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of common Turnips on an acre, not less than six
hundred bushels, - - ... 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity

1G4 PREMIUMS.

of common Turnips after any oilier crop in the
same season, being not less than four hundred and
fifty bushels, - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Onions on an acre, not less than six hundred
bushels, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Cabbages on an acre, not less than twenty-five
tons weight, ... - - 20

To the person who shall introduce any Grass, not be-
fore cultivated in this State, and prove, by actual
experiment, and produce satisfactory evidence of
its superiority in any one quality, to any now cul-
tivated, - - ... - 30

To the person who shall give satisfactory evidence
on ' Soiling Cattle,' not less than six in number,
and through the whole season, together with a par-
ticular account of the food given, and how cultivated, 30

To the person who shall make the experiment of
turning in green crops as a manure, on a tract
not less than one acre, and prove its utility and
cheapness, giving a particular account of the pro-
cess and its result, ... _ - 30

To the person who shall, by actual experiment,
prove the best season and modes of laying down
lands to grass, whether spring, summer, or fall
seeding be preferable, and with or without grain
on different soils, - - - - - 30

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of dry Peas, on an acre, not less than thirty bush-
els, 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity

of dry Beans, on an acre, - - - 20

To the person who shall give proof of having pro-
duced the largest quantity of dressed Flax raised
on an half acre, • - - - 20

To the person who shall take up in the season on

PREMIUMS. 105

his own farm the greatest quantity of good Honey,
and shall at the same time, exhibit superior skill
in the management of Bees, - - - 10

For the best Cheese, not less than one year old, and

not less in quantity than one hundred pounds, - 10
For the next best do. do. - . . _ 5

For the best Cheese, less than one year old, - 10

For the next best do. do. _ . . 5

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of Vegetables, grain, peas and beans excepted,
for winter consumption of the stock on his own
farm, and not for sale, in proportion to the size
of the farm and stock kept, having regard to
the respective value of said vegetables as food,
stating the expense of raising the same, and the
best mode of preserving the same through the win-
ter, - . - - ... 30
To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity

of winter Wheat on an acre, - - - 30

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity

of spring Wheat oa an acre, - - - 30

To the person who shall prove to the satisfaction of
the Trustees, that his mode of rearing, feeding
and fattening neat cattle is the best, - - 20

For the best Butter, not less than fifty pounds, - 10
For the second best do. do. - - - 5

For the best Sole Leather, not less than five sides, 1 0
For the second best do. do. - - - 5

For the best dressed Calve Skins, not less than twelve

in number, • - - - - 10

For the second best do. do. • - - 5

For the best five barrels of superfine Flour, manu-
^■^ctured in the State of Massachusetts, from wheat
raised in this state, - - - - 25

For the greatest quantity of Butter and Cheese, made
between the 15th of May, and the 1st of October.
Vol. VII. ' U

106

PREMIUMS.

from not less than four Cows, the quality of the
Butter and Cheese, and the number of Cows to be
taken into consideration, and specimens to be ex-
hibited at the Show, of not less than twenty pounds
of each, and the mode of feeding if any thing be-
sides pasture was used, - ... 2©
To the person who shall prove by satisfactory ex-
periments to the satisfaction of the Trustees the
utility and comparative value of the cobs of In-
dian Corn, when used with or without the grain it-
self, ground or broken, ----- 20
To entitle himself to either of the Premiums, under this
head of Agricultural Experiments, the person claiming, must
cultivate a tract of at least one acre in one piece, with the
plant or production for which he claims a premium (except
flax,) and must state, in writing, under oath of the owner,
and of one other person, (accompanied by a certificate of
the measurement of the land, by some sworn surveyor,) the
following pjirticulars :

1 . The state and quality of the land, in the spring of 1 82 1 ,

2. The product and general state of cultivation and quan-
tity of manure, employed on it the year preceding.

3. The quantity of manure used the present year.

4. The quantity of seed used, and of Potatoes the sort.

5. The times and manner of sowing, weeding, and har-

vesting the crop, and the amount of the product as-
certained, by actual measurement, after the whole
produce, for which a premium is claimed, and the
entire expense of cultivation.
And in relation to all Vegetables, except Potatoes, Onions
and common Turnips, the fair average weight of at least twen-
ty bushels must he attested ; and if hay scales be in the town,
in which raised, not less than three averaged cart loads must
be weighed.

The claim under this head, together with evidences of
the actual product, must be delivered, free of postage, to
Benjamin Guild, Esq. Assistant Recording Secretary of this

PREMIUMS. 107

Society, on or before the first day of December next. The
Trustees not intending to decide upon claims under the
head of Agricultuial Experiments, until their meeting in De-
cember.

FOR INVENTIONS.

To the person who shall use the Drill Plough, or
Machine, and apply it most successfully to the cul-
tivation of any small Grams or Seeds, on a scale
not le<s than one acre, - - - - 20

To the person who shall invent the best Machine,
for pulverizing and grinding Plaster to the fine-
ness of twenty five bushels per ton, and which
shall require no more power than a pair of oxen
or a horse, to turn out two tons per day, and so
portable that it can be removed from one farm to
another without inconvenience, - - - 30

To the person who shall produce, at the show, any
other Agriculturqil Implement of his own invention,
which shall, in the opinion of the Trustees, de-
serve a reward, a premium not exceeding 20 dol-
lars, according to the value of the article exhibi-
ted, 20

In all cases proofs must be given of the work done by

the Machine, before it is exhibited ; and of its having been

used and approved by some practical farmer.

FOR FOREST TREES.

For the best plantation of White Oak Trees, not
less than one acre, nor fewer than one .thousand
trees per acre, to be raised from the acorn, and
which trees shall be in the best thriving state on
the first of September, 1823, - - - $100

For the best Plantations of White Ash, and of Larch
Trees, each of not less than one acre, nor fewer
than one thousand trees per acre to be raised
from the seeds, and which trees shall be in the best
thriving state on the first of September, 1823, - 50

For the best Live Hedge, made of either the White

108 PREMIUMS.

or Cockspur Thorn, planted in 1820, not less than
one hundred rods, and which shall be in the best
state in 1823, - - - . . 50

FOR DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

To the person or corporation, who shall produce

the best specinnen of fine Broadcloth, not less

than 1 5-8 yards wide, exclusive of the list, 40

yards in quantity, and dyed in the wool, - ^30

For the second best do. do. do. - - - 20

For the best superfine Cas^imere, not less than

3-4yards wide, nor less than forty yards in quantity, 13
For the second best do. do. do. - - 10

For the best superfine Sattinet, 3-4 yard wide, not

less than fifty yards, - - - - 10

For the second best do. do. do. ... 6

To the person or corporation, who shall produce
the best specimen of Cotton Cloth, manufactur-
ed in this State, not less than fifty pieces, - 20
To the person who shall produce the best speci-
men of any other fabrics of Cotton, manufactured
in this State, in public factories, not less than
fifty pieces, - - - - - - 20

In private families, not less than five pieces, - 20

FOR HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES.

For the best Woollen Cloth, 3 4 wide, not less than

twenty yards in quantity, - - - - ^12

F' r the second best do. do. - - - 8
For the best double milled Kersey, 3-4 yard wide,

not les? than twenty yards in quantity, - - 12

For the second best best do. do. ... 8
For the best Coating, 3-4 yard wide, and not less

than twenty yards in quantity, - - - 8

For the second best do. do. - . - . 6
For the best Flannel, 7-8 yard wide, not less than

forty five yards in quantity, - . - - 10

For the second best do. do. - . - . 7

PREMIUMS. 109

For the best do. 4-4 yard wide Carpeting, not less

than thirty yards in quantity, - - - 13

For the second best do. do. - - - - 7
For the best 5-8 yard wide Stair Carpeting, not less

than thirty yards in quantity, - - - 10

For the second best do. do, - - - 7
For the best pair of Blankets, not less than 8-4 wide

and 10-4 long, - - . - . c

For the seoond best do. do. - - - 4
For the best Woollen Knit Hose, not less than twelve

pair in number, . - ... 5

For the second best do. do. - - - 3
For the best Worsted Hose, not less than twelve pair

in number, - - - . . 5

For the second best, - - - - 3
For the best Men's Half Hose, (woollen) not less than

twelve pair in number, - - - - 4

For the second best do. do. ... 2
For the best Men's Woollen Gloves, not less than

twelve pair in number, ... - 6

For the second best do. do. - - - - 3
For the best Linen Diaper, 5-8 yard wide, and not

less than thirty yards in quantity, ... 5

For the second best do. do. do. - - - 3
For the best 4-4 yard Diaper, (for table linen) not

less than thirty yards in quantity, - - 10

For the second best do. do. ... 5
For the best specimen of Sewing Silk, raised and

spun in this State, of good fast colours, not less

than one pound, ...... ^

For the second best do. do. - - - - 3

For the best Linen Cloth, (for shirting or sheeting)

one yard wide, and twenty-five yards long, - 8

For the second best do. do 4

All the above Manufactures, except when of Cotton,
must be of the growth and manufacture of the State of

110 PREMIUMS.

Massachusetts. And all j>] an u facta res, when presented,
must have a private mark, and any public or known mark
must be completely concealed, so as not to be seen, or
known by the Committee, nor must the Proprietors be pre-
sent when they are examined ; in default of either of these
requisitions, the articles will not be deemed entitled to con-
sideration or premium.

Animals. Manufactures, or Articles, may be offered for
premium at Brighton, notwithstanding they may have re-
ceived a premium from a County Agricultural Society.

It is understood, that whenever, merely from a want of
competition, any of the claimants may be considered en-
titled to the premium, undei- a literal construction, yet if,
in the opinion of the Judges, the object so offered is not
deserving of any reward, the Judges shall have a right to
reject such claims. Persons to whom premiums shall be
awarded, may, at their option, have an article of Plate,
with suitable inscriptions, in lieu of money. Premiums
will be paid within ten days after they shall be awarded.

That in any case in which a pecuniary premium is offered,
the Trustees may, having regard to the circumstances of the
competitor, award either one of the Society's gold or silver
medals in lieu of the pecuniary premium annexed to the
several articles.

That if any competitor for any of the Society's premiums
shall be discovered to have used any disingenuous measures,
by which the objects of the Society have been defeated, such
person shall not only forfeit the premium which may have
been awarded to him, but rendered incapable of being ever
after a competitor for any of the Society's premiums.

All premiums not demanded within six months after they
shall have been awarded, shall be deemed as having been
generously given to aid the funds of the Society.

The Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting
Agriculture, hereby give notice, that they intend, on the
second day of the Cattle Show, viz : On the 10th day of
October next, to give premiums to the Owners and Plough-

PREMIUMS. Ill

men of the three Ploughs, to be drawn by oxen, which shall
be adjudged, by a competent committee, to have performed
the best work, with least expense of labo^ir, not exceeding
half an acre to each Plough, and of such depth as the com-
mittee shall direct.

First Plough $'20

Ploughman, 10

Driver, ...-..-..5
Second Plough, - - - - - - -12

Ploughman, ...---- -6

Driver, - 3

Third Plough, 8

Ploughman - 4

Driver, -2

In each case, if there be no Driver, both sums to be award-
to the Ploughman.

The persons intending to contend for these Prizes, must
give notice, in writing, to S. W. Pomergy, or Gorham Par-
sons, Esquires, of Brighton, on or before the 2d day of Octo-
ber, so that proper arrangements may be ma#e for the pur-
pose. No person will, on any consideration, be admitted with-
out such notice. The competitors will also be considered as
agreeing to follow such rules and regulations as may be adop-
ted by the committee, on the subject. The Ploughs to be
ready to start at 9 o'^clock, A. M.

The result of the last Ploughing Matches at Brighton, and
the satisfaction expressed by so many of their agricultural
brethren, will induce the Society to continue these premiums
annually, in connexion with the Cattle Show ; as an effica-
cious means for exciting emulation and improvement in the
use and construction of the most important instrument of
agriculture.

Persons intending to offer any species of Stock for pre-
miums, are requested to give notice thereof, either by letter,
(post paid) stating the article, or to make personal applica-
tion to Mr, Jonathan Winship, at Brighton, on or before the

112 PREMIUMS.

9th day of October, and requesting him to enter such notice
or application ; so that tickets may be ready at 9 o'clock on
the 10th. No person will be considered as a competitor who
shall not have given such notice, or made such application
for entry, on or before the time above specified.

All articles of manufactures must be entered and deposited
in the Society's rooms on Monday, the 7th of October, and
will be examined by the committee on Tuesday, the 8th,
the day before the Cattle Show, and no person but the Trus-
tees, shall be admitted to examine them before the show.
The articles so exhibited must he left till after the show,
for the satisfaction of the public.

The applicants will be held to a rigid compliance with this
rule relative to entries, as well as to the other rules pre-
scribed.

The examination of every species of stock, (except work-
ing oxen) will take place on the 9th ; and the trial of Work-
ing Oxen, examination of Inventions, and Ploughing Match,
on the 10th of October.

The Trustees also propose to appropriate, on the second
day of the Cattle Show, their Pens for the public sale of any
Animals, that have been offered for premium, and also of
any others, that are considered by them, as possessing fine
qualities ; and their Halls for the public sale of Manu-
factures. Both sales to take place at half past eleven o'clock,
precisely. And for all Animals or Manufactures, that are
intended to be sold, notice must be given to the Secretary,
before ten o'clock of the 10th. Auctioneers will be provid-
ed by the Trustees.

By Order of the Trustees,

J. LOWELL,

J. PRINCE, f r

G. PARSONS, > Committee,

E. H. DERBY,

January y 1822.

MASSACHUSETTS
AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL.

Vol. VII.] JUNE, 1822. [No. II.

REMARKS ON THE MANNER, IN WHICH THIS .JOURNAL IS CON-
DUCTED, AND THE RULES BY WHICH THE COMMITTEE, EN-
TRUSTED WITH THE PUBLICATION, ARE GOVERNED. By
J. L. one of thai Committte.

J HE principal object of these remarks, is, to discharge the
Trustees, as a body, from all responsibility for the faults, or
for the errors or mistakes of the essays published under their
sanction. For the last ten years, the Trustees have annu-
ally appointed a committee for the publication of the Jour-
nal, to whom are regularly referred all articles addressed
to the Society; and that committee are alone responsible
for any injudicious selections.

The Committee thus appointed do not consider them-
Belves as in any degree responsible for the correctness of
the statements, or the soundness of the theories of the various
writers, whose essays they pul^lish. Their rule is to admit
every essay, which appears to contain any new hint in relation
either to Agriculture or horticulture. It is manifestly impos-
sible for them to judge of the correctness in point of fact, of
any statement, made by a correspondent, and they have be-
lieved, that a more free and unreserved communication of all
Agricultural experiments, whether the conclusions drawn
from them are erroneous, or are not, is of great U3e. The
cautious farmer, if he is struck with their novelty, may try
them for himself. If Ihey are found to fail, he will not repeat

Vol. VII. " 15

114 AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORV.

the experiment, but he will be very careful to inquire, wheth-
er he has faithfully followed the instructions of the first
essayist. Whether his soil was the same as that in which the
first experiment was made, and whether he has taken the
same pains to produce the proposed result. If he is satisfied
that he has so done, and that the novelty recommended is
not entitled to his confidence, he will abandon it.

It is true, that with respect to many subjects intimately
connected with the prosperity of our agriculture, our Jour-
nal during the last thirty years has contained a great number
of opposite, and irreconcileable opinions. But this ought
not to diminish the public confidence, since it is avowed to
be conducted on the principles of free inquiry, and since it
is not more liable to this objection than all similar works
published in this, or in the European world. Men of science
are found to differ on most essential points. How many
theories have been published, have prevailed for a time, and
have gone into oblivion, in the important science of medi-
cine ! How materially has chemical science changed, not
only since the time of Priestley and Black, but since it was
supposed to be irrevocably and permanently fixed by La-
voisier and the French chemists of his school ! How great
are the divisions of theoretical opinion among the Geolo-
gists, the Wernerians and Huttonians !

It is not therefore surprizing, that, such an art as agri-
culture, though the oldest, yet we may say without a para-
dox, still in its infancy, so much abandoned to men with-
out science, so vast in its extent, so diversified in its rela-
tion to soils and climates, should have its conflicting and
often opposite doctrines, and, should be constantly changing,
but as we hope to shew, constantly improving. It is not very
easy to see how such an art, and as we think, as it is now
conducted in Europe, a science, as Agriculture, including
Horticulture, could be improved, except by the free and un-
limited communication to the public through the press, of al!
well conducted experiments. When the suggestion was first

AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORV. 115

made that steam would be extensively employed as a means
of propelling vessels through the water, without the aid,
and even against the force of winds and currents, it was
thought an idle speculation, but we have lived to see it re-
alized.

We undertake to say, that thirty years since it would have
been believed impossible to raise, as Mr. Hunncwcll of I*»Iew-
ton did, 1 12 bushels of Indian Corn to an acre — and I distinct-
ly recollect that when the first accounts in the Bath agricul-
tural papers reached us that they had raised 500 and even
900 bushels of potatoes per acre, it was deemed, if not a fa-
ble, yet an experiment peculiar to Great Britain and its soil
and climate, and not to be looked for among us.

Still, we have seen that in all parts of our country individu-
als have succeeded in raising from 450 to 500 bushels per
acre of this invaluable root. We have seen that the cultiva-
tion of other roots to aid the support of cattle during the
winter has advanced much faster with us, considering the
late period in which we undertook it than in any part of
Europe. We hear, not occasionally but constantly, every
year, of 600 or 700 bushels of Mangel Wurtzel, or the white
beet — of 500 bushels of the Ruta baga or Sweaish turnip per
acre, and our cattle are, and must be of course belter fed, and
eventually highly improved.

But enough has been said on this topic, in favour of our
efforts and of the advantages of circulating these accounts of
individual success.

It is now proper to recur to our main object, which is to
shew, that contradictions will creep into our Journal, and the
business of the attentive farmer is to sift the wheat from the
chaff.

There is one topic of great moment, which is not even
to this day settled in Great Britain, and which has been the
subject of various opposite and contradictory statements and
experiments in our Journal, during the last thirty years, and
that is, whether any considerable saving can be made in the

lie AGRICULTURAL REPOSITOttV.

seed for planting of potatoes. The most careful and penu-
rious culture, if whole potatoes are used, will require thirteen
bushels to the acre. In England sometimes thirty bushels
are used. This is a great and serious loss and various ex-
periments have been made from time to time with a view to
diminish it.

The several projects are,

1st. To use only small potatoes, a bushel of which will
plant as much as two bushels of large ones. This is the Irish
mode, but it should be recollected, that Ireland is of all coun-
tries in Europe the best adapted to this root. Its incessant
rains — its cloudy sky — its moist soil, are favourable to the po-
tatoe, which though a native of a southern and perhaps a tro-
pical region, is found only on mountains, where the climate is
temperate and the soil moist.

Such I believe to be the fact from the best examination I
have been able to make.

2dly. To cut the large potatoes into small parts.

3dly. To scoop out the eyes. *"

4thly. To take only the sprouts.

All these modes have had their advocates, and experiments
(on however in all cases, a small scale,) have gone the length
of proving satisfactorily, that each of these modes will an-
swer, and will produce a good crop.

If this were true in general culture, there can be no doubt
that the whole farming interest would prefer sprouts, because
the potatoes saved on an acre of ground would nearly pay
for the labour of the first planting of the crop. But having had
constant access to the best European authorities, and being
intimate with some of the best cultivators in our country,
I have no hesitation to say, that on an extensive scale, it
is better economy to plant at least middle sized potatoes,
or cut potatoes, equal in size to those, in preference to any
other.

I came to this opinion in the same manner in which we
arrive at all other sound opinions.

AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 117

First, from repeated and extensive experiments of my own.

Secondly, from the fact, that though this system of econo-
my in seed is at least of forty years duration, it has not been
adopted generally in the countries most interested, and most
distinguished in agriculture, nor do I believe, that one of the
advocates for this economy of seed has ever practised it on
an extensive scale for any great number of years. In short,
I doubt whether it is the usual and ordinary mode of culture
of any great farmer on earth. Tliis if it be tiue, ought to
settle the question.

Thirdly. I might add, that the potatoe is by nature form-
ed to furnish from its fleshy, and watery root, the food of the
young shoots. It sends out its growing shoots long before it
sends forth a sufficient quantity of roots to sustain them.
Its natural dependence is on the planted tuber itself for the
first four weeks of its growth. It is a violence to the na-
ture, then, of the plant, to deprive it of its maternal support,
and though it may survive the shock in some favourable in-
stances, yet on a great scale it will fail.

If therefore in England with its watery sky, and its cloud-
ed atmosphere, this plan has never gone into operation, (Dr.
Anderson's weight notwithstanding,) it seems to me to be
useless to attempt it here, in our climate, always inclined to
more drought, than moisture.

The foregoing remarks have no reference to the ingenious
experiments of Mr. Derby of Salem, one of our Trustees,
by which he has been enabled to raise four successive crops
of potatoes from one set of roots by taking off the shoots
from time to time as they were raised in a hotbed frame.
This is an interesting horticultural experiment, but I pre-
sume he would not recommend it to farmers on a great
scale.

It ought also to be understood, that even articles written
avowedly by one of the Trustees, do not necessarily express the
opmion of that body. Perhaps in some cases, not a member
of the board may agree with the writer. Every member has
his own theories adapted to his own soil, situation and interest.

118 AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORV.

He makes an experiment and is pleased with it. He
communicates it to the board — they recommend its pub-
lication. They hope it may be useful — that it may suit
some portion of the farmers, who are similarly situated ; but
they by no means intend to recommend it for general adop-
tion. It is enough for their purpose, that experiments, the
only sure ground of philosophical improvement, have been
made. Thus, for example, when the Hon. Mr. Quincy pub-
lished his experiments on Hedge planting for fences, they
were aware, that it would not be of much value except ou
farms destitute, like his, of natural materials for stone walls.
In the sandy territory of the old Colony it may be of exten-
sive use, but on farms, such as 1 know, where the rocks must
be got out before the plough can move; where they must be
carted to a great distance if not used for walls, where, in short,
walls are the cheapest mode of disposing of the stones, it is
excellent husbandry so to apply them. In a farm of a friend
of mine in Milton, if they had not been employed in building
walls, they would have cost more for their removal than the
land would have been worth.

On the College farm at Waltham, a lot of excellent land,
consisting of 13 acres, is furnished a double wall of four feet
in thickness round the whole. This will last for a centu-
ry at least, and by its mode of erection, it did not cost more
than it would have done to pile the stones up in vast heaps,
covering a great quantity of valuable land.

To recommend hedges in such a situation was never our
design, nor, we presume, did it ever enter into the thought of
the intelligent writer of that article.

In relation to the species of thorn recommended by Mr.
Quincy, truth, and long experiment enables, and requires
me to say, that the Virginia thorn so much recommended by
3Ir. Maine, from whose account Mr. Quincy very properly
introduced and recommended it, is not by any means the best
;idapted for general use for quick or live hedges. It is too

AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 119

apt to run up, and not sufficiently prone to throw out strong
lateral shoots, and it is believed, that either the common
White Hawthorn of England or even our own New England
Cockspur thorn is better adapted for this purpose. We
make these remarks not with the view of diminishing the
merit of Mr. Quincy in making these experiments and com-
municating them, but simply to make it known, that what we
publish is intended merely as hints which others may follow
or pursue, and we feel bound to state from time to time any
doubts which may occur to us on the subject, or any opposite
experience.

We have been more free in speaking of the limited extent
to which thorn hedges can be carried in the stony and rocky
country of New England, and the defects of the variety of
thorn tirst introduced, because we are ready to say, and say it
cordially, that we think all that portion of our country which
resembles the estate of Mr. Quincy, such as a part of Es-
sex, Middlesex, Plymouth, Bristol, and some of the lands
on Connecticut river, will finally derive great benefit from
the introduction of live fences. They are yet in their infancy,
and to Mr. Quincy we owe their introduction. It will be
many years before they will be extensively used, but they will
we presume eventually be introduced in all countries where
stones cannot be found, and he will I trust have the credit
of introducing them, a credit, which will increase as thev
shall be extended. They are very beautiful. They give
an air of cultivation to the landscape — they shelter the crops,
and produce a general effect of which no man who has net
seen the difference between French and English scenery ca?!
have any adequate conception.

Some persons have doubted the applicability of the sys-
tem of soiling to our country. By soiling, we mean, (as
some of our readers may not be acquainted with the term,
which we must confess is a barbarous one, having no sori
of connexion with its real meaning) the feeding cattle
either in the barn or barn yard through the summer

120 AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORY.

months with fresh cut green food. Mr. Quincy has very fully
and very satisfactorily proved, that it can be profitably done
in our country — that its cost, compared lo its usefulness, is
very small.

Wc agree however with many farmers, that it is not general-
^^applicable to our present state of agriculture. It is of great
use where fencing stiifi is dear — where grass is ofgreat value —
where cultivation is carried to great perfection — tvhere popu-
lation treads very close on the heels of production. But in
our country, even in the populous parts of New England,
(we say it with groat respect for the gentleman who has
called our attention to it.) we doubt whether it can be adopt-
ed with great advantage, except on lands in the vicinity of
great cities, or on farms reduced to a state of great improve-
ment and high cultivation, or on very small farms, where it is
invaluable. For example, to myself its value is beyond cal-
culation. But my next neighbour has a rocky pasture, to
subdue which, to any tolerable state, for any sort of cultiva-
tion, would cost tlie whole value of his farm — but it makes
excellent pasture land. The cattle thrive admirably among
the rocks and shrubs of this stubborn pasture, which will
never be cultivated, till our country shall count as China does,
its 270 millions of souls.

linmense woods and pasture grounds exist within 50 miles
of Boston which can be used in no way so profitably as they
are now used, for pasture. Till they are taken up and culti-
vated, soiling will be limited, must be limited only to small
cultivators, or great experimental farmers. If it be asked
why are not these waste pasture lands taken up for cultiva-
tion ? my answer is, they are not wanted — they vi'ill not pay
the price of reducing them to cultivation. They will remain
as they are, till New-England shall have its half a dozen
Blanchcsters and Birminghams, and then soiling will become,
and never till then, extensively in use.

I suggest these opinions as from myself alone, lest other
members of the board of agriculture should be implicated.

AGRICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 121

No man ought to be ashamed of avowing his opinions, and
we snould make but small progress, in any art, if we feared
to express our sentiments, because different ones had been
announced by respectable men.

My own ideas as to the most practicable improvements
in the agriculture of this part of our country, are principally
confined to the following particulars.

First. The improvement of the character and qualities of
all our domestic animals. It would not be extravagant to
say that the expense and profits of raising stock would be
beneficially affected by having the best races of every sort,
that are now known in Europe. New England will never
be a grain country, any more than she will become the raiser
of tobacco or cotton. But she can probably supply two
millions of people with beef, pork, and wool.

Secondly. To do this, she may and must use for half
a century her natural pastures, because she cannot afford, at
present prices, to break up her uncultivated lands, but she
can raise, and raise to advantage, by a succession of crops, a
sufficient supply of succulent roots, such as, the Swedish
turnip — the Mangel Wurtzel or white beet, carrots and pota-
toes, to come in aid of her cultivated and natural grass lands,
to support, and improve the condition of her stock of ani-
mals, to the extent of double, nay I believe, treble their
present numbers.

They will not, they cannot exceed the demand^ that must
regulate the supply, after all we can say or write, but much
may be done to enable us to raise cheaper and better ani-
mals. If cheaper, the c?eman(/ will be greater.

We have done much in this way, but much remains to do.

Thirdly. We are very deficient in Horticulture. To be
sure there is no great profit in cash arising to the farmer
from gardening beyond the limits of twenty miles from a great
town — but when men have arrived to the degree of comfort
which our farmers generally enjoy, they ought to seek inno-
cent luxuries. We cannot hope or expect to see their front

Vol. VII. 16

122 ON THE CULTURE OF PEASE.

yards ornamented, like those of the Dutch and English cot-
tagers, who are not M^orth a twentieth part as much as they
are, with flowering shrubs and plants, so neat and so beautiful
as to realize the description of the poets, who have descanted
on pastoral life. This depends in those countries on fash-
ion, and as the more opulent indulge in those luxuries, the
others follow as imitators ; but a delightful pear — an excellent
plum or peach, or an admirable winter apple, fresh in April,
would be as sweet to the palate of a farmer as to that of a
luxurious and opulent merchant, and why these are neglected,
I never could comprehend, as the labour amounts to a trifle
in procuring and in preserving them.

Perhaps New England owes its inferiority in these particu-
lars more to the want of good nurseries, than to any other
cause. No farmer ought to be without his asparagus bed,
which, once laid down, will last without his labour for forty
years — no one ought to be without his patch of green peas —
lettuce — early and late beans. If more attention were paid
to these comforts, we should hear less of spotted and typhu3
fevers in our otherwise healthy villages, and our females in
the country would be more proud of the grounds about theip
houses, and take more interest in their neatness and comfort
than some, perhaps too many of them now do. We do
not mean to say, there are not a great many farmers who
pay some attention to these things, but the deficiency is
deplorable.

[The following article on the raising of Peas in field culture by the Hon. Mr.
Pickering, President of the Agricultural Society for the County of Essex,
Was sent for our number which issued in June last, but was by accident
mislaid. A notice was taken of it in that number, but it was not recovered
from its concealment till this moment. We are always happy in publishing
the remarks of a gentleman so well experienced in agriculture, and it does
not derive less interest from the deserved respect and confidence which the
writer has always enjoyed. The occasion leads us to remark, that as there
is but one publication in the state on the subject of agriculture exclusively
devoted to that object, it would be desirable that all communications to the
local boards, which they should deem worthy of publication shoulcl be for-

ON THE CULTURE OF PEASE. 123

warded to us for publication, and they will be cheerfully received and
duly noticed. — Such we had hoped would be the effect of the creation of
societies in the several counties.]

To John Lowell, Esq. Corresponding Secretary of the Massachusetts Agricultural

Society.

Salem, Feb'y. 21, 1821.
DEAR SIR,

By the last number of your Agricultural Repository and
Journal, which I have recently received, I observe that
the Trustees offer a prennium for the greatest quantity of dry
pease that shall be raised on an acre, not less than thirty
bushels. The soil must be fertile to yield such a crop, and
so clean that the pease shall not be infested with a growth
of weeds. But the greatest difficulty to be encountered will
be, to produce peas that shall be free from bugs ; for I
presume it is such a crop alone that will entitle a claimant to
the premium. An effectual remedy to this evil is late sow-
ing ; but the hot sun of June will so pinch the vines of
late sown pease, that the crop will be small ; unless the land
be moist as well as rich. To exemplify this remark, as well
as to communicate some information concerning the pease
bug, I present to you the following statement of facts and
observations.

In the year 1787, at Wyoming in Pennsylvania, I sowed in
my garden, some beds with the early Charlton pease, and
some with the green marrowfat : it was the first week in
May. In July following, the pods of the first were abundant,
yielding very fine green pease. A part remaining un-
gathered, ripened, and were saved for seed for the next
year. The green marrowfats succeeded, were also abundant,
and the most rich and delicate i had ever tasted. — The
ground had been lying in grass nine or ten years, and no
manure was applied. A part of the marrowfats ripened, and
were also saved for seed.

In the spring of 1788, I took both of these parcels of
seed to sow. On opening the small bag of the early Charl-
ton, 1 found (as I had expected) the pease swarming with

124 ON THE CULTURE OF PEASE.

bugs. When 1 bad sown tbem, 1 opened the bag of mar-
rowfats ; but to my surprize, not a single bug was to be seen
— the pease were all sound. The obvious inference was,
that this mischievous insect is limited to a certain period for
depositing its eggs ; and that if the tender pods are not found
till that period is passed, the pease will be free from bugs.
And intending to raise some field pease that year, this was
decisive as to the time of sowing. Nevertheless, I had the curi-
osity to inquire of an old farmer, my neighbour, at what time I
must sow the common field pease to escape the bug ? " In the
old of the moon in May" was his answer. " But there are two
old moons in the present May" I replied. He was of course
confounded.

I delayed sowing my field pease till about the 20th of
May. The produce was small ; for the ground was not only
dry, h\i\ poor ; the crop however sufficed for my family, and
was entirely free from bugs. — The next year I repeated the
same experiment ; and with the same success ; obtaining a
perfectly clean but a small crop ; for 1 had heedlessly again
sown the seed on a poor and dry soil. The third year I
attempted a better practice; selecting a piece of rich land,
lying low, and sufficiently moist to counteract the effect of
such late sowing : and the result equalled my expectation.
I harvested ten bushels of fine pease, and one bushel of an
inferior quality, from half an acre of ground. It was too
thinly seeded ; one bushel only having been sown (broad-
cast) when 1 i bushel would have been better ; for the vines
should grow close enough to give mutual support, and to
smother the weeds. It is difficult to cover pease with the
harrow ; they ought to be ploughed in. Lord Kames says
that " pease laid a foot below the surface will vegetate : but
that the most approved depth is six inches in light soil, and
four inches in clay soil."

I had conjectured, that in the season for depositing the
eggs in the tender pods, the bugs opened a passage through
them, and into the newly formed pea, and so deposited their

ON THE CULTURE OF PEASE. 125

eggs : just as 1 had seen the locust, with its borer, pierce the
young shoots of trees, and thrust in its eggs. But twenty
years afterwards, I found in the first volume of the Memoirs
of the Philadelphia Society for promoting Aijriculture, a
paper on the pea bug, by a distinguished Naturalist, the late
William Bartram of Pennsylvania, of which I subjoin an ex-
tract. My conjecture jou will place to the score of my
ignorance in the science of insects. Of these pea bugs,
Mr. Bartram says : " They feed, when in the caterpillar or
grub state, on the green garden or tield pea, as soon as the
pods have arrived to a state of maturity sufficient to show
the pease which are within them. In the evening, or on
a cloudy day, the female deposits her eggs on the outside of
the pods ; these eggs or nits soon hatch, and the young
larva or worm eats directly through, and enters the tender
young pea, where it lodges, and remains feeding on its con-
tents, until it changes to a chrysalis, and thence to a fl^ or
beetle, before the succeeding spring; but do not eat their
way out until the colds and frosts are past, which is about
the beginning of April, when we generally begin to plant
pease.'' — " After they have disseminated their eggs, they
perish." — " But that which is surprizing and difficult to be
accounted for, is, that the worm leaves the rostellum or
sprout untouched, or at least uninjured ; for almost every pea
vegetates and thrives vigorously, notwithstandmg the corcu-
lum (the rudiment of the young plant) and plumula seem to
be consumed."

Wyoming (now Wilkesbarre) is in latitude 41°. 13'. The
active flight of the pea bug will doubtless be earlier there
than in our own region. One or two years obseivations, in
diflferent climates, may be requisite to ascertain the time
when their flight is over and they perish. As pease of the
various sorts blossom and form their pods at very difTeient
times, some that come late may perhaps admit of such early
sowing as to secure a vigorous and ample growth of the vines

12S ON THE CULTURE OF PEASE.

before the intense heat of summer arrives : in which case a
satisfactory crop may more surely be expected.

Having noticed the folly of regarding the Moon in relation
to the time of sowing pease, I add, that the idea of its influence
in any other operations in husbandry, ought to be alike dis-
carded. It is a mischievous supposition kept alive by tradi-
tion, and countenanced and supported by the idle remarks
and representations in almanacks. The figure of a man
marked with the signs, and the prognostications of the
weather, ought to be expunged ; and every well disposed
almanack maker would banish them if he knew the injuries
they occasion, by misleading the farmer in any branch of rural
economy. — I once heard some farmers — speaking of spread-
ing manure on grass-land in the spring — say very gravely,
that it should not be done when the horns of the moon zoerc
turned upwards, for then the manure^ instead of sinking into
the ground, luonld rise with the grass, and do no good. On
the contrary, they mentioned one farmer who would not set
tip his worm fence when the horns of the moon pointed dozvn-
zuards — for then the stones placed under the angles of the
fence would sink, and the lower rails touch the ground and
rot. Arid an industrious farmer in another state told me
that he had slaughtered a fine heifer calf which he wished
to have raised, because it was dropped in the dark of the moon.
If 1 had not witnessed these facts, I should have hardly
thought it possible that such ridiculous notions could have
been entertained by any persons who claimed a share of
common sense. Even the changes of the weather so gener-
ally supposed to be influenced by the phases of the moon,
have been found, by long course of observations, to happen
at al! periods of the moon's appearance indiscriminately.
This fact which your father mentioned to me twenty years
ago, was this day repeated to me by the gentleman who had
noted those observations. Were it otherwise, lie remarked,
-—did the moon's influence determine the weather — then

FLOWERING OF TREES. 127

should not this be fair or foul, at the same times, in all coun-
tries on the globe ?

With great respect and esteem,
1 am, dear sir,

Yourobed't. serv't.

TIMOTHY PICKERING.

COMPARISON OF THE PRESENT WITH SOME PAST SEASONS.

W E have for several years published such a comparison,
and farmers and general readers having expressed a certain
degree of pleasure from the statement, we continue it. It
certainly may be made of some use, if cultivators, instead of
consulting the almanack, will attend to the indications of
nature. Certain plants will not flower till the earth has ar-
rived at a given degree of temperature.

They vary from five to twenty days in the time of flowering
indifferent seasons. If, therefore, as to the tenderer plants,
the Indian corn, squash, pumpkin and melon, we should re-
solve to plant them, not at a determinate period of the year,
but when we should find by the flowering of certain plants,
that the soil is so warm as to endanger their rotting in the
earth, we think some good would be attained.

We shall take a (ew plants as a specimen, and compare
the present season with some of the earliest during the last
nine years.

The Cherry opened its blossoms in 1813, May 10th — 1815.
May 10th— 1816, May 6th— 1818, May 17th— 1820, May 2d
—1822, May 1st.

Asparagus was fit for the table for the first time in 1813,
May 14th— 1815, May 6th— 1816, May 5th— 1818, May
15th— 1820, May 1st— 1822, May 1st. It should be re-
marked that the Asparagus was cut from the same bed iri
each year — a bed was planted 33 years since, and never

123 PLOWERINO OF TREES.

changed, and one which has been constantly growing better —
an important fact in horticulture.

Plums were first in flower in the year 1815, May 14th —
1817, May 7th— 1819, May 13th— 1821, May 11th— 1822,
May 4th.

Pears began to blow for the first time in 1813, May 20th —
1815, May 12th— 1817, May 7tli— 1819, May 17th— 1820,
May 9th— 1922, May 5th.

AppUs first showed their open flowers, in 1813, May 23d
— 1816, May 18th— 1817, May 12th— 1819, May 19th—
1820, May 1 1th— 1822, May 9th.

It will be seen by this table, that the present season is the
earliest on the whole which we have had for nine years.

There is, however, a manifest difference between the rela-
tive times of flowering of the different plants in the several
years ; and this is readily accounted for b) the circumstance,
that a single turn of cold weather will check the progress of
all plants, and the season which may have produced the
earliest flowers on the Apricot, the earliest of our fruits, may
not be earlier than usual in producing flowers on the Apple.

To give one practical rule, which we believe may be of
some use, we should say, that when the Apple tree flowers,
we may safely (be it sooner or later) venture to put our corn,
squashes and melons into the earth.

This season was the earliest as to the opening of the
ground known on my place for 16 years. I planted potatoes
and peas on the 7th of March, fifteen days earlier than I was
ever able to do it before — bat as I have often before re-
marked, all these diffmeiices disappear as the season ad-
vances, and on the whole 1 doubt whether the present season
is in advance more than four or five days of tttat of common
years. It however has been a great relief to the labour of
the farmer — His season of labour has been extended this year
at least three weeks in this vicinity, and this is of ^reat value
to him. The show of blossoms in all kinds of fruit is vt^ry
good, nearly double to that of the last year. The present

rLOVVERINO OF TREES. 1 29

cool weather is highly beneficial to the fruit. We had a
pretty severe frost on the 6th inst. which in low grounds in-
jured early potatoes, but the damage on the whole was not
great. If we can escape another for one week more, we
may presume on a fruitful year. The prospect of grass is
at this moment above that of ordinary years.

A ROXBURY FARMER.

To John Lowell, Esq, Secretary to the Massachusetts Agricultural Society,
SIR,

I HAVE observed for several years past at this season of
the year a communication in the public prints, signed " A
Roxbury Farmer," giving a statement of the flowering of
certaiu plants on certain days, which, when compared with
preceding years, are said to be indications of the forwardness
or tardiness of the season.

In the Daily Advertiser of the 11th inst. I observed with
much pleasure a communication from the same quarter>
making a comparison of the present with past seasons,
going back as far as 1 8 1 3, and taking as the ground of the com-
parison the cutting of asparagus, and the flowering of certain
apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees, standing in the open
ground. In this piece there is a suggestion which 1 think
highly important, and which, if properly improved by the
farmers and gardeners in the neighbourhood of this town,
would soon supply our market from the open ground with
early vegetables much sooner than usual. The suggestion
alluded to is, that the planting of tender seeds like Indian
Corn, beans, &c. and those which produce tender plants
like melons, sq'iashes, &c. should be regulated by certain
indications of nature, and not by the almanac.

It may be objected to by some persons as being too un-
certain in our climate where we are subject to cold east

Vol. VII. 17

130 FLOWERING OF TREES.

erly rains lor several days together during the nnonth of
May ; and to severe frosts even as late as the month of
June •, but a little consideration will, I think, show that these
objections are not well founded.

If each farmer or gardener will make his own observa-
tions within his own grounds, and always upon the same
plants, while in health, and under the same degree of cul-
tivation ; and make his notes with care when the state of
the blossom is at the same stage of forwardness, there can
be no doubt of its correctness. Let him take his own as-
paragus bed as an index of the warmth of the ground in the
early part of May, and he can judge with great correctness,
provided the asparagus bed be always forked and dressed
on the same day, or nearly, in the month of April, and
with the same quantity and quality of manure : for on this
plant the warmth of the soil acts immediately on the root
alone, and therefore there can be no better guide for as-
certaining the temperature of the ground at that season. If
we can plant corn and squash seed the middle of May when
the asparagus is in a state to be cut the 7th of that month,
why not plant those seeds the 7th when the asparagus is
fit to cut the first of May ? A peach tree, cherry tree, or
a plum tree in good health, is also a fair indication of the
temperature of the earth, as is the apple and pear tree, if al-
ways kept in a good state, or in a cultivated or ploughe4
piece of ground ; but in the orchard, where the grass is
allowed to choak the circulation, three years out of five,
trees are not so correct an index as the asparagus bed, or as
they themselves are when growing in a garden or ploughed
field where the ground is always open, so that the rays of the
sun and the warmth of the atmosphere enter with less
obstruction.

I have said that the same plant should always be taken as
the standing index, because peaches, for instance, of different
sorts or varieties, and cherries of different sorts, as well as

FLOWERING OF TREES. 131

pears and other fruits, open their buds and blossoms sooner
or later according to the respective habits of each individual
or variety ; so that a person who should take one year an
early peach, and the next the late heath as his index, might
find himself very far from correct.

With respect to the rains which prevail in the month of
May, by which seeds are rotted in the ground, I apprehend
that if the ground be warm enough to excite the germ of the
seedear(yin May, it will as soon be out of danger from rot,
as if it be planted the middle of May ; for the rains prevail
as much towards the last as the first of the month. And as
respects the late frosts which are dreaded so much by many
people when the spring is early open, I confess, that so far as
my own observation goes, 1 should fear it less when the
spring is forward than when it is tardy. I don't mean to
say that premature heat, which we sometimes have, is not
like to be followed by frosts in May ; but when the spring
continues to put forth new evidence daily of its settled state
in a regular and natural manner, so as to bring forward vege-
tation early^ and with unusual vigour in May, I think there
is much less danger of late frosts than when the cold blasts
from the Canada borders are constantly interrupting its
progress — because in one instance the earth is gradually
warmed, and creates within its influence a warm atmosphere
that prevents frost from taking place ; whereas in the other
case the earth continues cold, and the temperature of the
atmosphere near its surface is less capable of resisting the
night chilling dews which fall upon the young plants that are
putting forth. I believe that if recourse be had to the
state of the weather for any ten years together from the
25th March to the 5th May, it will be found that late in
the season frosts have occurred much more frequently
when the average temperature of the spring months has
been helow rather than when it has been above any given
point.

If there be any thing worth your notice in these observa-

132 ON THE CULTURE OF SEA KALE, &C.

iFons, you are at liberty to make such use of them as you
may judge proper ; if there is not, they will serve as an
expression of my thanks to the author of the communication
signed " the Roxhury Farmer^'' for the suggestions he has
made ; and I hope that every one who meets with that
article may receive the same impressions that I have from it.
Yours respectfully,

INDICATOR.
May 13, 1822.

ON THE CULTURE OF SEA KALE (CRAMBE MARITIMA,) AND OF
THE SALSAFY, OR OYSTER PLANT, (TRAGGOPOON,) FOR
THE MARKET, AND FOR PRIVATE USE.^ By J. LOWELL.

We have introduced these plants some years since to the
notice of our cultivators, but there has been but small pro-
gress yet made in their use, and of course in their cultivation.
This cannot have arisen from any dislike to them, because
when introduced to the table, they are universally approved,
and used. They are both favourites at European tables, and
are accounted luxuries. The first is an earlier product
than asparagus, and much preferred by those who rehsh the
Cauliflower, which it resembles in its flavour. They have
been sent to our market, but do not meet a ready sale, and
of course, those who supply the market are not encouraged
to raise them. It cannot be supposed that the taste of the
people in this country is essentially ditferent from that of the
inhabitants of Europe. The truth is, that we are contented
with a much narrower list of articles of luxury than the taste
of Europeans demand. They are not contented with potatoes
only in the species, a new plant, even with them, unknown
before the reign of Elizabeth. They require a new vegetable
every month, and we are fast advancing to a state of luxury,
which will require and demand variety. Even in England,
two hundred years since, they could furnish no salad, but

ON THE CULTURE OP SEA KALE, (kc. 133

water cresses, and in our own country, thirty years ago, we
were strangers to the Rhubarb, (Rheum Rhaponticunrt) which
has now become an article of extensive culture, far prefer-
able in many respects to the unripe gooseberry, for tarts,
puddings and preserves. It comes into use some weeks
earlier — is raised with unfailing certainty and with trifling
care — is perennial and abundant — ^is supposed to be more
wholesome trhan the gooseberry. It is now in general use,
and constantly at market. We are indebted for itsintroduc-
to an amateur in Horticulture in the state of Maine. This
example shows, that we may introduce something new, and
that our horticulture was not at its highest point before.

The Sea Kale is a plant of recent introduction in Europe.
Perhaps its culture cannot be traced back beyond forty years.
It is a native of the sea coast of the southern parts of England,
where it is found growing in sea sand.

It is very hardy — grows in any tolerable soil — is perennial,
and costs not half the labour bestowed on asparagus. It may
be raised from the seed or from the root, and fifty plants, oc-
cupying a very small space, will supply a single family. In its
taste it resembles the Cauliflower. The only labour it re-
quires is to cover it with sand, or earth, or with pots, or
boxes in March, so as to exclude the light and to blanch it,
or make it white. If not blanched it is neither so beautiful to
the eye, or so tender, or so delicate to the taste as if blanch-
ed. It should be thoroughly boiled and is better if boiled in
milk and water. It should be served up like Cauliflowers,
with melted butter. It comes in at a season in which our
vegetables in this country are very deficient.

If in England and France where it has to compare at the
same table with green pease, and spinach, it is admired as a
luxury, can it be possible that it will not eventually succeed
with us ? We shall be happy to furnish seeds of it to any per-
sons who may be disposed to introduce it. I am not dis-
couraged by the tardiness of its progress in coming into use j
I have seen such changes in our horticulture, that I feel con°

134 ON THE CULTURE OF SEA KALE, &C.

vinced, that we shall eventually have a vegetable market neatr
ly equal to that of Covent Garden, though at present we are to
be sure at a mortifying distance from it. One remark must
impress itself, 1 am sure, deeply, on every man who is interest-
ed in such subjects, small to be sure in some views, but im-
portant in others — and that is, that if in older countries with
milderand shorter winters, in which they give you green vege-
tables nine months in the year, they value such a plant as the
Sea Kale, it must be of greater value to us, whose soil is
bound in frost from the 10th of November to the first of April,
and sterile till the first of May.

There is another reflection of some moment. Every new
plant introduced for the table increases the comforts and di*
minishes the expences of the middling classes of citizens. A
vegetable market fully supplied, extends very materially the
means of subsistence. Competition will produce abundance,
and of course cheapness. The Sea Kale is easily raised, and
endures forever. It requires no manure as the Asparagus
does. It is indeed injured by it, and if our farmers in the in-
terior had a patch of it in their gardens, they would have an
earlier succulent vegetable to eat with their salted provisions,
than any other they could raise.

The Salsafy, or Oyster plant, is another vegetable of easy
production, and universally eaten, when introduced to the
table. I know no one vegetable which is more esteemed.

Yet though it has been in our gardens for ten years, it has
never been extensively cultivated fdr the market, and I think
it is owing to its not being generally known. It resembles a
small parsnip in its appearance. It is raised annually from
seeds, and as easily, requiring no more care than the carrot.
It bears a tolerable crop. In Europe it is eaten both
boiled and fried. In this country it is parboiled, and then
fried either in batter, or without. It forms an admirable
garnish for boiled fowls or turkies. In its taste, it so strongly
resembles the oyster, than when sliced, and fried in batter,

ON THE CULTURE OF SEA KALE, &C. 135

\t can scarcely be distinguished from it. If our gardeners
would introduce it into the market, and our citizens once
try it, there would be no danger of its ever failing hereafter
to be raised. It is in eating from November to May, precisely
the period in which our vegetable market is most deficient in
variety.

It is not possible for any one to believe without ex-
perience, how much we are below every part of Europe in
vegetables. The great difficulty in introducing a new plant
for the table, is, the want of attention on the part of the con-
sumers. The raisers of vegetables are prompt, and attentive.
We shall state one instance in proof of it. A few sweet
potatoes, raised here, (inferior to be sure to those of Carolina)
were sold in our market at the price of two dollars per bushel.
A great many applications were made for slips, but no one
succeeded in keeping them over the winter. This spring, we
found several of our cultivators for the market, had on their
own account, and risk, imported them from the south, and
are raising them with spirit. We have no doubt of their
success. We are confident they will be regularly for sale in
Boston market, from this time forward. We have had experi-
ence this spring of their hardihood. They encountered a
severe frost on the sixth of May, after having been trans-
planted from a hot bed, where they were made paternally
tender. They xvere cut down by the frost, but have started
again more freely than the common potatoe. They are now
one month earlier, than any we ever raised, and we feel no
doubt that they will produce an abundant crop, and those
which will not sell, will furnish the best possible food, for
pigs, cows, and poultry. This is no speculative theory, but
the result of four years constant observation and experiment,
we have no idea of its being an object of general culture, but it
will, and must form a part of the cultivation for the market,
and of gentlemen, who feel a taste for horticulture.

136 ON HORTICULTURE.

[To the Trualees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]

Roxbury, May 14, 1822.
GENTLEMEN,

1 AM induced to make some communications to you on the
subject of Horticulture which may probably occupy a larger
portion of our next number, (if it shall please you to coun-
tenance them) than we have generally devoted to this branch
of agricultural labour. The reasons for doing it are, that it
cannot be denied, that the American cultivators arc less
experienced in horticulture, than in any other branch of the
agricultural art. It cannot be questioned, that while by the
spirited attention given to general cultivation, we have
made rapid advances towards the state of improvement,
which exists in the most cultivated parts of Europe, we are
lamentably deficient in gardening, and in the cultivation of
fruits and flowers. In fact, with a few exceptions, we are
ignorant of the ameliorations which have taken place in Eu-
rope in this branch within the last twenty years, and which
much exceed the aggregate of improvements for one
hundred and fifty years preceding, from the time of Evelyn
and Olivier de Serres, to that of Sir Joseph Bankes, and of
the equally enlightened horticulturist, Thomas Andrew
Knight, Esq. whose experiments and remarks form an era
as distinguished in horticulture, as that which the great
chemists of Uie present age have produced in that important
science.

It is not to the discredit of our country, that we have been
so late in our attention to this subject — we have been en-
gaged in pursuits more immediately interesting — in subduing
our soil from a state of nature — in furnishing subsistence to
our rapidly increasing population, in laying the foundations
of states, which may flourish when Europe, overstocked,
shall be unable to give support to its unwieldy population.
But the more settled parts of the United States, particularly
New England, have arrived at the second state of improve-

ON HORTICULTURE. 137

ment and cultivation. Their soil has been subdued — their
population is full, if not redundant. They have acquired
capital, and they now require and demand some of those lux-
uries, which ease and competence roill obtain at any price.

If it be true, as we have heard, that ten dollars have been
paid for a single dessert of early strawberries, it is time,
that we should meet this demand, and furnish luxuries, inno-
cent luxuries, for the table, at more reasonable rates.

We are utterly destitute, in New England, of nurseries for
fruit trees on an extensive scale. We have no cultivators on
whom we can callTor a supply of the most common plants
of the smaller fruits, such as strawberries, gooseberries,
raspberries of the superior kinds — we have no place to which
we can go for plants to ornament our grounds — we have not
a single seedsman, who can always furnish us with fresh
seeds of annual flowers on which we can place a reliance.
These are trifling evils compared to the want of bread, but
when we are filled with abundance, we look round for
something to gratify our tastes.

Let those, who please, laugh at the absurdity of talking
seriously of the importance of raising ornamental trees,
shrubs, and herbaceous flowering plants, let them ridicule the
zeal, which would furnish us with all the varieties of fruits,
nvhich grow from Palestine to Archangel, which would sup-
ply our tables with lettuce in February, and green pease in
March, yet there are few of these laughing gentlemen who
would not gladly see and taste these rarities, and they must
be had, and will be had in spite of ridicule. They are in
truth as rational sources of pleasure, and as just objects of
pride and display as a fine carriage, or superb dresses. They,
in truth, give more general pleasure ; for while the coach and
the muslin robe are chiefly gratifying to the owner, Ihose
who cannot afford either the one or the .other, can feel, and
often do feel, more exquisitely, the pleasures derived from the
display of the beauties of flowers, or the taste of the delicious
fruits of nature. The cultivator then of fruits and flowers is

Vol. VII. IS

f3B

ON HORTICULTURE;.

much less selfish. Their sweets are not produced for him
alone. He can derive little pleasure from them, but bj their
distribution.

It is not my intention to obtrude my own remarks on this
subject upon the public; I have made as little progress as
most of my fellow citizens, in this delightful, ornamental, and
as 1 think useful art.

Having recently received the transactions of the Horti-
cultural Society of London, I shall make such extracts from
them as appear to me to be new in our country, and calcu-
lated to advance the art of gardening. A FARMER.

P. S. I may from time to time make some explanations or
notes with the vie\r of rendering the several extracts more
useful.

To shew the utter incompetency of our ow?i nurseries (if
the few we have can be dignified with the name,) I will
simply state the fact, that one hundred roots of strawber-
ries, all of which were nearly dead, sold at the late sale at
auction for a greater price than fine plants of approved sorts,
would be sold for in England, and that raspberry plants sold
at such a price, as would have given me six hundred dollars,
had 1 chosen to break up my raspberry plantation and send
the plants to auction ; and 1 could have guaranteed better
plants and better sarts than any which could be expected in
a promiscuous importation, and as good as can be found in
Europe. This shews the demand, and the inadequacy of
svpply.

] shall commence my extracts from the Horticultural
Transactions by some remarks on annular excisions of the
bark of fruit trees, with the view of rendering them more pro-
lific, and to bring them earlier into bearing. I introduced this
topic into notice many years since from the same excellent
authority, and no man who has tried Mr. Williams's plan of
girdling or ringing grapes can doubt its value in our climate.
It secures the grape against mildew, ripens it several weeks

ON HORTICULTURE. 1 3S

earlier, and makes the fruit larger and more delicious. This
many years experience of myself, and my friend Mr. S. G.
Perkins, and many others has most abundantly confirmed ;
nor have any evil effects boen found to result from the prac-
tice on the grape. But we should not do justice to the ques-
tion if we did not add, that Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. the
individual most distinguished in Great Britain for his accurate
knowledge of the physiology of plants, although he admits
the tendency of this process to promote early bearing in fruit
trees, yet doubts, and perhaps more than doubts, whether it
does not on the whole, impair the vigour, and diminish the
longevity of the trees so treated. I do not understand that
his objection extends to the grape and other plants so pro-
ductive of wood, neither do I believe the objection would
apply with so great force in our country, where the growth
is so much more rapid, owing to the greater heat of our
summers, than it is in Great Britain.

ON A METHOD 0¥ IMPROVING THE PRODUCTIVEjrEi?S OF FRUIT TREES.
IN A LETTER TO TH03IAS HALE, ESa. ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BY
GEORGE HENRY NOEHDEN, L.L.D. F.L.S, SCC. READ JAN. 7, 1317.

DEAR SIR,

In communicating to you the translation of a small tract,
which has been sent to our President from Germany, on a
method of improving the productiveness of fruit trees, you
will allow me to accompany it with a few remarks. The
author of the tract in question, who is a clergyman in Saxony,
founds his proceedings upon the principle, that a certain
controul, to which the sap in trees may be subjected, will
have the effect of producing a greater degree of fruitfulness
than would exist, if it were left to its natural course. He
did not, indeed, set out with this hypothesis, when he made
his experiments ; but he was, in the process of these, ulti-
mately led to it. He obtains his purpose by making annnal
excisions of the bark, on the branches of fruit trees, or, 93

140 , , ON HORTICULTURE.

he calls it, ringing the branches ; that is to say, cutting ring*
in the bark. The notion, that barrenness in fruit trees
arises from too free and strong a flow of the sap, and that by
diminishing and checking this, fruitfulness may be obtained,
is by no means new, but pretty generally current. It is ob-
vious, therefore, if a mode could be found out of modifying
and regulating the sap, that the means would thereby be
afforded of rendering almost every tree fertile. This how-
ever, is a problem, which has hitherto not been solved, though
we may perhaps acknowledge, that some steps have been
made towards it. It may be that the society, on looking at
the translation alluded to, will think the attempt of Mr.
Kempel, who is the writer of this tract, to be of this descrip-
tion, that is to say, to have contributed towards the solution.
The manner of proceeding, which has been recommended
by different persons, is various ; all agreeing in this point,
that the flow of the sap ought to be checked. Old Henry
Van Oosten, the Leyden gardener, whose book appear-
ed, translated from the Dutch into English, in the year
1711, in a second edition mentions several means to be
resorted to. One is, to transplant the tree frequently ;
see p. 18. Another, to bore a hole in it, and drive in an
oaken plug, which he says is the old way. But as the most
effectual he considers the repeated pruning of the tree in
summer, by which, as it causes the tree to bleed, the current
of the sap is naturally weakened. Pruning would otherwise be
deemed to add to the strength of the tree if it were done before
the sap is in motion ; but in practising it from the month of
April, when already much of the sap has been wasted, you
lame, as he says, the luxuriance of the trees, by the wounds
you inflict upon it. He rests upon the idea that a superfluity
of sap produces nothing but twigs, and moderate sap produces
fruit. Some of the modern gardeners are afraid of pruning
a luxurious tree ; but while they entertain their fears, they
are thinking of winter pruning, or early spring pruning. Mar-
shall, in speaking of pear trees (p. 156. 4th edit, of the Intro*

ON HORTICULTURE. 141

duction to Gardening) observes, that their luxuriance may be
checked, and fruitfulness promoted, by stripping off pieces of
the bark, from the stem and the branches. He notices hke-
wise, the practice of making notches, crosswise, in the bark,
for a similar purpose. What is thus recommended for pear
trees, may be applied to all other fruit trees under similar
circumstances. Care should be taken in cutting the notches,
that they do not reach the pith. Nicol (in his Forcing and
Fruit Gardener, 4th edit, p. 240) suggests the expediency of
cutting the roots of a luxuriant tree. That training has an
effect upon fruitfulness, by operating as a check upon the
sap, is generally conceded. Our old friend Van Oosten al-
ready was aware of this, though he does not seem to have
made much appHcation of this remedy, for, p. 11, he says,
" A bough that is bent, commonly bears much fruit, but small,
except it be bent from the beginning. The reason is clear,
the pith of the wood runs crooked, and so its sap does not flow
violently.'' Another method of checking the sap is mention-
ed in a paper published in our Transactions, vol. 2. p. 222.
The whole seems to lead to this conclusion, that luxuriance
in trees and fertility are at variance : and that the vigour
which produces shoots and branches in abundance, is subver-
sive of what we value more, namely fruitfulness. This grow-
ing principle must be moderated to answer the gardener's
purpose. This may perhaps also be inferred from the cir-
cumstance that aged trees, or such as are in a weak, or even
sickly state, are often very productive. I will not presume
to account for these facts : but as facts I believe they must
be admitted. Whether it be the abundance of the sap, or
the rapidity with which it moves, that proves an obstacle to
the formation of fruit, future observations may perhaps be
able to decide. If we were to suppose the quickness of the
sap's motion to be in fault, it might appear, that owing to a
disproportionate activity, time was not allowed for the sepa-
ration and decomposition of those particles, by which the
fruit is formed. Some circumstances seem to point out the

142 OW HORTICULTURE.

abundance of the sap as the cause which is to blame ; for
several of the remedies above mentioned are directed against
this fault, and are said to be efficient to the purpose of fer-
tility. It may be added that transplanting is beneficial
to many vegetables, besides trees, and improves their fe-
cundity and good quality ; and this is most readily account-
ed for by modification of the growing principle thus brought
about. Moreover, it is sometimes found, that by confining
the roots, for example, by narrow vessels, as by what is com-
monly called under-potting, the plants prove more fruitful ;
continued observation and attention may, at last, bring us
to satisfactory results.

In adverting to the particular method, practised and
recommended by the author before us, let me remark,
that his practice of ringing trees, coincides exactly with
that described by John Williams Esq. in a paper read be-
fore this Society May 3d, 1808, and printed in the first
volume of our Transactions, p. 107. Mr. Williams does
not call it ringing the bark, but making annular excisions in
the bark, which is the same in meaning. Both, however,
follow nearly the same plan, in cutting circles on the bark,
with this difference, that Mr. Williams has only applied
the operation to vines, and Mr. Kempel to several other
sorts of fruit trees, though the former intimates, that he
thinks it may be applicable to fruit trees in general. It
is curious that both authors seem to have been impressed
with the idea that they were discoverers of that method,
and it is interesting to see how they both met in the sam«
road. The German writer observes, that the proper size
of his bark-ring is a quarter of an inch in width. Mr. Wil-
liams relates, that he made his annular excisions first an
inch broad, but he found, in the succeeding year, that the
vines which had undergone that discipline, did not push
freely, and seemed to be injured. The alburnum had been
too much exposed. He therefore reduced the rings to be-
tween one eight and two eights of an inch in width, which

ON HORTICULTURE, 14J

rs very nearly Mr. KempePs dimensions, and the trees did
well. Those vines were in the open air ; to such as were
in a forcing house, and sheltered from the weather, it did
not seem to be prejudicial to make the excision wider, for
the bark likewise was in those houses more quickly re-
produced. Mr. WiHiams lays a particular stress upon the
entire removal of both the outer bark, or cortex, and the
inner, liher, in making those rings ; for if you leave any
part of the latter, the bark forms soon again, and all your
trouble is lost. Mr. Kempel, likewise inculcates it as a
precept, that both the outer and inner bark must be entire-
ly stript otf so as to leave the wood, or alburnum, perfectly
bare. They both state, that the fruit in consequence of
ringing or annular excision, becomes much larger; and
Mr. Williams adds also, better flavoured, and that it ripens
more quickly. He explains these eflfects by Mr. Knight's
theory of the downward circulation of the sap ; Mr, Kempel
attributes them to a retarded motion. There is a very im-
portant consequence, which the latter gentleman states as
resulting from his operation of ringing, namely that you
may force young trees to show fruit, before they otherwise
would do. This really is exercising great power over na-
ture, if experience should bear out that position. One
might doubt it, as it is an opinion commonly received, " that
in young trees, which have sprung from seeds, a certain
period must elapse, before they become capable of bearing."
Thus our President thought, according to what he has ex-
pressed, p. 39, Transactions Horticultural Society, Vol. 1,
where he adds, that he believes that period cannot he short-
ened by any means. Pruning and transplanting, he says,
are both injurious : whether he will be induced to attribute
a more favourable influence to the operation of ringing,
must depend upon the degree of confirmation, which Mr,
Kempel's assertion may receive from farther experiments.^
I remain, Dear Sir, Your obedient Servant,

G. H. NOEHDENo

Albany, PicadWi/, December mh 1816,

144 ON HORTICULTURE.

P. S. Since I wrote the foregoing letter, I have, through
the kindness of our worthy Secretary, Mr. Sabine, received
some additional information, which I will beg leave to sub-
join. Mr. Sabine observes, that the mode of stripping a
portion of bark, in the shape of rings, from the branches
of trees, for the purpose of curing their bareness, has
been known and practised, for some time, in England, and
commonly been denominated by gardeners, circumcision.
But he intimates, that it had been confined to pear trees,
and also states, that the ring was generally cut rather
wide, and that the branches, though they bore fruit, were
essentially injured by the operation, and ultimately perish-
ed. This effect unquestionably ensued from the misappli-
cation of the remedy, in taking off too great a quantity of
the bark, and thus reducing the tree or branch to a state
of exhaustion, instead of merely checking, and moderating
its vigour. It seems, therefore to have been only a prac-
tical manipulation, known among gardeners, of which the
reason and general principle was not understood. This
is, moieover, apparent from its having been usually applied
to no other tham pear trees. Perhaps, the frequent barren-
ness of these trees, arising from a superabundance of sap,
was the cause why they, in preference to other trees, were
subjected to that operation. I have mentioned, that Mr.
Williams tried it upon vines, but though he hints at it, as no
improbable idea, that other trees might perhaps be equally
benefitted by the process, he was not aware of its efficacy
in general. We kpow, at present, on the authority of ex-
perience, that it has answered with pear trees, plum treee,
and vines ; and combining this with general reasoning, 1
think, we cannot be wrong in concluding that it will in a
similar manner, be advantageous to all fruit-trees, whose
unproductiveness is judged to be owing to an exuberance
of sap. The unskilful way, in which it has been practised
upon pear trees, involving frequently the destruction of the

ON HORTICULTURE. 145

tree, rendered the expediency of recurring to that remedy
problematical ; and it seems that nobody in this country,
before Mr. Williams, reflected upon the means of pre-
venting (he injurious consequences, which were apt to follow.
Yet the cause appears obvious ; but so does many a truth,
when it is once discovered.

The dimensions which both Mr. Williams and Mr. Kemp-
el assign to their rings, as best answering the purpose,
nearly approach to one another ; and they may be taken as
rules to go by. But it is not to be said, that no devia-
tion from them should be allowed ; on the contrary, it
may be advisable to vary, according to the comparative
strength of the tree, and tiie quantity of sap, with which
it may be presumed to be filled. The ring should never
be made so wide as to defy the effort of the tree in again
covering the wound, during the season ; for that deduction
of fulness, which is adequate to make up the loss of the
bark removed, seems just to place the tree in that medi-
um of vigour, which is favourable to the production of
fruit. Mr. Sabine has farther favoured me with an account
of Si pear tree at Kew, which I will transcribe in his own
words. It will be seen, that the remarks made before, are
applicable in this instance. The partial decay of that
tree is attributable to the manner in which the operation
has been performed. " There is a pear tree,'''' says Mr.
Sabine, "against one of the walls in the kitchen garden, be-
longing to his majesty, at Kew, which underwent this ope-
ration about fifteen years ago. The part operated on was
near the root; and as it was a principal arm, about one
half of the whole tree, became influenced by the operation.
This half has uniformly borne fruit, the other has been
nearly barren. The portion^ of stem, which was laid bare,
is about six inches wide, and it has not been again covered
by bark. That part just above the ring is considerably
larger than the part below it. The ends of the branches
appear in much decay, and there are but very few young
' Vol. VIT. 19

14G

ON HORTICULTURE.

shoots thrown out from the sides, whilst on the other part
of the tree, the shoots as usual, proceed from the extreme-
ties as well as from the sides of the main branches, I ap-
prehend from the present appearance of the whole, that
the portion of the tree, which by the separation of the
bark, has been deprived of supply from the root, cannot
survive many years."

OBSERVATIO\S ON, AND DETAILS fJF, SOBIE EXPERIMENTS IN RINGlKf.
THE BARK OF FRUIT AND OTHER TREES AND PLANTS. By JOSEPH

Sabine, Esa. f, r. s. Sec. secretary, read march 21, 1820.

The publication of the papers, on ringing the branches of
fruit trees, by Dr. Noehden, in the second volume of the
transactions, has directed the attention of several Fellows of
the Society, and other persons, to the subject. The results
of these experiments, which have been communicated to
me, appear to ^e of sufficient importance to be collected
together ; as they will serve as guides to those who may
wish to make further trials, and will assist in ascertaining
the causes, of the variety of eflfects, which appear to attend
the operation on different plants.

The practice of ringing, or circumcising the branches of
fruit trees, in order to make them yield more produce, is
not novel ; it is not stated to be so, in the papers alluded
to ; but though occasionally used, it does not appear that
much enquiry has been made, to discover the most advan-
tageous method, or the proper seasons, for performing the
operation, nor have any reasons been distinctly assigned
why it should be so particularly successful in some instan-
ces, and so entirely devoid of benefit, in others. The pro-
duction of a greater crop of fruit, is the most important of
the advantages expected to ensue from ringing: this in-
crease must, of course, arise from an additional number of
blossonns, and in some cases, from blossoms, that would not

ON HORTICULTURK. 1 47

have existed in the ordinary course of nature, without the
intervention of ringing ; the formation of flowers, is there-
fore, the point to be looked to, in considering the appHca-
tion of the practice. In those trees where the blossom
buds are produced on the wood of the preceding year, it is
not to be expected that the operation will have any efTect
on the quantity of produce, in the year, in which the rings
are cut ; and it is on trees of this character, that ringing
has been chiefly practised. On the contrary, in those trees
which produce the flowers on the present year's wood,
(though not much has yet been learned from experiment,
with respect to them) the effect of the ringing will be seen
immediately.

The interruption of the passage of the descending sap,
by the incision in the bark, causes, in some cases, an altera-
tion in the quality and appearance of the fruit. In many
instances, in the first produce after the operation ; it is con-
siderably increased in size, on the ringed branches ; it is
also ripened earlier in the season, and that circumstance is
accompanied, with very extraordinary improvement, in those
colours of the skin, which indicate full maturity. Taking
therefore into consideration the expectation of a change
both in the quantity and quality of the fruit, it will be ob-
vious that the spring is the most proper period to cut the
rings ; the bark is then very readily detached, and the work
may therefore be done with greater ease at that season.
With respect to the width of the incision it must be recol-
lected that the separation of the communication of the
bark, in every case, though in some more than others, ma-
terially affects the health and vigour of the branch. As long
as the separation is kept up,* so long may the formation of

* Since this paper was read to tlie Society, Mr. Williams, of Pitmastor.,
lias mentioned to me, that a ligature on the branch, by a waxed string tied
tightly round it, early in May, produces nearly the same effect of ringing.
In this case, although the downward flow of sap, from the leaf is in some
measure prevented, the alburnum is not injured by exposure to the air. and

148 ON HORTICULTURE.

additional blossom buds be expected : but the restoration
of the comnuinication, which will be the consequence o("
the union of the bark, from the opposite sides of the ring,
puts an end t6 the whole of that unnatural process, which
the interruption had occasioned. It is therefore requisite,
that tlic bark should be separated, nearly the entire season,
in which the ring is made, more especially in those trees,
where an increase of the succeeding year's bloom, is in-
tended to be produced ; -^Dut it is not advisable, in any case,
to keep the ring open for a long period ; the deposit of al-
burnum, at the upper edge of the ring, caused by the stop-
page of the passage of the descending, sap increases the
size and weight of the branch, in that place, so much, whilst
the under part, remains of its original size, that it is very
liable to be broken short off, at the ring, if the bark be suf-
fered to remain long disunited.

Having taken this general view of the subject, I proceed
to the consideration of the application of the practice to the
different kinds of fruit trees, as far as my own observation, or
the experiments of those with whom I have corresponded
relative to it will enable me.

All apple trees form an abundance of additional flower
buds, in consequence of ringing ; but if the ring be wide,
the ringed branches, especially young ones, speedily become
sickly *, it is therefore advisable, with them not to cut rings
of greater width, than what will be closed up, at the end of
the same season, or early in the following year; besides, it
seems that the improvement in size and beauty, is obtained
chiefly in the first year of the ringing, therefore the rings of
apple trees certainly should not exceed a quarter of an inch
in width, on strong branches, and they should be narrower on
small and weak shoots. Fresh branches on the same tree,
ought to be annually ringed, and thus a succession of produce
be uninterruptedly kept up.

there is less obstruction given to the ascending sap, so that tlie health o f the
branch is pveserved.

ON HORTICULTURE. 149

Mr. Twamley of Warwick, exhibited, to the Society, in
the autumn of 1 8 1 8, some specimens which fully illustrate the
practice of ringing apple trees. In the spring of 1818, he
ringed several espalier trees, some of which were the Minshull
crab, the Court-pendu apple, and the French crab ; the two
former produced some of the most remarkable specimens of
the kind, from the ringed branches, as to beauty, which per-
haps were ever seen ; the colours being most brilliant, whilst
the apples from the unringed branches of the same trees, had
their usual appearance ; but the size of neither of these
kinds was altered, whilst the French crabs from the ringed
branches, were enlarged in an extraordinary degree, as well
as improved in appearance. The same trees in 1818, had
borne great crops on every branch, whether ringed or un-
ringed ; but in 1819, they did not produce a single apple,
except on the ringed branches, which then afforded a good
crop, but the fruit, though very beautiful, were not so splendid
in appearance as in the former year, and thq French crabs
were not larger than usual. Mr. Twamley has observed
that the rings made in horizontally trained branches do not
so readily close up as those on upright growing ones ; and he
found an advantage in protecting the exposed part of the
wood at the ring with grafting clay. Mr. Hunt of Strat-
ford-upon-Avon, having observed Mr. Twamley's success,
tried the same experiments with trees in his own garden, in
1819, particularly upon the Ribston pippin, the nonpareil,
and scarlet nonpareil. He made his rings a quarter of an
inch wide, at the end of April and beginning of May, and in
the winter covered the open rings with clay and cowdung.
The Ribston pippin filled up its rings more rapidly than the
other kinds : in consequence, as I suppose, of its being more
vigorous in its general habit. The fruits of all in comparison
with the produce from the unringed branches, were, exclu-
sive of the additional quantity, either altered in size or in
colour, but did not keep so well : and Mr. Hunt thought
them inferior in flavour, which is the natural consequence of

150 ON HORTICULTURE.

the increase in size. The Ribston pippins, from unringed
branches, were of a pale greenish yellow, and averaged eight
inches in circumference ; those from ringed branches, were
of a ricli golden colour, with brilliant red streaks on the ex-
posed side, and were ten inches in circumference. The
nonpareil tree, (usually called the green nonpareil) was
trained to a wall, and its produce, consequently, was all large ;
but those from the ringed branches, were highly improved
in colour, and measured twelve inches round. In the scarlet
nonpareil there was no difference in colour,* but those from
ringed branches, measured ten inches in circumference,
while those from unringed branches measured only eight.

Pear trees do not suflfer so much from ringing, as apple
trees ; the ring, though kept open, does not appear to induce
weakness, so speedily : the ringed branches do not make
shoots in such numbers, nor in such vigour, but they retain
their health, sufikient for all purposes of produce, many
years. Indeed, so little injury is done to pear trees by ring-
ing, that several branches can be kept cut, at one time,
without danger, and a continuance of crop, may be ensur-
ed, by occasionally taking out a branch which may have
become decayed, and replacing it with new wood. In
healthy and clean shoots, the bark of pear trees, soon
restores itself over the ring, unless it is cut very wide. The
effect of ringing them is a certain production of blossom
buds, so much so, that even young trees may be brought into
bearing, by this means. Mr. Twamley, in the spring of 1818,
ringed a branch of a young and luxuriant Jargonelle pear tree,
which had been planted only two years ; the ring closed it-
self at the end of the summer ; but the branch next year blos-
somed and brought to perfection four good pears, (shooting vi-
gorously also) when no other part of the tree showed the least
appearance of bloom, and even in thepresent spring it shows

* The scarlet nonpareils from ringed branches, in Mr. Twamley 's garden,
were, however, much more brilliant in cojour, than the ether apples on the
same tree.

ON HORTICULTURE. 151

two branches of blossom, which are the only ones upon the
tree. Mr. Ketnpel mentions that he had increased the size
of pear trees b)' ringing : this is most probable, but an in-
stance of it has not occurred to my observation.

The branches of plum aiid cherry trees sustain injury and
become cankered by ringing; but as they are always free
blowers, an increase of blossom by artificial means is not
wanted to make them produce fruit. The same observation
is applicable to peach and nectarine trees ; so that all the
stoned fruits cultivated in this country must be excluded
from the list of trees on which ringing may be usefully perform-
ed.

Vines are much benefited, by ringing ; their blossom is
produced on the shoots of the same year, in sufficient
plenty : for additional blossom, the use, therefore, of ring-
ing, is not required, but increase of size, early ripening,
and improvement of flavour in the grapes, all result
from ringing. Mr. Williams, in a paper on the subject, in
the first volume of the Transactions, has sufficiently de-
scribed the mode of proceeding with the vines for this pur-
pose.

In none of the experiments, the termination of which I
have yet become acquainted with, has success attended
the operation of ringing the Fig tree. The branches which
have been circumcised have put forth on the young wood,
abundance of small Figs, such being in fact, the flower of
the tree, which subsequently enlarges and becomes the
fruit, when ripe. This production of fruit has even been
effected, in trees which had not attained sufficient age to
throw it out naturally in the regular course, but in such
eases, the crop has fallen off", without ripening. The
branches of the Fig tree suffer by ringing ; the incision
should, therefore, when made, be very narrow, to admit of
speedy closing, it not being necessary for the production of
the blossom, (which is formed on the young wood,) to
keep it so long opened, as is required in other fruit trees.

152 ON HORTICULTURE.

The preceding are all instances of the effects of ringing
in the production of fruit: but as these incisions in the
bark cause the fornnation of flower buds, when none, or
only a (ew, would otherwise have appeared, the practice
may be extensively and usefully applied to ornamental
shrubs and plants, which do not readily blossom. I be-
lieve this use of ringing has not before occurred to the ad-
vocates of the practice, and as I am acquainted with some
cases of perfect succesS; it will be worth while to enume-
rate them, in order to induce to further trials.

Mr. William Baxter, gardener to the Comtc de Vandes,
at Bayswater, has given me the particulars of three ex-
periments, made in the spring of 1818, which fully an-
swered his expectations. The first was with a Waratah Ca-
mellia, which he had never been able to make flower ; he
cut a ring round the stem ; so close to the root, that he
was able to cover the incision with the mould of the pot, in
which the plant grew ; the ring closed at the end of the
year, and the plant remained in good health, but made
rather short shoots, on which an abundance of flower buds
were formed, and these blossomed perfectly in the following
spring. The second experiment was on a plant of Auble-
tia Tibourbou, in the stove ; the ringed branch speedily
broke into flower ; it was the first blossom which the plant
had yielded, but its other branches did not blow; the ring-
ed branch is still alive, and its bark nearly reunited. The
third experiment was on branches of Pyrus spectabilis ;
those which were ringed produced last spring, abundance of
splendid flowers, which were succeeded by ripe fruit ; and
they are now again full of blossom buds, the other branches
showing little promise of bloom.

In addition to the above, I can state, that one branch
of the Passiflora alata, in Messrs. Loddiges' stove, was ring-
ed, in 1818; in two months after it produced flowers; it
also did the same abundantly last year, whilst another branch
which remained unringed. was entirely unproductive, in

DWARF INDIAN CORN. 153

both seasons. Mr. George Loddiges, in giving me this ac-
count, mentioned, that he had tried the same experiment,
with other Passifloras, and with some stove plants, but that
he had not succeeded. His failure may probably in some
cases be attributed to his having made the rings too narrow:
in the soft stemmed plants, which he ringed, the bark would
reunite very rapidly, and if the separation is not kept open,
sufficiently long, the desired etrect will not be produced.

DWARF INDIAN CORN.
[From the Transactions of the Lonclou Horticulliiial Sociely.]

A SPECIES of Indian Corn which can be raised in England
ami Paris can surely be made to succeed in Massachusetts,
and we ought to have all the varieties of that plant, which
will grow in our climate. — Editors.

" Some heads of a dwarf Indian Corn grown in the garden
of the (Horticultural) Society were exhibited. They were
produced from seed sent to the society (1819) from Paris,
by M. Vilmorin, under the name of Mais a Poulet — a
" Chicken Corn." The plants do not exceed eighteen
inches in height, are very hardy, not being injured by the
Spring frosts — the seeds vegetate perfectl}- well in the open
ground, and do not require the aid of artificial heat to
raise them. They should be sown in drills, about two
feet apart and the plants when thinned, should stand at
six inches in the rows from each other. Their heads
which will be perfectly ripe before the end of September,
are about three. inches long one only being usually pro-
duced on each plant ; when a second blossom appears, it
is generally abortive. The grains are of a bright yellow
colour, round and small, and the flour they contain appears
to be peculiarly white and tine. The varieties of the
Common Maize, (the Zea Mays of Linnaeus) are name-

Vol. VII. 20

154 DWARF INDIAN CORN

rous, and it is possible, that this may be a very dwarf and
hardy sort, referable to this species — but it has ])een sug-
gested that the Mais a Poulet may be the plant described
by Molina in his Natural history of Chili as growing in
that country, with a smaller ijrain, which furnislies a meal
whiter, more hght, and in greater quantity, than the com-
mon kinds of Maize. Molina considers his plant to be a
distinct species, calling it Zea caragua, and distinguishes
it as having its leaves senated or denticulated ; the margin
of the leaves of the Mais a Poulet is not smooth but
edged- with minute hairs which give a slight appearance of
serrature. Should it be thought desirable to make the ex-
periment, the perfect hardiness of this plant fits it well for
field culture."

So far proceeds the notice in the Horticultural Trans-
actions and to those who are not aware of the coldness of
a British summer it would not seem to be encouraging.
In that climate they cannot ripen our Indian Corn without
artiticial heat, and therefore the variety above described
may with us be of some value, in our cold seasons, and cer-
tainly an object of curiosity. We cannot agree with the
writer in the Horticultural Transactions that it is probably
the plant described by Molina, for they admit, there are
no serratures on the leaves, and the hairs mentioned,
as giving the appearance of serratures, are common to all
the varieties of Maize, or at least, their is a roughness on
the edges of the leaves, palpable to the eye, and touch.

We have some apprehension, that it is only the dwarf
corn grown on the Missouri, or the small Canadian Corn —
but at any rate we should invite M. Vilmorin, whose trees
and plants have received most abundant encouragement
here, to send us a few ears of it, and it is hoped some
of our public spirited merchants in the French trade, will
import it next fall. — Editors.

LARCH TREE. 155

SOME SLIGHT NOTICES OF THE LARCH TREE— (PINUS LARIX,)
KNOWN liM VARIOUS FARTS OF OUR COUNTRY UNDER
THE SEVERAL NAMES OF JUNIPER— HACKMATACK AND
LARCH. By John Lowell.

b or some reason which I am unable to explain, this
tree so highly valued in Europe, as a timber tree, and par-
ticularly for its durability, when buried in the earth, has
never been thought of so great value witii us. It grows more
rapidly, than the real Juniper, commonly called the red
Cedar, and is more durable for posts, than that plant.
It will grow on any soil, and rapidly in soils entirely
different from those, in which it is usually found. I
have them growing, in pure sand, without the smallest
apparent admixture of loam, and on barren gravel — a grav-
el, which will scarcely support grass. I have larch trees in
such soils 18 to 24 inches in circumference, and thirty feet
high, of thirteen years growth.

The English variety is more beautiful and vigorous
than our own. Col. Pickering first called my attention to
the difference. He has plants of the English larch, which
he observed had larger cones, and a fuller and fairqr growth
and foliage.

That he was right, as he generally is, from the accura-
cy with which he examines subjects which fall under his
notice, will be apparent from the following extracts from the
horticultural Transactions of London.

Horticultural Transactions.

" June 6th, 1820. The duke of Athol having sent to the
Society specimens of five kinds of Larch grown on his estate
in Scotland accompanied by observations on them, this com-
munication was read. The kinds were

1st. The Common Larch (i, e. the Larch of Great Brit-
ain) with red or pink flowers. In the duke of Athol's plan-
tations on mountainous tracts at an elevation above the sea
of 1500 or 1600 feet, this tree has, at eighty years of age
arrived at a size to produce six loads of timber, appearing

156 LARCH TREE.

in durability and every other good quality, to be likely to
answer every purpose, both by sea and land.

2d. Pinus Larix, from the Tyrol, with white flowers.
This kind scenns not before to have been noticed. It is
very remarkable in its appearance from the whiteness of its
cones, which in the specimen sent were erect, and not
cemuous or drooping. The shoots are much stronger than
those of pinus larix with red cones. The foliage of the two
is similar.

3d. The weeping Larch, from the Tyrol. It is different
from the pinus pendula or black Larch of North America.
It grows to a large size.

4th. Pinus Microcarpa, (a small fruited or coned Larch)
the red Larch of North America. There are some trees of
this kind fifty years old on the Athol estates, but they do
not contain one third as many cubic feet of timber as Pinus
Larix at a similar age. (That is, the English Larch furnish-
es three times the quantity of timber in fifty years which
pur own common Larch does.) The wood is so ponderous
that it will not swim in water. Its cones are much shorter
than those of the Pinus Larix, its branches weaker, and its
leaves narrower.*

5th. The Russian Larch. The appearance of the tree
is coarser than that of Pinus Larix. It is of much slower
growth, and its aspect is different frorp that of the other
species. The bark is ash coloured. The leaves come out
so soon that they are liable to be injured by spring frosts.
The flowers are like those of the American Larch. It is
supposed to be the Pinus Larix of professor Pallas, and was
received under the name of Pinus Sibirica.

From this account it is plain, that it would be our inter-
est and is a duty we owe to Agriculture, to import the cones
of these varieties of Larch from Scotland, which we hope
some gentleman acquainted with that country will do, send-

* In some of these particulars, the differences noticed by Col. Pickering
agree with the statements of the Horticultural board.

LARCH TREE. 157

ing this description with directions to see that the varieties
are all obtained.*

Before I close this article, I beg leave to call the atten-
tion of my brother farmers, to the success, which has attend-
ed m) planting of small patches of forest trees. It is
not that this success has been greater in the whole,
(though every one who passes along the high road must
perceive it has not been less) than that of other gentlemen
but it is in one or two respects very remaikable, and ex-
ceedingly encouraging to that class of intelligent farmers^
not those who cultivate for ornament, but those who do it for
gain, on for subsistence.

Having but little land, and of that little a small propor-
tion which was good, I was reduced to the necessity of
planting my trees wholly on barren and unproductive soils.
In 1807 and 1808 and 1809, 1 planted with forest trees from
two to three acres of this land, one half of which was pure
sand with so little mould or loam as not to admit of the
growth of grass for the scythe. Its whole value per annum
was not 1-0 dollars. This land I covered with forest trees,
the White Pine, the Larch — the Fir Balsam, and in the
better parts, the Oak of various sorts, the Maple, the Beech,
the Ash, the Elm, the Locust, the Spi uce, the Spanish Ches-
nut, and some ie'w others for variety.

The land was about half of it ploughed and kept open
with potatoes for 2 years and then abandoned to the course
of nature. The pines were taken up out of the forest with
great care, not more than 5 feet high. Wherever I had the
cupidity and impatience to introduce a larger tree I either
lost it or it became sickly. In some places I planted acorns,
and as to my hard wood forest trees, transplanted from the
woods, finding they looked feeble and sickly when they shot
out, 1 instantly sawed them off at the ground or near it.

* The cones of the Larch will probably be ripe in Noveraber, and should
not be taken off before that time. The seeds should be planted as soon after
they arrive as possible, or early in the spring.

158 LARCH TREE.

This required some resolution, but I have been abundantly
paid for it.

The result of this experiment is this, that in a period from
13 to 15 years I have raised a young, beautiful and thrifty
plantation comprising almost every variety of tree which we
have in Massachusetts, which are now from 25 to 35 feet
high, and some of which, the thriftiest white pines actually
measure from 9 to 12 inches diameter. The loppings, and
thinning out of these trees now furnish abundant supply of
light fuel for summer use, and upon as accurate a calcula-
tion as I am able to make, I am convinced, that the present
growth, cut down at the end of fourteen years from the plant-
ing would amply pay for the land at the price it would have
brought. 1 do not mean to say, that this would be the case
in the interior, but in the vicinity of Boston and of Salem, I am
sure this experiment may be tried with perfect success. In
Chelsea, Lynn, Cambridge, West Cambridge, some parts of
Brooklyn, Wenham, Danvers, and many other old towns, I see
tracts of land which can produce but little, of any value,
and which would in fifteen years, at the expense of ten days
labour for the first four years on each acre, produce trees
that would be worth the present price of the land. I am
persuaded, that this is no loose calculation. Of course,
I say nothing of the effect, which such a system would
produce on the appearance of the country — on the im-
provement of the landscape — these considerations are too
remote from the views of farmers to have much weight, but
they may think it of some importance, if we prove to them,
that if at thirty years of age they should plant in these old
towns, now dependent on foreign supply ten or fifteen acres
of wood, it will be worth more 30 years after, than the best
20 or 30 acres of their farms, and in some instances, near the
great towns, the sale of the wood would equal the value of
thcT houses, barns, and stock. If wood and timber should
increase in price, the next 30 years as much as it has to my
knowledge, done within the last 30. which is 150 per cent.

LARCH TREE. 159

it will do more than is above stated. I hope I shall be excus-
ed for recurring again to a topic, which I have so often urged
upon our farmers, and my excuse must be, that 1 have perceiv-
ed, that in all the European countries, timber and wood for fuel
are among the most interesting topics of discussion, and
lands producing them are considered the surest, safest, and
most profitable estate — more so than money in banks, or at
compound interest. No state in the union is in more dan-
ger than Massachusetts of suftbring from a scarcity of wood
for timber and fuel, and as the neglect of planting cannot be
remedied within a third or half a century, J think it the duty
of a faithful Centinel, intrusted with an agricultural publica-
tion, to give constant and repeated notice of the danger.

I owe it to the cause of truth, to state, that i commit-
ted a very grave and important mistake in planting. From
the desire to cover my land more rapidly, and to thicken
my plantations for ornament, I planted my trees too near
each other. I now suffer from this very natural cupidity.
I cannot thin them out without hurting the beauty of the
landscape, and the trees shew how much they suffer by
the yearly loss of their lower branches, which will always
die if they have not air and moisture, and like other
misers, I find myself unwilling to part with the treasure I
have possessed.

This however will not apply to the farmer who raises
from a desire of profit. His trees should be placed at least
tw^enty-five feet asunder in every direction, he will not fear,
as 1 have done, the use of the axe to thin out his trees. I
could now cut out light fuel for the supply of my family for
two years, without injuring my plantation, but I have not
^courage to do it.

I am aware, that two objections will be made to this state-
ment— First, that the scale of experiment was a small one,
not exceeding two acres and an half. It is true ; but the ex-
periment was sufficiently large to test the utility of the
measure. Secondly, that [ disregarded expense, and put

160 FRUIT TREES.

down the cost to the score of luxury. This is not true ; I
am sure that the whole labour did not exceed twenty days
work of one man on an acre, and with respect to one acre of
it, not five days labour (in the whole) of one man, has ever
been expended upon it.

1 planted the trees in two or three days, and left them to
their fate ; but I consider two conditions, indispensable to
success. First, that as to pines of all sorts, and other ever-
green trees, they should be put out not more than four years
old ; not pruned for they will not bear the knife well. Second-
ly, That as to hard wood forest trees transplanted from the
woods, they should be instantly cut down to the ground or
near it.

It is only because we have no nurseries of forest trees in
New England, that I speak of the barbarous practice of
transplanting and instantly heading down. Young trees
from a nursery would in all respects be preferable.

[To the Corresponding Secretary.]

DEAR SIR,

♦
SUBJOINED you have some observations in relation to the
treatment of young fruit trees, and the effects produced by
grafting and budding them in the nursery and garden, and
showing the good or bad results agreeably to the choice
which may be made of the scions which are used for this
operation. Although they are by no means new, or in any
degree original, yet from the forgetfulness of some, want of
information in others, and carelessness in many, these rules
are omitted in many cases to the great injury of the pro-
prietors of orchards and gardens.

I am sorry to say that in many instances the evil begins in
the public nurseries where men ought to know this branch of
their business above all others ; but as many nursery men
raise trees merely to sell, and care but little what becomes

FRUIT TREES. 161

of them after they get out of their grounds, the greatest neg-
ligence is observable in their treatment of young trees, which
are grafted or budded from any young thrifty tree which they
consider of the sort they are in want of; and as the most
vigorous shoots will take with most certainty, these are usu-
ally employed for the purpose. The subsequent treatment
of the stocks is no less injudicious, as dead wood is generally
left above the bud, and round the graft, by the hasty and in-
attentive manner with which the knife is used ; hence arises,
in many instances, the lapse of years before we get our trees
to bear: hence arise the canker and gum which we find in
almost all trees taken from public nurseries.

Private nurseries are not subject to the same evils, because
there are fewer stocks to attend to, and more labour and time
allowed to the portion of work to be done ; but even here the
same defects are often seen. Although many gentlemen
who have abundance of knowledge on this subject, and who
are in the habit of attending to their nurseries themselves,
may think these remarks superfluous, yet there are some who
may be benefited by them.

It is for you, however, to determine whether they are
worth a pJace in your Agricultural Repository.

The health, habits and fruitfulness of a tree depends up-
on the habits it receives in the nursery.

First. The health of the tree depends in part on the soil of
the nursery, which should be free from manure, and as near-
ly a good virgin soil as possible. This soil will give sutli-
cient nourishment to the plant without forcing it into luxu-
riance ; and when it is transplanted from the nursery it will
not be checked in its growth if the soil into which it is put
has never been manured. Young trees are move healthy
by being put into pure natural earth than if manured ; and
when age and decay come upon them they will feel the
benefit of this stimulus, if applied, with more effect.

One of the principal causes of ill health or canker in young
trees taken from nurseries is, that the nursery men seldom

Vol. VII. 21

162 TRUIT TREES.

take the (rouble to cut ort' the wood above the bud close io
its shoulder, leaving a smoolh and sloping surface. U they
were to do this the wound would heal the first season ; but
they usually leave a small piece from which the top has been
sliced off without care or reflection half an inch above the
shoulder of the shoot or bud, and of course beyond the reach
of the sap which issues from it, and from the edge of the live
bark to cover the cut. This piece of wood dies, and it will soon
communicate its disease to the sound bark and wood, until the
evil is beyond the reach of the knife.

Secorid, The habits of a tree depend in a great measure
on the quality of the scion or bud which is put into it, and on
the direction given to its branches in the training and pruning
them.

The scion or bud should never be taken from a tree that is
unhealthy, or that is not in bearing ; and the strong and lux-
uriant shoots should always be rejected. It is even better
never to take them from a tree that is very luxuriant in its
growth.

If it be an apple, or pear tree, select your scions from the
end, or near the end of the fruit bearing branches. The
buds of the shoot should be plump, full and healthy. The
middling sized scions are the best. The young tree will
assume the character of the scion which is inserted into it,
and will grow moderately or otherwise ; fruitfully or barren,
according to the judgment used in selecting the scions and
pruning its branches.

If it be a peach that you are to bud, take the fruit bearing
shoots of a moderate size with double and triple buds. T'hese
will put out blossoms in the spring, which may be rubbed
off when the wood bud has opened, and the second jear
your tree will show fruit. Whereas trees grafted or budded
from strong gluttonous shoots grow vigorously for many years
without giving the cultivator any returns for his labour. 1
have trees, both pears and peaches, in my garden, which
were taken from a public nursery more than ten years ago,

BAD WINTER KEEPING OF COWS. 163

and which have always been growing with rapidity, and in
apparent good health, but which never produced rne any
fruit ; and I have others which I tiave budded myself, which
have been constantly in bearing from the second summer after
the insertion of the bud or graft. This variance I attribute
entirely to the difference in thequalitiesof the scions or buds.
Third. There is no doubt that the quality of the soil con-
tributes also very powerfully to the fructification of fruit
trees. Different fruits require different soils to make them
perfect in their kind ; as the Doyenne, or Saint Michael
pear produces best in a gravelly soil, while the brown
Beurre requires a more nutritious earth and a more shelter-
ed situation to bring it to perfection. But as a general rule,
it is better for young trees to be placed in a good, but not
a rich soil ; as the fructification will be retarded by too
rapid a growth : but the fecundity of the tree may be effectu-
ally secured by a judicious choice of scions, and a healthy
virgin soil that is light and warm. Yours, k.c.

A NORFOLK GARDENER.

BAD WINTER KEEPING OF COWS.

[To tlie Correspoiidins Secretary.]

Roxbury, May 2.% 1822.
DEAR, SIR,

1 HAVE been more immediately led to this subject by having
within a few days past visited a number of farms within ten
miles of Boston. The too general practice of feeding
cows in the winter with only meadow hay, (which has less
nourishment than good straw) because they cannot sell it
and have plenty of good English hay which goes to market,
is I think very bad policy. If meadow hay must be used
in part, let it be sailed when put in the barn, and fed in
racks, in the yard by day, and good hay, with vegetables of
almost any kind in the barn, night and morning, and if bran

164 BAD WINTER KEEPING OF COWS.

or oil cake meal can be procured, both of which generally
may be had at reasonable prices, they ought to be freely
used, even though the cow should be dry.

I had myself an instance of the good effect within three
years past, having purchased a high priced and very fine
cow, in the autumn, which I put out for the winter, in as
good hands as any farmer in the country, to be fed as his
own stock were ; the whole summer, after coming home,
though in good pasture, she never gave more than tive
or six quarts at night milking, the next winter she was kept
at home, when she was well fed w\ih good hay, and mangel
wurtzel, Swedish turnips or carrots once a day, {though
dry) and the whole of the next summer she gave from eight
to ten quarts at night milking, and has continued ever
since, in the summer season, by the same treatment, to do
equally well.

Let the meadow hay be used freely for litter and the ani-
mals be carded or curried •, by keeping their skins clean, I
am satisfied they enjoy better health ; and will consume
less food — besides the pleasure of seeing them so — only
observe the miserable state in which a large proportion
of the cows you meet about the roads appear, going to or
from pasture, night and morning — or indeed a large number
that get their only subsistence on the road sides and occa-
sionally breaking into enclosures, where they see good
feed, to the great annoyance of neighbours, and contrary to
the laws of the state, as well as the bye laws of the towns.

I think it of more importance than is generally believed,
that the male to which the cow is sent, should be of a really
good breed, even although the calf is not intended to be
raised — the veal will be better, and I believe there is no
doubt also, it has some effect on the milk for the next sea-
son.

By the treatment before mentioned, I doubt not most far-
mers that now keep 10 or 12 cows in the common way, by
selecting one half the number of their richest and best mil-

BAD WINTER KEEPING OF COWS. 163

kers, would make more butter than they now do, and there
is also no doubt, that the manure of well fed animals is
infinitely superior to that from mean fed ones — and I believe
the quantity would be as great as from double the number.

We often see in large families where only one cow is kept,
and that one zvell fed and attended to, that she gives an
abundance of milk and cream, and also makes 6 or 8 pounds
of butter per week, it is not so much owing to the qualities
of the cow, as the care and attention of keeping her well
fed and regularly and thoroughly milked.

I really wish our farmers generally, would be prevailed
on to raise a greater quantity of vegetables for the use of their
stock, than they have been in the habit of doing. Swedish
turnips and Mangel Wurtzel (of the true sorts) are very
easily raised, and every farmer has land suitable for them,
when he might not have suitable soil for Carrots, which I
think give the richest milk, but are much more expensive
in cultivating. These roots with care, even in pits, out of
doors, may be preserved till May and June, and yield gene-
rally double the quantity that the same land would yield
in potatoes. Indeed with me I have usually had more than
three times as many bushels per acre, and with I think no
more labour. Mangel Wurtzel indeed will by their thin-
nings and trimmings, if done with care, pay all the labour
of the crop, and give a fine evening food for the cows, and
is also an excellent food for swine.

A small patch of corn broadcast or in rows, and cut after
it gets two and a half or three feet high, will give a fine even-
ing food for cows, by cutting it at about one foot from the
ground, it will grow again for another crop.
I am dear Sir,

With much respect,

JOHN PRINCE.

16S CORN.

[The stateinents of tlie unsuccessful candidates for prcinium!:, whose cropj
fell in some degree, short of those, which obtained premiums, with the
account of the culture.

It is not enough to grant a few premiums, limited by our small pecuniary
means. The interests of agriculture require, that we should shew that the
premium crops were not extraordinary, were easily attainable by all,
were in fact almost equalled by others. It is by convincing our farm-
ers, that good culture generally will receive its own remuneration, and
not by shewing them tliat one man, at great expence, has raised a great
crop, that you can hope to improve our agriculture at large, and to induce
all to do their best : — when you can shew, that men in various counties,
possessing no peculiar advantages, have at the same moment arrived at
nearly the same result, you produce a more settled and rational conviction
of the benefits of good cultivation, than you could do by any course of pre*
miums. For this reason we shall publish the letters of the unsuccessful
candidates, [not in fact unsuccessful,] but who were surpassed by one or
two others. They may indeed have been the most skilful, but a little dif-
ference of soil, or a shower or two in summer on one estate which was de-
nied to another, may have produced the difference.] editors.

ff'estford, Dec. 5, 1821.

To the Chairman of the Committee oo Agricultural productions.

DEAR SIR,

1 FORWARD you by the bearer a statement of the course pur-
sued with a piece of land of one acre, as to a crop
of corn, and have here enclosed the statement of the
amount.

The ground was a piece which had been laid down and
mown six or seven years. I ploughed it late in the fall of
1819 and in the spring of 1820 I planted it with corn and
manured it only in the hill with compost, from which I had a
decent crop of corn. Early in the spring of 1 82 1 , 1 ploughed
the ground coarsely, and spread eighteen or twenty cart
loads of coarse manure, then harrowed, and then ploughed
the ground very fine, and on the 20th of May planted it in
rows, the kernels about nine inches apart, and the same
quantity of manure in the rows as I spread, which was a com*
position of horse, hog and door manure. The first and
third time of hoeing, I hoed without ploughing ; the second

CARROTS. 167

time I ploughed and took from the stalk all the suckers which
, came out next to the ground. The corn growing exceedingly
rapid, I followed cutting all the stalks which did not set for
ears, and those which grew smutty. The corn was a twelve
rowed kind, which i have raised a number of years, and more
forward than my neighbours generally, and I know of no im-
provement which I could make except in the furrowing.
This season I drew my plough but one time in a row, the
ground being stoney, and putting the corn on top of the ma-
nure made the row too high; whereas drawing it twice
would have made more room for the manure, and laid the
roots lower.

If my efforts should merit any encouragement from the
Society, it will be gratefully received by

Your most obdt serv't. SAMUEL WRIGHT, .Tun.

Note — Mr. AV'right's crop v.-as 78 bushels and 5 quarts of Indian corn on
one acie.

Salem, November \5, 1821.
To the Committee ou Agricultural production?.
GENTLEMEN,

In compliance with the Society's regulations, requiring
each claimant under the head of agricultural experiments,
to state the quality and general cultivation of the lot, the pre-
vious season to that on which a claim is made for the society's
premium, I offer the following, with a claim for the society's
premium for raising the greatest crop of Carrots on an acre.

The land is situated in Salem, county of Essex ; has been
broken up about four years ; was planted the past year with
onions, beets and carrots, ten loads of mixed mussle bed, rot-
ted potatoe tops and barn manure being put on ; the soil
black and heavy.

The present year eight loads of privy manure, for one
yoke of oxen, were put on, spread in four hours, and sown
with about one pound of seed: 19th of April the lot was
ploughed ; 1 1th May, one day sowing ; 1 Uh and 12th June,
four days weeding : 9th July, two days weeding ; 16th and

168 VEGETABLES.

/

17th July, forking; and from 26th October, twelve days
labour in digging, measuring, weighing, &c. in all twenty-two
days and four hours labour.

The quantity produced on the acre was five hundred and
twenty-eight bushels, which at forty-seven bushels (being
very welt cleaned) to the ton, gave 1 1 ton, 4 cwt. 2 qr. 20 lb.
Respectfully, your humble serv't.

JOHN DWINELL.

Roxbury,20lh November, 1^2} .
To the Committee on Agricultural proJuclione.
GENTLEMEN,

Having raised a considerable quantity of vegetables the
past season for consumption on my farm, which being small,
the house lot only 57 acres, and keeping a large stock for the
size of the farm, induces me to raise largely of roots ; the
quantity however is much smaller than I had last season, from
the same puantity of land under cultivation, owing 1 suppose
to its being principally from pasturage newly broken up.
800 hills of summer squashes (on less than i acre) which yield-
ed largely, and were daily gathered for a long time and
boiled for a large stock of swine, with the thinings of
Mangel Wurtzel, &c. &:c.
t)56 bushels Mangel Wurtzel at the harvesting, besides a
large quantity of thinnings during the season, and also of
leaves at harvest given daily to cows, swine, &:c. cost
7 cents per bushel. I think a greater quantity of this
root can be raised on suitable soils, than of any other
vegetable, requiring not more than one third of the la-
bour that carro/5 do.
400 bushels carrots — on same space of ground adjoining the

preceding crop ; cost 17| cents per bushel.
537 bushels Ruta Baga. Three fourths of them were rais-
ed on land broke up this year, and the sods burnt by an
Irishman well acquainted with the business, and no.
other manure on the three-fourths, calculating his wages
and fuel, with the labour on the crop otherwise, the

VEGETABLES. 169

cost is 8| cents per bushel — were sown 29th June, too

late by a fortnight, but the h»nd could not be got ready

sooner.
745 bushels potatoes besides early ones used during the

season. They were of thirteen dillerent sorts, (none of
them had been cultivated by me more than one year
before ; most of them were new to me this year) for
the purpose of selecting the most valuable. The best
were the Elam potatoe, from Rhode Island, and are un-
common!) fine. The second best from General Derby,
of Londonderry, N. H. and supposed to be the Buck-
man potatoe from Maine, a new sort. The third from
Hamburgh, imported by T. B. Wales, Esq. are very
fine, and yield well. There being so many sorts, and
planted on so many different spots, it was impossible to
keep the costs.
15 bushels sweet potatoes of very good quality, and the
cost of cultivation not more if so much as others ;
they yield more from the same number of hills, and
do best on light sandy land.
37 bushels Russian radish — the produce as large as any
vegetable I ever raised; some of them weighing four-
teen pounds. They keep very well through the winter ;
cattle are veiy fond of them, and the thinnings were boil-
ed among other vegetables for swine. 1 think their
cultivation should be encouraged. General Derby
at L. has this year raised more than one thousand
bushels altogether on his corn hills (one each) and he
thinks it no injury to the corn. They do not seed the
first year, like other radishes, but must be cultivated
like turnips.
400 bushels turnips of different sorts ; some the yellow
Aberdeen, from Mr. Young of Hahfax, thought to be
the best of any for the table, and keep well ; some red
tankard and white Norfolk. All were imported seeds,
and not sown till the last of July, and principally oa
Vol. Vn. 22

170 VEGETABLES.

burnt soil. 1 find when English turnip seeds are used,
they should be sown from two to four weeks earlier than
our own old fashioned sorts, as the tops grow very large,
and the roots do not begin to swell till the tops are
nearly done growing.
Cabbages, a considerable quantity, but did not head well ;
the soil too dry for them. Besides a considerable quantity
of vegetables from a large garden, nut more than two hun-
dred bushels have been, or will be disposed of otherwise, than
for the use of the farm. Last winter 1 kept in pits near
one thousand bushels of Ruta Raga and Mangel Wurtzel,
which did so well, that this season I have nearly as many.
The trench dug about one foot deep, and four (eeA wide,
and long enough to contain one hundred and fifty or two
hundred bushels each ; they are then piled about 3i feet
like the roof of a house, covered eight or twelve inches with
straw or meadow hay, and then with the earth thrown out of
the trench and enough added to make it, when the weather
becomes quite cold, about a foot thick. Be careful not to
cover too thick at first, as the heat of the vegetable is great,
when confined in so large a body, and would destroy them.
I am, Gentlemen,

with niuch respect, yours,

JOHN PRINCE.

Salem, November Idlh, 1821.
GENTLEMEN,

Agreeable to the directions of the Trustees of the Mas-
sachusetts Agricultural Society, requiring each claimant to
state the quality of land, its previous product, «Sz:c. I submit
the following in support of my claim heretofore entered for
tlie society's premium for raising the greatest quantity of po-
tatoes on an acre the present year.

POTATOES. 171

The lot is situated b)- Bridge street, so called, in Salem,
county of Essex, and owned by Messrs. Wailt and Peirce.
It was broken up in 1819; sol! black, low and heavy. For
about twenty years previous to which, it had been mowing
land. The last year potatoes were raised on the lot, nine
cart loads of barn manure, about twenty bushels white seed
potatoes, and whole labour then employed in production of
crop, nineteen and an half days.

The cultivation, &c. the present year has been — 1st.
Four loads of barn, and five of privy manure, for one yoke of
oxen, were put on the lot.

2d. The seed, an equal proportion of whites, blues and
long reds, making in all about twenty-four and an half bushels.

3d. Two days ploughing and half a day furrowing, with
one yoke of oxen, no driver; 17th and 19th of May, three
days planting ; 14th June, three and an half days weeding;
16th July, 3 days hilling ; and from 1st October, ten days
digging crop, making in the whole twenty-three days labour.

4th. The amount of crop measured, five hundred and
eighteen and an half bushels on the acre.

Accompanying you have the certificates of Surveyor, &c.
Respectfully yours, &c.

JOHN DWINELL.

To the Committee on Root Crops, &c.

I Thomas Shepherd, of Northampton, certify, that I caus-
ed a piece of land across the end of my cornfield to be sur-
veyed on the 16th Octobuer last, which measured one acre
and eight rods of ground, and after sticking off the eight rods
picked and husked the corn in the field, carted it to the barn
floor, and carefully kept it by itself; set all my hands thrash-
ing it on the first day of the Cattle Show : brough lit to the
show in the afternoon, and sold it under the inspection of
hundreds of people. That the corn was perfectly hale and

1 72 ' CORN.

dry, and measured eighty-seven bushels and twenty-four
quarts, all produced from one acre of land sowed in rows
about four feet apart.

I further certify, that I caused an acre of land adjoining
the above to be meapured off, which was sowed in alternate
rows of corn and Ruta Baga ; the corn rows being eight feet
apart ; that the same produced sixty-one bushels and twelve
quarts of corn, and one hundred and sixteen bushels of Ruta
Baga. That the whole field of nearly twenty acres (except
the first acre) was sowed in rows eight feet apart, and
that the half acre which yielded 61|§ bushels was not better
than a fair average of the tield. That the ruta raga sowed
between the corn rows was almost burnt up with the drought.

The first acre I enter for the society's premium of 30 dol-
lars for the greatest quantity of corn on an acre, and the
second acre for the premium of 30 dollars for the best mode
of raising corn.

The ploughing, manuring and preparation of the ground
was the same in both cases, and the following statenient con-
tains the facts in relation to the culture. — The land is the
driest part of my farm, and the corn suffered much fioni the
drought. The field contains nearly twenty acres, which with
four others of about the same size lying on the banks of the
Connecticut, comprizes that part of my farm cultivated under
a five years rotation of crops without manure, except the
corn year, when it is spread on profusely. It had lain in
grass (without anj manure being put on it) three years when
I commenced ploughing it last fall; manured it this spring at
the rate of nearly fifty loads to the acre taken fresh and green
trom the barn yard and pig stye, and all made during the win-
ter (except some heaps of compost not very good) by the
cattle, sheep and pigs, from straw and oats mixed with the
stable manure; cross ploughed the land an inch or two
deeper than the fall ])loughing, covered up the manure as fast
as it was spread about from the carts; harrowed the turf
fine with light secjd harrows ; furrowed the land back to back

CORN. , 173

in ridges four feet apart, the tops of the ridges being two
feet higher than the bottom of the ditches ; put on the
harrows across the ridges, and tilled up the ditches with
fine rich mellow earth a foot deep well mixed with ma-
nure, on which the corn was carelessly strewed along very
thick, sprinkling gypsum on it before covering it up. I find
by my journal that 1 began to sow the corn on the 10th, and
and finished it on the 26th day of May ; that I hoed it
three times, beginning the first week, and ending the last
week in June. That this is the best mode of raising corn
does not admit of a doubt in my mind, and that it it is so,
ought be received as an axiom.

I have tried every plan for several years past, and this
is the third jear that I have sowed it in rows from six to
eight feet apart, with a variety of roots and plants between
them. The first year I got 44i bushels to the acre, or
rather from half an acre; the second year 50 bushels, and
this year 61|| bushels. It is my belief that 75 bushels corn
and 3 or 400 bushels Ptuta Baga (or 2 or 300 bushels pota-
toes) can be raised on an acre of good rich ground culti-
vated in this way ; but the corn must be sowed very thick
in rows eight feet apart, and the ditch well filled with fine
mellow earth, and plenty of manure, nor is it an expensive
mode of culture considering the great crop to be obtain-
ed. The cross ploughing and furrowing is extra work,
but this it is, with the aid of the harrows that makes the
great crop, if sowed in wide rows, as my experiment
this year proves, having got at the rate of 122||' bushels
to the acre in this way, and in the narrow rows, with
more exhaustion of the land, only 87|| bushels. With
regard to the expence of cultivating a single acre of land,
the Trustees will please to consider that I do not culti-
vate any one acre of land with a view particularly to a
premium, and therefore cannot ascertain the expence. I
would observe however that the extra expence of culti-
vating porn in this way beyond what it is in the usual

174 ON MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS.

way in hills is inconsiderable. They will also decide
which of the two is most meritorious, him who cultivates
his whole farm alike both as to labour and manure, or him
who devotes all his energies to get a great crop, from a sin-
gle acre, and robs the residue of his farm for the benefit of a
premium.

THOMAS SHEPHERD.

Northampton, November 20, 1821.
To Benjamia Giiild, Esq. Boston.

AN ESSAY, ON THE ADVANTAGES OF MANURING WITH
GREEN CROPS. By S. W. Pomeroy, Esa. first vice president
OE the society.

J HAT eminent chemist, Sir Humphrey Davy, who has
shed so much light on the practice as well as on the philo-
phy of Agriculture, observes, that " land when not employ-
ed in preparing food for animals, should be applied to the
purposes of the preparation of manure for plants ; and that,
this is effected by means of green crops, in consequence of
the absorption of carbonaceous matter in the carbonic acid
of the atmosphere. That, in a (naked) summer fallow a
period is always lost in which vegetables may be raised,
either as food for animals or as nourishment for the next
crop."

The rewards offered by the board of Trustees of the
Massachusetts Agricultural Society for more than twenty
years successively, for the best experiments on ploughing
in green crops for manure, appear to be still unclaimed 5
there is of course good reason to believe that the practice
is very limited in the Commonwealth. To shew the ad-
vantages that result from such a system, elsewhere, the fol-
lowing is transcribed from a letter that I addressed to John
S. Skinner Esq. of Balliaaore, the able and zealous Editor

ON MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS. 175

of the American Farmer, and which appeared in that paper
last November.

" Among the various plants applied as green dressings
for the restoration of worn out soils, the White Lupin
stands pre-eminent in those climates that will permit their
growth between the periods of harvest and setd time. That
a trial may be made with them, 1 have forwarded half a
bushel of the seed, which I trust you will cheerfully dis-
tribute for the benefit of our Southern brethren. They
were sent to me from Fayal ; and the following account,
which I have collected, of the effects of their culture,'will, at
least, serve to convince us, that " the Earth ever subservient
to the wants of man,'''' when exhausted by his insatiable de-
mands, requires from him but a httle mechanical aid, to ena-
ble her still to ' spread his walks with flowers and his table
with plenty.' The island of Fayal though in the same
parallel of latitude with Maryland, is subject to a tempera-
ture seldom above 80, or below 50 degree of Fahrenheit.
The soil is thin, and incumbent on scoria: and other mi~
decomposed volcanic substances ; but naturally exceedingly
fertile. For a long period of time, every part accessible
to the plough, has been in tillage ; and, with the exception of
selected patches shifted for flax, under alternate crops of wheat
and Indian corn, (the latter being the chief food of the labour-
ing classes.) Such a system of severe cropping ; the resources
for manure very limited, and without the advantage of im-
proved implements or modes of culture, caused a visible
deterioration of the soil ; the crops lessened from year to
year ; partial importations were resorted to ; and the loell.
born of the island became seriously apprehensive of the
most distressing consequences.

"Providentially, some 15 or 20 years since, the White Lu-
pin was introduced from Italy, and though it came by ac-
cident, to a people strongly bigotted to old practices of
husbandry, the cultivation soon became general.

176 ON MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS.

" The wheat and corn are harvested in August, the land
is soon after ploughed and Lupins sown on the surface, or
but shghtly covered, at the rate of two bushels per acre.
In February they flower, and are (hen turned in with the
wheat, corn or Flax in their several rotations. By this man-
agement a progressive improvement of the soil has become
apparent : there are no longer apprehensions of famine ; a
very redundant population subsists ; and besides supplying
10,003 on the neighbouring island of Pico, where scarce
any thing but the vine is cultivated, a surplus is often sent
to other islands, and in some instances to Lisbon !

" Lupins are ranked by Gardeners among the hardy an-
nuals, but I am not able to say what degree of frost thej
will bear. From a single experiment I am led to believe
that, owing to the droughts to which our climate is subject,
not much advantage will be derived by sowing them on
summer fallows as a dressing for-winter crops. Their ap-
plication to spring crops, in those sections of our country
where they can be grown in season for that purpose, will
probably become the first object of experiment."

The culture of crops to plough in for manure, is by no
means a modern practice. The Romans, 1800 years ago,
according to Phny, cultivated and applied Lupins for ma-
nure in the same manner precisely as they now are in Italy,
and in Fayal.* But this plant is supposed to be unsuitable
for our climate : — we should not despair, however, of
finding a substitute.

It has been asserted by Sir Humphrey Davy, "that it
is a general principle of chemistry, that in all cases of
decomposition, substances combine much more readily at
the moment of their disengagement, than after they have
been regularly formed. And in fermentation beneath the
soil the fluid matter produced, is applied instantly, even

* See Pliny's Nat. Hist. Book 17, chap. 9. book 18, chap. 14—27.

ON MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS. 177

while it is warm, to the organs of the plant, and conse-
quently is more hkely to be eflici<:nt than in manure that
has gone through the process. He also remarks, that it
may be doubted whether there is as much useful manure
at the end of a clean {green crop) fallow, as at the time
the vegetables clothing the surface were fust ploughed in.
That the action of the sun upon the surface of the soil,
tends to disengage tlie gaseous and volatile fluid matters
that it contains ; and heat increases the rapidity of fermen-
tation ; and that in the summer fallow {with grren crops)
nourishment is rapidly produced, at a time when no vege-
tables are present capable of absorbing it."

Such expositions shew the importance of selecting plants
that will arrive at sufficient stature and succulence, in sea-
son for spring crops ; and it may be well to enquire what
vegetables there are within our reach, that can be success-
fully applied.

Clover is unquestionably one of the greatest improvers 5
but a season is lost by its application. Tiiere is another
objection — weeds and zoild grasses that rise with it, the
first season, ripen and shed their seeds ^ the effects of
which, are severely felt in the succeeding tillage rotations.

Buck Wheat has been most used in this country for
green dressings ; and doubtless with good effects on sum-
mer fallows for winter crops ; but, besides not coming on
early enough for spring crops, it often leaves the land foul
with its own seeds ; and is allowed, on all hands, to be a
great exhauster.

I am aware that an opinion generally prevails that, if
plants are cut in the milk^ as it is termed, or ploughed in
before they ripen their seeds, that the soil is not exhairsted !
I presume this theory is founded on the supposition, that
while the stalk and foliage are green, the suppiios are
drawn from the atmosphere; but so soon as they become
shrivelled, the seeds are perfected with food exclusively
from the soil.

Vol. VII. 23

178 O.V MANURING WITH GREEN CROhS.

This rcnsoning is plausible, and possibly correct as to
certain classes of vegetables, but the position should in all
cases be admitted to a very li.nited extent.

The hum of bees in a tield of buckwheat^ and the tiavour
of the honci/ from the hives in the vicinity, afford pretty
convincing proofs that the atmosphere does not alone pro-
duce such szoeet results !

There is another consideration that should govern us in
the selection of plants for the object in view. It cannot
be doubted, but that the soil contains, not only materials
suited to particular vegetables, but that several species
require the same principles to furnish their food. Now
from an experiment, well defined, twenty years ago, with
oats cut in the milk, and from constant observation of the
effects of their culture on my neighbour's land since, I feel a
thorough conviction that they exhaust the soil of those ma-
terials or principles necessary for clover and other grass, to
a degree very destructive to those all important crops.

And such have been my impressions that their deteriorat-
ing effects on the soil would be lasting, that a few years
since, I restricted a tenant, in a lease which he now holds,
from sowing oats, even to cut in the milk, under a penalty
of an increased rent of ten dollars an acre, — I wish to be
understood, that these observations are meant to apply
solely to dry soils — such as are suitable for Indian corn or
wheat — am! in our dry climate.

Millet is a plant, the cultivation of which is increas-
ing, and as an important article for fodder, or for soiling,
will probably within a short period be more fully apprecia-
ted, that seems well adapted to sow on summer fallows for
winter crops, or to turn in late in the fall to inrich the
land for the ensuing spring tillage or other spring crops.
Of the exhausting properties of millet I am ignorant, but
from the bulk of the stalk and foliage, it must make copious
returns to the soil. The cheapness of the seed is much in
favour of its extensive application.

ON MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS. 179

Of all Ihe vegetables that may be best substituted for the
Lupin, RvE, in my opinion, is the most promising. This
plant, too much neglected to produce food for brutes, but,
what is to be lamented, too much culllvat id to furnish poison
for men ; possesses all the ameliorating pro;)crties for the
soil, that we are accustomed to derive from any of those
belonging to the leguminous tribe, i^yc, withstands severe
drought ; and without manure it feeds millions in some coun-
tries, from soils little better than blowing sands.

Those soils inclining to loam, it will continue to inrich
by a succession of ripened crops, and it is a fact within my
own observation, that rich friable loams, which have been
exhausted by repeated, iinmanured, crops of Indian corn,
have been in some measure restored by two or three suc-
cessive crops of Rye. If it will do this with the (/n/ stub-
ble, what may we not expect from it gree7i,viheu buried ram-
pant and succulent in the soil ?

In order to ensure a sufllcient growth, in season to
plough in with Indian corn and most of our root crops,
Rye should be sown the beginning or by the middle of Au-
gust, and much thicker than when intended for a crop of
grain. If it gets too forward before winter, it should be
fed down with light stuck or mov\n. ^Vinter Rye sown
early in- the spring grows rapidly, and will generally ar-
rive at sufficient stature in season to be turned in as manure
for Ruta baga. Rye ploughed in when in full fiower and
Millet sown, which it will bring forward with great luxuri-
ance, and that hi its most succulent state, turned in for
Wheat, may be one of tlie best fallow preparations for it
that can be devised ; and is probably the cheapest and
most convenient process to restore an exhausted soil. At
the same time it should be considered, that gypsum acts
more powerfully on soils thus prepared.

I have been induced to submit the foregoing remarks,
not only from an impression that sucli a system, as has
been imperfectly suggested, will tend to increase our pro-

loO O.V MANURING WITH GREEN CROPS.

ducts immediately, and ensure a progressive improvement
of the soil, but from a firm conviction, that it is one of the
most efficient resources *hat the farmers of New England
can command, to enable them to meet the crisis that awaits
them ; and for which, perhaps, they are not fully pre-
pared.

By the noble elForts of the State of New York, those fer-
tile regions in the west, near three hundred miles from boat
navigation, will soon be reached by water within forty ! And
I apprehend that the question cannot be too soon pro-
pounded— Mow is the JMassachuselts farmer to meet in the
market on equal terms, the flood of agricultural productions
which will then inundate the shores of the Atlantic 1

Is it by Canals in an uneven confined territory, on which
the most profitable staple is grazing ? We have no inland
seas mingled witli miglity rivers, to feed levels through rich
alluvial tracts of an hundred miles in extent ! No inexhaust-
ablii reservoirs of brine, within twelve feet of the surface,
seven times stronger than the waters of the ocean ; and
from which the whole Atlantic seaboard may be supplied
with iheheavyarticle of Salt as cheap and of a purer quality
than can be obtained from any part of the world ! Neither
do our mountains alFord those valuable and ponderous min-
erals, the transportation of which on canals, coniribirte to the
main suppoit of those costly undertakings in Europe !*

On the other hand ; would not greater benefits flow, was
every dollar of capital that can be spared from cqmmerce
and manufactures, appropriated to those vast improvements
of which the soil of Massachusetts is susceptible ? And should
a mania for water works arise, it may have ample and profit-

* The c;n!al from Lake Erie to the Hudson, 363 miles, will probably be fiiiish-
c'l in 1323. For 240 miles on its line, not a single yard of rock is necessary to
lie removed 1 The average cost of the whole canal is estimated at C;13,800'
per mile. The expenditure for canals in England average $22,000 per
mile. The Middleseit Canal is said to have cost Cl7,000. Mr. Gallatin
nipposed the medium cost of canals in America would amount to §31,000 per
mile See North Aiuciican Review for January, 1822. Aft. xii.

FELLING OF TREES. ^ 181

able gratification, by cutting trenches on the ridges, and
twmels lliroi;gh the hills, thtM'oby draining, the numerous
ponds, swatnps and bogs, creating luxuriant meadows; and
by erecting hydraulic machines on the innumerable streams
and brooks,- to irrigate the parched fields on their borders !
It is by such enterprizes that the Massachusetts farmers may
expect to prosper, aided by a regular system of management,
with the application of all the manures that can possibly be
collected, on oi»c third part of the soil that usually receives
them, and by enriching the remainder by that joint process of
nature and art, ploughing in of greoi crops.
Brighton, 3d June, 1822.

[Fioin the American Fanner.]

The immense importance of dmable timbev for farming as well as naval piii-
poses, gives an interest to evftry judicious, or even plausible speculation
on the subject. The conununication from a person of Commodore Porter's
intelligence, will of course attract attention : especially when viewed in
connexion with his official station, which peculiarly demands the best attain-
able knowledge of the matter. Believing the opinion he has given, which if,
and probably has been for ages that generally received, to be erroneous ;
and thinking it possible that I might throw some light on the subject; — I
submit to your readers the following observations on

THE FELLING OF TREES FOR TOIBER.

In the 22d number, volume III, of t!)e American Farmer, is
a letter from D. Porter, (commodore Porter) on "The best
time to fell Timber with a view to its durability" ; in an-
swer to one from the Editor, requesting a communicatron on
the subject. The commodore, " availing him.self (as he
says) of the knowledge and experience of others, in support
of his opinion," states this to be, that " the most proper sea-
son for felling timber, with a view to its durability, is in th^j
winter, when the sap has ceased to circulate." This corres-
ponds with the opinion I have heard generally expressed,
ever since I noticed observations on the subject ; and the
precise time in the winter is fixed, by tradition, to " the old
of the moon in February."

/

1'82 FELLING OF trees;

ManyyeaKS (perhaps half a century) have elapsed, since I
have been incHned to doubt whether the animal and vegetable
kingdoms were under the government of the moon. The
commodore thinks its " influence nearly if not quite as power-
ful as [that of] the Sun." He asks, " why that body [the
moon] whose attractions can raise the tides and influence all
animal creation, should not have the power to put the sap of
I'egetables into circulation, assisted as it is by capillary at-
traction ?" — As heat is essential to give motion to the sap in
plants, and the heat of the sun is adequate to that elTect, it is
not necessary to seek for any other cause ; still less to resort
to one merely conjectural. No means yet tried have discov-
ered any heat in the rays of light from the moon.

If any eflfects on vegetation were ascribable to the moon's
attraction, yet in an entire revolution, its different distan-
ces are not so considerable, as to produce very different ef-
fects. Besides, combining its difTerent periods, it is as near
the earth in its decrease, as in its increase ; and its power
of attraction must be the same in both cases. The sow-
ing of seeds, therefore, and their vegetation, and the
growth of the plants proceeding from them, cannot, (as the
commodore seems to suppose) be influenced by the phases
or appearances of the moon. The notion of the moon's
" influence on all animal creation,"if not a novelty, I believe
io be altogether visionary. Anciently, indeed, mad people
■were supposed to be affected or influenced by llio moon ;
and thence were called lunatics : but that opinion seems
now to be exploded. I am indeed satisfied (contrary to the
general belief) that changes in the xoealher have no depcnd-
ance on the moon ; but happen indifferently at all periods
of its increase and decrease. It has not heat to raise watery
%apours from the eartii, or to suspend them in the air; and
under the same aspect of the moon, the weather is fair at
one place and foul in another.

No one can doubt that " dryness is favorable and moisture
unfavorable to the durability of timber;" and in winter the

FELLING OP TREES. 183

sap of trees is probablj inspissated to a considerable degree;
but no living tree is then " devoid of sap." — The important
question, therefore, in relation to the felling of tinnber trees,
is, I am inclined to think, not simply when trees have the
smallest quantity of sap ; but at what season the sap they
contain will most easily escape or be expelled. The facts 1
am going to state may show this to be in the spring, when
the sap is thinnest, and flowing in the greatest abundance.

In the year 1800, divested of public employment, and
about to commence husbandman, I made a visit to the late
Joseph Cooper, of New Jersey, one of the most intel-
ligent farmers I ever knew, to converse with him on the
subject of his vocation. Among other things, he spoke of
limber ; and stated the following facts. His farm lying on
the Delaware river nearly opposite to Philadelphia, was
exposed to the ravages of the British army while occupy-
ing that city. Pressed for fuel, his fences first fell a prey
to their necessities. In the month of May, 1778, they cut
down a quantity of his white oak trees : but circumstances
requiring their sudden evacuation of the city, his fallen
timber was saved. The trees he split into posts and rails.
The ensuing winter, in the old of the moon in February, he
felled an additional quantity of his white oaks, and split them
also into posts and rails to carry on his fencing. It is now, said
he, two and twenty years since the fences made of the May-
felled timber were put up, and they are yet sound ; whereas
those made of the trees felled in February, were rotting in
about twelve years. He then pronounced confidently, that
the best time for felling timber trees, for durability, teas
when their sap was vigorously Jlozving. He said, also, that
white oak and hickory trees felled at that season, would not
be attacked by the worms, producing what is called " pow-
der post." And added that hoop-poles of oak and hickory
ought, for this reason, to be cut at the same season.

In the same year, accident threw in my way the late
Oliver Evans' book on the construction of mills : to which

184 > FELLING OF TREES.

was subjoined a treatise of a Mr. Ellicott, a mill wright,
on the same subject. Turning over some of the leaves of
this treatise, I lighted on the passage in which the author
directed hickory t'xmhur, intended for the cogs of wheels, /o
be cnt when the sap was I'tmning, that they might not become
powder post, — In the following winter (1801) being in Bos-
ton, and conversing with a friend from the country on sub-
jects of husbandry, 1 repeated Mr. Cooper's observations,
as above stated. This friend then mentioned a farmer,
the well pole (or sweep) of whose well happened to break
at a very busy time : that to supply its place, he cut down
the first small tree that came to hand ; and this was a
'white birch. The sap then running freely, he stripped
off the bark, and put up his pole ; and it lasted seventeen
years. Flad he put it up with the bark on, it would proba-
bly have rotted in a year; the closeness of the birch bark
preventing the escape of the sap. A close coat of paint, laid
on unseasoned wood, operates like the close birch bark, by
confining the sap, and hastening its decay.*

More than fifty years ago, seeing a quantity of logs, wUh
the bark on, piled up by a chair maker's shop, I Eisked him
why he did not split them, that they might the sooner get
seasoned. He answered, that so long as the bark remained
on tlie logs, the sap remained in them, and they were more
easy to be dressed and turned. (fc5= Unless timber trees be
cut when the sap is running, the bark cannot be stripped off;
though with considerable labour it may be removed by the
axe and drawing knife ; but less peifccliy.

The late Mr. Bordley (who was vice-president of the Phi-
ladelphia Society of Agriculture, from its formation in 1785^
until his death) once told me, that when riding in the vicini-

■'' In confinnation of the opinions advanced by Col. Pickering, vvc can add,
that poles cut from the green willow, the tendercst and least durable -of our
irces, ill June, and stripped, became extremely tough and hard, so as to be
applicable to many uses, such as ladders, &c. for which spruce is used. The
ioppings of all trees cut oiTin June become extremely hard, and will endure
lur years without rotting. These we know to be facts. Editors.

FELLING OF TREES. 185

ty of Philadelphia, he met a master ship-builder, who had
been viewing some trees for ship timber. Mr. Bordley
mentioned to him the greater value of ships built with the
timber of trees allowed to remain standing a length of time
after their bark had been stripped ofT. The shipwright said
he was fully sensible of it ; the ships would last so much longer.
Why then, asked Mr. Bordley, do you not adopt that practice ?
Because, said the shipwright, such timber becomes very hard,
and costs much more labour to work it. — 1 have heard
new settlers dispute, which was the best way of clearing wood-
lands ; whether by girdling (chopping the baik all round the
trees, to stop the circulation of the sap, when they gradually
die) and letting the trees stand ; and at once seeding the
land for a crop : or by cutting all down at first, and burning.
The advocates of the latter mode, said, that by girdling, and
letting the trees stan^j, they became dry, and so hard as greatly
to increase the labour of afterwards cutting them down.

"Dr. Plott [who wrote in the 17th century] says, it is
found by long experience, that the trunks or bodies of trees
when barked in the spring, and left standing naked all the sum-
mer, exposed to the sun and wind, are so dried and hardened,
that the sappy part in a manner becomes as firm and durable
as the heart itself. This is confirmed by M. Buffon, who in
1738, presented to the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris,
a memoir, entitled " An easy method of increasing thp solid-
ity, strength and duration of timber 5" for which purpose, he
observes, " nothing more is necessary than to strip the tree
entirely of its bark during the season of the rising of the sap,
and to leave it to dry before it be cut down.*"

But why should timber trees be felled in May, (or when
the sap is freely running,) as in the case stated by Joseph
Cooper ; or barked and left standing until dry, according to
Buffon, be more durable than timber felled according to
the prevailing and popular notion, of the Old of the Moon in

* See the British Enyclopaedia, article Tree ; also Rees's Cyclopaedia, article
Timber.

Vol. VII. 24

186 FELLING OF TREES.

February ? For an answer I offer the following conjecture.^—
The thinner and more fluid any body is, the soo "er and
more perfectly I presume, it will evaporate. The sap of
trees is doubtless more inspissated, or of thicker consistence,
in winter than in the spring, when it is apparently thin and
watery. In the latter state it will find its way, and escape,
through the pores of the wood, with vastly greater ease and
expedition than when, as in winter, it is much more inspis-
sated. Molasses, condensed by the winter's cold, runs very
slowly through tubes of a large size. In summer, the same
molasses swelling to a larger volume, and becoming very
thin, will pass through very small tubes, and, I believe through
the pores of some sorts of wood. The same substance (mo-
lasses) exposed, in a small quantity, to the hot sun of summer,
would soon discharge its more fluid parts, and at length leave,
as I suppose, a solid substance behind : but if much diluted
with water, would not the whole substance be nearly if not
quite carried off by evaporation ? — the same reasoning
may apply to trees left standing, after being divested of their
bark in the spring.

It appears by some English books, that their usual time for
felling oaks is in the month of April, when the sap is running,
and they can strip off the bark for tanning. But the commo-
dore states, " that in all -their contracts for timber for
naval purposes, the influence of the moon on the sap is more
guarded against than any other ;" and he adds, what seems
very extraordinary, that " more attention is paid to the time of
the moon when timber should be cut, than to the season of
the year } for (as before remarked) seeing the moon is at the
same distances from the earth during its decrease as its in-
crease, its power of attraction must be the same in both
cases ; and consequently all the different effects which tradi-
tion has ascribed to the waning and the waxing moon must
be visionary.

The maturity of timber is quite another thing ; and proba-
bly of more importance than the time of felling it. There
is a point of ripeness when trees acquire their greatest solid-

FELLING OP TREES. 187

ity, strength and durable quality for timber. The late Dr.
James Anderson,* says — "It is now well known that the best
fir timber which comes from Riga, and other places on the
Baltic, is the produce of the same tree that is commonly culti-
vated here [in Scotland] under the name of the Scotch fir ; but
having grown more sloxcly in those countries than the plant-
ed trees do here, and having been allowed to attain a much
GREATER AGE, that wood is beyond comparison closer, and
four times at least more durable, in any kind of work, than
ihQ young raw deals [boards and planks] which are made of
wood the usual growth of this country."

Dr. Anderson, in early life a practical farmer, a man of
letters, and an ingenious and philosophical observer of nature,
appears, nevertheless, to be entirely mistaken in his ideas of
the cause of the hardness and strength of wood, and in ascrib-
ing to the same cause in part, its durability. — Mentioning the
rings in trees which mark their growth, he says—" as one of
these rings is added to the circumference of the tree each year
of its growth and forms the whole increment of the tree for
that year, it follows, that the less that increment is, or in other
words, the slozoer the trees grow, the less will be the breadth
[thickness] of these rings, and of course, the closer the grain
of the wood, and the harder also it will be." Just the re-
verse of this is the fact. Every farmer and carpenter, in the
United States, knows that the thicker the annual ring, or, in
the common language, the larger tke grain, the harder and
stronger is the wood. Hence the butt-cuts of white oak are
preferred for the spokes of wheels, and of hickory for axe-
helves. Every wood-chopper also knows how much easier
it is to fell and cut up the trees growing with small grains in a
close forest, than trees of the same kinds which have grown
singly and faster in open grounds. And every man who
has used husbandry tools, a fork or rake for instance, whose
handles are of ash, knov\s how much harder, stronger,

* Essays on Agriculture, Vol. III.

188 FELLING or TREES.

and heavier, because more solid, they are when nnade of lim-
ber with large grains, which had grown fast in good soils, or
at such distances from tree to tree as not to rob one another
of their food, — than when of small grained, slow growing
timber. But the timber of trees, pasture oaks for instance,
standing singly and at distances from others, and which are of
rapid growth and consequently with large annual rings, or
grains, though twice as tough and strong, is found, I have
long understood less durable than the timber of oaks of
slower growth. The reason is obvious. The oaks in forests
do not attain the sizes fitting them for ship timber, until they
have reached the age of maturity or ripeness. In this state
they may probably continue stationary for some years : but if
left standing for many years after they are of full age, the
toughness and strength of the wood are greatly impaired.
But pasture, or other/as< groteing oaks, attaining, in much
fewer years, sizes suitable for ship-building and other uses,
are sometimes cut down before they come of age, before they
are mature, or perfected by time : and hence the earlier de-
cay of such timber. The fact stated by Dr. Anderson, in com-
paring the " /-azo" Scotch and the mature Baltic firs, exem-
plifies this doctrine. And in correspondence with it, I will
mention a maxim which probably had been handed down
from generation to generation, and was repeated to me by my
father when 1 was a boy, upwards of sixty years ago, which
I perfectly remember, and have repeated to others : " My
father used to say (so the maxim was introduced to me)young
wood for fre, old wood for timber.''''

In reference to the memoir of M. BufTon, before men-
tioned, the authors of the British Encyclopaedia, say that
" By many experiments, particularly described in that essay,
it appears that the tree should not be felled till the third
year after it has been stripped of the bark ; that it is then
perfectly dry, and the sap [sap wood] become almost as
strong as the rest of the timber, and stronger than the heart of
any other oak tree which has not been so stripped ; and the

FELLING OF TREES. 189

whole of the timber stronger and heavier,* and harder ; from
which he thinks it fair to conclude, that it is also more dura-
ble." And they add, that " the navy board, in answer to the
enquiries of the commissioners of the land revenue, in May,
1789, informed them that they had then standing some trees
stripped of their bark two years before, in order to try the
experiment of building one half of a sloop of war with that
timber, and the other half with timber felled and stripped in
the common way." — '' We are sorry that we are not able to
inform our readers of the result of the experiment."

Commodore Porter and his colleagues of the American Na-
vy Board, may have it in their power to make, and carry into
complete effect the same experiment. So may farmers possess-
ed of timber trees. To render the experiments more fair and
conclusive, trees as nearly as possible of the same size, and
growing in the same soil, should be selected. Growing in the
vicinity of each other, the equality of size will be an indi-
cation of an equality of age^ — a point, probably, of material
importance.

These experiments I hope will be made extensively by
farmers, in preparing their trees for fencing, and for carts and
other implements much exposed (often unnecessarily) to all
changes of the weather. For however plausible theories may
appear, careful experiments alone can determine their cor-
rectness.— Experiments by farmers may very easily be made,
in their fences ; by having some panels (or lengths of
rails) of timber prepared in one way and then a like number
of timber prepared in the other. At the same time too, they
can try an experiment to ascertain whether, in post and rail
fences, the rails, with their heart edges downwards, will last
longer (as the (Tommodore supposes) than with those edges
upwards, in the mode universally practised. He suggests
that the concentric rings (the annual growths) in trees split

* If Aearier when of the same bulk with common timber, its fibres must /«fi
closer together^ he therefore less periiovs to moisture, and consequently wore
durablf.

190 FELLING OP TREES.

into' rails, and these placed in fences with their edges up-
wards, form so many cups or hollows, into which I he rains and
dews falling on the rails enter; and having no other way to
escape, soak through the rings to the sap-wood and bark
on the underside, and thereby hasten the rotting of the heart
wood above. I much doubt the correctness of this theory.
Rails placed with their heart edges upwards, have very steep
roofs, by which water speedily runs off. Their heart-wood
soon seasons, and its surfaces become close, without visible
cracks. But place the broad, bark side upwards, the falling
water will rest longer upon it, and enter the sap-wood, often
an inch or more in thickness, and as soon as this shall become
rotten, it will be a spunge to receive and hold water, to soak
into and gradually rot the heart-wood below. Such is my
view of this subject : but let experiments 4)e made. For the
purposes of the navy, or other shipbuilding, experiments
may also be easily made ; though not so satisfactorily as by
constructing a vessel with the two sorts of timber as designed
\>y the English Navy Board. An equal number of pieces
of timber felled in the two different ways, may be dressed to
the same sizes, and equally exposed to the weather in all its
changes : and to expedite the result, they may be often im-
mersed in water, so as to be almost daily wet and dry.

Hickory (in New-England generally called Walnut) grows
in many parts of our country. It is a tough and hard wood ;
but when exposed to the weather, soon decays; yet may, it
seems be advantageously used in salt waters infested with
worms. Eighteen or twenty years ago, passing by a saw
mill placed on tide water, 1 observed some hickory planks.
1 asked the sawyer for what use they were intended. He an-
swered, for the sluice ways or other water works, of tide mills ;
because not liable, like oak, to be eaten by the worms. Pass-
ing a few days ago by some tide mills on the same streams, I
mentioned the fact just stated to one of the proprietors.
They continue to use hickory for the same purpose, because,
said he, " the worms don't touch it." Any person inclined

INTELLIGENCE. 191

to make trials of this wood for such purposes may previously
ascertain the fact, by sinking two pieces, one of oak aiid the
other of hickory, in waters where worms are known to
abound ; and after a few months taking them up again.

TIMOTHY PICKERING.
Salem, September 10, 1821.

. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

\t E have been favoured with the perusal of an acccount
of the management and success of a gentleman, who cul-
tivates a small farm in Brooklyn, in whose accuracy, and
veracity we place full reliance ; and the result is such, as
-affords abundant encouragement to careful, and spirited
cultivation. We regret, that an intimation, which we
made to the gentleman, who shewed us the statement, did
not procure the consent of the writer to its publication.
If the delicacy of the writer prevented his avowing him-
self, still the facts might and would have been of great
value to the public. The result of the statement, (and all
the details are given,) was, that his farm had produced a
ne' income over expenditure, amounting to more than 12
per cent on the capital employed.

In this connexion, we may also mention some facts,
which we have learned of the success of the culture of
the Hon. Mr. Quincy. We had hoped to obtain for this
number an authentic statement by himself. The general
outline is, that after reimbursing all expenses of cultivation,
his estate gave him more than six per cent, on its value.
He has this year under the plough principally for raising
vegetables on the soiling principle, 36 acres. If it can
once be made to appear that theoretical cultivators, bj'
the apphcatioQ of skill and capital, without their own per-

102

INTELLIGENCE.

sonal labour, can obtain a fair rate of interest for their
money, agriculture will then be considered as in a prosper-
ous condition, and our farmers will listen more willingly to
counsellors who prove 7ohat they asatrt. It is with this
view, that we mu>t express our earnest wishes, that gentle-
men will communicate in detail, and with accuracy, their
successful husbandry.

THE HUSBANDMAN, AND HOUSEWIFE.

A SMALL, unpretending book, with this title, has been
published by Thomas G. Fessenden Esq. well known to
the public by his numerous essays, and publications. We
have read it with attention, and think it well adapted to the
use of farmers, who would not go to the expence of pur-
chasing larger works. It is a collection of receipts, mauy
of which are from high authority, and all of them, as far
as they are accurate, calculated for daily and constant use.
That errors should creep into such a work must be expect-
ed. The recipes are often taken from such transient works,
or sources, so that it would be impossible for the compiler
to vouch for their efficacy or exactitude — but still its use
mu^t be very great to the class of people for whom it was
principally intended. We learn that a new and improved
edition is contemplated and we must say, that such a manu-
al carefully revised, and purged of all erroneous articles
may be of much more general use, than more elaborate
works read only by a small part of the community. From
our personal knowledge of Mr. Fessenden's industry, and
attention to the economy of agriculture, we feel a strong
conviction, that he will make this book worthy of patron-
age.

DR. DEANE's new ENGLAND FARMER.

In our last number, we mentioned, that Messrs. Wells
&L Lilly had caused this valuable, and as we think, stand-

INTELLIGENCE. 193

ard work to be revised* at their own expence, and had
put it to press. A wish to render it as perfect as Ihey
could, to incorporate in it most of the improvements which
have taken place in agriculture since the publication of the
second edition, and to expunge from it all superfluous mat-
ter, or opinions which are now exploded, has delajed the
work to this time.

It will probably appear in the course of a few weeks.
We have no other interest in introducing this subject again
to the notice of our readers and subscribers, than the wish
to difTuse correct agricultural knowledge. Dr. Deane's
work was certainly as good a compendium for its size, as
could be found in Europe at the time it was published. It
had the special merit, for us, of adapting European modes
of culture to our soil and climate. Even in its improved
state, it is not pretended that the work supersedes the ne-
cessity, with intelligent cultivators, of an extensive agricul-
tural library, but it is calculated, and well calculated, to aid
the experience, and enlighten and direct the practice of all
descriptions of farmers. It has been necessary so far to
enlarge it, in consequence of the great modern improve-
ments in agriculture, that it may prove too expensive for
small farmers, but we think all farmers in easy circumstan-
ces will find it a very cheap book. Many things will not
be new to them, but even these they will find enforced by
new reasons and arguments. Though written principally
with a view to the New England States, there is no part of
the United States in which it will not be found of great
value, and perhaps it may not be and ought not to be its
smallest recommendation to the farmers of the United States,
that excepting the Rev. Jared Elliot's small tract, it was the
earliest and by far the most respectable agricultural work ever
published in the United States. The Farmer's Assistant

* A great part of the revision and corrections were made by Thomas G.
Fessenden, Esq.

Vol. VII. 25

194 LIST OF MEMBERS.

by Mr. Nicholson, of the State of New York, a very re-
spectable work, is apparently modelled upon it, and I pre-
sume the author will admit, what indeed his pages prove,
the great assistance he derived from this work.

But in New England, it was thought best to republish Dr.
Deane's work, with additions and connections, not with the
wish, in any degree, to interfere with the other work alluded
to. So far from it, Messrs. Wells & Lilly, to our knowledge,
contemplated and proposed to the writer of this notice, the
republication of Dr. Deane's work, before the Farmer's As-
sistant went to the press.

We repeat, that as Editors of this journal, and as indi-
viduals, we have no other interest in, or wish to promote the
circulation of the new edition of Dr. Deane's New England
Farmer's Dictionary, than the advancement of sound princi-
ples in agriculture. We wish well to all agricultural pub-
lications of merit, and as we have alluded to the Farmer's
Assistant, we ought to add, that we think that work is one
which deserves this character. We trust the demand of
ten millions of people will be great enough for both, and in
a few years, for many others.

MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

1 HE annexed list contains the names of all the mem-
bers of the Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture,
supposed to be now living. The largest portion of whom
have been elected since June 1814; before which time,
the members were held to pay one dollar annually to
the funds of the Society, which entitled them to receive
(on calling for them), the papers published by the Trustees,
so long as they continued so to pay.

It was found so difficult to collect the assessments from
distant members, that the Trustees determined, that
all persons elected thereafter, should pay five dollars be-

LIST OF MEMBERS. 195

fore receiving their diploma, and be entitled to all the
Society's publications during their lives, from the date of
their election.

Members previously elected were also permitted on the
payment of tive dollars, to enjoy the like advantages : were
released from their annual subscription, and entitled to our
publications for life, gratis. It would be very desirable that
such a course might be adopted by them, as our numbers
would be more extensively circulated and our means of
granting premiums increased.

Many of the members elected since 1814, have not no-
tified their acceptance to the Recording Secretary — those gen-
tlemen have it still in their power, by sending five dollars to
Messrs. Wells & Lilly, Booksellers, Court Street Boston,
(who are the treasurer's agents for this purpose) who will
deliver to their order their certificates and also the publi-
cations of the Society since the date of their election.

Honorary members, if they wish it, are also entitled on
payment of five dollars to receive the publications of the
Society, at the Bookstore of Messrs. Wells & Lilly.

The whole number of members, if we have computed
correctly, amounts to seven hundred and thirty.

MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY FOR PROMOT-
ING AGRICULTURE. Junk 1822.

Hon. John Adams,
John Andrews, Esq.
Joseph Allen,
Jonathan Adams,

Qiiincy.

Roxhury.

Worcester.

Hon. Benjamin Adams,

Ux bridge.

Paul Adams,
Caleb Ammidon,

County of Essex,

Major William Andrews,
Asa Andrews,

Ipswich.
Do.

196

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Daniel Appleton,

James Ayer,

John Abbott,

Hon. Wm. Abbott,

Calvin Annmidon,

Benjamin Ashley, jr.

Timothy Alyne,

John Atkins,

Major Chester Adams.

Samuel Appleton,

Augustus Aspinwall

Nathaniel Amory,

Nathan Adam:3,

Cyrus Alden,

Hon. Samuel C. Allen,

Abiel Abbott,

Nathan Adams, jr.

His Ex. Governor John Brooks,

Benjamin Beal,

Samuel Bass,

Samuel Baker,

Elijah Bates,

Hugho Burghardt,

Hon. James Bridge,

William Billings,

Seth Bannister,

Ezra Beaman,

Baily Bartlett,

Thomas Bartlett,

Benjamin Bussey^

Moses Butler,

Luke Baldwin,

Timothy Burbank,

Hon. P. C. Brooks,

William Bartlett,

David Barnard,

John Breed,

Ebenezer Breed,

Dr. George Bates,

Michael Brown,

Daniel Bixby,

Joseph Batchelor,

Jonathan Bascom,

Joseph Bowman,

Daniel Brown,

Haverhill.

Do.
Brunswick, {J\Ie.)
Castine, {Me.)
Charlton.
W. Springfield.

Do.
J^fatick.
Needhani.
Boston.

Do.

Do.
Medford.
Boston.
Morthfield,
Andover.
Medford.
.Medford.
Quincy.
Braintree.
Berlin.
Weslfield.
Richmond.
Augusta, {Me.)
Conway.

Haverhill.
Boston.
Do.

W. Springfield.

Boston,

Mewburyport,

Acton.

Charlestown.

Do.
Boston.
Ipswich,

Do.

Do,
Orleans.
Kew Braintree.
Cheshire.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

197

Enoch Bradley,

Jonathan Baily,

Benjamin Bradley,

Paul Baily,

Gen. Jacob Bliss,

Oliver Bagg,

Hon. Peter Bryant,

Edmund Bartlett,

John Baker,

Luke Bemis,

Seth Bemis,

Nathaniel Bemis,

Col. Amos Binney,

John Beal,

Com. VVm. Bainbridge,

Caleb L. Bradley,

Abner Brown,

Josiah Bumham,

James Bowdoin,

John Bellowes,

Asher Benjamin,

Dr. John Bartlett,

George Bird,

Jos. P. Bradlee,

Lawson Buckminster, jr.

W. N. Boylston,

Thomas M. Brewer,

George Brown,

Samuel Brooks,

Cyrus Bryant,

George W. Beale,

Enoch Bartlett,

Joseph Baker,

John Bryant,

William Brown,

Hon. George Cabot,

Hon. Daniel Coney,

Hon. Nehemiah Cleveland,

Cornelius Coolidge,

William Cleveland,

Benjamin Croggin,

Samuel Chadwick,

Ephraim Corlis,

Daniel Carleton,

Elijah Carleton,

Haverhill.

Do.

Do.
County of Essex.
Springfield.
W. Springfield.
Cummington.
Mezobwyport.
Boston.
Waterlozon,

Do.

Do.
Boston.
Hingham,
Boston.
Haverhill.
Munson.

Durham^ (JV. H.)
Boston.

Do.
Dorchester.
Roxhury.
Walpole,
Boston.
Framingham.
Roxbury.
Boston,
Beverly.
Brighton.
Cummington.
Quincy.
Boston.

Do.

Do.

Do.
Boston.

Avgusta, {Me.)
Topsfield,
Boston.
Lancaster.
Douglass,
Bradford.
Haverhill.
Bradford.
Methuen.

198

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Daniel Currier,

Samuel D. Colt,

John Choate,

Major J. P. Choate,

George Choate,

General Elijah Cobb,

Hon. Oliver Crosby,

Benjamin Craigie,

Aaron Carleton,jr.

Richard 'Coffin,

Nathaniel Coffin,

Peleg Chandler,

Isaac Cook,

Joseph Curtis,

Nathaniel Chandler,

Edward Cruft,

Richard Crowninshield,

Dr. S. D. Cashing,

John Champney,

Jo'ol Cranston,

John Cook,

Simpson Clarke,

Isaac Clapp,

Edmund Gushing,

Samuel F. Coolidge,

Rev. Henry Coleman,

Col. Chapin,

T. Mather Clapp,

Pliny Clapp,

Effingham L. Chapman,

Hon. B. C. Crowninshield.

Jos.' Coolidge, jr.

Col. H. Chapin,

Rev. John Codman,

D. W. Child,

Gilman CoUamore,

Charles R. Codman,

Dr. Aaron Dexter,

Dr. S. Danforth,

Seth Davenport,

Hon. John Davis,

Joel Dix,

Ezekiel Hersy Derby.

John Derby,

Robert Dodge,

James Deering,

Methiuii,.
Piltsfield.
Ipswich.
Ipswich.

Do.
Brewster.
Broo/cfield.

Haverhill.

County of Essex.

Bath.

J^. Gloucester, (Me.)

Brookline.

Roxbury.

Petersham.

Boston.

Danvers.

Boston.

Roxbury,

Marlborough.

Cambridge.

Boston.

Dorchester.

Lunenburg.

Boston.

Brooklyn.

Springjield.

Boston.

Do.
Uxbridge.
Salem.
Boston.
Springfield.
Dorchester,
Boston.
Pembroke.
Boston.

Do.

Do.

Boston,
JValtham,
Salem.
Do.
Hamilton,
Westbrook,

LIST OF MEMBERS.

199

Hon. Edward Dowse,
Hon. Nathan Dane,
Edmund Dwight,
Sainuel Dillaway,
Simeon Draper,
James Duncan,
Samuel Duncan,
Heman Day,
Jonathan Davis,
Can. H. A. S. Dearborn,
Gen. S. G. Derby,
Isaac Davenport,
Isaac Davis,
Moses Dole,
Jonathan Dorr,
William Davis,
Hon. Samuel Dana,
Choir Dole,
John Davis,
Jonathan Dwight,
Jonathan Dwight, jr.
Heman. Day,
Charles Davis,
Hon. H. W. Dwight,
Samuel W. Duncan,
Samuel Downer,
John Dorr,
Benjamin Davenport,
Samuel Davis,
Pickering Dodge,
Thomas Dennie,
Nathaniel Dorr,
Samuel Dorr,
Ezra Dyer,
Capt. John Downes,
William Edwards,
Hon. Timothy Edwards.
Thomas English,
Moses Emery,
Daniel Emerson.
Paine Elwell,
Oliver Emerson,
Billy Emerson,
Robert Emery.
Daniel Emery,

Dcdham.

Beverley.

Boston.

Dorchester.

Brookjield.

Haverhill.

Do.
IV. Springjield.
Boston.
Roxbury.
Weston.
Milton.
Roxbury.
County of Essex^
Roxbury,

Do.
Groton.

County of Essex,
Augusta^ {Me.)
Springfield.

Do.
W. Springfield^
Roxbury.
Stockbridge.
Haverhill.
Dorchester.
Boston.
Mendon.
Boston,
Salem.
Boston.
Roxbury.
Boston.

Do.

Keiutou,

Stockbridge.

Boston,

Haverhill.

Do.
Bradford.
Met hue n. «

Ipswich.
Springfield,
County of Essex,

200

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Samuel A. Eliot,
William D. Eliot,
Dwight Foster,
Simon Frje,
Dr. Joshua Fisher,
Samuel Fowler,
Arthur F'essenden,
Samuel Fessenden,
James Freeman,
Samuel Freeman,
James Fr}'e,
Alexander Field.
Hon. Oliver Fisk,
John B. Fitch,
Gen. T. M. Forman,
Joshua Frost,
William Flagg,
Samuel J. Flagg,
John Fayerweather,
Hon. S. P. P. Fay,
Benjamin Fuller,
Abraham F. Fuller,
William Furnald,
John Forrester,
Russell Freeman,
Otis Fay,
William Felt,
Samuel Fales,
Hon. Christopher Gore,
D. S. Greenough,
Hon. William Gray,
Samuel P. Gardner,
Thomas Gold,
Joseph Greene,
Robert H. Gardiner,
Benjamin Goddard.
Moses Gale,
Col. Rufus Groves,
Joseph Geddings,
Stephen P. Gardiner,
Asa Goodell,
Elijah Gould,
Prince Gifford, jr.
Godfrey Grovenor,
Moses Greenleaf,

Boston,

Do.
Brookfield.
Fryeburgh, {Me.)
Beverly.
W. Springfield.
Boston.

J^. Gloucester.
Sandwich.
Eastham.
Methuen.
Longmeadozv.
Worcester.
Boston.
Maryland.
Spring Held.
Durham {N. H.)
Worcester.
Westborough.
Cambridge,
Dorchester,
Boston.
Charlestozvn.
Salem.
Sandwich.
Brighton.
Med way.
Boston.
Waltham.
Roxbury.
Boston.

Do.
Pittsfield.
Wendell.
Gardiner, (Me.)
Brookline.
Haverhill.
Leverett.
Ipswich,
Bolton.
Milbury.

Phillipston, (Me.)
Falmouth.
Minot.
Bangor, (Me.)

LIST OF MEMBERS.

^01

Benjamin Guilds
Luther Gay,
Willard Gay,
Alexander H. Gibbs,
Dr. Henry Gardner,
Jeremiah Gore,
Charles VV. Greene,
Silas Gates,
Jolham Gay,
Joshua Gardner,
D. S. Greenough, jr.
Lewis Grosvenor,
Stephen Iligginson,
Henry Hill,
Gen. VVm. Hull,
John Hicks,
R -v. John Homer,
Daniel Howard,
Benjamin Hills,
Hon. Seth Hastings,
Jonathan P. Hall,
Thomas Hale,
Artemus Howe,
Ebenezer Hall,
Joseph Haskell,
Hon. Jonathan Hunnewell,
Richard Hall,
Ebenezer Hall, jr.
Nathaniel Hall, jr.
Stephen Higginson, jr.
Hon. Samuel Hinckley,
Thomas Hewes,
Hon Silas Holman,
Jabez Harding,
Joseph Hatch,
Stephen Homer,
Charles Hallet,
Epaphras Hoyt,
Hon. Caleb Hyde,
Ambrose Hall,
David Flowe,
Ebenezer Hyde,
Joseph Howe,
John Hooker,
Hon. M. L. Hill,

Vol. VII. 26

Boston ,

Cambridge,

Dedham,

Roxbnry,

Dorchester.

Boston.

Roxbury,

Marlborough.

Dedham.

Dorchester,

Roxbiiry.

Boston.

Do.

Do,
Newton.

Newton,

County Oj Essex.

Mendon,

Medford.

Medford,

Boston,
Medford, *

Do,

Do.

Cambridge,

Northampton. .

Dorchester.

Bolton.

Sturbridge,

Falmouth,

Dennis,

Yarmouth,

Deerjield,

Lenox.

Williams town,

Haverhill.

New Marlborough,

Methuen.

Springfield,

Georgetown, {Me,)

202

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Samuel Henry,
Jos. S. Hastings,
Joseph Harrington,
John Heard,
Samuel Hyde,
Gen. Jas. Humphreys,
Samuel Hammond,
Moses Healey,
Dudley Hall,
Jonathan Hodges,
Rev. B. Howard,
Elihu Hoyt,
George Flubbard,
Abiel Heywood,
Lewis Hunt,
Aaron Hill,
Nathan Hale,
Ralph Haskins,
Edward Howard,
William Hammald,
Daniel Hastings,
Jonas Howe,
Wolcutt Hubbell,
James Humphrey,
Jona. Howard,
George Hallett,
David Hale, jr.
Rev. Nymphas Hatch,
John Hubbard,
Joseph Hall,
Joseph Hall,
John W. Hayward,
Samuel Henshaw,
George Hayward,
James Hill,
Clarendon Harris,
Nathaniel Ingersoll,
Henderson Inches,
George Ives,
John Coffin Jones,
Col. Joseph Jones,
Benjamin Josslyn,
Israel Jones,
Nathan Jones,
Thomas K. Jones,
Dr. Joshua Jewitt,

Halifax,

JVeicton,

Roxbiiry»

Boston.

Mewtnn,

Athol.

Boston,

Dudley.

Mcdford.

Salem.

Sprinsfeld.

Decrfield,

Elsroorih.

Concord.

Korlhampton,

Boston.

Do,

Do,
Oxford.
Scituate,
J^ewlon,
Rutland.
Laneshorough,
Dorchester.
Boston,

Do.

Do.
Westford,
Boston,
Chelsea,
Boston.

Do.

Do.

Do.
Cambridge.
Boston.
Brookline.
Boston.

G. Barrrington,
Boston,

Boston.
Rozoley.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

20v

Thomas Jones*
Nathaniel Jenkins,
Samuel Jaques, jun.
G. S. Johonnot,
Leonard Jarvis, jun.
Charles Jarvis,
Oliver Jones,
William Jackson,
William Jackson,
Patrick T. Jackson,
Diming Jarvis,
Thomas Jackson,
Martin Kinsley,
Rev. President Kirkland,
John Kendrick,
Oliver Keating,
Danforth Keyes,
Paul Kent,
Caleb Kimball,
Silas Kellogg,
James Kimball,
Jesse Kimball,
Moses Kimball,
Hon. William King,
Josiah Knapp,
Jacob R. Knapp,
Ruggles Kent,
Silas KemptoD,
Joseph Lee,
Solomon Lovell,
Theodore Lyman,
Hon. John Lowell,
William R. Lee,
Horatio Leonard,
Josiah Little,
John Low,
David Lumbard,
Theodore Lincoln,
Josiah Lamson,
Hon. Samuel Lathrop,
William Lawrence,
Isaac Locke,
Robert Lapish,
Isaac Lyman,
David Little,

Falmouth.
Brewster.
Charlcstown^
Salem.
Surry.
Ellsworth.
Dracul.
Plymouth.
Newton.
Boston.
Do.

Cambridge^
Newton.

County of Essex..

Do.
She^eld.
Bradford.

Do.

Do.
Bath, {Me.)
Boston.
Brighton.
W. Sprhigfield.
JVezo Bedford.
Boston.
Weymouth.
Walt ham.
Roxbury.
Salem.
Raynham.
Newbury.
Lyman.

Dennysville.
Ipswich.
W. Springfield.
Boston

West Cambridge.
Bangor.
York.
County of Essex.

204

LIST OF MEMBERS

Tristram Little,
Moses Little,
Silas Little,

Hon. Levi Lincoln, jun.
Luther Lawrence,
Mariin Lincoln,
Hon. James Lloyd,
Eliphalet Loring,
Roswell Lee,
Daniel Lombard,
Amos Lawrence,
Dr. James Lovell,
Abbott Lawrence,
Thomas Lee,
John Lemist,
Henry Lunt, ,

Joseph P. Leland,
Thomas Lewis,
Thomas Lee, jun.
Tristram Little,
William Martyn,
Nehemiah Munroe,
Hon. Jonathan Mason,
Abner Morgan,
Elisha May,
John Micall,
Joseph Merrick,
Elisha Matthews,
Col. Hugh Maxwell,
Fabrica i\!ontague,
James Magee,
Oliver Morse,
John Mears,
Thomas Motley,
Gen. Ebenezer Mattoon,
Dr Eliakim Morse,
Israel Munroe,
Thomas Melville,
Isaac M'Lellan,
Edmund Munroe,
George Murdock,
Israel Munson,
Samuel May,
Edward Miller,

County of Essex.
Do.
Do.

Worcester.
Groion.
Hingham.
Boston.
Hingham.
Springfeld.
W Springjield.
Boston.
Weymouth.
Boston.
Cambridge.
Roxhury.
Dorchester.
Sherburne.
Boston.
Do.
J^ewbury.
J^ Yarmouth.
Roxbury
Boston.
Brimjield.
Atlleborough.
Cnmbridgpport.
Pittsjield.
J^. Braiyitree,

Amherst.

Roxbury.

Haverhill.

Dorchester.

Boston.

Amherst.

Watertown.

Boston.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.
Quincy.

LIST or MEMBERS.

205

Thomas Newhall,
Rev Jonathan Newhall,
Asa Nelson,
Joseph North,
Amasa Nichols,
Joseph Newhall,
Edward A. Newton,
Samuel Noyes,
Stephen Noyes, jun.
Ichabod Nichols,
Abijah Northey,
Prof. Andrews Norton,
John Osgood,
Dr George Osgood,
Isaac Osgood,
Benjamin Osgood,
David Ordway,
Francis J. Oliver,
John Osgood,
Samuel Orne,
Prof. W. D Peck,
Hon R. Paine,
William Payne,
Dr William Paine,
Samuel W. Pomeroy,
Jonathan Patten,
William Prince,
Thomas Perley,
Enoch Perley,
Gorham Parsons,
John Prince,
Samuel G Perkins,
Hon Samuel Putnam,
John Parkman,
Henry Peimiman,
John Phillips,
Timothy Phinney,
Moses Parker,
Thaddeus Pomeroy,
Benjamin C. Perkins,
Benjamin Percival,
Eleazer Pettingal,
Hon Dudley L. Pickman,
Jonah Paine,
Henry Prentiss,

Leicester.
J^l'atick.
Rowley.
Augusta.
Dudley.

County of Essex.
Boston.
County of Essex.

Do.
Salem.

Do.
Cambridge.
County of Essex.
Andover.

Do.
Methuen.
County 0^ Essex.
Boston.
Salem.

Do.
Cambridge.
Worcester,
Boston.
Worcester.
Brighton.
Stockhridge.
K York.
Boxford.

Do.
Brighton.
Roxbury.
Boston.
Salem.
Brighton.
J^ezo Brain tree.
Slurbridge.
Brewster.
Bradford,
Stockbridse.
Becket
Sandwich
County of Essex.
Salem.
, Portland, (Me.)

206

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Oliver Putnam,
Hon John Phillips,
James Perkins,
Hon. T. H. Perkins,
Daniel Putnam,
Jonathan Parsons,
William Parsons,
Nathan Policy,
Willard Peele,
Jerathmael Pierce,
Hon. Benjamin Pickman,
John Perry,
Asahel Pomeroy,
Jesse Putnam,
Hon L. M Parker,
Samuel Parkman,
Hon Timothy Pickering.
Nathan Parker,
Joseph Peabody,
Elijah Perry,
Hon. W. Prescott,
Gurdon Pellett,
Edward A. Pearson,
Thomas Perkins,
Hon. Josiah Quincy,
Hon. E. H. Robbins,
Moses C. Read,
Samuel Russell,
David Robinson,
Stephen Runnells,
John Russ,
John Rice,
Samuel Reddington,
Hon. Thomas Rice,
Hon. James Richardson,
B. Tyler Reed,
Andrew Ritchie,
John Richardson,
Dr. P G Robbins,
Benjamin Rice,
Nathaniel P. Russell,
Joseph W. Revere,
Nathan Rico,
James M. Robbins,
Jonathan Simpson,

Boston.
Do.
Do.

Do.

Lunenburgh.
West Sprmgjield.
Boston.
Walpole.
Salem.

Do.

Do
Boston.
Northampton.
Boston.
Charlestown.
Boston.
Wenliam.
Boston.
Salem.
Natick.
Boston.
K Brookjield.
Boston,

Do.
Boston.
Milton.

JV. Yarmouth.

Grenville,

Methuen.

Do
Brookjield.
Vassalhorouiih.
il'inslow.
Dedham,
Marblehead.
Boston.
Newton.
Roxbury
Marlborough,
Boston.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

207

Isaac Smith,
Hon David Sewall,
Ephraim Spring
Josiah Stearns,
Jame- Sproat,
Jo; i. Southgate,
Joiiii Saile,
Dr. Amos Spaftord,
Johi. L. Sullivan,
Dr. VV. Spooner,
Caleb Stimpson,
Hon. Richard Sullivan,
John Sprague,
Chaf-Jes Sedijewick,
Richard S'ewart,
Thomas Savory,
Adolphus Spring,
Hu'-vey Sessions,
WiUiam H. Sumner,
Johh Story, 4th.
Rev. Michael Stone,
Robert Sessions^
Joseph Stanwood,
Hon- Josiah Siebbins,
Henry Sheaffe,
Fitz W. Sargent,
John Svsetl,
Sariii'el Swan,
Dr. Beijamii, Shurtleff,
M^rr^l.al! B. Spring,
Barney Smith,
Leve:ett S.iltonstall,
Sctn'.ei S'vett,
C-^ivui Sanger,
D'tvid Sears.
B'Mj^rnin Siebbins,
Ebeuczer Seecomb,
Jaffcs Shepherd,
William Stackpole,
Samu.e) Salisbury,
Ash.ael Stearns,
J<>\\n Skinner,
Gf^orge Sh3d,
Thomn^ ••'^arns,
Isaac Stevens,

Maiden.
York.

Taunlon.

Chelsea-

Rowley.

Boston-
Do.

Roxbury.

Bookline-

Ded/iam.

Stockhridge.

Haverhill,

Bradford.

Northbridge.

Western.

Boston.

Ipswich-

Brookjield.

Wilbraham.

County of Essex.

Alna.

Boston-

J^ewton.

Watertown-

Medford.

Boston.

Watertown.

Milton.

Salem-

Cambridge-

Sherburn.

Boston.

W. Springfield.

Salem.

Korthampton.

Boston.
Do.

Cambridge.

Charlestown.

Boston.

Lunenburgh-

Boston.

k

208

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Hon. Jos. Story,
Hon. Nathaniel Sil?bee,
Benjamin Swift,
William Sturgis,
Hon. Israel Thorndike,
Hon. D. A. Tyng,
Salem Towne,
Bezaleel Taft,
Isaiah Thomas,
Dr. Joshua Thomas,
Minot Thayer,
Cotton Tufts, jr.
Salem Towne, jr.
Israel E. Trask, jr.
Samuel C. Thacher,
Peleg Tolman,
Ichabod Tucker,
John Thomas,
Paul Thurlow,
Jacob Towne, jr.
Captain Charles Tracy,
Bezaleel Taft, jr.
Hon. Aaron Tufts,
Samuel Tewksbury,
Thomas Thaxter,
Israel Tborndike, jr.
John Tappan,
Abraham Touro,
Levi Thaxter,
Dr. Grovenor Tarbell,
Bryant P. Tilden,
William Tileston,
David Tenny,
Nathaniel Tucker,
Joseph Tufts, jr.
Henry H. Tuckerman,
Hon. Joseph Tilden,
Benjamin Thaxter,
Lewis Tappan,
Jechonias Thayer,
Charles Thacher,
Phinehas Upham,
Benjamin Upton,
Charles Vaughan,
Parker Varnum,

Salem.

Do.
Charlestoiori'
Boston,

Do.

Do.
Charlton,
U' bridge.
Worcester,
Boston,
Brain tree,
Weymouth.
Charlton,
Brimjield.
Warren,
Bath.
Salem.
Marshjleld,
County of Essex-
Topsjield,
Boston.
Uxbridge.
Dudley.
Chelsea.
Boston.

Do.

Do.

Do.
Watertown,
Lincoln.
Boston,

Do,
Sutton,
Nezcton.
Charlestown,
Boston,

Do,

Do.

Do.

Do,

Do,

Dracut.

LIST OF MEMBERS.

209

Col. James Varnum,
J. J. A aleutine,
Issaac D. Vose,
Thomas L. Winthrop,
William Winthrop,
William Wetmore,
Dr. Benjamin Waferhouse
Dr. Thomas Welsh,
Joseph VVoodward,
John Walker,
Dudlc} Walker,
Timotln William?,
Dr. Red ford Webster,
Thomas Williams,
Hon. Artemas Ward,
Hon. John Welles,
Elkanah Watson,
John Winthrop,
Thomas Walley,
Dr. Timothy Wellington,
S. S. V. P. Wilder,
Hon. Jos. Whiton,
Ezra Wood, jr.
Abiel Wood,
Charles White,
Rev. Abiel Williams,
Matthew W^ood,
Hon. Daniel Waldo,
Asa Whitney,
Jonathan Winship,
David Williams,
Davis Whitman,
William Winthrop,
John W. Wheeler,
Abner Wheeler,
Benjamin Wheeler,
Horace White,
Col. William Ward,
Thomas Williams,
J. D. Williams,
Daniel Weld,
Abijah While,
Stephen Williams,
D. O. Waterhouse,
Jonas White,
Vol. VII.

Dracut»
Boston.
Dorchester.
Boston.

Boston.

Cambridge.

Boston.

Do.
Woburn.
Bill eric a.
Boston.

Do.
Chelsea.
Boston.

Do.
Albany.
Dorchester.
Brookline.
W. Cambridge.
Bolton.
Lee.
Upton.
Wiscasset.
Haverhill.
Dudley.
Brookfield.
Worcester.
Roxbury.
Brighton.
Natchez.
Lancaster.
M. York. >
Grafton.
Framingham.

Do.
W. Springfield.
Worthington.
Roxbury.
Boston.

Do.
Watertown-
Korthboroush.
Cambridge-
Watertown.

27

210

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Samuel Ward,
Stedm-,in Williams,
Aarbn D. Williams.
Ebeiiezer Wales,
Jo athan Wheeler,
Tinio'iiv Walker,
N. W. Williams,
Ed'ntind Wright,
Thomas B. Wales.
Geoige Welles,
Stephen Williams,
Pavson Williams,
Hon. D. A. White,
Samuel H. Walley.
Professor Sydney Willard,
Edmoiid Winchester,
John Wilson,
William Young,

Broolclinc-

Roxbury.
Do.

Dorchester

Grafton

Charlestown.

Roxbury.

Boston-
Do.
Do.

Roxbury.

Fitchburgh-

Salem.

Boston.

Cambridge.

Boston.

Roxbury.

HONORARY MEMBERS ELECTED SINCE THE LAST PUBLICA-
TION OF THE LIST OF MEMBERS.

Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, Bart.
James Temple Bowdoin, Esq.
William Botsford, Esq.
Ward Chipman, jr. Esq.
John B. Dabney, Esq.
Rev. John Dampier,
Jno. B. Greene, Esq.
Morgan Gibbes, Esq.
Abijah Hammond. Esq.
Samuel King, jr. Esq.
Hon. Stephen Moody,
Hon. William Phillips,
Bloses Rogers, Esq.
John Young. Esq.
Natl^aniel Gilman, Esq.
Jacob Perkins, Esq.
Nicholas Biddle, Esq.
Jesse Buel, Esq.
David Porter, Esq.
Tenck Tilyham, Esq.
Ray Clark, Esq.
Anthony Dey, Esq,

London, G, Britain.

Boston.

St. John, MB.

St. John K B.

U- S. Consul, Azores.

Near Havre, Fratice.

Do.
Charleston, S. C.
J^ew York.

East-Greenwich, R. I.
Gilmantozvn, .AT. H.
Boston.
New Yor/c.
Halifax J Kova Scotia,
Exeter, N. H. ,
Newburyport.
Philadelphia.
Albany, JV. Y.
U.S. Navy.
Talbot Co. Maryland.
E. Greenwich, ^. /.
New York.

LIST OF MEMBERS. 211

Franca Ulbaldo Jeconi, Florence, Italy.

Doctor Fillippo Gallizioli, Do. Do.

Hon. Sampson S. Blowers, J^ova Scotia,

John S. Skinner, Esq. Baltimore.

John Hare Powell, Esq. Philadelphia.

James Wadswortb, Genesee, jV. Y.

Don Sarchiani, Florence.

Jonathan F. Mansony, Esq. Do.

Lemuel KoUock, iM. D. Savannah, Geo.

Hon. Jonathan Coffin, St. John JV. B.

George Calvert, Esq. Bladensburg, J\Id.

Charles H. Hall, Esq. Pomfret, Con.

Laine, Mons. Sec. Ag. Society, Caen, France.

Hon. Ambrose Spencer, Albany, JV. Y.

Hon. Thomas Worthington, Ohio.

Samuel Williams, Esq. London.

Charles Williams, Esq. Do.

Thomas A. Knight, Esq. Elton, G. Britain.

Samuel Parkes, Esq. London, Member of the Geological So-
ciety of London, and of the Highland and Agricidtural
Societies of Scotland, 4^c. ^c. c^c.

OFFICERS/ ELECTED JUNE 12, 1322.

Aaron Dexter, M.D. President.

Samuel W. Pomeroy, Esq. 1st Vice-President.

Thomas L. Winthrop, Esq. 2d Vice-President.

John Prince, Esq. Treasurer.

John Lowell, Esq. Corresponding Secretary,

Hon. Richard Sullivan, Recording Secretary.

Benjamin Guild, Esq., Assistant Recording Secretary.

trustees.

Hon. P. C. Brooks, S. G. Perkins, Esq.

Hon. John Welles, Gorham Parsons, Esq.

Hon. Josiah Quincy, E. Hersey Derby, Esq,

MASSACHUSETTS
AGKICLLTU^JAL JOURNAL.

Vol. VII.] JANUARY, 1823. [No. III.

AN ADDhESS, ELIVERED BEFORE THE MASSACHUSETTS AG-
RICLLTUhAL SOCIETY AT THE BRIGHTON CATTLE SHOW,
OCTOBER 9th, 1822. BY THE HON. TIMOTHY PICKERING.

C£irTLEM£N OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY,

FOR THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE,

It appears to be expected, that at each of your anniversary
meetings, a discourse on Ag<iculture should be delivered.
The Trustees of the Society have requfsted me to address
you at this tinne. But though willing to be laid under con-
tribution to the great object of your institution, it has occa-
sioned a degree of solicitude to present something meriting
your attention. From the multitude of books written on the
subject of agriculture — embracing in that word whatever
should employ the thoughts and the labours of the skilful
husbandman — the field would appear almost boundh.fs : yet
to select topics particularly interesting to the farmers of Mas-
sachusetts, and here to discuss them so as to communicate
useful and acceptable information, was not unattended with
difficulty. My address must necessarily be miscellaneous.

Philosophers and practical husbandmen have for ages
employed their thoughts and their pens on the various op-
erations in agriccjture ; yet diversities of opiiiion still exist;
and the reasons of many of those operations have been little
more than conjectural. What constitutes the food of plants,
has long been a subject of diligent inquiry. It was natural
to suppose that if this food could be discovered^ it could
Vol. VII. 28

214 MR. Pickering's address.

more easily be provided, or at least be more efficaciously
administered. The palpable differences which distinguish
the immense variety of plants, in their forms, textures, co-
lours and tastes, naturally suggested the idea, that each va-
riety required its specific nourishment. Yet it being a mat-
ter of common observation, that the same soil would nourish
and bring to maturity multitudes of different plants, of very
opposite qualities — some yielding wholesome food, and others
a deadly poison —at the same time all growing together, and
robbing one another; a nobler and more simple idea pre-
sented itself— that the food of all plants was the same; but
that each species was endued with the povyer of converting
that food to its own peculiar substance : as among animals,
the same grain produced all the varieties of flesh which go
to sustain the life of man. In the vegetable kingdom, this
supposed power of conversion seemed strikingly apparent in
the effects of grafting of fruits. The juices imbibed by the
roots from the earth, and immediately changed to the pro-
per sap of the native stock, ascend and spread through all
the limbs ; and if each of these be grafted with a different
fruit, the varieties will be as numerous as the branches.

By the modern discoveries in chemistry, these mysterious
effects seem to be accounted for. For it appears that all
kinds of plants are composed of a small number of elements,
whose different arrangements and combinations produce all
the varieties in question. Seldom more than seven or eight
of those elements belong to plants, and three constitute the
greatest part of their organized matter. But each of these
is a compound, consisting of the same materials, only in dif-
ferent proportions. The three principal ingredients in the
food of plants, and which by them elaborated constitute the
food of man and other animals, are named by chemists, car-
bon, oxygene, and hydrogene ; in other words, charcoal, vi-
tal air and inflammable air ; and these exist in the air we
breattie, as well as in manures consisting of vegetable and ani-
mal matters.

MR. Pickering's address. ^15

It may seem incredible that the thin air, an invisible mat-
ter, should be changed, in the process of vegetation, into
solid substances, as wood and stone : but nothing has been
more clearly ascertained, than that in 100 parts of pure
limestone. 45 parts are fixed air, or carbonic acid ; which in
the act of burning the stone into lime, is expelled : for if at
that time the stone be weighed, it will be found to have lost
so mud) of its original weight. It is also well known that
this same lime, which slaked with water, or exposed to the
air, falls down into a powder, will immediately afterwards
begin to imbibe fixed air from the atmosphere, and even-
tually, though slowly, recover its original weight. It is this
same carbonic acid, or fixed air, which, at the bottom of
wells, every year proves fatal to a number of lives. For
this air, when separate, being heavier than the air of the at-
mosphere, sinks and remains at the bottom of wells, and is a
deadly poison. It is the oxygene in the atmosphere, called
also vital air, because essential to animal life, which, min-
gled with the fixed air, renders the latter harmless.

I have introduced these (ew remarks on the food of plants,
to present an idea — a very faint one indeed — of that very in-
teresting subject ; which, as already observed, has so long
employed the thoughts of philosophers and agricultural wri-
ters ; but the satisfactory discovery of which seems to have
been reserved for the present age. This view serves to ac-
count for the vast variety of plants which will grow on the
same spot of earth ; the ingredients of their food being sub-
stantially the same, but varied in the proportions peculiar to
each ; and which each has the faculty of approprialmg to its
own use ; rejecting the rest, or casting it oif as excrementi-
tious.

But although the same articles of food will affoi d nourish-
ment to a variety of plants, yet these are so formed as to re-
quire a variety of soils, adapted to their several constitu-
tions; some preferring a stiff, others a loose or light soil —
some a moist, and others a dry one. Few, however, will

2i6 MR. Pickering's address.

refuse a well compounded loam. Soils (like plants) how-
ever di^ersifif d in appearance, consist of different propor-
tions of the same elements. Four earths generally abound in
soils ; and these, by chemists, are called aluminous, siliceous,
calcareous, and msgnesian ; and of these the three first
are the principal ; and, in familiar language, well known to
every farmer, as clay, sand, and lime. Magnesia is often
found in limestones; and the combination is said to give the
strongest lime for the farraf^r's use; so as in smaller quanti-
ties to serve his purpose, as well as mild hme applied in much
larger quantilies.

The first object which claims the farmer's attention, is
the nature or constitution of the soil. The next embraces
the means of enriching it and preserving its fertility. That
intimate mixture of clay and sand which is called loam, is
the most desirable soil, as being already prepared for every
operation in agriculture. A stiff clay demands opening by
the addition of sand and other materials ; and a sandy soil
requires the addition of clay. But calcareous earth is con-
sidered as essential to give to soils the capacity of attaining
the highest degree of fertility. Few soils, indeed, are wholly
destitute of calcareous matter, though it may be invisible to
the eye : but very few possess so large a portion of it as
would be salutary. There can be little danger, therefore,
of applying it to excess in Massachusetts, where so little in
any form has been found. Limestone is the great source of
calcareous matter. But this is of various qualities. Very
little of it is purely calcareous. Some limestones in Great
Britain have been found to contain eleven parts in twelve of
sand. Of such lime, if sixty bushels were spread over an
acre of ground, five bushels only of calcaraous matter would
be applied. To know then the constitdtion of the lime he
uses, is important to the farmer ; and not less so to the mason
in preparing his mortar, which will require the addition of
more or less of sand, according to the composition of the
lime. All marles contain calcareous matter, and are of

MR. Pickering's address. 217

greater or less value, according to the proportion which this
bears to the clay, sand, or other substances mingled with it.
All shell lish will supply this material. In some parts of the
U liiod States, remote from limestone, oyster shells are burnt
to obtain lime for builtiiiig; and in all seaport towns where
many oysters are used for food, their shells will be found in
quantities deserving the neighbourmg farmer's attention ;
and if raised in piles, mingled with wood, may be burnt to
lime.

Of the vast improvements of the lands in Scotland, within
the last forty or fifty yearn, lime has been the basis ; and the
use of it the first step towards rendcrmg the application of
manures, strictiv so Called, highly productive. There they
will lay from fifty to two hundred or more bushels on an
acre, hi Pennsylvania, where lime has been long and ex-
tensively used, twenty to fifty bushels to the acre has been
found sufficient, and safer than any larger quantity, at least
in the first application. A remarkable instance of the bene-
ficial use of lime, though only at the rate of about twenty
bushels to the acre, well merits a recital. The experiment
was made op a field often acres, for which the farmer had
provided two hundred bushels ; but it being his first essay in
using lime, it so happened that the whole quantity was dis-
posed of when he had gone over nine acres. Indian corn
was planted ; and the crop was very great. The next year,
the field was fallowed, and at seed time sown, a part with
wheat and a part with rye ; and good crops were produced.
'• In <he Spring (says the farmer) I sowed it with clover and
timothy (Herdsgrass) and put two bushels of plaister on an
acre; and had as great a crop of clover as could grow; it
lay three weeks before the time of mowing." He adds —
" The lime and plaister did all this ; for no land could be
poorer before. Where I laid no lime, 1 got no clover, al-
though I put on the plaister."* The kind of soil in

* Memoirs of the Philadelphia Society of Agriculture, Vol. I. page 193,

218

MR. Pickering's address.

which lime operated so powerfullj, is not mentioned : but
probabi)' it was clayey ; a very common soil in the country
where this land lay. Another like instance occurred in the
Df'aware State, on a clay farm, on which plaister produced
no etfect until the land was limed.* While hme operates
very beneficially on strong clays, it is said to be still more
useful on lii^hter soils. To ascertain its effects on any lands,
will require but little time and a small expense. A single
cask of lime will be sufficient for a number of comparative
experiments. If a few adjoining rods of land be set apart
for the purpose, and the lime, by slaking, brought to a fine
powder, it may be evenly spread on the several small strips,
in difft'rent proportions, at the rate of twenty and any grea-
ter number of bushels to the acre. Then, by raking or har-
rowing, mix the lime with the surface soil, and plant each
strip equally and uniformly with Indian corn. One equal
strip, tilled and planted exactly as the others, but left un-
limed, will enable the experimenter to see what advantage
may arise from liming. In the next year the effects of lime,
in its respective proportions, may be further tested, by sow-
ing the same strips with equal quantities of one sort of grain
and of grass seeds.

In like manner, small experiments may be made to try the
effects of clay on light sandy or gravelly loams, and of sand
on stiff clays. The clay should be carried on and spread,
and lie on the surface during the winter, to break and
moulder by the alternate frosts and thaws, that it may be
more effectually mixed with the soil.

As to the manner of applying lime, I am satisfied the best
is tliat recommended and practised where lime has been
most extensively used : that is. to slake it with water, and
as soon as it falls to a fine powder and is cool, to spread it
evenly over the land, and with the harrow mix it with the
soil ; its greatest utility depending on its intimate incorpora-

Menioirs of the Philadelphia Society of Agriculture, Vol. II. p. 187.

iiR. Pickering's address. 219

tion. In liming extensively, the lime is often, perhaps most
commonly, carried on and dropped in small heaps, to be
slaked by the moisture in the air: but it should be carefully
attended to, that it may be spread as soon as it is slaked ; or
there will otherwise be danger of its setting in lumps, which
may never again be duly pulverized.

If the application of lime be, as is represented, so impor-
tant to the great and permanent fertility of the soil (and of
this 1 entertain no doubt,) while the knowledge of the fact
is all that is essential for the practical farmer to know;
something more is desirable to satisfy inquisitive minds ;
and if the reason for using lime, or its mode of operating,
could be shown, it would give confidence to the husband-
man, while it gratified the philosophical inquirer.

A gentleman who is reputed one of the greatest chemists
of the age (Sir Humphrey Davy) informsus that " when lime,
whether freshly burnt or slacked, is mixed with any moist
fibrous matter, there is a strong action between the lime
and the vegetable matter, and they form a kind of compost
together, of which a part is soluble in water :" — that " by
this kind of operation, lime renders matter which was be-
fore comparatively inert, nutritive; and as charcoal and oxy-
gene (vital air) abound in all vegetable matters, it (the quick
lime) becomes at the same time converted into carbonate
of lime ;" that is, it is restored, by again combining with
carbonic acid or fixed air, to the state in which it existed
before it was burnt, except its being reduced to powder.
Again he sa}s — *•' Mild lime, powdi red limestone, marles or
chalks (for chalk is a limestone) Iiave no action of this kind
upon vegetable matter; by their action they prevent the
too rapid decomposition of substances already dissolved ; but
they have no tendency to form soluble matters." He then
remark'?, that " chalk, m;irle, or carbonate of lime, will
only improve the tcxlure of the soil ; or its relation to ab-
sorption ; •icti!ig merely as one of its earthy ini^rfdients.
Quick lime when it becomes miid, operates in the same

220 MR. Pickering's address.

manner as chalk ; but in the act of becoming mild, it pre-
pares soluble out of insoluble matter." Again he says —
"All soils are improved hy mild lime, and sands more than
clays."

While quick lime, according to this celebrated chemist, is
so usefully applied to land abounding in fibrous matter, to
effect its speedy dissolution, he says its application should
be avoided, where a soil contains much soluble vegetable
manure ; as it either tends to decompose the soluble matters
by uniting to their carbon and oxygene, so as to become
mild lime, or it combines with the soluble matters, and forms
compounds having less attraction for water than the pure
vegetable substance.

But an ingenious writer, under the signature of Agricola,
in Nova-Scotia, says, that notwithstanding all these precau-
tionary fears, the offspring of chemical creation, the Bri-
tish farmer is mostly in the habit of applying quick lime to
all sorts of soils. And he assigns an adequate reason, that
caustic lime cannot remain any length of time in the ground,
without passing into a carbonate and becoming mild. This
writer offers different reasons for the beneficial operation of
lime : that it is capable of absorbing not only that quantity
of carbonic acid which it possessed in its natural state (be-
ing 45 parts in 100) but an additional quantity; and can
form what chennists call an hypercarbonate. This, he says,
is highly soluble in water: which accounts for the admission
of lime into the structure of plants ; and that this excess of
carbonic acid adheres very loosely to its base (the mild lime)
and is liberated without any cxtraordiuaiy degree of heat.
The carbonic acid, a most important article of vegetable
food, is copiously evolved in the putrefactive process of ma-
nures; the calcareous earth fixes and prevents its escape
— forms with it a hypercarbonate, and readily imparts it, in
union with water, towards the nourishment of the crops. It
is supposed to do more ; it unites with the carbonic acid
floating in the air; and when there is a scarcity of aliment

MR. Pickering's address. 2S1

ill the soil, it seizes and secures this food in the atmosphere,
and afterwards disperses it, according to the calls and neces-
sities o{ vegetation. Hence the necessity of keeping limft
on the surface. It is then ready to intercept, and coinbnie,
with the carbonic acid which is generated by the fermenta-
tion of the putrescent matter lying at lower depths, and to
attract the same gas (the carbonic acid) from the surround-
ing air.

I confess myself much better sati>fied with the observa-
tions of Agricola, in accounting for the operation of lime,
than with the solution offered by Sir Humphrey Davy. If
the statement of the former be correct, we can see a reason
for the long continuance of the beneficial etfects of lime oa
land : for although it is not itself food for plants, it is con-
stantly employed in collecting and imparting to them that
food, from the sources which have been mentioned. Does
not the reasoning of Agricola also indicate the cause why
lime benefits sands more than clays ? The latter are opened
and rendered lighter by its application : and to destroy their
too great tenacity, seems to be a main advantage gained by
liming clay soils ; whereas sandy soils are already sufficiently
porous.

An old English practice of burning clay for a manure, has
lately been revived in England, and with some appearance
of novelty. The facts stated in regard to its operation, pre-
clude all doubt of its efficacy. On stiff cla)s, it has, in the
practice of some farmers, superseded the use of lime: be-
cause, although much greater quantities of it are required,
yet being on the spot, in the very field where it is wanted, it
is much cheaper than lime, for which the farmers are oft<?n
obliged to send upwards of twenty miles. — It is said that
clay thus burnt, — in which the process is so managed as to
reduce the clay to the condition of ashes, — will not again,
when wetted with rains, recover its original texture of a
close compact substance too tenacious of water, and when
dry, loo hard for the roots of plants freely to penetrate. 1

Vol. VI I. 29

222 MR. Pickering's address.

have called the burning of clay for manure an old English
practice : for I find an account of it in the second of Dr.
Eliot's Essays on Field Husbandry, written and printed in
Connecticut upwards of seventy years ago. The Doctor
gives a recipe, copied from an English book, for the process
of burning it ; which is with a smothered fire, a point of in-
dispensihle necessity, according to the present practice in
England.

Many ways of improving lands, both in the manner of cul-
tivating them, and in tlie kinds of useful plants to be intro-
duced, have been oftea recommended; and certainly a spi-
rit of improvement has been extensively excited : yet much
remains to be done, to raise our crops to an equality with
those in some European countries, whose lands and climates
are no better than our own. But have we the means of ac-
complishing it ? I answer, generally, that we have. Our
animals for labour are equally efficient. Our instruments
of husbandry are as good, or capable of being easily made
so. Our husbandmen are as intelligent, and unquestionably
less prejudiced, and less averse to adopt improved modes in
farming. In England, a bigotted perseverance in ancient
practices, however absurd, has in times past been astonish-
ing. Her own writers inform us, for instance, that in one
country all their common ploughing have long beenper-
formed with one pair of horses driven by the plough man ;
while in an adjoining district four or five horses, in a single
line, have been put to the plough, with the addition of a driver,
and yet ploughing no more land, nor with a deeper furrow,
than was elsewhere effected with one pair of horses.

But although I suppose no prejudices equally strong exist
among us, still we are, I think, too prone to adhere to old
usages, wh«'re no good reasons can be given for them.
New practices in hn-bandry are ofter« — perhaps chiefly —
attempted by persons not bred to that occupation ; and
these, for want of practical skill, may often fail in the exe-
cution ; and when successful, the success is ascribed to a

MR. riCKERINO S ADDRESS. 2SS

■liberal expenditure of money, beyond the ability of the mere
farmer. But what risk will attend experiments made by
farmers themselves, to test the value of these novelties ?
Each one for himself can try them on as small pieces of
ground as shall suit his convenience, and at a very small ex-
pense of time and money. The introduction of improve-
ments would be facilitated, if (he money expended, and es-
pecially the quantity of labour bestowed upon them, were al-
ways accurately stated, and their authenticity vouched by the
names of the improvers. And if the experimenters, in these
cases, who hire all the labour, and this often performed in
their absence, are merely not losers, — practical farmers, al-
ways present, and working too with their own hands, would
assuredly render such new practices /jro^/aW«.

But I apprehend the knowledge of modern improvements
in husbandry is far less extended than ma) commonly be
supposed. That celebrated Travelling Agriculturist, the late
Arthur Young, a man of science and literature as well as a
practical farmer, — after visiting different districts in England,
for the purpose of observing, and for the information of his
countrymen describing their various modes of husbandry,
commenced, about the close of the American War, his an-
nals of Agriculture. He afterwards travelled over France
and parts of Spain and Italy with the same views. Thus
fraught with agricultural knowledge, he continued his la-
bours in that work; comprehending, in addition to his own
observations, useful communications from practical farmers,
bearing their signatures : for it was a general rule with him
not to admit any unless thus vouched : Yet, if my recollec-
tion be correct, that practical work was so little attended to
by English farmers, that he orjce stated its sales as not ex-
ceeding 500 copies. Since then, indeed, improvements have
more readily been adopted ; and agriculture has advanced
with an accelerated pace; and in Scotland with great rapi-
dity. Reading, to obtain agricultural information, has been
extended, and become fashionable ; and book-farming know-

2t4 MR, Pickering's address,

ledge is no longer despised. This knowledge is now of
greatlj increased value, because experimeitl?, widi a view
to improvennents, are not, as formerly, made at random, but
on principles founded in the nature of things, and which rest
on modern discoveries.

As we have no farmers who cannot read, — in order to give
to all opportunities of reading, I take leave to suggest for
consideration, Ihe sxpediencj of forming, in each township
in the Slate, a fanning society, of which the members should
meet monthly, to converse on farming affairs— to make mu-
tual communications of their practices in husbandry — ta
commit to writing every practice not in common use, which
may be beneficially extended — and to read and examine
modern publications on their vocation ; particularly those of
the State Society, which the Trustees would gratuitously
furnish. To these, such township-societies would tind it
agreeable and useful to add ttie best periodical publicationa
which issue from the pre.-ses of our own country, either
through the agency of Agricultural Societies, or of well in-
formed individuals. With these and a few other books on
the subject, each township society would become possessed,
at a very small expense, of a pleasing and instructive agri-
cultural library.

After considering the constitution of the soil he has to cul-
tivate, the next object of the farmer will embrace the
means of enriching it, and of preserving its fertility. To
enrich it, manure will present itself as of the first import-
ance ; and of manures, the dung of his live stock will ob-
viously occur as the most essential ingredient. If the ma-
nure from the droppings of his stock could easily be doub-
led, how great would be the farmer's acquisition ? That this
is practicable f cannot permit myself to doubt. I am rather
inclined to think it capable of a manifold increase. At an-
other public meeting of farmers, I had occasion to suggest
some means of preserving and greatly increasing this im-
portant article ; particularly during that portion of the year

MR. Pickering's address. !296

when cattle are at pasture, but penned at night in the barn
jard. Nothing is more common than to see these ^ards,
after being cleared of manure for the Spring crops, left
naked until autumn, without htter or mud, or earth of any
kind, to absorb the urine of the cattle and to mingle with
their dung ; but all is left open to our burning summer suns,
by which the greater part, three fo.:rths, perhaps seven
eight?, of the essence of both are exhaled and given to the
winds. To prevent this serious loss. I suggested the expe-
dieticv of giving to the barn yard, as soon as it was cleared
out, a covering of any kind of litter, and a coat of earth, mud
from low grounds, loam where attainable, or any kind of
earth to which a farmer can have easy access; and that as
often as once in two weeks, a new coat of earth should be
introduced. Weeds from road sides and waste places would
make valuable additions to the summer manure. By such
means manure may be increased in a four, perhaps an eight-
fold degree.

But if in addition to this accumulated summer manure,
the farmer, without any of the dung or litter of his rattle,
could double the quantity usually made during the winterj
would he not consider himself ennched ? That this is prac-
ticable will appear from a statement 1 shil! now recite ; it
being the result of careful experinients made in Scotland
during a period often years. The fact is stated in one of a
series of pap*'rs written with great ability by Mr. John
Young, under the signature of Agricola (.ilnady referred to)
and published at Halifax. The urine of cattle producejd
this m'ghty effect. I cannot so well occupy your time as by
giving the statement in his own words, as abridged b) him
from the Farmers Magazine, published in Scotland,

" I should be afraid (says Mr. Young) to hazard m) cha-
racter with the public, by stating in rt»uiid and unqisaiitic^d
language, the value of this rich juice which is literally wasted
and thrown away : and therefore I shall proceed witli cau-
tien, and give a detail of facta, conclusive in their bearings.

226 MR. Pickering's address.

and substantiated by the best authority. They are contained
in a letter* from Charles Alexander, near Peebles, in Scot-
land ; and arc addressed to Sir John Sinclair in 1812, for
publication. This intelligent farmer had long been impress-
ed with the great importance of the urine of cattle as a ma-
nure ; and he sets about to discover, by a long and well con-
ducted series of experiments, the best method of collecting
and applying it. He began by digging a pit contiguous to
the feeding stall, but distinct altogether from that which was
appropriated for the reception of the dung. The dimensions
of this pit, according to his own account, were 36 feet
square, and four feet deep, surrounded on all sides by a wall ;
and the solid contents were 192 yards. Having selected the
nearest spot where he could find loamy earth, and this he al-
ways took from the surface of some tield under cultivation,
he proceeded to fill it; and found that with three men and
two horses, he could easily accomplish 28 cubic yards per
day : and the whole expense of transporting the earth did
not exceed £4. 16. 0 t "When the work was complete, he
levelled the surface of the heap, in a line with the mouth of
the sewer which conducted the urine from the interiour of
the building, on purpose that it might be distributed with regu-
larity, and might saturate the whole from top to bottom.
The quantity conveyed to it, he estimates at about 300 gal-
lons ; but as this calculation was founded partly on conjec-
ture, for he measured not the liquor, it will be better and
more instructive to furnish and proceed on data that are cer-
tain and incontrovertible. The urine was supplied by 14
cattle weighing about 34 stone each,:}: and kept there for
five months on fodder and turnips. The contents of the pit
produced 288 loads, allowing two cubic yards to be taken

* " Fainii'>rs Magazine, vol. 13 page 78." v

1' ,9 21 31 Seven days work for 3 men and 2 horses ; carh horse, I sup-
pose, in a single cart, a common usage in Scotland.
jf^ This would be the weight of a cow.

jiR. pickbring's address. 22?

•ut in three carts ;* and he spread 40 of these on each
acre : so that this urine in tive months, and from fourteen
cattle, produced compost sijfficiei;t to fertihze seven acres of
land.t He stales further, that he tried this experiment for
ten years, and had indiscrimmately used, in the san\e field,
either the rotted cow dung, or the saturated earth ; and in
all ihe stages of the crop he had never been able to disco-
ver any perceptible difference. But what is still more won-
derful, he found that his compost lasted as manv years as his
best putrescent manure ; and he therefore boldly avers, that

a load of each is of equivalent value." " The dung pit,

which contained all the excrementitious matter of the 14
cattle, as well as the litter employed in bedding them, and
which was kept separate for the purpose of the experiments,
furnished, during the same period, only 240 loads ; and
these, at the same rate, could manure only six acres."

On this statement one remark forces itself into notice.
That for the want of such a reservoir for saving the urine of
our cattle, more than half of our winter made manure, and
this is tlie farmer's chief dependance, is lost.

It is not stated whether the pit filled with loam was or was
not covered : but unless covered, rains would saturate the
earth, and thus in a manner exclude the urine conveyed to
it from the cattle stall. It should also be noted, supposing
the pit to have been covered, that the frosts in Scotland
would seldom so freeze the earth in the pit as to prevent the
absorption of the urine. The frosts in Massachusetts would
doubtless Vequire that the pit should be sunk to some depth,
and certainly be under cover. In a word, a barn-cellar
would seem to be the proper receptacle for this important
manure. How it should be arranged, must depend on the
situation of the barn. In Pennsylvania, barns, which are
commonly of stone, are often erected by the side of a hill, by

* This gives 18 cubic feet to each loail.

t Seven Scotch acres are nearly equal to uine English and Aineiica»
acres.

^iB MR. PICKERIiro's ADDRESS

which means a story is gained for their cattle stalls. By dig-
ging where there is a gentle slope, a sufficient excavation for
a barn-cellar would be easily made, to drive in a cart on a
level, for carrying in the earth in autumn, and for renioving
the manure in the spring. With the increased ferliht) of liis
soil, the farmer will be able to increase his live stock ; and
the live stock, in return, will be constantly adding to the pro-
ductions of the soil.

In respect to Live Stock, it is gratifying to see the spirit
excited within the last five or six years, to attend to their me-
lioration, by preserving some of the most promising for breed-
ers, instead of sending them to the shambles; and by intro-
ducing from other countries some individuals already highly
improved. New England was originally granted to merchants
of Plymouth, in the county of Devon, in England. It is na-
tural to suppose that some of the early settlers sailed from
Plymouth, and brought with them the Devon breed of cattle*
The uniform red colour of various shades, some deep red, and
approaching to brown, now so commonly seen among us, are
probably descendants from the Devon raCe originally import-
ed. Their uniform red colour corre^iponds with a distinguish-
ing mark of the Devon breed, now so highly in»proved and .
celebrated in England. Among our own, individuals of this
stock might be selected, admitting, with equal care, of equal
improvements, on the principles now so well understood by
the eminent EngUs^h brerders, wlio, Mr. Arthur Young has
said, are indebted for them to the celebrated Robert Bake-
well. On the same principles all our other domestic animals
may be improved. And this course appears to me indispen-
sable for the speedy attainment of extensive improvements of
our stock, of neat cattle especially. More than one genera-
tion must pass away before highly improved races, from the
few imported animals, can be generally obtained. In this im-
portant work every substantial farmer in the country ought to
enga<'P ; and by their rival etTorts in every county, the great
object might be accomplished. Beauty of form is desirable,

MR. Pickering's address. 2Sd

and will merit attention : but strength for labour and ample
supplies for the dairy, are more important. A disposition to
fatten at an early age — a point of excellence zealously sought
for in England, where husbandry labours are chiefly perform-
ed by horses, is not of material consequence to New-England
farmers, where oxen for the draught and cows for the dairy
constitute their most interesting slock. But what shall farm-
ers, who live remote from a veal-market, do with their surplus
calves, above the numbers of the best selected to keep up
their stocks, and to supply those whose situation may induce
them to purchase, and not to breed for themselves? — I will
mention what was some years since stated to me as the prac-
tice of a respectable farmer in Connecticut. He had cows
for a large dairy, and cheese-making was his object. — He al-
lowed his supernumerary calves to suck their dams three days,
(or until the milk was fit for the dairy) and then killed them ;
taking off their skins, and giving their flesh to his store-hogs.
This was to me a singular instance of practice ; but from the
good sense of that farmer, 1 conclude he must have experien-
ced it to be not merely a necessary but a saving practice. It
may be in use among other great dairy farmers, although 1
do not know that it is.

The Trustees have already offered a premium to encou-
rage the making of Fine Butter. But I am inclined to
think it will be diflicult, if not impracticable, to make any of
the greatest excellence, during summer, without the aid of
ice-houses or spring-houses. The city of Philadelphia is ad-
mitted, I believe, to be supplied with some butter, during the
warm months, superior to what is found in other cities of the
United States. Yet their pastures are not better than those
in the vicinity of some other cities and towns. I ascribe this
superiority exclusively to the spring-houses on many of the
farms in the neighbourhood of Philad. Iphia. Pennsylvania
is a well watered country. There it seems to have been an
early practice, in taking up land for a farm, to search for a
spring; and as near to it as the ground would permit, regard-

Vol. Y!f. 30

230 MR. Pickering's address.

less of its situation in respect to the public road — to erect the
dwelling house. Here the cattle, as well as the family, would
at once find good water, without the labour of digging a well.
Over these springs small houses are erected, usually of stone.
The roon» of the spring-house may be from ten to twenty feet
square, according to the quantity of milk to be provided for.
Trenches are made on the four sides of the floor, and bottom-
ed and lined with flat stones. The residue of the floor is
likewise paved with stones. The water from the spring en-
ters at the side of one trench, runs all round, and at the op-
posite side passes away at a hole left in the wall. The un-
der side of this hole is at such a height above the bottom of
the trenches, as to raise the water just enough to keep the milk
cool in the pans which are placed in it. This water runs per-
petually from its source, and as constantly passes oflf at the
outlet. In one of the trenches are also set the cream pots,
and the pots with the butter the night before it is carried to
market. Perhaps in the vicinity of Boston and other towns
in the State, there may be some springs which may furnish
the same accommodations.

Much has been said and written concerning an evil which
pervades our whole country, from one extreme of the Union
to another — the general use of spirituous liquors — prevailing,
in the opinion of wise and good men, to a mischievous excess.
Sometimes it has been hoped that AgricuUural Societies might
tind means to check the pernicious practice. But the class
of farmers who abstain from it must be too numerous to be-
come candidates for premiums on temperance. Besides, such
prudetit men need no remuneration for their abstinence.
Here virtue is indeed its own reward.

It is said that in France and Spain the labourers in husban-
dry are remarkable for their temperance : but they drink
small wines instead of ardent spirits. A French gentleman
who for some years was endeavouring to establish vineyards
in the Middle States, particularly in Pennsylvania, once men-
tioned to me how cheaply the French peasantry could be re-

MR. PICKERING^S ADDRESS. 231

galed with wine, purchasing a bottle for a few pence. At
the same time, in answer to my question, he admitted that
such wine was not equal to good American bottled cider. It
has occurred to me that nothing might be so likely to check,
and in a good degree to supersede the general and excessive
use of ardent spirits, as the universal introduction of
Good Cider.

Were this beverage as well made as easily it might be, it
wouUl be alike palatable and wholesome ; and in the end
might banish spirituous liquors fron* the houses of the great
body of our citizens. Good cider might be furnished at half
the expense of strong malt-liquors ; provided apple orchards
were more extensively cultivated, and the fruits intended for
cider properly selected. We have a great deal of bad cider,
because sound and unsound apples are ground together, and
no regard is paid to the fermentation, except to give it vent.
No one can suppose the juice of rotten apples capable of be-
coming cider. But in whatever degree they are introduced,
in the same degree the liquor must be debased. To make
the finest cider, sound apples only should be used. But I must
not enter into the minute particulars of the process of making
and managing cider — it would not comport with the occasion,
nor be practicable within the limits to which this discourse
must be confined. I will barely suggest a few things which
involve some principles.

In every orchard are found a great variety of apples gen-
erally used for cider. In New-England 1 presume these are
chiefly wild, that is, ungrafted fruit. And I have heajd the
opinion expressed, that such wild fruit would make the best
cider. This surely is an error. For although in a large or-
chard some good natural fruits may be found,yet many of the
trees produce apples so small as to cost too much labour to
collect them, and others have juices so meagre as when col-
lected to be of little worth. A few sorts which in England
have been celebrated for yielding the finest ciders, were al-
ways grafted with as much attention as apples designed for

232 MR. Pickering's address.

the tabic are willi us. But in England, the uppies v^-hicli a
century ago I'urnished ciders of distinguis>l)ed excellence, — to
Ose the expressive words, in like case, of some of our own
farmers — have run out. Thej can no longer be continued by
graftmg. This well known fact in that country, has led an
eminent naturalist there to advance the novel doctrine —
doubtless as true as novel — that trees, like animals, have their
infancy, youth, r(;aturity and old age. Grafts from the. last,
though inserted in young stocks, soon perish. Hence the
farmers there have been seeking for fine cider fruits from new
trees growing from ihe seeds ; and when any of these are
found to possess the desired qualities, they are propagated and
extended by grafting.

In some parts of New Jersey, in which ciders of superior
excellence are made, the farmers produce them wholly by
grafting: nor can we expect fully to rival them, until we
adopt the same practice.

Perhaps there are few extensive natural orchards in Massa-
chusetts in which valuable cider fruits may not be found, with
rich yellow flesh, capable of yielding liquors strong and of ex-
cellent flavour. From such trees, if still young, or in vigor-
ous life, whole orchards might soon be formed. And proba-
bly different kinds might be selected which ripen their fruits
at the times most proper for making them into cider. Apples
until mellow do not attain their highest flavour; and tiii then
cannot give the highest flavour to cider. Many rcacli that
niellow-ripe state in October and November, which may be
called the cider-making months in Massachusetts. It would
require but little attention to select and propagate the best ap-
ples thus ripening in succession. . Such ciders, made of ripe
and unmixed fruits, would also be more easily managed in the
most difficult and important part of the process of cider-mak-
.ing — its first fermentation; on the right oc wrong conducting
of which the character of the cider depends. In one case it
will be soft and pleasant — in the other hard and austere.

MR. Pickering's address. 233

The Trustees of this Society have, 1 believe for several
years, been offering a hberal premium to encourage the

Turning in of Green Crops,
as a mode of manuring land : but I do not recollect that the
premium has been claimed. It has been an ancient practice
in other countries ; and is not unknown in our own country.
Dr. Eliot (whom I have already had occasion to mention) no-
ticed it seventy years ago, in his Essays on Field Husbandry ;
and recommended millet a«; a plant well adapted to that pur-
pose. The seed heing but little l>igger than cabbage s^eed, a
small quantity will be suflicient for an acre. 1 have often
heard of the tiiniiiig in of Green Crops being occasionally
practised in Pennsylvania. Many years sn^ce, an intelligent
man of that State mentioned to me a farmer, who had pur-
chased a farm in a township reuiarkable for the general pov-
erty of the soil ; and that he i/nproved his own by ploughing
in green crops — buckwheat, oats, rye ; — turning them in re-
peatedly, until the land produced crops woilh harvesting. Sir
John Sinclair, in his Code of Agriculture, epeaks of the prac-
tice of ploughintr in buckwheat and other crops, when manure
was deticient. But he says that in Lincolnshire buckwheat
had for several years been ploughed in as a manure, and ulti-
mately given up as doing no good. He then adds — " Unless
^n far as nourishv^d by the atmosphere, the vegetables thus
lieated are supposed merely to restore the nourishment ob-
tained frnnt the soil." And this is the very prit)ciple on
which the ploughing in of green crops materially depends.
The plants while growing derive a portion of their food from
the air ; and being turned in, so far at least add manure to the
soil. But this is not all the benefit : weeds spring up with
the sown green crops, and are ploughed in with them ; thus
increasing the manure, and at the same time cleaning the
ground for a harvest crop. But besides the growing plants,
the soil itself, under their shade, made light by Ihe ploughing
and harrowing, is also receiving a portion of the same fertiliz-
ing airs. Lord Karnes, however, in his Gentleman Farmer,
says — " I approve not of ploughing down buckwheat, red clo-

234 MR. Pickering's address.

ver, or any other crop, for manure. The best way ot" con-
verting a crop into manure is, to pass it through the body of
an animal. The dung and urine, not to mention the profit of
feeding, will enrich the ground more than to plough down the
crop." Notwithstanding these authorities— and the opinion
of Lord Karnes is entitled to very great respect — I am inclin-
ed to think that the circumstances and condition of many farms
may be such as to render the practise eligible ; particularly
where manure is deficient; — and where is it not deficient?
Is it not a received fact, when lands have been impoverished
by cropping without manuring, that by letting them lie a few
years at rest, they acquire such a degree of fertility as to bear
a crop of some sort that rewards the farmer's toil ? If this
happen to unseeded land, thrown out as waste, how much
sooner may it be recovered when sown with buckwheat, oats,
rye or millet, and the crops when in full blossom ploughed in ?
If this product be small, let the land be again sown, and a second
crop be ploughed in. And if a third sowing and ploughing in
were given, what would be the whole expense ? A trifle com-
pared with a dressing with stable or barn yard manure — if it
could be procured. This is to be carted to the field and
spread, in order to be ploughed in : but the green crop is on
the ground, and evenly spread, ready for the operation of the
plough. But leaving all theoretical reasoning, I will recur
to well authenticated facts.

The late distinguished agiicultural writer, Arthur Young,
Secretary to the English Board of Agriculture, so lately as
the year 1811, delivered before that body an interesting lec-
ture, to describe the husbandry and speak the praises of three
celebrated British Fiumers. One of these was Mr. Ducket,
who occupied in succession, two " sand-farms ;" that is, farms
in whose soil sand was predominant. It was one of the prac-
tices of this very ingenious fiirmer, to plough in green crops
to enrich his land. And to do it etfectually, he contrived a
plough with which, when drawn by four horses, he could open
his furrows to the depth of eight or often inches, and in them
perfectly buiy his green crops. The opening of so deep a

MR. Pickering's address. 33fi

liirrow was called Trench-ploughing ; and by the simple ad-
dition of an arm partly curved, and tixed on the right side of
the coulter, at the desired heightof eight or ten inches above
the sole or bottom of the share, the growing crop was press-
ed to the ground; and the furrow slice raised by the plough,
following close btihind and turned completely over, perfectly
buried the crop and weeds. This coulter of Ducket's trench
plough, with the curved arm attached to it, is called a skim-
coulter. The arm must necessarily extend so far to the right
as the breadth of the furrow ; and just at that extreme, I con-
ceive, the curve downward begins, so as, when the growing
crop is pressed flat, the stems or straws may not spread out
any farther ; and being thus contined, are completely over-
whelmed. Hence there would be no vegetation in the seams
of the furrows. " By means of this tool (says Mr. Young) I
have repeatedly seen on his farm, stubbles completely turn-
ed down, and crops of turnips, tares and other plants instant-
ly put in ; which crops I have afterwards viewed with equal
pleasure and surprize ; the execution was as complete as the
design was sagacious: but it went further — converting the
nuisance of any weeds into manure. So effective was the
work of the plough, that I once saw him turn down a crop of
rye six feet high, and immediately roll in turnip seed. The
effect did not depend so much on an extraordinary depth of
ploughing, as on the subversion of the soil ; for of the rye I
have just alluded to, not an atom was left visible; and yet
the depth did not exceed eight inches. But if there be Couch
[twitch gra^s] in the soil, this ploughing is ten inches deep ;
tlnd the succeeding crop in any case well hand-hoed. This
trench-ploughing system is not practised above once in two
or three years, arid the succes-iive tillage shallow, upon the
surface. By such deep ploughing, seldom given, Mr. Duck-
el conceived that a due degree of moisture was preserved in
his light latid •. by means of which his crops were flourishing
in seasons of drought which destroyed those of his neigh-
bours."

Here perhaps the question will occiir — Were Mr. Duck-

236 MR. Pickering's address.

et's improvements adopted by other farmers ? Mr, Young
says they were, by some of his enlightened brethren. Why
they were not generally imitated, Mr. Young ascribes (I re-
peat bis words) to "the perversity which characterizes the
ignorance of English farmers." Again he says, " If our farm-
ers would have adopted the practices really excellent, as soon
as they were known, British agriculture would forty years
ago have arrived at its present state; and at this time (he
kingdom would have been a garden."

In connexion with this account of Mr. Ducket's practice, I
take leave to suggest the necessity, or at least the great utili-
ty, of an occasional fallowing; primarily, in order to destroy
the weeds which infest so many fields, and essentially injure
all crops of small grain, especially spring wheat, which ripen-
ing more slowly than rye and barley, is much more oppressed
by the weeds. In effecting the object here suggested, and to
enrich the soil while making a fallow, I would recommend
the following mode of practice. As soon as it can be done
in the spring, plough, sow and harrow in the seed of the crop
intended to be turned in. Weeds will spring and grow with
the crop. When the latter is in full blossom, turn it in. Im-
mediately sow for a second crop. With this also will arise an-
other crop of weeds ; and both, as beibre, are to be turned in.
Should the season permit, and the foulness of the ground re-
quire it, sow for a third crop, to be ploughed in, like the for-
mer, before winter. A field thus managed will be in good
order for a crop of barley, summer wheat, rye or oats, in the
ensuing spring; and of eitheracomparatively clean crop may
be expected.

This dressing with green crops, valuable as I conceive it to
be, need not be confined to sand-farms : it will be not less
beneficial in all light gravelly loams, which I suppose ralher
to abound in Massachusetts ; certainly, stiff, clayey loams are
not common.

A few concise remarks on the general principle, and on
some of the objects of these annual exhibitions, will conclude
■his address.

MR. Pickering's address. 23?*

It is supposed, and justly, that these public shows, by ex-
citing an emulation among farmers, will lead to important im-
provements in our husbandry. The general question which
the case presents, is. What will be the easiest, cheapest, and
most effectual means to accomplish this great object ? A prin*'
cipal one has been to grant premiums for the greatest crops
of specified plants on given quantities of land. One pleasing
result has appeared — that by ample manuring and good cul-
ture, the usual crops of the same plants may be doubled and
trebled. But is it necessary to continue premiums of this
kind ? May not now the entire management of farms rather
claim attention? fnstead of numerous small premiums dis-
persed on a variety of objects, might they not be advantage-
ously concentrated for the purpose here intimated — the clean-
est, most economical, the most productive management of
farms ? For it must be such a general improvement of the en-
tire farm that will constitute the farmer'' s permanent prosperity »
The decision of claims on this ground cannot be expected to
be made by a committee ot this Society to travel through the.
whole Slate : but will it not be practicable by county com-
mittees ? Perhaps it may not be difficult for the Trustees of
the State Society to prescribe some general principles and
rules of proceeding, that may produce uniformity in the re-
ports of county committees acting under their direction.

In ploughing, the just aim must be to make straight fur-
rows, and of a uniform breadth and depth ; and so to turn over
the furrow-slice as completely to cover whatever plants or
manure are upon it. All this cannot be effected with a hur-
ried step. And what benefit can possibly result from such a
step ? A farmer's oxen at the plough must labour a great part -
of the day properly to turn over an acre. To do this with-
out a driver, will require a skilful ploughman and well train-
ed oxen. To encourage the forming of such ploughmen and
oxen, should, I conceive, be the sole object of ploughing
matches. Working-oxen at the plough, may be considered
as well trained when they obey the voice of the ploughman.

Vol. VII. 31

238 CATTLE SHOW, &LC. AT BRrGHTON'.

keep the track in which they ought to move, and step a^
quick as will be con»patible wi^h the necessar) coiitinu--
ance of their labour. And as the annual exhibitions at
this place have denoonstrated the practicability of perform-
ing the general operations of the plough with one yoke of
oxen, without a driver, it may merit consideration whether
premium^ should not be thus limited in all future trials with
Ihi plough. Under such limitations, every farmer who i&
ambitious to exhibit proofs of superiority in these points,
would be sensible that his oxen must attam a certain size,
and be, though not fat, yet well fleshed ; which would give
strength to their sinews and momentum to their exertions..
With such oxen all ouragricultural labours woi.ld be so well
performed, that there would be no room to envy the condi-
tion of farmers in any of our sister States ; in some of whichj-
their horses consume perhaps as much grain as would furnish;
brea^d to. all the inhabitants of New-England.

OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE CATTLE SHOW AT BRIGHTON,,
Oct. 9th and lOlh, 1322.

No. I. On ALL THE LARGER HORNED CATTLE, (cXCC/)/ IhifcrS.)

1 HE Committee report, that the animals in this branch of
live stock, were unusually numerous and good, proving, that
a gradual and regular improvement is steadily, and as rapidly
as could be expected, taking place. The number of entries
for premiums, in ihis defiartment alone, amounted to 42,
and of individuals (many entries comprising more than one)-
to 62, while the whole number of premiums offered, and
granted, are only 10, so that four-fifths of the competitors'
were necessarily thrown out. This is inevitable, unless oup
funds should be exceedingly increased, or unless we should
make our premiums smaller and more numerous. This-

CATTLE snow, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 239

■might be liable to great objection, by extending rewards to
animals of inferior merit, and thus diminishiiii; the motives
to make the breeds as perfect as possible. While the bene-
ficial elTects of the liberal prt:n«iums offered by the Society,
for the importation of the most improved breeds of foreign
countries, are every year evinced by the crowds which, from
the beginning to the end of our shows, gather round the im-
ported animals, and their improved progeny, we ought never
to forget the sotind advice of the venerable farmer who ad-
dressed the Society this year, " that the progress of improve-
ment by foreign crosses must be very slow ;" and possessing
as we unquestionably do, the materials among our own stock
of improving our breeds by careful selection, we should follow
the example of Bakewell and the other Brirish farmers, who
ki fifty years have raised the stock of Great Britain to a state
©f perfection little short of what it is supposed they can ever
reach. And, who at the late show had the pleasure of view-
ing those fine animals, Denton and Coelebs, could doubt whe-
ther they were superior to any animals of the same descrip-
tion now to be found in New-England? And why is this the
case ? Assuredly our pastures are as fine, and the race has not
degenerated with us. Wherever a pride k; felt in raising fine
stock, our success is perfect, and the single town of Sutton
might send its team of 120 oxen and challenge Devonshire
er any other county of Great Britain, to trials of strength
or activity.

Let us then, on this occasion, earnestly solicit our farmers
to select and propagate only the best individuals of their
horned cattle. If they reply, we feel no encouragement t©
do this, because we find the improved crosses always prefer-
red at your shows, we reply ; that though this is partially true,
it is not entirely so, and what would the farmer have us do
on such an occasion? If, in fact, the full-blooded or half-
^blooded descendant of imported stock is superior, shall we
refuse to admit it so to be ? This would be indeed sacrificing
ihe best interests of our country in relation to this object, as

k

240 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

well as violating our solemn pledges, to gratify an improper
national prejudice. Our true cou-se is to strive to equal or
surpass the foreign races by selections and careful manage-
ment of our native stock. It was upon this principle that
our manufactures have been built up on the only solid foun-
dation. Instead of complaining that foreign goods were pre-
ferred, our citizens have exerted themselves to make our
own better as well as cheaper ; and let Manchester and York-
shire beware, lest they find themselves not only shut out from
our markets, (not by prohibitions but by skill and industry)
but eventually rivalled in those of foreign countries.
These preliminary remarks are not only intended to allay
any feeling of discontent at our preference of the best
stock, from whatever country it may have been origi-
nally derived, but to encourage our own farmers to take
more efficient measures for the amelioration and improve-
ment of our own native breeds. They cannot attend one of
our shows, without perceiving the public preference for the
new races, and this is a strong confirmation of the justice of
the decisions ; though we are aware that it is not the least
difficult task of the Committee, to endeavour to decide with-
out any bias from this clearly pronounced opinion.

We have said, that the imported stock and their progeny
have usually been preferred by the visitors at our shows ; —
we would make one exception, and that is, with respect to
milch cows. Although the milch cows of Great Britain and
the Netherlands are in general far superior to our own, —
yet during the six years in which I have had this duty
to perform, I have never seen an imported cow of
equal merit (taking the posftive evidence of qualities, the
quantity and quality of milk into view) with some of our
own which have been offered. So fully am 1 convinced of
this truth, as well as that our country possesses a very con-
siderable number of these fine cows, that I am persuaded,
that, if Great Britain or the Netherlands were to send us ten

CATTLE SHOW, &€. AT BRIGHTON. 241

COWS each, of the best quality, New-England alone conld
furnish twenty, which would equal them in the quantities
of milk, butter and cheese, which they would respectively
produce. If this should be true, and 1 have no doubt of
it, we at least possess moans by which an improved race
might be procured. This opinion is not expressed light-
ly. We infer its truth from an examination of the pro-
ducts of foreign cows, thought to be so extraordinary as
to merit notice in their periodical journals ; and during our
short period of exhibitions, we have had several, which
have equalled the best, of which any accounts have been
published. But we would wish, that it should be distinctly
understood, that we refer only to a small part of our milch
cows, and that we fear much the greater number are lamen-
tably poor. We are well convinced, that some dairies in our
country, with two good cows, produce as much as the ave-
rage of those which have tive. U we are correct, or nearly
so, in the opinion above expressed, how does it happen that
our breed of cattle on the whole is so inferior ? Because the
owner of a good cow, instead of putting a proper value upon
her, will generally send her to the nearest scrub bull,
to save a little labour, and some trifling difference of ex-
pense. This we all feel and know to be true. But this negli-
gence is giving place to more judicious measures, owing prin-
cipally to the effect of the public shows. If every owner of
a good, and very superior cow, would consider her in a pro-
per light, not merply as a valuable animal during her life,
but as capable of improving his whole stock — if he will spare
1)0 moderate expense in procuring calves from her, from bulls
of an improved breed, we shall soon see our whole stock gra-
dually improve. Bakewell and Princeps, among the most
distinguished raisers of stock in Great Britain, lived to see
their improvements eminently successful. We are fully
aware, that all this exhortation and argument is of very little
importance, compared with the more substantial proofs de-
rived from prices. When, therefore, our farmers learn, that

242 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

a calf of six months, has been sold at the price of four ordi-
nary cows, of five years old, who have consumed twelve
tons of hay, including pasturage, and have required great la-
bour in attending on them ; when they hear that an excel-
lent judge offered fifty dollars for a two months calf, of the
cow herein after mentioned, owned by the Hon. Mr. Gray,
they produce more s<ilid conviction than any thing we could
urge.

Before we announce the premiums, we would express the
thanks of the Trustees to those gentlemen, who without
claiming any reward, and purely with the view of giving aid
to the show, exhibited fine animals at no small expense and
trouble. It is probable as the Committee took no minutes
of these animals, some of them may be overlooked. One we
could not forget — the fine imported bull Denton, belonging
to Stephen Williams, Esq. of Northborough. He has improv-
ed with age, and shows that he has an owner who is sensi-
ble of his great value. Nor could any one overlook Coelebs,
owned by Major Jaques, of Charl^stown. If there had been
no other animals on the grourKl, those who are fond of view-
ing fine natural productions, would feel that a visit to Brigh-
ton would hav« been well repaid by the sight and compari-
son of these animals, differing considerably to be sure, but
-each very remarkable for beauty. There was also a fine im-
ported cow, with her calf, lately bought by the Hon. Mr.
Gray for ^200. Such liberal prices will ensure a constant
and gradual improvement of our stock. It is said that this
cow is very remarkable for the quantity and quality of her
milk — we have heard that she had given in England 36
quarts per day, but there was no person to give us any ac-
curate account of her. Capt. Tracy, of the London Packet,
added a new proof, to the many he has already given, of his
zeal for the promotion of the Agriculture of his country, by
exhibiting thrtse young horned animals, just imported by him.
Major Jaques al^o exhibited three fine cows, without asking
A premiumc

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON^, 243

After so long a trial of the patience of the competitors, by
fhese introductory remarks, many of which competitors will,
however, be disappointed quite as early as they would wish.

The Committee awarded the premiur: :

For the best fat ox, 6 years old, to Oliver Starr, of
Deerfield, weighing 2333 pounds, $40

For the next best do. 6 years old, to Lewis Barnard,
of Worcester, weight 2256, 30

For the next best do. bh years old, to Amos Davis, of
Gfoton, vTeiglit 1 992, 20

For the best bull, to Major S. Jaques, of Charles-
town — weight 1243 — J 5 months old, 30

For the next best do. to Joshua Coolidge, of Water-
tertown, by Calebs — weight 735 — 7 months and four
days old, 20

For the best bull calf, to Uriah Manning, of Woburn,
being the progeny of Calebs^ 1 5

For the next best bull calf, the progeny of Z)en<on, to
the Hon. Levi Lincoln, of Worcester, 8

For the best milch cow, to John Barr, of Salem, 30

For the next best do. to Samuel Murden, of Milton, 20-

For the next best do. to the Hon. John Welles, of
Dorchester,- 15

As to milch cows, one of the most important, as well
as most difficult articles to decide upon, the Committee
proceeded, as they will probably hereafter always proceed,
solely on evidence as to the actual product. The clearer
this evidence, the more certain the success. The good-
ness of a milch cow depends on so many circumstanceSj.
and all of them so important, that the Committee are
obliged to extend their inquiries very far. Form and
beauty is of some moment, but it is also soraetimes falla-
cious ; and no one would reject a fine cow, which should
give an uncommon quantity of fine milk — butter superior
in quantity and quality — continue to give milk every year,,
till within one week of calving, merely because she had a

244 CATTLE SHOW, &;C. AT BRIGHTON,

great head, or a large frame, or small teats, or, in short,
because she had not any one of the fine points described
in the " Complete Grazier." In this, as in every thing
else, we must not always trust wholly to the exterior.

It has been usual to notice those animals of considerable
merit, which deserved attention, but did not obtain pre-
miums. I have never been satisfied with this course. Its
tendency is in some degree to lessen the value of the rewards
we bestow, if we praise too much those which were not
successful ; and after all we only shift the mortification,
and make it fall with more severity on the greater num-
ber whose animals are not noticed — but as it is the usage
we comply with it. There was a very fat ox presented
by Mr. Savary. He was fatter than some of those which
obtained the premium, but the difference of the age de-
cided the question against him. There were fine bulls
offered by Mr. Warren, Mr. Ward, Mr. Rice, Mr. Patch, of
the fine native breed, so often noticed by us — and by Mrs.
Amory, of the Coelebs breed, one of which took a premium
last year. There was also a superior Holland Bull, im-
ported by Mr. Forrester, offered for exhibition only.

The best bull calf, not noticed in the premiums, was
Mr. Lee's, of Brooklyn, Maj. Jaques' and Dr. Chaplin's.
Many others were also very fine.

Of the cows, Capt. Inglee's, of Dorchester, was very
remarkable — and also Mr. Brigham's, Job Ranger's and H.
Warren's, both of New Braintree — but we have already
explained the principles of our decision as to milch cows,
which we hope will be satisfactory.

The Committee have endeavoured to give general satis-
faction, and if they have failed of that, they will at least
have the pleasure of having satisfied themselves.

JOHN LOWELL, Chairman,

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 245

No. II. — On the smaller animals.

The Coaimlttee of the IMassachusetts Society for the Pioinolion of Agricul-
ture, appointed to decide on all the smaller class of Animals including
heifers,

REPORT :

That twenty-five animals of the class of " heifers, of from
one to three years old," were in the pens for premium or
exhibition — all of an excellent quality, and most of them of
approved breeds; and generally indicating the increasing
attention of the agricultural interest to this important class
of stock. The general improvement in this class of ani-
mals, compared with our former Cattle Shows, was very
marked and decided.

The first premium was awarded for a heifer owned
by Henry Rice, Esq. of Marlborough. She was of
the breed of " Denton," the celebrated imported bull
owned by Stephen Williams, Esq. of Norlhborough,
This heifer was two years old on the first of February,
from a cow of the Princeton breed; her form and
figure strongly indicative of her sire. The heifer suck-
ed only twelve weeks, has had no other keeping than
common pasturage and meadow hay in the winter. She .
calved in May ; at sis weeks her calf weighed 88 lbs.
the quarter and never took all her milk until it was
five weeks old. This heifer has given from twelve to
fourteen quarts of milk during the season, ^16

The second premium was awarded for the heifer
owned by Mr. Samuel Brooks, of Brighton, who had
also received no extra keep, and was a beautiful sam-
ple of the approved Holderness breed, introduced into
the state by Gorham Parsons, Esq. 10

There were other distinguished animals of this class, which
deserve particular notice, and were highly approved. Such
were that belonging to Mr. Wheeler, of Framingham. also
' Vol. VII. 32

246 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON,

of the Holderness breed ; and those presented by the Hon.
Mr. Lincohi, also of the Denton breed, and were animals
of beauty and promise.

Five heifers belonging to the Hon. Mr. Welles, of his
own improved stock, which has on former occasions had
distinguished notice by committees of this society.

To these ought to be added the heifer of Mr. Coolidge,
and that of Francis Amory, Esq. from Major Jaques' im-
ported bull Coelobs ; and alpo those of Mr. John Breed, of
Belle-isle, from Mr. Thorndike's bull " Fill Pail," all partak-
ing of the excellent and peculiar qualities of their respec-
tive breeds.

The Committee also award for the best Boar,

The first premium to Joseph Rice, of , the

sum of ^10

The second premium for the best Boar, they award
to Mr. Spark Vose, of Watertown, the sum of 5

The first premium for the best Store Pigs, they award
to Mr. Luke Fiske, of Waltham, the sum of 10

The second premium for the best Store Pigs, they
award to Mr. Aaron Dow, of Brookliiie, the sum of 5

The first premium for the best Merino Ram, they^
award to Gorham Parsons, Esq. 15

The Committee regret to observe that the general
specimens of Merino Sheep exhibited for premium were
in their opinion inferior to those of former years.
They feel themselves justified only in awarding a se-
cond premium for the best Merino Ewes, to Gen. Austin, 10

The second premium for Merino Wethers they award
to Francis Amory, Esq. 10

' For Native Wethers there was no competition. Those
presented by Mr. Silas Hall, of Phillipston, were very
fine animals, and deemed worthy of the first premium,
which the Committee accordingly award, of 10

[Upon condition that he give evidence according to the rules,
that they were' wholly bred in this State, and raised by the
persons exhibiting them.]

CATTLE SHOW, &€. AT BRIGHTON. 247

A pair of Stags were presented by Mr. Meriam of Con-
cord, as a specimen of a new mode of altering cattle ; and
which he represented as easier, equally effectual, and less
dangerous than the ordinary method. Your committee were
not authorized to grant any premium on this account. Nor
can they recommend any to be given, without a more satis-
factory evidence of the success of the operation and of all
the advantages specified. Should this be the case, at any
future time, it will always be in the power, as they doubt not
it will be the inclination of the trustees, to grant a just re-
ward for this, as well as for any other successful improve-
ment in the important operations of agriculture.

Mr. Meriam also presented several spayed sows, for the
society's premium for animals of that description ; but they
were not accompanied by any statement of the mode of
operation and treatment, as required by the rules established
by the Trustees, and besides, the operations were very re-
cent, and apparently, some of them at least, done expressly
for the exhibition, and for the purpose of offering for the
premium. Now in a case of this nature, when a premium is
proposed expressly for the purpose of testing the efficacy of
an important, and in this country, in some respects, a new
operation, your committee apprehend that no premiuvn ought
to be granted, unless by well attested experiments, supported
by a lapse of time sufficient to leave no question of the re-
sult.

Mr. John Baker had entered also four spayed sows, be-
longing to Gorham Parsons, Esq. for the premium proposed
for the same operation. They were in fine health and com-
pletely healed — neither disfigured or weakened by the ope-
ration. A certificate also accompanied, made by Gorham
Parsons, Esq. which will be laid before the Trustees for
their consideration, conformable to their proposal, and in
case the same shall be considered, or shall be made satisfac-
tory to them, they in such case award to Mr, Baker the pre-
mium of J?20

248 CATTLE SHOW, &:C. AT BRIGHTON.

Samuel Jaques, Esq. also presented for the Society's pre-
mium, of the improved Leicester breed of long-woolled
Sheep, having a cross of the South down, one Ram and six
Ewes. They were bought by him in Pennsylvania, and
from thence brought into this State. Although your Com-
mittee know that the intention of the Society, in the proposal
offered in the terms of that premium, was, to encourage the
importation of the animals from some foreign kingdom or
state — and that therefore, strictly speaking, Colonel Jnques
would be entitled to no premium on the terms of those pro-
posals ; yet your Committee consider the animals are in this
State a new and very important race of Sheep, although
precisely not of the description proposed, and that Col. Ja-
ques has at considerable expense and trouble, introduced
them into it. They, therefore, recommend that a premium
be granted to him of ^30

The Hon. Thomas H. Perkins, Esq. also presented for
exhibition, a Ram and two Ewes of the long wooUed Sheep
of the Netherlands, the length of whose wool was great-
ly superior, and its fineness but little inferior, if at all, to
those of our present breeds. And although it was not the
intention of that distinguished merchant to stand candi-
date for any premium, his sole purpose being to aid in the
improvement of our breed of Sheep, and thereby to en-
courage the agriculture and manufactures of his native
State, yet your Committee, apprehending that all exer-
tions of this kind, so honourable to the individual, and so
advantageous to the community, should receive some mark
from our Society of its sense of the benefit conferred on the
Commonwealth, they therefore recommend that the Gold
Medal of the Society, of the value of fifty dollars, be pre-
sented to Mr. Perkins, for this distinguished and successful
efTort to improve the breed of Sheep in Massachusetts.
JOSIAH QUINCY,
NATHANIEL INGERSOLL,
THOMAS WILLIAMS.

Noddle's Island.

BATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON'. 24S

No. III. — On Manufactures.

The Committee on Manufactures award :

The first premium for Broadcloths, to James Shepherd
& Co. of Northampton, $30

The second premium for Broadcloths, to the Wol-
cott Woollen xManufacturing Co. 20

The first premium for Household Cloth, to Jona-
than Mann, of Worcester, ' 12

The second premium for do. to Stephen Buttrick, of
Framingham, 8

The first premium for superfine Cassimere, to the
Wolcott Woollen Manufacturing Co. 15

The second premium for do. to James Shepherd &i
Co. of Northampton, 10

The first premium for Superfine Satinet, to Daniel
Ellis and Son, of Walpole, 10

The first premium for fine Flannel, to James How-
orth, of Andover, 10

The first premium for Carpeting, to Sarah Patrick,
of Worcester, 15

The second premium for do. to Adolphus Bartho-
lomew, 7

The first premium for Linen Cloth, to Anna R. Put-
nam, of Grafton, 8

The first premium for Diaper, to Mrs. Putnam, 10

The second premium for do. to Susan Young, of
Newbury, 5

The first premium for Sewing Silk, to Lemuel Hea-
ley, of Dudley, 5

The second premium for do. to Caroline Bronsdon,
of Milton, 3

The following gratuities are also awarded :

To Clarissa Fay, of New Braintree, for a very good
specimen of fine Flannel, 5

250 CATTLE SHOW, <SlC, AT BRIGHTON.

A premium being withheld on account of a deficiency in
the number of yards, the Committee recommend the gra-
tuity in consideration of the excellence of the fabric and
the importance of the manufacture. — And for the same
reasons a gratuity of ^5

• To Susan Warren of Chelmsford, for a piece of Lin-
en of household manufacture. 5

To George Johnson, of Salem, for a specimen of
Duck by machinery of recent invention, 10

[This Duck is thought superior to any brought to this mar-
ket from Europe, and can be afforded at a price advanta-
geous to the purchaser. The character of the machinery
employed, and the quality of the article, afford a hope that
duck fijay become one of our staple articles.

To Gerry Fairbanks, of Boston, for fitie Beaver hats, ^20
[Hats of the f«ame q aiity are still imported. The com-
noiitee have therefore recommended a liberal gratuity in
this case, us there is both s: ock and s'iiil enough in the coun-
try to put a stop to the importation.]

At former exhibitions the imi'^tion Leghorn Hats have
'been of a medium quality ; this year there was one speci-
men from Vermont, peshaps finer than any ever imp6rted.
As it was manufactured in another State, the committee are
not authorized to do more than to commend the excellence
of the fabric.

For other specimens of Straw and Grass manufacture,
they recommend gratuities as follows :

To Ann Dalrymple, of Marlborough, for Straw Bon-
nets, $6

To Miriam Haven, of Hopkinton, for do. 5

To Sally & Eliza Perry, of Brookfield, for a Grass
Hat, 5

To Betsy Bennet, of Framingham, for an imitation
Leghorn Straw, 5

To Susan Sherman, of Marlborough, for do. 3

CATTLE SHOW, &:C. AT BRIGHTON. 251

To Mary and Hannah Dobben, of Beverly, for Straw
Bonnets, 3

Gratuities to the following persons are likewise recom-
mended for their specimens of ingenuity and industry :

To Fanny Pierce, of New Braintree, for a counter-
pane and coverlet, 5

To Sally Penniman, of do. for a hearth rug, 3

To Caroline Fiske, of Waltham, for a counterpane 3

To Susan Sterns, of Waltham, for a knit mantle of
cotton yarn, 2

To Mehitable R. Dean, of Mansfield, for a hearth
rug, 3

To Priscilla Cotton, of Plymouth, for a hearth rug, 3

To Samuel B. Pope, of Boston, for a specimen of
men's boots, 5

To Ann Heath, of Roxbury, for specimen of fine cot-
ton hose, 5

To Rebecca Johnson, of Boston, for a hearth rug, 3

To Sarah Glover, of Dorchester, for a cotton coun-
terpane, 3

To Rhoda Holman, of Bolton, for a fabric of silk
weed, 2

To Levi Sawyer, of Bolton, for woollen hose, 2

To a female of Boston, for a very fine hose of me-
rino wool, 2

To Sarah Moore, o Brighton, for fine down tippets 2

To Sarah, Polly and Hannah Lewis, for various arti-
ticles manufactured from Down, and for Artificial fiow-
trs, 6

To Nancy Wheeler, of Worcester, for Fans manufac-
tured from feathers, 2

Messrs. Barrett, Tileston &; Co. of Staten Island, pre-
sented for inspection some very handsome Woollen Table
Cloths and Silk Handkerchiefs as specimens of their work
in the art of Printing and Dying. These deserve mention
as highly creditable to the taste and skill of the manufac-

252 CATTLE SHOW, 6zC. AT BRIGHTON.

turers. The Handkerchiefs exhibited were originally striped
and crossbarred silks. They were shop goods damaged ; the
originnl colors were extracted; they were re-dyed and print-
ed as exhibited.

With respect to the progress of our principal woollen
manufactures, the Committee think it may be useful on this
occasion to remark, that Flannels of every degree of fine-
ness required for home consumption, may be manufactured
at reasonable prices with the machinery and skill now in
the country. That our best cassimeres are substantial, well
made and well finished, and approach nearer to those of
first quality made in England, than our best broadcloths do
to the best of that country.

That our best Broadcloths are improving progressively
with the gain of experience, and faster as rdspects goodness
and the style of finishing, than fineness, and there is still
room for improvement in the dyeing and dressing.

There were no extra fine Broadcloths at the exhibition.
This may be accounted for without discrediting the manu-
facturers, by adverting to the fact that there is a full de-
mand for cloths of a medium quality, at prices which give
a large profit; the manufacturers are under no inducement
therefore to attempt extra fine cloths. However much it
might gratify our pride to see cloths of this description
spread before the public at our annual exhibitions, it is
neither for the interest of (he manufacturer nor of the coun-
try, that it should at present be gratified. The best cloths
shown at the hall this year, were some pieces from the
Litchfield Woollen Factory in Connecticut, offered not for
premium, but for exhibition ; and these were thought by
the Committee deserving of an honorable mention on this
occasion. No Cotton Cloths were exhibited ; and this
Cimong other circumstances may be considered as proof that
they require no encouragement beyond that afforded by the
present good market.

RICHARD SULLIVAN, > ^

WM. LAWRENCE. I Comnnttee,

Brighton, Oct. 10, 182J.

CATTLE SHOW, &IC. AT BRIGHTON. 253

No. IV, — 'INVENTIONS,

The Committee of the Massachusetts Society for the
promotion of Agriculture, to whom was referred the sub-
ject of Inventions, report : —

That they have had the gratification of inspecting a num-
ber of machines connected with the facihtating manufac-
tures and the labours of agriculture, which have been de-
posited in the society's room, but none coming within the
exact terms of their commission, except a Cast Iron Rol-
ler, which was duly entered for premium by Aaron Wil-
lard, jr. of Boston, This roller is apparently an improve-
ment on the ordinary roller. It consists of two rollers
moving upon one axis, and thereby turns easier and makes
less ridges. But the owner not being present nor any
person in his behalf, the Committee have not been able to
make those inquiries which are necessary to enable them
to award any premium.

The next machine presented for their examination and
entered for premium, was a Vertical Family Spinner, in-
vented by John Brown, of Providence, and presented for
premium by J. R. Newell. It is apparently capable of
spinning with from six to twelve spindles, and it was stated
to your Committee that a girl of fifteen years of age of
common capacity, is capable of tending it ; that the thread
may be guaged at any number which may be wanted. The
size is very compact and takes up a less number of square
feet on the floor, than a common spinning wheel. But the
Committee had no certificate of its power, or evidence of
its being used in any family, and found to be by experiment
capable of facilitating domestic spinning. In their opinion
this is the only test of its real utility. They think it a suffi-
ciently simple and ingenious machine. But whether it will
perform all that it is promised, your Committee are for
the reason above stated, not able to decide : and the ma-

Vol. VI I. 33

254 LATTLE SHOW, «ScC. AT IJRIGHTO^.

chine notbe'iDg within any of the specified objects of pre-
mium, your Committee do not deem themselves justified in
recommending, under these circumstances, any specific pre-
mium.

The machine which most attracted the attention of our
Committee, was one presented by Joseph Pope, Esq. of
Boston, a gentlemen long known to the public by his inven-
tions and mechanical ingenuity. This machine is patented ;
intended to work by hand, in its present model, but easily
capable of being enlarged and applied to a horse power.

The material to be threshed, passes through opposite sets
of surfaces placed transversely in a frame. They are re-
spectively moving rods ; and constitute a threshing power on
an open floor composed of stationary rods.

It was stated to your Committee that it threshed 50
bushels of grain in 12 hours; and 4 bushels and 12 quarts
of oats in 1 hour; and that a common sized sheaf passes
through it and is completely threshed in 1 minute. The
labour is done by two hands, one destined to turn it, the
other to feed it, or one man and two boys are sufficient for
the same purpose.

In the experiment made before the Committee, it thresh-
ed the grain out perfectly. And it is obvious that with a
very small expense, it may be converted into a machine
for cutting straw without any injury to its threshing power.

Owing to an accident, for which the owner of the ma-
chine is not responsible, it was not duly entered, although
it was brought to Brighton and deposited in the society's
room in proper season for that purpose.

As your Committee consider the machine as likely to be
very useful, and as Mr. Pope has been at great expence and
trouble for the purpose of bringing it to Brighton, your
Conifnittee apprehend that some notice ought to be taken
of it, and they therefore recommend that he should have a
premium of ^20 ; he producing the requisite certificates of its
being used and approved by a practical farmer.

CATTLE SHOW, ilC. AT BRIGHTON. 255

Mr. Newell also presented for premium, a Corn-Shellcr,
on a horizontal movement, on a wooden barrel.

The Committee did not see its power, but apprehend it
may be made a useful machine, with some improvement4
but do not consider themselves authorized in its present state
to award a premium.

The same gentleman presented for exhibition a number of
excellent and approved English machines, and also some
o( the invention of this country, among these they notice

An English Turnip Cutter.

Three Double Mould Ploughs.

Batson's Scarifier.

Batson's Cultivator.

Howard's Patent Plough.

Also, an English Hay Maker, sent from Baltimore. Alt
of them are worthy of the attention of gentlemen, interest-
ed in improving the agriculture of the country, and their
being brought to Brighton for exhibition does great credit to
the attention and zeal of Mr. Newell.

A Patent Threshing Machine, invented by , and also

a Patent Hulling or Smut Machine, accompanied by strong
and numerous printed recommendations, were presented for
the inspection of your Committee, but they had no oppor-
tunity to judge of their respective operations.

JOSIAH QUINCY,
CYRUS ALGER,
PAUL MOODY.

No. V. WORING OXEN.

The Committee appointed by the Massachusetts Society
for Promoting Agriculture, to decide on the claims for pre-
mium for the best Working Oxen, at the Cattle Show at

256 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

Brighton, Oct. 10, consisting of Jotin Welles, Silas Gates and
Elijah \i*erry, report : —

That they were well pleased to find amongst the other
distinguished evidences of improvement at their show, an
increased number of \Vorking Cattle, superior to any pre-
vious exhibition.

Twelve yoke of Working Oxen were entered and appear-
ed to contest for the premiums offered by the Society.

The Cattle were in general in their training more perfect,
and t^e committee feel confident that the community may
look forward to the most gratifying results.

After taking into view the strength in reference to their
age and size^ the equality of match, the docility and traiu'
ing, as well as other general circumstances, the Committee
unanimously agreed to award the following premiums :

To Luther Whitney, of Sutton, first premium, ^30 00

To Peter Darling of Sutton, second premium, 25 00

To John Sherman, of Sutton, third premium, 20 00

To Daniel Marble of Sutton, half of the fourth
premium, 7 50

To Jonas L. Sibley, of Sutton, the other half of
the fourth premium, 7 50

To Capt. Joseph Curtis of Roxbury, the fifth
premium, 10 00

The Committee were all pleased to see so favourable an
illustration of the benefit of the Ox Team, as was general-
ly presented ; the use of which cannot but be considered as
promoting one of the most essential interests of the state.

To the honour of a s^mail but respectable section of the
country, the town of Sutton, it receives a principal part of
the premiums of the Society. But it is believed that no
man will doubt the distinction is well merited. It is to be
hoped hit other parts of the state will feel excited to such
an exertion, as will spread the evidences of our farmers
Care and skill more equally over the state, and thus the

CATTLE SHOW, &:C. AT BRIGHTON. 257

great object of the Society in the advancement of the ho-
nour and interest of the Conrimonweath he promoted.

(Signed) J. WELLES, Chairman.

No. VL PLOUGHING MATCH.

The Committee on the Ploughing Match, consisting of
John Prince, Benjamin Goddard, and S. G. Derby, having
attended the duty assigned them, beg leave to report : —

That the ground selected for the purpose by the Com-
mittee of Arrangements, was a very tough green-sward of
20 years lay, and had been chiefly used as a pasture for fat
cattle, was previously laid off in lots of sixteen rods long,
and one and a quarter rods wide, making one eighth of an
acre, (which was less than was wished, but being the only
spot convenient that could be procured, could not admit of
their being larger) — the soil excellent and free from stones
or trees, and each team had a perfectly equal chance.
The ploughs were duly entered for the contest, and the
plonghman drew for lots as follow? :

No. 1. — Aaron Davis Williams, of Roxbury, one pair of
oxen, Lewis Bliss ploughman, David Howe driver — War-
ren's Dedham plough, with wheel and cutter — 18 furrows — =
finished in 34 minutes.

No. 2. — Jonas L. Sibley, of Sutton, one pair of oxen,
Samuel Sibley ploughman, Peter Darling 2d, driver — Com-
mon Sutton plough, with wheel — 17 furrows — 23 minutes.

No, 3. — Stedman Williams of Koxbury, two pair oxen,
Stedman Williams, ploughman, Samuel Prince driver — War-
ren's of Dedham plough, with wheel — 18 furrows — 26 mi-
nutes 30 seconds.

No. 4. — Joseph Curtis, of Roxbury, two pair of oxen,
Luke Rollins ploughman, Amos Wyman driver — Warren's
Dedham plough, with wheel and cutter — 20 furrows — 27
minutes 30 seconds.

258 CATTLE SHOW &C. AT BRIGHTON.

No. 5. — Luther Whiting, of Sutton, two pair oxen. Royal
T. Marble ploughman, Luther Whiting driver — Sutton
plough, with wheel — 16 furrows — 30 minutes.

No. 6. — Aaron D. Williams, of Roxbury, one pair oxen,
Thomas Howe ploughman and driver — Warren of Dedham
plough, with wheel — 19 furrows — 46 minutes.

No. 7. — Silas Dudley, of Sutton, two pair oxen, Silas
Dudley ploughman, Joseph Dudley driver — Warren of Ded-
ham plough, with wheel and cutter — 17 furrows — 26 min-
utes.

No. 8. — Isaac Cook, of Brookline, one pair oxen, Caleb
Miller plovghman and driver — Warren of Dedham plough,
with wheel and cutter — 19 furrows — 33 minutes.

No. 9. — Moses Seaver, of Brighton, one pair oxen, Mo-
ses Seaver ploughman, Benjamin Porter driver — H<yward of
Hingham's plough with wheel — 20 furrows — 24 minutes.

No. 10. — John Sherman, of Sutton, one pair oxen, Asa
Cummings ploughman, John Sherman driver — Sutton plouglf
with wheel — 18 furrows — 22 minutes.

Previous to the ploughing, it was distinctly stated by the
Committee, that the furrow must be no less than 5 1-2 inches
deep, and their greatest wish as little to exceed 10 inches in
the width of furrow as was possible, and not to hurry their
cattle, as they conceived the best zoork could not be per-
formed if over driven — and that goodness of work, together
with that of the savings of the labour of the cattle, would be
a great object in deciding premiums, as well as cheapness
of labour.

They have great pleasure in stating, that the work was
well done, and most of it in a superior style, and that the
reason for not extending their rewards was because the
Committee had it in their power to award only three
among ten claimants — indeed, they conceive praise is due to
all the ploughmen, who discovered great skill in the man-
agement of their implements, and the cattle were univer-
sally excellent — and in consequence of the request of the
Committee that they should not be hurried, they could gen-

CATTLE SHOW, &€. AT BRIGHTON. 259

erally have proceeded in another one eighth of an acre with
ease.

The Committee have been unanimous in their awards af-
ter a very critical examination, as follows :

1st premium to Isaac Cook, ^20

Caleb Miller, ploughman 10

do. do. driver 5 — 35

2d premium to Joseph Curtis 12

Luke Rollins, ploughman 6

Amos Wyman, driver 3 — 21

3d premium to Stedman Williams, 8

do. do. 4

Samuel Prince, driver, 2 — 14

$70
All which is submitted,

JOHN PRINCE,
BENJAMIN GODDARD;
SAMUEL G. DERBY.

No. VII. — Agricultural Experiments.

The Committee on Agricultural Experiments, to whon^
was also committed the inspection of sundry articles ot
Manufacture, for which premiums were offered, report: —

That five several parcels of Cheese, of more than one
year old ; and seventeen parcels of new Cheese, were of-
fered for the Society's premiums ; which, in the opinion
of your committee, are superior to any hitherto exhibited 5
all made in the town of New Braintree, in the County of
Worcester, excepting one parcel of five cheeses, made by
Mr. John Ayres, of Oakham, in the same county; of the
former, that from the dairy of Capt. John Hunter, was
considered to be the richest and best made cheese, and is

260 CATTLE SHOW, &:C. AT BRIGHTON.

entitled to the premium of ten dollars; that from the dairy
of Capt. Ebcnezer Tidd, the next best, and is entitled to
the premium of five dollars. Of the new Cheese, that
from the dairy of Mr. William Earl, was considered to be
the best, and is entitled to the premium of ten dollars ;
that from the dair) of Major Roswell Converse, the next
best, and is entitled to the premium of five dollars.

Several parcels of fine flavoured Butter were also exhib-
ited, uncommonly well made, the buttermilk being more
perfectly expressed than usual ; that from the dairy of
Miss Mary Clark, of Watertown, in the County of Middle-
sex, was considered to be the best; that from the dairy of
of Col. Stephen Hastings, of Sterling, in the County of
Worcester, the next best — the former is entitled to the
premium of ten dollars, and the latter to the premium of
five dollars.

For the greatest quantity of Butter and Cheese, made
between the 15th day of May, and the first day of Octo-
ber, from not less than four cows, the quantity of the But-
ter and of the Cheese, and the number of cows, to be
taken into consideration, Mr. William Earl, of New Brain-
tree, has exhibited sufficient testimony, in the opinion of
your committee, to entitle him to the premium of twenty
dollars.

Messrs. Brewer & Jordon, of Roxbury, are entitled to
the premium of ten dollars, for the best specimen of soal
leather; for the next best specimen, Messrs. Benjamin Mi-
rick & Co. also of Roxbury, are entitled to the premium of
five dollars.

Five barrels of Flour, Irom the wheat raised the present
season, on the farm of Gorham Parsons, Esq. in Brighton,
and manufactured at the " City Mills," lately erected on the
"Western Avenue," very little inferior in quality to the
best made Philadelphia flour, were exhibited by Mr. Benjamin
T. Reed, Agent of the Proprietors of said Mills, and are
entitled to the premium of twenty-five dollars.

CATTLE SHOW, &IC. AT BRIGHTON. 261

A sample of Starch, in imitation of the Poland Starch,
manufactured by Mr. Robert Hewes, of Boston ; and a sam-
ple of Mustard, manufactured by Mr. Abraham Bickford,
also of Boston, were exhibited — both appeared to be of a
ver} good quaUty, perhaps equal to any imported ; no pre-
xniums the presecU year, for either of these articles, were
offered by the Trustees.

The vegetables brought to the Society's Hall very far
exceeded in quantity, variety, and size, those exhibited in
any former year. The roots of Mangel Wurtzel, sent by
Dr. Chaplin of Cambridgcport, were very large, and in
great perfection. The Doctor also presented to the
Society a very fine Walermellon, from his own gar-
den, which weighed about twenty three pounds. From
the farm of Edward Sparhavvk, Esq. of Brighton, some
" Silverskin" Onions, uncommonly large. From the gar-
den of Mr. William Ackers, of Brooklyne, some roots of
the common red Beet, of an early kind, and of a size sel-
dom equalled. Mr, Josiah Coolidge, of Cambridge, and
Mr. Samuel Murdock, of Milton, exhibited some very large
Winter Squashes. One from the farm of the former weigh-
ed forty-seven pounds. From the farm of Gen. Hull, in
Newton, some Carrots, Ruta Baga, and English Turnips, all
of them very large, "taken from a field of two acres, with-
out any cultivation, but what was common to the whole
field." From the farm of Capt. N. Ingersoll, of Brook-
lyne, some Arrak, being a new variety of the Carrot. From
the orchard of Mr. Henry Houghton, in Bolton, in the
County of Worcester, some Blue Pearmains, which were
supposed to weigh not less than one pound each. From
the garden of James White, Esq. in Dorchester, in the
County of Norfolk two specimens of the Cotton Plant,
which grew in the open air, without particular care ; one
of which was Sea Island, the other Upland.. The pods on
both were well filled with Cotton.

Vol. VII. 34

262 CATTLE SHOW, kc. AT BRIGHTON.

From the farm of Capt. Joseph Warren, in Brightor?,
some ears of Corn, said to be of a very productive kind,
" from three stalks ten ears were taken." From the or-
chard of Col. James Wilder, in Sterling, a very large fine
Apple, called " Eve's Apples." From the farm of Dr. Elia-
kim Morse, in Watprtown, some fine ears of the eight and
twelve rowed Indian Corn.

By order of the Committee,

rilOMAS L. WINTHROP, Chairman,

Brighton, Oct. 9tiv 1822.

The Committee on AgricultuTal Experiments submit for the consideration ot
the Board the following, in addition to their report dated the 10th day oi'
October last, to wit ;

That Col. Joseph Valentine, of Hopkinton, is entitled to
the society's premium of ^ :iO, for having raised the greatest
quantity of Indian Corn, bemg 119 bushels and 26-32 of a
bushel, on one acre of land. " The soil is a deep yellow
loam; in 1821, the land was cultivated with Indian corn^
and manured with ten cart loads of green barn manure,
spread on the ground, and eight loads ©f compost manure
put in the hills. In the spring of 1822, the ground was
twice plouged, and 20 cart loads of green barn manure
spread on it ; it was then furrowed in rows about three
feet and a half apart; and about 20 cart loads of barn,
hog and slaughter yard manure, were put in the rows ; the
last mentioned manure was mixed together with one hogs-
head of Smithfield lime ; the seed was the Brighton twelve
rowed yellow corn, the kernels placed about 3 inches apart
each way; the corn was ho«d three times, all the suckers
were pulled out in July ; and in August all the suckers
were again taken away, together with the false stalks, and
those that wpre smutty ; on the first of September the stalks
were topped ; and on the 26lh the corn was harvested,
and spread on a floor under the roof of a long shed, to

CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON. 263

give a good opportunity for drying it, there were 213
bushels of corn in the ear ; one ba^sket of which was shell-
ed, and produced half a bushel and two quarts of shelled
corn ; so that had the whole been shelled on the day of
harvesting it, the produce would have been 119 bushels
and 26-32 of a bushel of shelled corn; on the 14th of
Nov. the whole was shelled, and measured, and found to
be 116 bushels and 28-32 of clear sound corn; the ave-
rage weight of which was 58 to 69 lbs. the bushel ; the
entire expense of cultivating this acre of corn, including
^35, charged for 40 cart loads of manure, was ^44."

That Payson Williams, Esq. of Fitchburg, is entitled to
the society's premium of ^30, for having raised the great-
est quantity of Spring Wheat, being 23 bushels and 28 32
of a bushel, on one acre. " In the spring of 1322, as early
as the frost would permit, the ground was ploughed, and
harrowed ; the seed, two and a half bushels of the Oilman
wheat, sown ; again harrowed, and ploughed in fine, with
a horse plough, and left in this situation with the belief
that the crop would endure our New England drought bet-
ter, as the surface would be enlarged, thereby retaining
more of the dews than a plane surface ; the result, com-
pared with neighbouring fields, declares this belief not un-
founded. As the field was seeded down with clover, herds-
grass, and red-top, this was also ploughed with the wheat ;
these plants not only stood the drought remarkably well,
but at this time have completely covered the ground with
the Farmer''s best carpet. The quantity of grass-seed used
by me, is never less than 12 lbs. of clover, and one peck
of herds grass, to the acre. Here permit me to observe
that innumerable are the instances in this country, where
the farmer fails in his grass crops, by not allowing seed
enough ; and what is worse, the little be does give with
such a sparing hand, is suffered (o take its chance under
that pest in agriculture called a bush harrow, which not
only drags -stones and other loose matter, into heaps, but

264 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

leaves the soil dead and heavy ; and doe-s not cover the
seed deep enough to strive with our July drought etfec-^
tually. It may be asked how the scythe is to follow the
plough ? to which I will answer, let the roller, an irtiple-
ment which every farmer would keep, did he consult his
own interest merely, with a sufficient top or body to con-
tain the larger stones, pass over the field lengthwise the
furrow, ia the dry part of the fall ; this process will not
only crush in the small ones, but even the surface for the
scythe, without the least injury to the grass roots ; to this
digression I am impelled by no other motive, however
much I may be mistaken, than the wish of advancing in some
measure, the interests of my fellow citizens, whose good for-
tune it is to till the soil. I had the wheat cut very early,
when much of the straw was green, which, after laying about
two days, was in excellent order for the flail ; after which it
was equal to swail hay for fodder ; the amount of grain by
measurement was 26 bHshels and 18-32, from one aero and
18 rods, the quality of the grain is excellent, not one kernel
of smut or burnt grain in the crop ; the seed prepared by a
thorough washing, after which it was immersed in thick
white wash, made from good lime, so as to coat over every
kernel, no fears need be entertained from the plentiful use
of this liquor, as by way of experiment I have planted wheat
after its lying in this liquor four days, which vegetated well."
The committee are of opinion that the roller should be used
immediately after the seed is ploughed in, in preference to
the fall, as recommended by Mr. Williams, Said Payson
Williams is also entitled to the premium of ^20, for having
raised the greatest quantity of Potatoes, being 547 bushels,
on one acre. " The land was twice ploughed, and furrowed
three feet apart, and the manure, unfermented, made by
sheep, and neat cattle, its quantity about 14, cords placed in
hills two feet apart, hands immediately following the cart
with hoes to finish the planting process, to prevent loss by
evaporation; planting finished May 21 — the kind of seed

CATTLE SHOW, &LC, AT BRIGHTON. 265

used, was the South American reds, 28 bushels to the acre,
cut so as to allow two pieces to the hill , the weeding finish-
ed the 15th of June, the second and last hoeing the first of
Jul}', the vines beginning to bud, and were about eight inches
in height ; a few scattering weeds were occasionally pulled
up, but no other disturbance was given to the vines till har-
vesting the crop, which was finished November the 3d ;
and by a careful measurement was found to be 547 bushels,
the expense of cultivating the acre of wheat, including ^10
charged for the manure, was ^2-i, 71 ; that of cultivating the
acre of potatoes, including !^14 for manure, $54."

That Mr. D;ivid Little, of Newbury, is entitled to the so-
ciety's premium of ^:20, for having raised the greatest quan-
tity of .Mangel Wurtzel, being 970 bushels, and one half of
a bushel, on one acre. " The situation of said acre is as
follows — a swell inclining south-westerly, of a rich yellow
loam, in 182 J, it was planted with beets, manured with
about three cords of compost manure, and produced about
530 bushels. May 9th, 1822, ploughed, harrowed and fur-
rowed three feet apart ; four and a half cords of compost ma-
nure were put in the furrows and covered with a plough ;
then a harrow was drawn lengthwise the ridge to smooth the
land, the seed was then sowed one row on each ridge, with
four pounds of seed, half the quantity would I think be suffi-
cient; June 10th, commenced ploughing between the rows,
and weeding, and thinning at difFtM-ent titnes till July. 16th —
the plants stood 10 or 12 inches apart in the rows, the work
was done principally by boys, estimating two boys to be equal
to one man. Oct. 31, Nov. 1st and 2d, they were harvest-
ed by men and boys, and produced 970 1-2 bushels of Man-
gel Wurtzel, besides 2 bushels of Carrots, and 109 Cabbages,
three loads of the Mangel Wurtzel containing 137 bushels,
were weighed at the town scales; the weight, according to
the certificate annexed, was 3 tons, 2 c. 3 qs. 20 lbs. Six
swine mostly fed with the thinnings from the beginning of
weeding, until about the first of October; there arc trees on

*266 CATTLE SHOW, &C. AT BRIGHTON.

the said lot sufficient to produce 21 barrels of fruit; the
entire expense ofcultivating this acre of Mangel Wurtzel, in-
chiding the cost of the manure and gathering the crop, was
$'23 96 cents."

That Mr, Adams Knight, of Newbury, is entitled to the
Society's premium of Twenty dollars, for having raised the
greatest quantity of Onions, being six hundred and fifty-one
bushels, on one acre. " The soil is a rich gravelly loam,
with a gravel bottom; in 1821, it was cultivated with on-
ions, and cabbages ; and was manured with about five cords
of barn manure, and produced a good crop; after the crop
Was off the ground, there were five cords of barn manure,
and two and a half cords of leached ashes ploughed in — in
April 1822, it was once ploughed, and sowed in rows 14
inches apart, which took between 3 and 4 pounds of seed ;
in the course of the season it was hoed between the rows and
weeded four times ; in September the onions were harvest-
ed, and there were 651 bushels, the entire expense of culti-
vating this acre of onions, including 21 dollars and 37 cents,
the cost of manure, was 57 dollars and 38 cents."

That Messrs. Tristram and Henry Little, of Newbury, are
entitled to the Society's premium of Twenty dollars, for
havinc; raised the greatest quantity of common Turnips, be-
ing 687 bushels and a half on one acre. " The soil is a clay
loam and had been down to grass 6 or 7 years — in 1821, cut
about one ton of hay ; it was then ploughed as deep as the
sward would turn over; 10 cords of compost manure, the
principal part of the compost was marsh mud, spread and
well harrowed ; it was ploughed in ridges three feet apart;
about one pound of seed was sown with a machine on the
ridges ; and a hand roller made to pass over them, which
completed the sowing ; when out of the way of the fly, they
were thiimed to the distance of one foot apart on the ridge—*
they wnre twice ploughed and harrowed; and harvested the
last of October ; the entire expense of cultivating this acre
of turnips including 20 dollars for manure, was 3ft dollars and
32 cents."

CATTLE SHOW, <SiC. AT BRIGHTON. 267

That Silas Little, Esq. of Newbury, is entitled to the So-
ciety's premium of Twenty dollars, for raising the greatest
quantity of common Turnips, after another crop in the same
season; having raised 615 bushels on one acre. "In the
year 1821, something less than a quarter part of the acre
was cultivated with Turnips, and about tive common cart
loads of compost manure, such as salt marsh pulverized,
strong earth and sand was laid thereon ; the produce was 80
bushels, the other three fourths had been laying to grass five
or six years ; and the present year we sowed Flax seed,
where the turnips grew the last year ; having spread on
about the same quantity and quality of manure as before ;
we pulled the flax soon after the blossoms had fallen ofF, and
there was a middling crop ; the other part of the acre pro-
duced about 700 weight of hay, which was cut on the 26lhoi
June ; and the whole was ploughed and manured, the quan-
tity put on the acre was 19 cart loads of 40 bushels each —
the quality of this manure was similar to that above describ-
ed, but more sand in order to make the compost better,
when mixed with our dark clay loam, with a clay bottom ;
nearly two thirds of this manure was spread on one half the
ground, and after harrowing, was put into small ridges, with
a small double mould board plough, two feet and nine inches
apart; the other part of the manure was shovelled into fur-
rows made with the plough, the same distance ; the plough
then passed between the furrows, covered the manure, and
although so great a portion of the manure was spread on half
the land, yet the other half produced about as much ; the
quantity of seed used was one pound and a half; the time
of sowing was from the first to the tenth of July; the flax
was pulled the 4th, and that part of the ground sowed the
last ; the whole was sown with a machine made for the pur-
pose, and but one row on a ridge; when the turnips were
up, and out of the way of flies, they were thinned with a
hand hoe and fingers, at the distance of ten or twelve ipches,
and afterwards twice hoed and twice ploughed, with the

iC8 <;attle show, &c. at Brighton*

small plough above mentioned ; the time of harvesting, frOm
the 28th of October to the 1st of November, and there was
found to be 615 bushels, well trimmed and fit for market,
find about five or six bushels of large defective rotten ones ;
we have weighed several bushels, and find a bushel will
weigh 59 lbs. — the entire expense of cultivating this acre of
turnips, including thirteen dollars for manure, was twenty-
eight dollars and seventy-five cents."

That Mr. Asa Rice, Jr. of Shrewsbury, is entitled to the
Society's premium of Twenty dollars, for the account of the
best mode of rearing, feeding, and fattening Neat Cattle.
Said Rice is also entitled to the premium of Twenty dollars,
for proving by experiments, to the satisfaction of the Trus-
tees, the utility and comparative value of the Cobs of Indian
Corn, when used with or without the grain itself, ground, or
broken. A paper on the subject of raising Indian Corn, two
successive seasons, with the aid of Plaister Paris, on a high
Iiill on the farm of Mr. Rice, which from its difficulty of ap-
proach, had until two years since been neglected, was also
exhibited. These communications are too lengthy to be in-
serted in this report, but your Committee recommend that
said papers, together with three very interesting communi-
cations from William Hull, Esq. of Newton, on the best mode
of raising Indian Corn, his mode of cultivating seven eighths
of an aCiC, from which he procured 192 bushels of Corn in
Vaa ear, 4 bushels of dry Beans and several bushels of Tur-
nips ; and on the culture of Carrots, and Ruta Baga, be
copied into the Society's Journal for January next.

Claims for premiums were also exhibited to your Commit-
tee by the following persons, for raising the greatest quantity
of Indian Corn on one acre of land ; to wit : Mr. Asa Rice,
Jr. of Shrewsbury, raised 53 bushels; Mr. Nathan Howe,
Jr. also of Shrewsbury, 75 bushels ; Mr. Daniel Mears, of
Lynn, 874- bushels; Messrs. Tristram and Henry Little, of
Newbury, 1 16 bushels and 9 quarts ; Payson Williams, Esq.
ofFitchburg, 116 bushels and 12 quarts; and Mr, Daniel

CATTLE snow, &;C. AT BRIGHTOM. 269

Buruliam, of Newburyport, 117 bushels and 8 quarts. Mr.
Jacob VVilkins, of Marblchead, raised 57 bushels of Barley,
on one acre and i of an acre. " April 12, 1822, the land
was ploughed about 3 inches deep, the soil loamy, inclining
to gravel, descending to the North East from a ledgy knoll,
which included a part of the premises; 13th, sowed three
bushels of six rowed Barley, on what I considered the larg-
est half of the piece — at the same time sowed one and a half
bushels of two rowed Barley, on the remainder; sowed grass
seed over the whole, and ploughed, and harrowed the sanae
in. When the six rowed Barley was about six inches high,
it was mowed down, and left on the ground ; this was for
experiment. July 18, mowed the si? rowed Barley, and
put it into the barn. 24th, mowed, and put into the barn,
the two rowed Barley. The six rowed Barley appeared to
be about 12 days forward of the two rowed in ripening;
both were stacked separately iu the barn : and each quali-
ty thr,ished and kept separate. August 30th, the Barley
being cleansed, was measured ; the six rowed measured 34
bushels ; and the two rowed measured 23 bushels — the
straw we consider in value to be equal to the labor." No
premium was offered for raising the greatest quantity of
Barleg : but your committee are induced to recommend
that tne Treasurer be authorized to pay said Jacob Wilk-
ins, the sum of Twenty dollars.

For raising the greatest quantity of common Beets, Pars-
nips, Ruta Baga, Cabbages, and dry Peas ; for introducing
any Grass not before cultivated in this ConimonweaUh,
and proving by actual experiment, and produce satis-
factory evidence of its superiority in any one quality,
to any now cultivated ; for the most satisfactory evi-
dence on " Soiling Cattle," not less than six in num-
ber, and through the whole season, together with a par-
ticular account of the food given, and how cultivated; for
making the experiment of turning in grem crops as a ma-
nure, on a tract not less than an acre, and prove its utili-

Voh VII. 35

270 CATTLE snow, d:C. AT ERIGHTOi'f.

iy and cheapness, giving a particular account of the prO'
cess and its results ; for proving by actual experiment, the
best season and mode of laying down land to grass, whe-
ther Spring, Summer or Fall seeding be preferable, and
with or without grain or diflercnt soils; for raising the
greatest quantity of Vegetables, Grain, Peas and Beans
excepted, for winter consumption of the stock on his own
farm, and not for sale, in proportion to the size of the
farm and stock kept, having regard to the respective value
of said Vegetables as food, stating the expense of raising
the same, and the best mode of preserving the same
through the winter ; for taking up in one season, on his
farm, the greatest qqantity of good Honey, and shall at the
same time, exhibit superior skill in the management of
Bees; for giving proof of having produced the largest quan-
tity of dressed Flax raised on one acre : no claims for pre-
miums have been exhibitedo

The Board will perceive by the papers accompanying
this report, that of the seven claimants for the premium for
raising the greatest quantity of Indian Corn on one acre,
the quantity produced by four of the competitors was very
nearly the same. Your Committee in awarding the pre-
n^.ium to Colonel Valentine, were induced to decide in his
favor as well from the quantity of sound corn, as from the
weight of the grain ; it will be seen that Mr. Burnham's
Council BlutT Corn, weighed only fifty pounds; that of Col.
Valentine, fifty eight, to fifty nine pounds the bushel.

For the Committee,

'J'HOxMAS L. WINTHROP, Chairman,

Boston, Dec. 2S, I'o22.

[The Trustee? of the i\lasi;aclu!sctts Agrkuliiual bocicty believe that tliey
cannot render a more acceptable service to the cause of agiiciiltuie geiiC'
rally, than by publishing the letters, afiidavits, and other evidence, furnish-
ed by the Candidates for their premiums, whether the jjersons who claimed
fhcin were or were not successful. The greatest benefit derived from offering-

INDIAN CORN. 27)

premiums is the exhibition of tlie various processes, which were pursued to
enable the parlies to become Competitors tor them. Cattle sliows an 1 re-
"■anls for agiicultural success would be of compaiativelj'' small value, if
the simple fact o( ihe successful expcrim&.it only ^hould be annoiiiicech Tho
^lublic would be little bejjefited by the knowledge, that seven or eight per-
sons had raised iOO bushels and upwards of Indian Corn to the acre,
if the}- were uninstructed as to the means, by which this crop in our cold,
and unfriendly climate, had been produced. The fact, that such an in-
crease had taken place, even in a few cases, would go far to shew the advan-
tages of competition and the spirit vvhinli pervades the state, but still the
great mass would be left to conjecture by what art, perJiaps magical, such
an effect had been produced. The following letters will shew, that the " ma-
gical" art is within the reach of every enterprising farmer, and tliart it
consists simply "in greater industrj', and more skill which all may ir*
!ate, and probably with equal success.]

Hopkinloriy J^v^mber 15, 1322,

[To the Truv^tecs of the Massachusetts Agricultural Bociety.]
GENTLEMEN,

The following production of one acre of land cultivated
with Indian Corn by the subscriber on his farm in Tjopkin-
ton in 1822, is offered for premium. The soil is a deep
yellow loam ; in 1821, the land was cultivated with Indian
corn, and manured with ten cart loads of green barn manure,
spread on the ground, and eight loads of compost manure,
put in the hills. In the Spring of 1822, the ground was
twice ploughed and twenty cart loads of green barn manure
spread on it. It was then furrowed in rows about three feet
and a half apart and about twenty cart loads of barn, hog
and slaughter yard manure, were put in the rows, the last
mentioned manure was mixed together with one hogshead
of Smithfield lime, the seed was the Brighton twelve rowed
yellow corn, the kernels placed about eight inches apart
each way. The corn was hoed three times, all the suckers
were pulled out in July, and in August all the suckers were
again taken away together with the false stalks and those that
were smutty. On the first of September the stalks were
topped and on the twenty-sixth the corn was harvested and
spread on a floor under the roof of a long shed, to give ?.

272 , INDIAN CORN,

good opportanity for drying it. There were two hundred
and thirteen baskets of corn in the ear, one basket of which
was shelled and produced half a hushel and two quarts of
shelled corn, so that had the whole been shelled on the day
of harvesting it, the produce would have been one hundred
nineteen bushels three pecks and two quarts of shelled corn.
On the fourteenth of November the whole was shelled, and
measured and found to be one hundred and sixteen bushels
and three and a half pecks of clean sound corn. Weight
pf the corn from 68 to 59 pounds a bushel.

EXPENCES.

Ploughing -

Manure

Seed - - -

Furrowing and planting

Hoeing . . .

Suckering and topping

Harvesting - - ,

The value of the suckers and stalks we consider equal
^o two tons of English hay.

Yours respectfully, JOSEPH VALENTINE.

This may certify that I have measured and staked off the
above land cultivated with Indian Corn to the best of my
skill and judgment and there is one acre and no more.

SULLIVAN SHEFFIELD, Surveyor,

This may certify that I was overseer and assisted in culti-
vating and harvesting the above stated acre of corn and the
foregoing statement relative to the same is true according to
the best of my knowledge and belief. DAVID JORDAN.

We the subscribers do hereby certify that we assisted in
cultivating and harvesting the above stated acre of corn, and

2 50

25 00

50

4 GO

4 00

4 00

4 00

$44, 00

INDIAN CORN. 27S

we also measured the corn in the ear, and afterwards shelled
it and measurea it in the kernel and the foregoing statement
relative to the measure thereof is true.

NATHANIEL NASON.

NEWELL POND.

I hereby certify that I have employed the persons above
named to cultivate, survey, measure and harvest the above
stated acre of corn as by their certificates above appears.

JOSEPH VALENTINE.

Middlesex, ss. Jsovember, 182^.

Then the above mentioned Joseph Valentine Esq. Sulli-
van Sheffield, David Jordan, Nathaniel Nason and Newell
Pond, persorially appeared, and made oath to the truth of
the above certificates by them subscribed.

ELISHA FAIRBANKS, Juslice Peace.

J^exoburyport, October, 1822.
This may certify that I have surveyed and marked off one
acre of groimd planted with Indian corn, in the Town of
Newburyport nearly opposite the Court house — at the re-
quest of Mr. Daniel Burnham, the owner of the crop.

JOSEPH GERRISH, Surveyor.
Essex, ss. November 15, 1822.

Personally appears Joseph Gerrish signer of the foregoing
certificate and made oath before me that the same is true.
JACOB GERRISH, Justice Peace.

COMMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Essex, ss. November 18, 1822.

Personally appeared Daniel Burnham and Daniel Eaton
and severally made oath that the annexed slafement signed
by Daniel Burnham of a crop of corn raised on the acre of
land above specified is to the best of their knowledge and
belief, true in all its parts.
Before me,

JACOB GERRISH, Justice Peace.

274

INDIAM CORN'.

SIR,

On the 7(h or 8th of October, 1 desired you by mail, to enter
an acre of Indian Corn, for a premium, from the Massachusetts
Agricultural Society — Mr. Tristram Little of Newbury, says
that at Brighton, he desired you (in my behalf) to do the
same, if you had not received my notice. 1 therefore con-
clude you have done it, and will proceed with my statement.
The seed was raised at Council-Bluff on the River Missouri.
It was received at that place, from the Maha Nation of In-
dians. The kernel is large, free from flint, and tilled with
a sweet white flour. It is generally eight rowed, though
some of it is ten and twelve rows. It was brought to this
quarter late in May 1821. I received a few kernels of it,
^nd planted it, last of May or the first of June. Such was
its promise, through the season, and such its bounty at har-
vest, that I thought it might become a valuable acquisition to
this region. Accordingly the last Spring, I took a piece of
lan.d, such as is called common tillage ground, rather a light
soil, inclining a hltle to gravel, and having a northern as-
pect. This is its character given by those, i have consulted,
and who arc considered good judges. The land had lain to
Grass for the two years previous, without manure, but either
from the failure of the Grass-seed or some other cause, the
crops were quite scanty. The sward was so tender and
broken, and the plough clogged so much, that it could not
be turned so well as was wished. As soon as turned up, a
iiarrowing succeeded, then the holeing, at the distance of
four feet one way, and three the other. Five cords of com-
mon barn manure (about half new, and half old,) were put
in the holes in a very coarse state. The greater part of the
manure, I think ought to be called strong, some of it how-
ever was very feeble. — Three kernels were placed in a hill.
Nino quarts of seed, were put on an acre and a quarter. It
was my intention, that the planting should be done, as well
ns it could be. but from circumstances beyond my controuJ,
^ consider the whole process of planting, to have been badly

INDIAN CORN. 275

executed. The ploughing and planting, were done from
the 4th to the 7th of IMay. Immediately after planting, the
ground became so parched, with drought, that much of the
seed failed. To supply the deficiency of standards, about
the 25th of May, 1 placed seed in drills, from which when
large enough, I transplanted into the field — say from 450 to
600 plants. As it is the opinion of many, that transplanted
corn does not succeed well, perhaps it may not be thought
amiss, if I observe, that from earing time to harvest, the
transplanted could not be distinguished from the other.
The corn was hoed four times, in the course of the season,
without ploughing between the rows. Tiie fourth time was
merely loosening the surface of the ground, and destroying
the weeds. The appearance of the corn was rather unpro-
mising, until the rains had wet the manure. It then exhibit-
ed a very remarkable growth, and its luxuriance became so
great, that it was apprehended by many, that the crop was
much at hazard. 1 planted some of this seed, in the drill
method, each standard was from fifteen to twenty inches
asunder, and I believe (if I may regard this small experi-
ment,) that if the field had been planted in this form, the
crop would have been more abundant. This method would
give sun and space to the shoots, from which much of the
crop may be expected ; but they were so crowded, by being
in hills, that they could not have proper expansion — for this
reason, 1 think this corn requires this method, much more
than our common corn. The height of the stalks is not
greater than much of the common corn, but above and be-
low the ears, they arc much larger. It was not uncommotj,
to see from three to five large shoots from a kernel, and on a
shoot two good ears. The last season 1 suspected, that the
best and most abundant crops might be obtained from the
mixed-seed — this year, since harvest, I seem fully convinced
that this will prove the fact — this is likewise the opinion
of practical farmers, who have examined it, and bespoke
some of the mixed-seed, i expect to plant the next season an-

2.6 INDIAN CORN".

other field, in which case I shall- surely make use of mixed-
seed and without apprehension, of its not coming to matu-
rity— and shall plant in the drill metljod, leaving the stan-
dards, at least fifteen inches from each other. What I mean
by mixed-seed is, when the kernel has become in a degree
flinty, from receiving the Pollen or Farina from our flinty
cor/i. My field became much mixed from the corn in the
surrounding gardens — this I do not at all regret, for I am
confident, that 1 had on the same space, a heavier crop than
where I had pure-seed, on ground, much belter, and much
better prepared, than the field was — and this pure-seed was
fully ripe, and was taken in the 24th October,

The fodder on the field, was abundant, it seems the sober
estimate of the best judges, that on an acre and a quarter,
from the tops and the bottoms, it was fully equal to two tons
of English-hay. The time and labour in cutting and cure-
ing the fodder, was I believe three limes as much as on
common fields of Ir.c same size. The harvesting which was
done by cutting up the bottoms, was about in the same pro-
portion. The topping of the corn was done about the 20th
of September. The harvesting, from the TSth to the 24th
of October. In husking the corn, two qualities were made.
Of the prime Corn there was lIOj bushels, of the inferior,
there was 7 bushels, making in whole 117J; bushels. I am
decidedly of opinion that had the field have been planted
with any of our common-seed, under similar circumstances,
that from fifty, to sixty bushels would have been the extent
of the crop. On this question, I have consulted with those,
who are considered, the most judicious farmers ; who are ac-
quainted with the land, and with the manner of its cultiva-
tion, this season, and but one of then), has given an idea of
more than fifty bushels. It may seem very extraordinary
to make so great a difference, between this, and that of our
common-seed, but should I do otherwise, I should trespass
on my judgment. Much of the labour in the cultivation, was
done in broken time, and in connection with the other part

INDIAN CORN. 277

of the field, (half an acre, which was corn and potatoes.) so
that I am prevented from that accuracy in the exact ex-
pence which I wish. — I dare not say that it was less than
sixty five dollars, and this is the sum at which I place it, in-
chiding manure, land-rent and every other expence. The
field was in the middle of the town, and as it was much ex-
posed, was robbed of some of its best ears. It is thouii;ht,
thai it sufTered a loss in this way of at least three bushels ;
but this loss can neither be ascertained, nor brought into
the account. All I have hitherto said has been in fa-
vour of this corn. I will now revert to the other side.
Although it came to maturity the last season, and has
done (he same this, and although I believe that most of
our seasons will give it its full growth; yet I think from
the pure seed in some seasons, the corn would be in danger
of injury, as corn is commonly placed after husking, the
reason for this opinion is, that I believe the cob to contain
more moisture (ban that of any of our common corn. If I
am here right, it reduces the value of the pure seed for
common cultivation. As an experiment, I planted this
year, on the 20th of June, pure seed in fifty or sixty hills,
some of it on cold, and some on warm ground, it was taken
in October 25th, it was well yrown, and apparently ripe,
and keeps well in trace, yet (he cob was so full of moisture,
that T am confident it would injure much, if placed as corn
usually is. I am far from considering th^' nuxed seed as
liable to this objection. But if it could be made certain,
that the pure seed would in all seasons, come to maturity, as
fully as our common seed, yet I think the mixed, is to be
preferred, for the heaviest crops, and from tiie mixed-seed,
I believe much more may be expected from it, than from
any corn we have among us. Ir; saying this, I am aware, to
whom I am addressing myself, and that I ought to be diffi-
dent; and to think that a more competent judge than I
know myself to be, mi^hi give a different opinion. Another
objection is its weight, 1 weighed some of it, as soon as
Vol. VII. 36

278 INDIAN CORN,.

taken from the cob, and it was 48 pounds to thef bush-
el ; it was then thoroughly cured by kihi-drying and
its weight was then exactly fifty pounds. Here perhaps, it is
just to recollect its freeness from j3int. After drying, it
was ground into meal, and tried in various wavs for breads
and the result was much in its favour. It requires of boil-
ing water, to wet a pound, sis and a half jills. At the same
time, trial was made of some of our yellow meal, from the
last year's corn, and it required four and a half jills to the
pound. 1 have now to the extent of my observation, tra-
ced this experiment, from receiving the seed to its con-
version into bread. If I have been minute and prolix, to
tediousness, I must find my apology, in the responsibility I
hav^e felt, from presuming that no other field of corn, of
this description, is offered to your notice. 1 am, Sir, with
much respect. Your Humble Servant,

DANIEL BURNHAM,
Newhiiryport, \?,th November, 1822.

Fitchburgh, Mv. Ath, 1822„

INDIAN CORN.

[To the Committee on Agricultural Experiments and Products.]

GENTLEMEN,

In conformity to the rules and regulations of the M^ssachu'
setts Agricultural Society, I send you a statement of the
amount, together with the manner of culture, &c. of one
acre of corn, the growth of 1 822.

The quality of the soil is a reddish loam somewhat stony,
such as is usually denominated by farmers, warm chesnut
land, good for grain. Its situation also may be considered
friendl} to that culture, as it has a southeastern aspect, shield-
ed on the north by a wood.

In the summer of 1820, after taking off a small crop of
hay, the ground was broke up for a crop of winter rye,

INDIAN CORN. 27S

which on the following summer produced a middling crop j
immediately after this was harvested the stubhie was plougli-
ed in aad pennilted to ferment till late in Autumn, at which
time I had about 12 cords of manure made by hogs, neat
cattle, sheep, &c. spread as equal as possible immediately
ploughing in the same across the stubble furrows.

As early as practicable in the spring of 1822, the ground
'was twice ploughed, harrowed and furrowed in the follow-
ing manner, viz. striking back furrows with the horse plough
60 as to form ridges three and a half feet apart, between
which were similar ridges, except their being the fnir surface
of the soil ; on these were planted the corn by making
holes in a zigzag form six inches apart with a board with
teeth affixed ; boys following dropping in and covering the
corn with the hands.

The planting finished about the middle of May. The
seed was soaked in brine for twenty-four hours and then rol-
led in plaster of Paris. The weeding finished the middle of
June ; the second and last hoeing about the last of the same
month. As this was well performed and when finished it
was discovered, that some of the corn had began to spindle
or tassel together with its having been beat down by a storm,
compelled me relinquish the third hoeing as I consider it
erroneous to disturb the roots after the tassel bursts for-th.
At the last hoeing we carefully suckered the corn, saving
the same for fodder^ The corn being of the large kind,
many of the stalks grew to the height of ten (eet. The
stalks were cut very early, as soon as the tassel was dead,
and after being well cured, had two loads, equal in value to
one and a half tons English hay.

The corn was harvested the first of October, and after
busking the same we found sixty-six and one half baskets of
three bushels each of sound corn, and three bushels of soft
corn. On shelling a number of baskets of the same mea-
sure and taking an average between the greatest and small-
erst yield (the variations from the two extremes but one pint)

280 INDIAN CORN.

and found the product one bushel and three fourths of a
bushel on fifty-six quarts of perfectly clean sound corn which
gives one hundred sixteen bushels and -^ to the acre.

1 attribute the success of this crop in a great measure to
my having spread rather than put the manure in the hole as
many fields in my immediate neighbourhood vj^ere almost de-
stroyed by the drought and worms, some of them havnighalfan
acre cut entirely off, which had to be planted with potatoes.
I need not mention that these fields were manured in the
hiUs a method i fear but too much in use throughout the
atate. The soaking the seed in strong brine and rolling
it in plaster was probably beneficial, as the ravages of the
worms were only sufficient to make room for raising about
one bushel of white beans.

By the annexed expence it will be seen that 4he cost to
the cultivator (taking the whole of the manure to the charge
of this crop and allowing for the top stalks, fifteen dollars) is
a fraction less than thirty-six cents per bushel, nothing how-
ever is here allowed for interest on the worth of the soil,
taxes, &c. these draw backs would not bring it over thirty-
eight cents to the bushel. Your Humble Servant,

PAYSON WILLIAMS.

EXPENCES.

2 ploughings and harrowings, - r - 5^3,00
12 cords manure at 125. - - - - 24,00
Expence of planting with cost of seed, - 3,00
2 hoeings with suckering, the grounds being rather

stony )8 days work at 8:^ cents - - 12,00

Cutting and harvesting the stalks, - - 5,00

Harvesting, husking and cribbing, ... 6,00

$63,06
1 had almost forgotten the shelling, which however
is usually performed evenings and stormy weather,
gay 4 cents per bushel, which the cobs in part will pay 4,65

$57,71

CARRROTS AND RUTA BAGA. 281

Fifchhurgh, September I'ith, 1822,
This is to certify that 1 Philip F. Cowdin, being a sworn
surveyor of the town of Fitchburgh, in the County of Wor-
cestf^r, have this day measured a piece of land for Payson
Williams of said Fitchburgh, on which corn is now growing,
and lind it to contain one acre and no more.

P. F. COWDIN.
Wp the subscribers declare that we did this autumn help to
harvest, husk, and measure a crop of Indian corn the pro-
duct of one acre (as per certificate of P. F. Cowdin,) and
found the same to be sixty-six and one half baskets of three
bushels each and that on shelling a number of baskets (of
the same measure) we took the average between their
greatest and smallest yield (the variation but trifling) and
found the product one bushel and three fourths of a bushel
or fifty-six quarts of perfectly clean, sound corn : which
gives a product from the acre, one hundred sixteen bushels
and If. We would not be understood to testify that this is
the precise amount of the crop, to one quart (as it is not only
inconvenient but inexpedient to shell the whole crop) but
that we feel satisfied that there is as much, as the above state-
ment declares. PAYSON WILLIAMS, Owner.

SOLOMON WILBER, Assistant.
Worcester, ss. November 1 4th, 1822.

Personally appeared Payson Williams and Solomon Wit-
her and severally made oath, that the above declaration by
them respectively subscribed, contains the truth, and nothing
but the truth. Before me,

CALVIN WILLARD, Justice Peace.

CARROTS AND RUTA BAGA.

[To the Trustees of the Agricultural Society of Massachusetts.]
GENTLEMEN, NewtOil, 2Bth M)V. 1222.

1 sowed the present year, one acre of Carrots, on ground,
one half of which \yas last year in carrots, and ruta baga,

282

CARROTS AND RUTA BAGA.

the other half in potatoes, excepting a few rods, which was
in grass. The parts of the acre which were in carrots, ru-
ta baya, and potatoes, were highly manured the last year,
and produced abundant crops. The few rods of mown grass
was the last yar, and adjoined the seven eighths of an
acre, which ! have doscribr-d in my letter No. 1. It was
ploughed at the same tune and liarrowed, and managed in
every respect as the piece already described. Aftev a
very deep ploughing in April, tiiteen cart bucks full of ma-
nure was spread on tlie ground, and immediately covered
with the plough. About the middle of May it was harrow-
ed and then plougiied, very deep in ridges, two feet apart.
About the twentieth of May these ridges were throwed back
into the furrows, and high ridges formed over the deep fur-
rows, two feet apart. The seed was sowed in single rows,
on the top of these ridges, between th^e 21st and 23th of
May ; about a pound to the acre. The seed not being of the
best quality, and the season being unfavourable, in all the
rows, it came up thin, and in many places, none at all. i
cxj)ected but a very small crop. Early in June they were
ploughed with a very small narrow plough, after ploughing
they were weeded and hoed. They were so thin, that a great
part of the work was done with a hoe. The field was
ploughed, weeded and hoed, three times, and until the car-
rots had spread entirely over the ground, between the rows.
The latter part of June, ruta baga, were set in all the vacant
places on the rows, where the carrots had not come up.
By the middle of July, the ground was entirely covered
with the tops of thti carrots and ruta baga. No weeds af-
terwards grew. The crop was gathered early in November,
and the acre produced four hundred and thirty bushels of
carrots, and two hundred and nineteen bushels of ruta baga,
making six hundred and forty-nine bushels and an half of
both.

I have made this communication, principally, to show
ike great importance of very deep ploughing, and thin sow-

i

CARROTS AND RUTA BAGA. 285

Jng. All the carrots in this field were very lone; nnd very
large. They will find their way down ns low as the {around
is loosened, and there is this great advantage, when the
root is so deep in the ground, the drycst weather will not
injure them. On another account, perhaps this con^muni-
calion may be useful.

Those on the grass ground, broken up in 1821, were the
longest, and the crop was the greatest. On this ground,
few or no weeds grew, and the labour of hoeing and weed-
ing was much less, than on the other parts.

If the ground is broken up early in the Autumn, or in
the summer, which is preferable, and well harrowed and
cross ploughed the next spring, I have no doubt but it is
the best mode of raising them. It is certainly all ended
with much less labour in weeding.

I sold a part of the carrots, in heaps on the ground, for
ten dollars a ton, and a part that I carted six miles, for
thirteen dollars and fifty cents a ton. My waggon carried
thirty-three hundred and a half, as appears by Mr. Newell's
certificate,

EXPENCES OF CULTIYATIOX.

First ploughing in the Spring, one yoke of oxen, and

a man, - - - - - ^2 00

15 cart bucks of summer manure, from my barn

Prd, ... . . - 30 00

Ploughing to cover the manure, one yoke of oxen

and one man, . . . . - 2 00

Harrowing once over the ground, - - _ 75

Ploughing it in ridges, with a small horse plough,

going four times in each ridge, . - - 3 00
Turning the furrows back into the ridges, and going

four times in each, - - - . - 3 00

1 pound carrot seed, . - . . .75

Sowing the seed by hand, 4 days work for a man, 3 00

Amouot carried forward $44 50

284 CARROTS AND RUTA BAGA.

Amount brought over ^44 5(3i

PloughiDf>;3 times, after the carrots came up, 2 30

Weeding and hoeing three times, - - - 15 00
Setting out the ruta baga plants, on the vacant
parts of the ridges, where the carrots did not

come up, being 4 days work, - - - 3 00

Gathering the crop, 8 days work, - - 6 00

$71 00

VALUE OF THE CHOP.

10 tons of carrots, at $10 a ton, - - - $(00

5 tons of ruta baga at $8 a ton, - . . 40

140
71

Profits of one acre in carrots, and ruta baga, 69 00

And no account is made of the tops. I am &c.

WM. HULL.
This may certify, that I assisted in sowing, cultivating,
and harvesting the carrots, and ruta baga, on the acre here
described. That I Hkewise assisted, in measuring the
whole, and weighing a large quantity of them ; and that
the statement here given by Wm. Hull, Esq. is correct and
true, MATTHEW FARNHAM.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Mvember 30th, 1822.

Personally appeared William Hull, the owner, and Mat-
thew Farnham, and mad<; oath that the facts contained in
the foregoing statement are true, before me,

TYLER BIGELOW, Justice Peace.

It is respectfully submitted to the judgment of the Trus-
tees, whether this communication is entitled to any con-
sideration. WM. HULL.

INDIAN «ORN. . 285

Water town, November Sth^ 1822.
I have this day weighed one load of carrots, weight of the
same, - - -" - 21 cwt. 3 qrs.

Weighed also one other load, - - 12 cwt.

83 cwt. 3 qrs.
The above belonging to Gen. Wm. Hull.

JOHN TUCKER.

Deacon John Tucker, the signer of this is the sworn sur-
veyor of hay at Watertown.

Mwton, October Idth, 1822.
The subscriber hereby certifies that he has measured
and marked off a piece of land for William Hull, Esq. of
Newton on which a crop of carrots is now growing, which
piece amounts to one acre and no more.

ELIJAH F. WOODWARD, Surveyor.

N. B. On the above named acre there are 84 young
apple trees, of 5 or 6 feet height.

Also a considerable quantity of ruta baga interspersed
among the carrots.

Middlesex, ss. October <il'2d, 1822.

Then the above named Elijah F. Woodward made solemn
oath to the truth of the above certificate by him signed, be-
fore me, EBENEZER CHENEY, Justice of the Peace,

INDIAN CORN JVo. I.

[To tlie Trustees of the Massachuaelts Agricultural Society.]

Newton, 27th Nov. 1822.

GENTLEMEN,

1 HAVE planted, the present year, what I supposed to be a
full acre of Indian Corn, on my farm in Newton. It has
Vol. VII. 37

286 INDIAN CORK.

lately been surveyed by Deacon Woodward, a sworn sur-
veyor, and it appears (here is only seven-eighths of an acre,
or one hundred and forty rods. In 1821, the ground was
mowed, and produced about one ton of English hay. No
manure was put on the ground that year. It had been laid
down to grass eight years. In October 1821, it was broke
up, and remained in that situation, until the spring of 1822.
The last of April, it was well harrowed with a sharp iron
tooth harrow. After this, a composition of three loads of
night manure, mixed .with nine cart bucks of rich earth dug
from the side of an old stone wall, and ten bucks of summer
dung from the cow yard, was equally spread over this land,
and immediately covered by the plough, ploughing across
the furrows. Between the 6th and 12th of May, it was
harrowed three times with the same harrow. By this
ploughing and harrowing, the sods were sufficiently broken
in pieces and pulverized, and the ground was in a proper
state for planting. Furrows were then drawn north and
south, three and an half feet apart. No ridges were
formed. Hills were then made with the hoe, in these
furrows, two feet apart, not flat, but descending to the
south, with a small bank of earth on the north side of each
hill. This banking on the north side of the hill was only
done on a part of the field. From this mode of planting, I
calculated two advantages ; one, the sun would have a more
direct operation on the hill ; the other, the tender plants,
when they first came out of the ground, would in some mea-
sure be guarded from the cold north winds. It was not mj
intention to have put any manure on the land, excepting
what had been spread and covered and mixed with the earth,
with the plough and harrow. My farmer, having been ac-
customed to dunging in the hole, was so desirous of putting
in a small (juantitv, that 1 consented, and about a pint of fine
rotten summer dung was put in each hill. The corn was
planted between the 15(h and 20th of May, with four ker-
nels in each hill, equidistant, about five inches. During the

INDIAN CORN. 287

season, it was ploughed with an horse plough three times,
and hoed as often.

The first time it was ploughed from the corn ; and in hoe-
ing it, the furrows were filled up, and the ground level:
the second time it was ploughed to the corn, and in hoeing
the ground laid level as hefore.

The third time, two furrows were ploughed in the centre
of the rows ; and, in hoeing, the furrows were filled up and
the ground left nearly level. The first ploughing and hoeing
was the 5th of June; the second, the 20th; and the third
and last, the 5th July.

As the ground, by deep ploughing and hoeing, had been
rendered loose, I was of the opinion, the hills of corn would
receive more nourishment, and stand stronger, by the roots
running under the ground, in the whole space, between the
rows, than by drawing the rich earth around the hills with
the hoe, as is the usual custom. Besides, the dews, the light
rains, and the sun, have a much greater effect on the roots,
when the ground is left in the manner I have here described,
than when the earth is banked up around the hill. And fur-
ther, when high hills are made, the roots running horizon-
tally, will run out of the ground and perish.

Every thing which had been anticipated with respect to
the manner, in which this field of corn had been planted and
cultivated, was realized. While other corn in the same in-
closure, and near it, was perishing during the dry season, not
a leaf in this field even curled, and no part of it, in the least
degree, suffered by the drought. The second veeek in Oc-
tober it was harvested, and from this seven-eighths of an
acre, was measured one hundred and ninety-two bushels, of
ears, after the husks were taken off, equal to ninety-six bush-
els of shelled corn. The whole was sound, and suitable to
grind into meal, excepting three bushels of ears. As an ex-
periment, on about one half of this piece, was planted be-
tween the hills in rows, an hill of field beans, at the time the
corn first appeared out of the ground. This cost Jittle or no

288 INDIAN CORN.

labour, except the planting. A^ they would be entirely
shaded by the corn, I thought there was litfle expectation of
a crop. They however came up very soon, grew on with
the corn, while it was small, and before they were shaded,
had taken such strong hold of the ground, that I supposed
the prospect very promising. They were gathered about
the 20th of September, and my farmer judged there would
be about four bushels. 1 saw them myself, and wiTs of the
same opinion. By an accident, only one bushel was pre-
served. I did not perceive that the beans injured the corn
in any degree. The accident to which I have referred, was,
they were put on the barn floor in the evening to thresh,
and by some means about twenty head of cattle got to them,
and we could only clean up about one bushel. As a further
experiment, at the last hoeing English turnips were sowed
over the whole field. They were so shaded by the corn, that
the crop almost entirely failed. There were a large quantity of
small turnips, but not more than three or four bushels of a
good size, and worth gathering. Some part of the corn had
sixteen rows, some part fourteen, and some part twelve. As
the corn ripened, the husks opened from the ears in the
field.

The Trustees have offered " To the person, who shall
raise the greatest quantity of Indian Corn on an acre of
ground, not less than 70 bushels, a premium of f,30. If it
should appear, that on the same quantity of land I have
raised more corn than any other person, notwithstanding by
admeasurement it falls a few rods short of an acre, I submit
with cheerfulness to the judgment of the Trustees, whether
by the spirit of the offer, and the liberal principles which go-
vern the Society, 1 am not entitled to the premium. If I
am not misinformed, there is a precedent in point, deter-
mined two years ago. If so, this settles the question.

As I before observed, it was my full intention to have
planted an acre in the manner I have stated, and supposed
there was that quantity until it was measured by the sur-
veyor.

INDIAN CORN. 289

If the evidence accompanying this communication is satis-
factory to the Trustees, that there was Hkcwise raised on
this same sevcn-eighdis of an acre, four bushels of dry
beans, I presume they will be considered as equal at least to
eight bushels of Indian corn. I believe liiere can be no
question, but one hundred bush(.'Is of corn may be more
easily raised on an acre of ground, than fifty bushels of dry
beaus by any mode of culture, if eight bushels then is ad-
ded to ninety six, it will amount to one hundred and four on
seven-eighths of an acre. If, therefore, a full acre had
been planted in the same manner, the produce would have
been equal to one hundred and eighteen bushels and an half,
one peck three quarts and a fraction over, calculating a
bushel of dry beans equal to two bushels of corn.

Value of (he Crop on this Seven-ElgJiths nf an Acre.,

96 bushels of corn at 90 cents a bushel ^86 40

4 bushels of dry beans at $1,80 a bushel 7 20

524 bundles of top stalks, weighing after cured, from

G to 8 pounds, at 4 cents a bundle 20 96

Butts, or bottom stalks and husks,* 8

^122 56
Expenses of Cultivation.
Breaking up the ground in October J 82 J, one yoke of

oxen, one horse, ploughman and no driver ^2 75

Harrowing the ground in April 1822 75

Seed corn and seed beans, 75

3 loads of night manure, 12

9 cart bucks of rich earth to mix with night manure, 2
10 cart bucks of barn yard summer dung, 15

Cross ploughing the ground with a yoke of oxen and

one man, 2

Harrowing three times, 1 50

Furrowing for planting, 75

One load of manure put in the hills, 2

Amount carried forward. g.39 50

290 lNDIA?r CORU.

Amount brought forward, ^39 50

Planting, &c. 2 25

Ploughing and hoeing three times, 6
Cutting, binding, stacking, and carrying the top-stalks

to the barn, 3

Gathering and husking the corn, 5

Gathering and putting the butts in the barn, 2

pl 75

Thus it appears that the value of the crop was $122 56

All the expenses, 57 75

Neat profits of seven-eighths of an acre of Indian corn, $65 51
I am with respect your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM HULL.

I, Matthew Farnham, have lived with William Hull the
whole of this season, and have done and assisted in doing
every part of the labour on the seven-eighths of an acre of
corn, which is here described, that 1 assisted in a very care-
ful manner in measuring the corn ; and the whole statement
here made with respect to the planting, cultivation and quan-
tity, both of corn and fodder, is perfectly correct. Had it
not been for the accident, which happened with respect to
the dry beans, which I was perfectly knowing to, I have not
the least doubt there would have been as many, or more
than four bushels. I gave that as my opinion before they
were destroyed. MATTHEW FARNHAM.

Middlesex, ss, J^ov. 30th, 1822. Personally appeared
William Hull, Esq. and Matthew Farnham, and severally
made oath that the foregoing statement and certificate by them
respectively subscribed, and the facts therein contained are
true. Before me,

TYLER BIGELOW, Justice of the Peace.

INDIAlU CORN. 291

The subscriber hereby certifies, that he has measured a
piece of land containing 7-8ths of an acre belonging to Wil-
liam Hull, Esq. of Newton, on which he has this season rais-
ed a crop of corn. On this land there are 58 young apple-
trees of five or six feet height ; also two large ones from fif-
teen to twenty feet in height, and one other at the border of
said field. ELIJAH F. WOODWARD, Surveyor.

Newton, 23d Mv. 1822.

Middlesex, ss. Nov. 25, 1822. Then the above named
Elijah F. Woodward made solemn oath to the truth of the
above certificate by him signed, before me,

EBEN. CHENEY, Justice of the Peace,

Newton, 27th Nov, 1822.

GENTLEMEN,

1 HE Trustees of the Society have offered a premium of
^30 to the person, who shall make the most satisfactory
experiment, to ascertain the best mode of raising Indian
Corn, in hills, in rows or in ridges, &c. In my communica-
tion, marked No. 1, I have described the manner in which I
cultivated seven-eighths of an acre the present year, while I
refer the Trustees to that communication for general informa-
tion of the manner in which the corn was planted and cultivat-
ed, I shall here describe the manner in which another acre in
the same inclosure was planted, and state the reasons, why
I consider the mode adopted in planting the former piece
preferable to the latter, and preferable indeed to any which
has come to my knowledge. On the same field, that was
planted the 7-8tbs of an acre, separated only by about one an
half acre of carrots, the nature of the soil beir)g the same, I
planted and cultivated an acre of corn in a different manner.
There was this difference in the culture of the two pieces.

292 -INDIAN CORK.

The last mentioned acre had been broken up two ycat's*
Last jear a part of it was in carrots, and a part in potatoes.
The vear beibre, a part had been in Indian corn, and a part
in potatoes. Both years it had been highly manured, and
produced abundant crops. It was plouj^hed once in the
spring and harrowed. About the middle of May, it was fur-
rowed out for planting. The same quantity of manure was
carried on it, as was carried on the seven-eighths of an acre,
described in No, 1. A part of it was planted in hills, about
four feet apart one way and about three the other — a part
of it in rows, four feet apart.

The manure, instead of being spread on the gro4ind, was
put in the hills and rows. It was ploughed and hoed
three times 5 and the last time of hoeing, it was hilled in the
usual manner, and that in rows ridged, drawing the earth
Up to the corn.

This acre, the first part of the season, and indeed until it
tasselled out, appeared more promising than the 7-8ths on the
other side of the field. In the month of August, when the
dry weather came on, there was a material change. The
leaves of this acre curled, withered, and turned yellow, and
appeared in a perishing state. At the same time the piece
on the other side of the field, grew most luxuriantly. Its
colour continued a deep green, and not a leaf in the field
<;ven curled ; and it remained in this situation until the corn
was hard. When the crop on this acre was gathered, it did
not exceed forty bushels. There was very little difference
between the two parts. From this experiment, and the
comparative view here taken of the subject, it appears to
amount almost to demonstration, that the mode adopted in
j>lanting and cultivating the seven-eights of an acre, is much
preferable to hills at a greater distance, and banked up in the
usual manner, or in rows on ridges.

Besides the result of this experiment, there are other rea-
sons founded in the nature of the thing in favour of the mode
described in No. 1. In considering this subject, 1 should

INDIAN CORN. 293

presume the Trustees would think proper to take every
thing into consideration, which could have a tendency to
produce the greatest crop.

I shall therefore now state the reasons, why the mode de-
scribed in No. 1, is preferable to any other which has been
practised. And in the first place the result of this experi-
ment is a very strong reason in its favour. By planting in
this way, there will be about three times the number of hills,
that there will be in planting in hills in the usual manner.
In the next place, by spreading the manure equally on the
ground, deep ploughing, and leaving the ground nearly level,
the roots of the corn spread in every part of the earth, and
not only have the strength of all the manure, but likewise of
the whole of the soil. It is likewise preferable to planting
in rows on ridges, because the ground can be lessened by
hoeing around the hills, and the roots have a vacancy in
every direction of spreading, without interfering. When
the corn grows, there is room in every direction for it to
spread, without one hill crowding on another. Besides,
planting in hills in this way, the corn stands much tirmer in
the ground, and is not so liable to be broken down by heavy
rains and winds. What may be considered a trifling circum-
stance, of the hills inclining to the south, with a smaii bank
of earth on the north side, I thought had a very considerable
effect.

Breaking up grass ground in the summer or autumn, and
pulverizing the sods the next spring, in the manner repre-
sented in my first number, makes a better preparation for
corn, than any other. The land has more strength, and will
produce in proportion to its strength.

I examined a number of fields of corn in my neighbour-
hood, and it appeared that my hills had as many ears, and
as large, as those planted at the usual distances. It conse-
quently yielded both corn and fodder, in proportion to the
number of hills.

I am with great respect your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM HULL.

Vol. VII. 38

SI94

ON" CATTLE, i>lC.

This may certify, that I have carefully examined the fofe-
going statement, and as I did the principal part of the labour,
it is within my own knowledge, that the facts it contains are
true. MATTHEW FAR.NHAM.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Mv. 30, 1822.
Personally appeared William Hull, the signer of this state-
ment, and Matthew Farnham, the signer of this certificate,
and made oath that the facts contained in this statement are
true. Before me,

TYLER BIGELOW, Justice of the Peace.

Shrewsbury, 20/A November, 1 822.

ON RAISING, f^EEDING AND FATTENING CATTLE, ALSO ON
THE UTILITY AND COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE COBS OF
INDIAN CORN WHEN USED WITH, OR WITHOUT THE GRAIN
ITSELF GROUND OR BROKEN.

[To the Tiuslees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

In the first place I select my earliest and best calves to
raise, I let them suck the cow twelve weeks, which is my
general rule, eight weeks twice a day and in sufficient quan-
tity to keep them in a growing state, but am careful not to
let them get fat. Four weeks longer, once a day, the two last
however are allowed to take but about half the qiiantitv of the
two first ; I keep a supply of good hay at their command all the
while, as they will begin to eat when only a few days old,
and then turn them out into good feed, without giving them
any grain or meal. If I am raising a Bull, Cow or Ox, I
would avoid giving them meal or grain; especially the first

ON CATTLE, &IC, 29ii

or second years, as I would a pestilence. I begin with a
creature so as rise upon the keeping.* In one instanccj
however, I have followed opposite plan, which tends to
confirm me more in my belief. In April 1820, 1 had
an uncommon heifer calf, which I set down for a pre-
mium calf, I knew very well, what I had got to do
to obtain it, viz. to let it take what milk it would
through the season and learn it to cat meal, which I did
and presented it at the Worcester Fair, and obtained the first
premium. I then tried to sell the calf, but could not ; I con-
sidered it fit for nothing but the butcher's knife, and in
fact not fit for that, it was neither veal nor beef. 1 then
took it from the cow and pat it to better than my usual
keeping, but it lost its flesh and has appeared rather or-
dinary ever since, it appears to be crowded out of its na-
tural shape. If I had reared the calf in my usual way I
should have expected something extra from her but I now
do not. To return to my mode of increasing their keeping.
I give them a little better hay the first winter than the second.
I make it my care and attention that my cattle do not
lose in the winter what they gained in the summer which
is too apt to be the case with some. I feed them as the
weather varies, that is, in moderate weather they will not
require so much, I endeavour to keep my barn tight and
warm, I have witnessed with regret, farmers too often let
their stocks of cattle remain out all day, through tempestu-
ous stormy days in the winter, until they are chilled
through, which must be very injurious, I take care that my
cattle are sheltered from stormy days as much as possible.
Fattening cattle is an employment which I like. I invariably
aim to fat a creature as quick as I can. Every year since I
commenced business for myself, which is fifteen, I have
made one yoke of oxen good so as to command generally the

* We pres-ume this means, so as to inciease the quantity and quality of tbf
food. E'U

996 ON CATTLE, &C.

highest market price ; with almost all those which I have
fatted, 1 go through with all my spring work then turn them
to pasture, in the fall I lay a foundation for giving them meal
with green stacks small ears of corn and vegetables of some
kind, I begin to give meal about the first of December and
drive them to market the latter part of January, they gen-
erally weigh from 25 to 28 hundred the yoke, and from 300
to 330 pound of tallow. I would refer to Mr. Abijah White of
Watertown, and Messrs. Davis, Miles and Pierce of Brigh-
ton who have generally purchased my beef. I give my cattle
what meal they will bear; after I begin, they are allowed an
average of three pecks per day for each yoke ; by thus doing
they will eat but little hay, I turn them out into the yard to
lie during the night having a shed to go under at their
pleasure which I consider far belter than to remain in the
barn. The kind of meal I have used for seven years
past, almost exclusively for provender, is corn and cobs
cracked and ground together, which is the best provender I
have ever made use of for fatting cattle.* The reason I consid-
er the cob useful, is, it swells in the creature and keepshim
in goodorder; in no one instance since I have fed with this meal
have my cattle been out of order by being cloyed or scouring,
they are at all times regular, but when I formerly fed with clear
Indian or oats and Indian, it was not unfrequent, that (heir
bowels would gctout of order, and I have had t^nsiderable dif-
ficulty in regulating them again, they lose two or three days,
sometimes a week. When this kind of provender was first
introduced in this vicinity it had its opposition like almost
all new things, the second year, if I mistake not, which I
made use of it, I thought I would try an experiment, as fol-
lows, by feeding one ox with corn and oats ground, the
other with corn and cobs, having a yoke of oxen so even
qiatched that no one who viewed the cattle appeared sat-

* We are liy no means saiisficd with the reasons assigned by Mr, Riee.
The facts are what most concern us. Editor.

ON CATTLE, &C. 29T

isfied which was the best, accordingly I fed them as above.
The cob is computed to make a httle more than a third,
therefore 1 mixed the other with one third oats which was my
former mode, I gave each ox an equal quantity at a time
except that the one that had the corn and oats, some days be-
came dainty, aiid would not eat his allowance, while the
other kept a regular course, the allowance for both was
little rising three pecks per day. When 1 took the cattle to
market Mr. A. White bought them, they weighed about 2G
hundred and a half, the one fed on corn and oats had 162
pounds of tallow, and weighed about half a hundred more;
the one fed on corn and cobs had J 63 pounds of tallow
and Mr. White pronounced his beef half a dollar on the
hundred better than that of the other mostly on account of
the colour of the beef.

In another instance I took a yoke of oxen, which had
done all my work through the season up to the first of
November 1818, on my farm which contains over one hun-
dred acres. They were a good sort of cattle about a middling
size, and no more than in good working order. 1 then put
them to fatting upon the cob and corn meal ; they were
fed with nothing but hay, and the corn meal, 1 turn-
ed them in the month of February 1819. Mr. White
purchased them, their weight was about twenty-four and
a half hundred and had almost three hundred pounds
of tallow. 1 have however fatted two creatures a lit-
tle differently from what I have above described, one
was a steer four years old the 10th day of February 1821,
the first of March following 1 began to give him this cob and
corn meal. He had not, previous to this, ever been fed with
any kind of meal, grain or roots, of any kind whatever. I
gave him from four to six quarts a day of this meal and
nothing else but good feed until the 27th of September,
which day I drove him to the Cattle Show at Worcester, and
they awarded me the first premium on beef, I (hen drove him

298 ON CATTLE, &C.

to the Brighton Fair the same year and thej awarded me one
of the premiums there on beef; I sold him, his weight was
150d pounds, had one hundred and fifty-four pounds of tallow.
I have another steer four years old the 12tbday of April
last, which I have treated in the same way the past season,
I drove him to Worcester, the 25th of September of this year,
and the trustees awarded me the second premium on beef.
It has been remarked by some well informed Agricultural-
ists in this vicinity, that it is not on record at any other
Cattle Show in this state, that the highest premium for
beef has been carried by four year old steers, since the
Worcester Agricultural Society was formed. There have been
four anniversaries, in which I have taken the premiums for
the best fatted ox, for the second best do. for the best milch
cow, for the best two years old steer, for the best heifer
from one to three years old, and for the best heifer calf,
all of my own raising, and wholly of the native breed ex-
cept the heifer calf, which is a cross with Denton. I have now
three creatures preparing for the Brighton market, which Icon-
template driving the first of January, viz. the above men-
tioned steer* will weigh between fifteen and sixteen hun-
dred slaughtered, as he weighed two thousand alive in Sep-
tember last, and a cow that will probably weigh between
eleven and twelve hundred slaughtered, and a three years
old heifer nearly nine hundred, all of my owr. raising and fat-
ling. Many of my friends are endeavouring to persuade
jne to keep the above steer another season for the Brighton
Fair, at present I am undetermined. Before I close 1
would make a few more remarks on corn and cobs. My
aged father who still survives, upwards of eighty years of
age, who has formerly raised considerable excellent beef
from this farm for the Boston market, since he has wit-
nessed the saving of labour, and seen the effects in fatting
cattle, and hogs, has often been heard to say if he bad

* We conjecture Mr. Rice means the one which obtained the premium at
Worcester.

ON RAISING CORN. 299

known this thing when he first commenced business in the
world, it would have saved him two or three hundred dol-
lars. For my hogs, I mix oats with it, and it answers a good
purpose, it gets them along as fast as any provender I ever
made use of, I see no material difference. It makes excel-
lent fodder for a horse and is coming very much in fashion
for that use. My faith is so great in the thing I would
carry my corn six miles to mill to be ground in this manner
even if I could get it ground in the common way within
half a mile. I submit these remarks for your disposal and
consideration.

ASA RICE, Jr,

Shrewsbury, J^ov. 12, 1832.
ON RAISING CORN.

[To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agiicultufal Society.]
SENTLEMEN,

1 HERE is a high barren hill on my farm, which has been
improved for a pasture ever since the first settlement ot
the town, it had the appearance of making very good
ploughing land, but in consequence of the steepness of the
hill on every side, which rendered transportation so difti-
cult, and supposing it bad husbandry to try to raise Indian
corn without plenty of manure, one generation after ano-
ther has passed off and suffered the hill to remain dormant.
The present occupant being of the fourth generation of the
same family in possession of the farm, hit upon an experiment
of raising Indian corn with the aid of Plaster of Paris alone.
I went on to the hill with my team in the month of Septem-
ber 18'20, and ploughed as I supposed about two acres, and

300 6n raising CORA'.

found it an excellent soil, a deep and good coloured loam,
free from stone, left it in that situation until the fol-
lowing spring, at which time I first gave it a harrowing,
then cross ploughed and harrowed it again which left it
in aline state for planting. iMy neighbours began enquir-
ing wiiat 1 was about to do on the hill ; I told them my
plan ; they said it was impossible, such a thing could not
be done to any advantage, that I should lose all my la-
bour but I was resolved to persevere in the experiment.
1 accordingly furrowed it in my usual way about a com-
mon pace asunder, dropped the seed, threw a common table
spoonful of plaster into the hill, then covered it with earth
which was all the manuring it had, except a slight quantity
of ashes at the first time of hoeing. It pushed forward
with greater rapidity through the season than my other
corn where I manured very high, and at harvest time it ap-
peared superior to any corn I had. Several of my neigh-
bours kindly offered to assist me in harvesting and measuring
the corn to know the result, we found by exact measure-
ment there were ninety and a half bushels of shelled corn of
an excellent quality, and by actual survey, we found there
was one acre three quarters and twenty- seven rods of land,
making almost forty-eight bushels to the acre ; it was sup-
posed to be the greatest quantity to the acre raised in the
town, the last season, (it will be recollected the season for
corn was not so good as the present.) The quantity of
plaster it took, was about four hundred weight. The whole
labour bestowed on the field exclusive of the harvesting
was performed by one man and two small boys in fourteen
days and one half. I presented this statement to the Wor-
cester Agricultural Society, at their December meeting, and
they awarded me a handsome premium and highly com-
plemented me for my novel experiment. It was generally

Note. We have taken the needful Ubeity of curtailing Mr, Rice's letter.
We hope without offence, and we are sure we have not lessened its perspicui-
ty or usefulness. Editor.

JACOB WILKINS' CLAIM FOR BARLEY. 301

supposed that (he strength of the land was exhausted that
it would not produce any thing farther unless it be very
highly manured, which caused me to extend the experi-
ment. I accordingly planted the same piece the present
season, in the same manner, except adding a little more
plaster, say, a quarter more to the hill. The same gentle-
men who assisted me the last season in measuring the corn
assisted me again, and we found by a careful and exact
measurement there were one hundred and two bushels
lacking two quarts, making over fifty three bushels per acre.
There are perhaps eight or ten acres on the top of the
hill adjoining that I ploughed, which is so level, that it is
very convenient working on it, which induces me the next
season to sow this piece with oats and grass seed, with
a good coat of plaster, and plough up another piece and man-
age it in the same way.

1 now present the doings of both seasons to the Massa*
chusetts Agricultural Society for their consideration.

ASA RICE, Jr.
HENRY HOWE.

Marhhhead, July 19, 1822.
JACOB WILKINS' CLAIM FOR BARLEY.
[To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

L HE year past the land was improved in raising vegetables
of various sorts, manured and tilled in the usual way
without any respect to an agricultural report.
Vol. VII. 39

302 JACOB WILKINS' CLAIM FOR BARLEY.

April 12th, 1822, the land was ploughed about eighC
inches def^p with a ploughman, driver, and four oxen ; harrow-
ed and carried off the rocks the same day.

The soil loamy, inclining to gravel, descending to the
north east from a ledgy knoll, which included part of the
premises.

April 13th, sowed three bushels of six rowed barley on
what I considered the largest half of the piece, at the same
time sowed one and a half bushels two rowed barley on the
remainder.

Sowed grass-seed over the whole and ploughed and har-
rowed the same in.

There was no manure applied this year. When the
six rowed barley was about six inches high, it was all mow-
ed down, and left on the ground ; this was for experiment.

July 18th, mowed the six rowed barley and put in the
barn, 24th, mowed and put in the two rowed barley.

The six rowed barley appeared to be about twelve days
forward of the two rowed in ripening, both were stacked
separately in the barn and each quality thrashed and kept
separate.

August 30th, the barley being cleansed was measured by
myself, Henry Butman, and Jeremiah Hathaway. The six
rowed measured thirty-four bushels, and the two rowed mea-
sured twenty-three bushels. The land was measured and
contained one acre nineteen rods and one hundred and fif-
ty-three feet.

The straw we consider in value to the labour.

JACOB WILKINS,
HENRY BUTMAN.

JNDIAN CORN. 303

INDIAN CORN,

Ntwhury, Mv, 5, 1 822.

l_To tlie Trustees of tlie Massachusetts Agricultur.al Societj'.]
GENTLEMEN,

A HE subscribejjs in support of a claim entered for the So-
ciety's premium for raising the greatest crop of Indian corn,
offer the following statement of the situation, cultivation,
and production of their lot. It is situated on ihe westerly
side of Merrimack ridge, so called in said town ; the soil
is a dark clay loam. In 1821 was planted with beets and
carrots, manured with six cord of manure, made by a
brewer in Newburyport, and produced about 400 bushels
to the acre. The first of May 1822, it was ploughed;
the 9th, it was cross-ploughed ; the 10th, it was planted in
the following manner : — It was holed three and a half feet
each way, and five cord of compost manure put in the holes.
Four grains of corn were put in the holes on the manure,
and covered with a hoe. The corn is the yellow eight rowed
kind, and weighed, when harvested, 58 pounds to the bushel.
The green or unripe corn was not measured. June 7th, it
was hoed the first time ; the 12th we thinned them to three
plants in each hill, and filled up the vacant hills by trans-
planting; 1 4th, hoed it over the second time ; the 25th, hoed
it over the third time ; July 15th, destroyed the few weeds that
remained; the stalks were topped about the middle of Sep-
tember, harvested the 7th and 8th of October, and there were
two hundred and thirty-two bushels of ears, and a fraction
over ; the fraction was shelled, which made nine quarts. By
shelling four bushels of ears, the estimate was one hundred
and sixteen bushels and nine quarts of sound shelled corn.
Respectfully yours, TRISTRAM LITTLE,

HENRY LITTLE.

3M INDIAN COUNT.

Essex, ss, Mv. IBtk, 1822. Then Tristram Little and
Henry Little made solemn oath to the truth of the above
representation, before me,

EBEN. MARCH, Justice of the Peace,

The expense of cultivating the above crop of corn, includ-
ing the rent of the land and the manure, and the labour at four
shillings per day, is $38,75. The stover from the same we
value equal to one ton and a half of hay.

This may certify that 1 have measured the above field of
corn to the best of my skill and judgment, and there is one
acre and no more, including the land, without the corn which
the roots of the plants occupy, twenty -one inches without
the hills. SILAS MOODY.

This may certify that we have assisted in gathering and
measuring the above field of corn, and there was one hundred
and sixteen bushels and nine quarts of sound corn.

PAUL JAQUES,
JOSEPH KNIGHT.

Essex, ss. }<fov. 18, 1822. Then the above named Silas
Moody, Paul Jaques, and Joseph Knight, made solemn oath
to the truth of the above certificates, by them severally sign-
ed before me, EBEN. MARCH, Justice of the Peace,

P. S. We take the liberty to omit making a particular
statement of the onion crop which was entered, as Mr.
Knight's mode of culture is similar to ours. His statement
you will have.

P. S. We take the liberty to state to you an experiment
of planting about a quarter of an acre of the Mohaw, or
Council Bluff corn so called. We think it a valuable plant
for soiling or fatting cattle, as it is very luxuriant in its growth
and inclines very much to suckers, and the kernel quite soft ;
but to cultivate for the grain we think it will not be valuable
for in this season, which is two or three weeks earlier or
longer than usual, this corn did not ripen; and another great
objection is its weight ; the ripest v/eighed only 45 pounds to
the bushel.

INDIAN CORN. .305

Shrewsbiiri/, November 20th, 1822.
[To the Trusses of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]

J HE following is a correct statement of a snnall piece of In-
dian Corn raised by me, the subscriber, the last season, on
one acre and twenty-five rods of land, it being where 1 raised
a crop of spring rye in 1821. 1 turned in the stubble the
first week in May last, in about ten days after I cross
ploughed it, furrowed it out and planted it as quick as I con-
veniently could. 1 then dressed it three times in the com-
mon way, I put twenty cart bucks of manure, ten made the
last winter, green from the barn, spread and ploughed in,
the other ten made the season before and put in the hill,
when the tassel was beginning to curl I cut the stalk from
the corn, I then let it stand in the field until about three
weeks since, I collected it together, and husked it out,' and
measured it as accurately as I possibly could, in a two bush-
el basket, and found it to produce seventy-four baskets,
and nearly a half; we have since shelled one basket aad found
it to produce rne bushel and five quarts to the basket, the
odd measure producing seventeen quarts ; making a total of
eighty-six bushels and three quarts ; all which is submitted
for the consideration of the Massachusetts Agricultural So-
ciety, by their friend and well wisher,

NATHAN HOWE.

N. B. The above described land had no manure in 1821,
and had been used for mowing eight or nine years.

N. B. I took no more pains to raise the above stated
crop of corn than I commonly do one year with another,
nor is the crop much different from what I common-
ly raise when the season is good and the land in order, nor
had I ever once thought of reporting the same lo any socie-
ty whatever, until I came to collect it together, which was
then concluded on by the advice of my neighbour?.

806 INDIAN CORN.

Worcester, 8S. JVbr. 26/^, 1822.

Then the above named Nathan Howe made solemn oath
to the truth of the above statement.

Amasa Howe also made solemn oath that he assisted in
measuring the above stated crop of corn and that the above
statement is correct. Before me,

JONAH HOWE, Justice of the Peace.

Mv. '25th, 1822.
This certifies that the field from which Nathan Howe, Esq.
raised eighty-six bu&hels and three quarts of corn, this sea-
son, contains one acre and twenty five rods from actual sur-
vey. J. H. MILES, Surveyor.

Bellingham, Sept. 28/^, 1 822.
ON INDIAN CORN.

[To the Trustees of the Mftssachusetts Agricultural Society.]
0ENTLEMEN,

J. HE following is a statement of the production of one acre
and one quarter and twenty-three rods of old plain land, the
soil of which is a sandy loam, cultivated with Indian corn,
by the subscriber in Bellingham ; said land had been laid
down and mowed six years.

In the month of August 1820, about one third of the land
was ploughed: in the Spring of 1821, the remainder was
ploughed and planted with Indian corn in hills, with one com-
mon shovel full of manure in a hill, which produced a hand-
some crop of corn. In the Spring of 1822, ploughed the
ground twice with a small plough ; furrowed the ground
shallow at the distance of between six and seven feet one
way, filling (or nearly so) those furrows with manure ; cov-

SPRING WHEAT. 307

ering up said manure by two furrows one on each side ;
planting the seed corn in those two latter furrows at the dis-
tance of from eight to ten inches per grain asunder :
ploughing and hoeing said corn, twice all one way, and hoe-
ing part of it the third time.

The 16th of September, the corn was harvested and
measured, and there were one hundred and fifl)-five baskets
full of ears ; and one basket full of ears was shelled and
made thirty-one quarts, making in the whole one hundred
and fifty bushels and five quarts; and there were four wag-
gon loads of pumpkins on said ground. The seed was the
eight rowed white corn. JOHN C. SCAMMELL.

SPRING WHEAT.
The following is an Appendix to the Report of Thomas L. Winthiop, Esq.

William Jackson, Esq. of Plymouth, raised thirty-four
bushels and twelve quarts of Spring Wheat, on one acre,
and forty-two rods, being at the rate of twenty-seven bush-
els and seven quarts to the acre ; and the premium would
have been awarded to him, had not the committee been un-
der some mistake as to the quantity of land cultivated ; the
evidence required being satisfactory to the committee, they
recommend that the premium of thirty dollars be paid to
said Jackson.

January 11th, 1823.

Plymouth, 1th Oct, 1822.

[To the Committee on Agricultural Experiments and Products.]
GENTLEMEN;

1 HE following is the statement of the cultivation and pro-
duce of one acre and forty-two rods of land, cultivated b^
me, in the years 1820, 1821, and 1822. Previous to th&
year 1820, this land had been improved for mowing and pas

308 ON HEIFERS, SWINE, &tC.

ture for more (ban thirty years. In the summer of 1819,
(a season of great drought,) the sward was enlirel} destroy-
ed by worms, which made it necessary that it should be cul-
tivated, or it would be unproductive for some years. In
the Spring of 1820, I had it ploughed, and planted with
Indian Corn ; manured in the holes with twelve waggon
loads of stable manure; the crop was sixty-three bushels.
About the middle of August, hoed in winter rye; the crop in
1821, was thirty bushels.

Immediately after reaping tlie rye, 1 had the weeds and
stubble ploughed in. The Spring of 1822, I put on twenty-
waggon loads of stable manure, had it spread and ploHghed
in the 18lh of March; the 21st harrowed with an iron
tooth harrow, sowed two bushels and one peck of the Gil-
man wheat ; 20 pounds of clover seed, and a half bushel of
red top seed ; harrowed again with the same harrow, and
then with a bush harrow; the wheat being first soaked 48
hours in fair water, and well hmed, by mixing with three
pecks of slacked lime. The 1 9th July finished reaping and it
was thrashed the next week. The 2d of August it was win-
nowed and measured up thirty-four bushels and twelve
quarts. WM. JACKSON.

ON HEIFERS, SWINE, &c.
[To the Trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society.]
GENTLEMEN,

1 HAVE presented for premium five spayed Sows perfectly
Jiealed and in good condition, and conformably to the rule
prescribed to entitle an applicant to the premium, 1 beg
leave to state the process in manner following, viz. : — The
animal is laid on its side and held fast by one person unless
over forty pounds weight ; exceeding that weight two persons
may be necessary. An incision is then made from three

ON GRASSES. 309

to six inches long, proportioned to the size of the subject,
throdgh the' integutnents and abdominal muscles to the
peritoneum,* in a transverse direction from the spine to-
ward the linea alba,t at the distance of about one inch from
the last short rib of one side, (the opening nearly corres-
ponding with the direction of the rib,) the peritoneum is
then to be cautiously opened to prevent wounding the in-
testines. The intestines are next to be turned out with
the hand, which exposes the ovaria, (which are two oval
bodies on each side of the uterus, about the size of a wal-
nut in a pig of sixty or seventy pounds weight) consisting of a
number of small vesicles called ova ; these are removed by
the knife, the intestines replaced, and the external wound
sewed up, the pig may then be returned to the stye and fed
sparingly for a few days. In addition to the pigs now exhibit-
ed, this operation has been performed on twenty sows of va-
rious sizes at Byfield, in the county of Essex, and at Brighton
by direction of Mr. Parsons, who authorizes me to state to
you, gentlemen, that he is perfectly satisfied with my ability
to perform this operation successfully.

With great respect your obedient servant,

JOHN BAKER. ~

* Peritoneum, commonly called film of the belly.

t Linca alba, is a straight line drawn from the point of the breast bonC) di-
rectly between the legs.

ON GRASSES.
[To the Recording Secretary.]

DEAR SIR

A.T your suggestion, that there might be some utility in
publishing the result of some experiments made the past
season upon the evaporation of certain Grasses, &c. in the
process of drying or making for safe and useful preservation ;
Vol. VII. 40

310 ON GRASSES.

1 herein incTose the same to 30U for such disposition as you
may thinic proper.

The great object of research seems to be, what is that
admirable process of nature, (as yet too httle understood,)
by which vegetable life">is sustained and promoted? And
how can this be traced or pursued so as to allow to hu-
man skill and ingenuity the nearest approach to the won-
derful perfection of the great design ? That this may be
usefully done — that it is indeed partly accomplished, and
that we are in full progression to this effect, cannot be
doubted. The discoveries and improvements in those sci-
ences, particularly in Europe, which have a reference to
the theory of agriculture, have of late shed such a light
upon the subject, and these have been so followed up by
practice and confirmed by experience, that the result is
indeed most auspicious, and marks the present age as an
era of improvement.

But the process of nature is indeed subtle and myste-
rious, and can only be unfolded to the most earnest and
diligent inquirer.

, An accurate knowledge of the elements which compose
vegetable life, and the different degrees in which they prevail
in its formation, cannot be useless, in looking back for its
origin and first principles. The tendency of most mo-
dern discoveries in relation to vegetation has been to shew
the great prevalence of water in its composition. This
has not only been made to appear by the analysis of
plants, but it has to the astonishment of those who pro-
secuted these researches, appeared, that an acre of ground
gave, according to its humidity, from 2 to 4000 gallons of
water to the atmosphere in a day by evaporation only.
The operation of this element has appeared so extensive,
that it has led to the most delicate experiments, and in-
duced some even to suppose it the sole source of vegeta-
tion.
A curious instance has been frequently published, of

ON GRASSES. S J I

a willow inserted in a leaden vessel with a given quan-
tity of earth, and supplied constantly with water; the
willow thrived and acquired great growth and weight in
a few years; — whilst on a subsequent examination of the
soil, it appeared no sensible diminution had taken place.

It is observed by an ingenious writer,* to whom agri-
cultural science is much indebted, '"That although- the
mode in which manures operate on soils is not so obvi-
ous to the senses as to be fully understood, there are
three ways in which water promotes their improvement.
It preserves a favourable degree of temperature ; feeds
by conveying nourishing substances; and so as a pure
element, it is benelicial. To prove that water enters largely
into the composition of vegetables, and is thus advantageous,
the same writer observes: "That plants cut green, and
afterwards dried, lose by exsiccation 66 to 70 parts out of
100."

The loss of weight by drying will be found in this
country to vary very essentially from what takes place in
Scotland, especially as it respects different plants. But
our hay is of necessity made lighter by the heat of our
summer, as well as for the purpose of its being stowed in
large bodies and tight barns.

It should be premised, that the time of cutting the
several grasses, kc. in the following statement was the
same as is usually practised by husbandmen in our State.

Of 100 lbs. of vegetables cured in 1822, the product was
as follows, viz.

100 lbs. of Green white clover, gave of hay

100 „ of Red do. gave

100 „ of Herds' Grass, gave

100 „ of Fresh Meadow, gave

100 „ of Salt Grass, gave

100 ,, of Mixed, 2d crop on English Rowan, gave 18|

100,, of Corn Stalks, gave 25

100 „ of do. cut in milk with the ear, 25

* Sir John Sinclmr,

17 h

lbs.

27 h

11

40

'.1

38

55

39

1?

312 NOTICE.

It is to be observed, that tKe weight will vary frorti ripe
ness, and many other causes, suth as wetness of season;
shade, thickness of growth, &;c.

I am, Sir, with much respect, yours,

JOPIN WELLES.
Dorchester, Oct. 1822.

NOTICE.

We think it our duty to acknowledge the receipt of a very
interesting article from Dr. T. W. Harris of Dorchester upon
the natural history of an insect, which has for many years
made great havock in our salt marshes. We will not antici-
pate the public opinion by expressing our own opinion in its
favour — we can only say, that we regret that the diffidence of
the writer induced him to withhold it, till the last sheet of
the present number had been put to press. In behalf of our
colleagues, we tender to him the thanks of the Trustees, and
we regret that we shall be obliged to delay the publication
of it, till our next number. The description is very clear
and satisfactory ; and the drawings are so beautiful and so
exquisitely finished, that we should have supposed, if they
had not been announced as the work of another hand, that
they proceeded from the pencil of the lamented Peck.
J. LOWELL, Cor, Sec. of the M. S.

for Promoting Agriculture.
January 24, 1823.

N. B. We anticipate the pleasure of announcing to the
public in our next number, the publication of the Lectures
of Professor Peck. We trust that the respect due to his
memory, and a wish to promote the reputation of our coun-
try, and to encourage the efforts of our scholars and men of
science, will induce all who can afford it to patronize this
work.

f

MASSACHUSETTS
AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL.

Vol. Vil.] JUiNE, 1823. [No. IV.

EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY JOHN LOWELL, OJVE OF THE
EDITORS.

The History of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society—^
The recent attacks %ipon its management — General viezo^
on this subject.

One of the editors, is induced to avow his agency in these
remarks, because he would not commit his colleagues, and
because he entertains no sentiments on this, or any other
subject, which he feels the smallest desire to conceal. The
Massachusetts Agricultural Society has been charged with
inefficiency, it has been accused of arrogating to itself mer-
its which belong exclusively to the Society in Berkshire,
it has been attacked from another quarter for adopting bad
regulations as to its premiums at the annual Cattle Show, and
by both classes of fault-finders, it has been stigmatized as
a set of " Gentlemen Farmers''^ publishing unfair accounts
of experiments, or making manure, and breeding cattle in.
their libraries — all these sarcasms fall pointless— they do
not excite a feeling of irritation but of regret, that in a cause,
in which of all others, one might hope strife could never
enter, a generous noble cause, of advancing the best in-
terests of our common country, such feelings should be
indulged and avowed. The Massachusetts Agricultural So-
ciety, its members and its trustees, have never claimed any
exclusive or peculiar merit. They have endeavoured to pro-
Vol. VII. 41

314 EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELL.

mote the interests of agriculture which they believed ont
of the most and indeed the most important branch of human
industry. Its annual products compared with all others, are at
least as fifty to one. It was in a wretched state in 1792
when this society was incorporated, perhaps nerer lower.
On recurring to the list of original cnembers it will be found
to embrace persons in all parts of Massachusetts and Maine,
at least seven eighths of whom were chosen hom agricultur'
a/ counties. It will be found also to embrace a large num-
ber of the most venerable and honourable names then in
IMassachusetts. 1 need only mention John Adams, James
Bowdoin, Samuel Adams, Fisher Ames, George Cabot,
John Brook>, Francis Dana, Rev. Dr. Dean, the author of
thii New-England Farmer, Lieut. Governor Gushing, Dr.
Cutler the Botanist, Dr. Dexter, Hon., Samuel Dexter, his
son Samuel Dexter, jr. Justin Ely, Dwight Foster, Hon,
Elbridge Gerry late Governor, and Hon. Nathaniel Gor-
ham former President of Congress, Christopher Gore, Will-
iam Heath, John Hancock, the very popular patriot and
Governor, General Lincoln, Levi Lincoln, late Lieut Gov-
ernor, Hon. George Leonard, Theodore Lyman, Jonathan
Masot), Samuel Phillips formerly President of the Senate,
and Lieut. Governor, Hon. Timothy Pickering, Hon. 'J'hom-
as Russell, first President of the Society, and greatest bene-
factor, Hon. James Sullivan, late Governor of the State,
David Sears, Hon. Increase Sumner, late Governor of this
State, Judge Sedgwick, Judge Sewall, General Shepherd,
Thompson i. Skinner, Judge Simeon Strong, Hon. Cotton
Tufts, Israel Thorndike, Henry Van Schaack of Pittsfield,
Hon. Joseph B. Varnum, Hon. James Warren, of Plymouth,
and a much greater number. Need I say, that the founders
of this extensive Society entertained liberal views, that it
einbiaced without distinction of parties, a large, I might
ahnost say an infinitely great proportion of all that Massa-
chusetts then possessed of talent, intelligence, influence and
virtue ? Has this Society in any one instance departed

EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELL. 31§

from its original purity and principle ? Has it siifFt- red that
worst of all scourges, jmriy spirit, to ent«'r, ezcn for a mo-
vient, its threshold ? We defy any man, (for it has no ene-
mies, and therefore we shall not confine the challenge lo
them,) we defy any man to point out a case in which it has
permitted thi.^ deplorable feelini; to enter into its measures.
Singly devoted lo- the interests of agriculture, it has viewed,
with delight the contidence of all j)arties in its integrity
aiKi imparMalily. We need not say that its published
communications have been as frequently from one party
as from another. The only remaining question is whether
they have fairly fulhiled the public expectations. In the
first place it may be remarked, that they made a most libe-
ral subscription to a common fund, which now aniownts to
thirteen hundred dollars a year. It will be found that this
whole fund was principally raised by donations front opulent
men. Mr. Russell being the largest contributor, Mr. Gore
the second, and Mr. Bowdoin the third. The fund has
been increased to its present amount by the care, intelli-
gence and zeal of the Treasurers of the Society, by the dis-
interested conduct of the trustees who have never expended
one cent for their own advantage or entertainment, but
have husbanded the funds as if they were iheir own. JNow we
confidently appeal to our liberal friends, and associates in
the common cause in the distant counties, whether the
opulent part of the Society should be reproached for their
efforts which treasured up a fund to be employed whenever
the state of intelligence in the country, and the progress
of society should demand it ? If it be asked whether the so-
ciety did much in its infancy, we answer readily and
frankly, no. But with still more confidence we add that it
was not their fault. The institution was ahead of the age
and of the intelligence of the state, and of public spirit.
Its two first volumes will shew that the trustees were not
remiss. Their queries distributed all over the state prove
their zeal, their intelligence, their intimate knowledge of

316 EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELL.

the real wants of agriculture. No society in Europe or
America ever issued a more valuable set of queries, and
no society could at this day improve them except by some
trifling additions derived from new discoveries. But neither
Europe nor America were prepared at that time for the
improvements and experiments which have since taken
place. It is praise enough that, (he Massachusetts Agricul-
tural Society was the third in order of time, framed, esta-
blished, and endowed to promote the cause of Agriculture, (as
we believe) in any part of the world and that it never lost sight
of its object, and was always ready to encourage, and reward
all attempts to improve any one branch of agriculture and
to give publicity to any ingenious suggestions for the pro-
motion of this art. Is there any solid reason for encouraging
a distinction between practical and theoretical farmers ?
Or if it pleases our witty friends, gentlemen farmers ? The
last expression, however, in such a country as ours, is in^
vidious ; it tends to excite prejudices. It looks, as if the
theoretical farmers claimed to be above the practical ones. It
leads to distrust, and to the propagation of prejudices against
the truth. We shall consider this question more fully. A
southern planter, like Washington, or Jefferson, or Madi-
son, or Taylor of Caroline, the famous author of Arator, has
no other dependence, we will suppose, and it is generally
the case, but his land and his labourers. He never touches
the plough personally, but upon its products, his fortune de-
pends. He is educated as a farmer, he has no other em-
ployment, unless when called into public service. Can it be
pretended, that as he directs all the operations of his own
farm, changes them according to his experience, and his con-
stantly increasing uiformation from books and practice, that
he is not a? good a jndse of practical farmit>g, as a New-
England farmer who CO! duels his own plough ? Have these
southern pla'^ters who never personally labour, shewn any
defect of skill? Have they not varied their cultivation, in-
troduced not only new modes of culture, but new plants

EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELL. 317

which have doubled the productions of the United States ?
In my early days, rice and indigo were ahnost the exclusive
productions of South Carolina. We have seen the culture
of cotton substituted, and exports to the annount of forty
millions of dollars take the place of articles which did not
yield perhaps ten millions. AVould merely practical la-
bouring farmers have been so likely to make these specula-
tive changes? We think not. Let us proceed to New
England. What natural obstacles should prevent President
Adams, or Col. Pickering, or Mr. Gore, or Mr. L}man, or
Mr. Quincy, or Mr. Brooks, or Mr. Parsons, or the late
Lieut. Governor Luicoln, or his son, from comprehending
the principles of agriculture, or carefully and accurately
weighing the facts which resulted from their experiments?
I will grant, that as they may not personally labour, and
may not as carefully superintend their labourers, they may
not make as great profits as those who do, but they are as
capable of keeping exact accounts of the comparative pro-
fits of one crop or another, to say the least. They can test
as well as the best practical farmer (he advantages of one
mode of cultivation when compared with another. They
can perceive the effects of different manures and of diffe-
rent crops. They can tell whether their cattle are or are
not most economically supplied by pasturage or spilinof.
They can decide whether by cultivating corn only, or car-
rots, potatoes, Swedish turnip?, and mangel wurtzel, they
can have a greater surplus of hay, and support more stock.
All these points, the theoretical farmer can decide as well
as the others unless it be assumed that they are incapable
of computing the lowest sums in arithmetic. But we do
not mean to rest this question on this ground only. We
assert, and mean to prove, that almost all the improvements
of the agricultural art were the effects of the skill and in-
dustry of theoretical farmers, and that even the most famil-
iar implements of husbandry now in so common use that
our farmers believe that they always existed in their pre-

318 EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELL.

sent stale have been improved by the efftcls of theoretical
men. The phmgh of the Anticnt Romans was a machine
as different from ours as possible and would excite the rid-
icule of the most ignorant farmer. Even the French farm-
ers at this day have a most unwieldy plough, and their oxen
draw this rude implement by their horns only. They have
not yet learned the value of our rake. Their hoes are
most clumsy and inconvenient. Within throe years a light
hoe with four steeled prongs has been introduced with us
for digging potatoes, which is decidedly superior to the
common one. Ploughs have undergone great changes and
improvements chiefly by the inventions of theoretical men.
The addition of the regulating wheel to the breaking up
plough is found to be of great value. The progress of all
these discoveries is slow, and nothing contributes to retard it,
so much, as these occasional sneers at Theoretical Farmers.
Gentlemen Farmers (if this term so unkind suits our friends
belter) are the Pioneers in agriculture in the same manner
as mechanics in their workshops have been the pioneers
in manufactures, and it would be as absurd to laugh at the
barber, who introduced the Spinning Jenny in Great Brit-
ain which gave the first impulse to cotton manufactures,
or at the American artist who invented the cotton gin, or
at F'ulton who first applied successfully'the steam engine to
navigation, on the ground, that the two first were not
practical manufacturers and the last not a practical naviga-
tor, as to contend, that President Jefferson's hill side plough
was of no value, because he never turned over a furrow
in his life.

Who was Olivier de Serres the father of French Agricul-
ture, or Evelyn the venerated author of the English Sylva,
but theoretical farmers ? Who was Diihamel the author of
the best treatise on Fruits, and who contributed more than any
otlier man to the present state of perfection of orchards,
and of the finer fruits, but a theoretical man ? Who has
done the most in the present age to enlarge our knowledge

EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELt. 319

of this branch of agriculture and horticulture? Thomas
Andrew Knight, of Down^on Castle, near Ludlow, who has
a ^ded nnore new varieties to our fruits than any man living.
We shall shew in the course of the present nuntbtr that
hi~ zeal for the promotion of horticulture has been liberally
exteniled fo this country.

Bui it has been intimated that this central society had
arrogated to itself merits, to whirh it was not entitled ; that
it had been tardy to do justice to the great and merito-
rious exertions of the Berk^hire Society. This is unkind ;
we have always been prompt to acknowledge the early, ef-
ficient and intelligent etforts of that society. We have ad-
milted th:tt they were the first to give a spring to agricul-
tural efforts by introducing the British and French system of
public shows of cattle and manufactures. Still too much must
noi be claimed on this score. It was not an original thought.
Many of us had visited the European shows, and the sub-
ject of introducing them had been discussed, and there can
be no doubt, tiiat long ere this, they would have been in
full operation from the successful etTect of European exam-
ple. This is not said with a wish to diminish the merit of
Mr. Wa'son, Mr. Gold, Mr. Melville, and Mr. Mackay,
and the '• other Gentlemen" Farmers of Berkshire. We
know and acknowledge that they ha\e done every thiiig in
their power to promote an enhglwened and improved course
of agricuUur'*, and surely thej may be contented with this
merit, without wishing to de['rive other societies of their
humble share in this common cause.

We most earnesti) hope never again to see any invidious
comparisons. It is much more easy to find fiiull, than it is
to discover and propagate useful improvements. fVe are
all novices^ much more behind the state of cultivation in
the smallest state of Europe than our pride will admit.
Either of the small Italian states, at least on the plains of
Lombardy, or any district of the Netherlands could teach
our best farmer that he knew but little of this important

320 EDITORIAL REMARKS, BY J. LOWELLif

art. Let us all then be modest iti our conscious ignorance
and defects.

We liave a few remarks to make as to the matter and
manner of this journal. No men can be more sensible
than we are of its imperfections. How can it be more re-
spectable, when the whole state is so deficient in agricultu-
ral knowledge ? Till within a few years, there were no
books to inform us what were the modern improvements
in more thickly settled and cultivated countries. Our whole
library is still extremely meagre. Yet we are reproached
with introducing articles which are above the capacity of
common farmers. If it be intended as an intimation that
we devote too large a proportion of this work to philoso-
phical agriculture, we deny the fact ; we always give the
preference to homebred, practical essays and experiments.
But we are not ready to admit that the introduction of ra-
tional and scientific speculations, such as those of Kirwan
and Davy is inexpedient. Massachusetts has scarcely a
town which does not furnish educated men. Knowledge must
be first communicated to them, and from them it will in-
evitably reach their less informed neighbours. We have
devoted many pages to horticulture, to the best mode of
raising vegetables and fruits for the table, and if we wish
to rise one grade above mere subsistence, we must continue
so to do. We shall devote a considerable portion of our
journal to horticulture, orchards, and fruits. Massachu-
setts has fourteen large towns containing a population of
one hundred thousand souls. When men are thus collect-
ed in great masses they will require the innocent luxuries
of the table, and there are none more so than vegetables
and fruits. To supply this population of one hundred thou-
sand souls, fifty thousand at least must be employed. Thus
nearly one third of the state are interested in acquiring hor-
ticultural information, in being taught to manage (heir gar-
dens. Would you always continue in your present state of
ignorance on these subjects ? Shall it be said that from

EDITORIAL REMARKS BY J. LOWELL. 321

June to September in our scorching; summers, a traveller
may traverse Massachusetts from Boston to Albany, and not
be able to procure a plate of fruit, except wild strawberries,
blackberries, and whortleberries, unless from the hospitali-
ty of private gentlemen ? it is painful to reflect, that
every cottager in Flanders, Germany, Holland, and Eng-
land, is better supplied with summer fruits than our most
opulent farmers.

This almost utter neglect of cultivating summer and win-
ter fruits, materially injures the health of our farmers. How
mortifying to see the finest climate tor the cultivation of
the apple, so undervalued, that many of our farmers are
obliged to slice up their summer fruit, and suspend it in the
front of their houses to dry, in order that they may have a
comparatively insipid and tasteless provision for winter!
Yet such is too often, i may say too generally, the case.

The greatest benefit, however, which our farmers would
derive from an attention to gardening, would be the acqui-
sition of habits of care and neatness, which would be trans-
ferred to their farms.

If each farmer would devote two acres to a garden, and
to finer fruits, he would be compelled to be more careful
in trimming his trees, in sowing his seeds, in keeping them
free from weeds. The habits thus formed would extend
throughout his estate. We see this effect in farmers near
the great towns ; they learn to be their own grafters, and
pruners, and their care of their general culture keeps pace
with their progress in gardening.

But perhaps it will be replied, we cannot afford the
time ; it will be too expensive. What ! cannot our farmers
afford as much time as the common labourers of other coun-
tries who work from sunrise to sunset for from thirty to forty
cents per day ? No, this is not the real difiiculty. It is,
that the ease of getting an ample support in this country
relaxes our exertions. But the progress of manufactures and

Vol. VII. 42

322 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE

population will soon bring about other habits, and we hope
within a few years to see nurseries of the cherry, and the
peach and the pear, as well as of the apple, in all country
towns, — though we think, not only that the last is far the
most important, but thai it is with that, our internal improve-
ments must commence. Till every farmer can lay up his
ten barrels of excellent winter apples for his own use, we
shall not expect much progress in other branches of gar-
dening.

DR. T- W, HARRIS OF MILTON, UPON THE NATURAL HIS-

i. •;»

TORY OF THE SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR.

In the present state of agriculture, hay has become, an
iprtportant product to the farmer in this vicinity. From the
l>igh price and the increased demand for the imported and
cultivated grasses, the indigenous and natural growth of the
soil m'lst rise in value ; and of this perhaps none is more
v&luable, on the seaboard, than that of the salt-meadows.

i;But various causes have contributed to disappoint our
hopes in the crop of salt-hay, and among those, the most ap-
parently unavoidable are the ravages of insects. Of these,
the caterpillars and grasshoppers have become the most for-
midable, by the great extent and the annual increase of their
devastations. Meadows, where they have foraged, are en-
tirely stripped of their covering; every green blade disap-
pears before them ; — what the caterpillars have left being
devoured by the grasshoppers.

The object of this paper is to attempt to elucidate the
natural history of the former of these insects, with the hope
that it may lead to some sure method of exterminating them,
or of limiting their ravages to a shorter period.

Caterpillars were observed, upon the salt-marshes, bor-
dering Charles' river, near Cambridge, some ten or twelve

SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR. 323

years ago; since which time they have gradually multiplied
and extended over the contiguous marshes. They were
once by a high tide and strong wind driven upon Boston-
neck, near to Roxbur} line, where they laid in " winrowg,"
apparently dead ; but after the storm had abated they were
resuscitated by the he;it of the «un, and commenced their
depredations anew, overrunning gardt'iis in ihat vicinity and
destroying every green leaf in their path. Thence, 1 pre-
sume, they migrated to the eastern side of tho neck, and
have followed the meadows as far as Quincy. To what dis-
tance they have spread on the north of Charles' river, I have
yet to learn. They are also found on the marshes in King-
ston ; but probably orignated from a different source from
those in the environs of Boston.

The salt-marsh caterpillars are produced from eggs, laid
by moths in the middle of June, which are hatched in the
air, in seven or eight days afterwards. These eggs are nearly
round, less than a grain of mustard, and about eight hundred
in number from one female. The caterpillars are small and
feeble at first, eating only the most tender part of the blade
of grass; but rapidly increase in growth, and, in seven weeks
or fifty days,* attain their full size, having repeatedly cast
Iheir skins. Individuals, at this period average one and three
quarters of an inch in length. While growing they change
the colour of their hair very remarkably ; — being nearly of
a mouse colour when small, and of a brownish hue when
fully grown. Of these, at maturity, there are two shades ;
some being of a dun colour, and others much darker.!

The body of all true caterpillers is divided into twelve
segments besides the head.

Each segment, in this insect, is covered with twelve yel-
lowish tubercles, arranged, rather irregularly, six upon each
side : from these proceed the hairs, giving the predominant

* They continue in the feeding state about as long as the apple-tree cater-
pillar, which is produced by the Phaliena JSeustria of Linne.
t The dark coloured larva is represented in the drawing.

324 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE

colour. The tubercles appear to be analogous in function
to the bulbs of the hair in the human subject : they are, in
truth, but common bulbs, from which tufts of hairs grow and
are nourished, in the same way as each single hair grows and
is nourished from its appropriate bulb. Between the third
and fourth tubercle, on each side of the median* line, is a
stigma or spiracle, of which there are eighteen, or two in
every segment of the body, except the second, third, and last.
The spiracles are the organs of respiration, and are the same,
in number, in all the true caterpillars.

The colour of the body, divested of the hair, is yellow,
shaded at the sides with black ; and there is a blackish line
extending along the top of the back. The spiracles are white
and very distinct.

The hair proceeding from the three uppermost tubercles,
on each side of a segment is almost black, as well as that
from all the four first segments of the body. That from the
tubercles at the sides is of a much lighter shade. On the two
last segments of the body the hair is much longer than the
rest.

This caterpillar, like most others, has eight eyes, four upon
each side of the head. These are not to be distinguished
without the aid of a microscope. They are situated just
above those white feelers, so plainly seen attached to the
upper lip. The eyes are here arranged in a semicircle,
whose convex side is directed anteriorly.

The jaws are two, strong and corneous, and their opera-
tion, in eating, may be distinctly heard as well as seen.

It has sixteen feet ; — six anterior and horny, and ten pos-
terior and fleshy. These enable it to run with considerable
celerity, as we may see, when the insect is at its full size ; at
which period it commences the wandering state, and leaves

* I have taken the liberty to employ this phrase, which is a technical one
in Anatomy and Physiology, for that line which divides the animal into two
equal and symmetrical halves, and I would indicate by it a dark line running
MDon the top of the back, the whole length of the body of this insect.

SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR. 326

the meadows in search of a place of security for forming its
cocoon.

These caterpillars are endued with a great degree of vita-
lity ; for long immersion in water docs not destroy life.
Being often exposed to that element, they seem provided
with the power of enduring its approaches. They feed twice
in the day ; about ten o^clock in the morning, and four in the
afternoon. If overtaken by the tide while feeding, they
mount to the top of the grass ; and then, if obliged to relin-
quish their hold, contracting themselves into a circular form,
they commit themselves to the water. On this they float
and are carried to the superior parts or borders of the marsh.
There they are left, with the wash of the sea, in heaps, but
alive, and in a short time ready to recommence their depre-
dations upon the meadows. But when not engaged in feed-
ing they conceal themselves at the roots of the grass, where
they are equally secure from the effects of the water, even
though covered by it. In this way also they pass the night.
The hair, upon their bodies, appears to possess a repelling
power, which secures the spiracles from the admission or
access of the water ; for, were this to be the case, the insect
would be drowned. We should suppose that the tide, on
receding, would sweep away many of these insects ; but this
is not the case : for in consequence of the irregularity of our
shores, and of the power, which these caterpillars have of
remaining, uninjured, on the surface of the water, for a long
time, they generally gain some place of lodgment and safety.
Their most favourite food is the * Onion- grass,'' which is
very succulent;* but they are not fastidious, and eat with
avidity ' Fox'' and ' Boliom- grass,'' and even ' Thatch'' and
' Sedge.* Of the ' Black-grass''^ they are not so fond, proba-
bly because it ripens sooner than the others, and is found

* It is so full of juice as to be witli difficulty dried.

t Triglochin maritimum, L. sometimes called the sea arrow grass. This
is considered by Mr. Lowell as the most valuable species.

326 NATURAL HISTORY OP THE

nearer the upland, and thus, before it is reached, it becomes
too dry to furnish the juices by which they are nourished.

By the tirst of August, generally, these insects have attain-
ed their greatest size. '1 hey now become very voracious,
and continue eating all the day and night, without intermis-
sion. Soon they leave the meadows, aggregated in great
numbers, and commence the wandering state, or ' begin to
run,' as is the phrase, devouring every thing in their progress.
Corn tields, gardens, and even the coarse and rank produce
of road-sides afford them temporary nourishment, until they
have found a place of security from the tide and weather,
and concealment from their enemies of the animal creation,
A stonewall, a wood-pile, fencing-stuff, and even hay-mows
and slacks are the resorts of these caterpillars, where they
intend to take up their winter quarters, and construct their
cocoons. 1 have heard of their being dug up, in vast quanti-
ties, from the ground upon the edge of a salt-marsh ; but, in
this instance, it is probable that, being prevented by ditches in
(heir attempts to escape fronj the marshes, they were prompt-
ted by instinct to take refuge deep in the bank.

The cocoons are formed of silk interwoven with the hairs
of their bodies, and lined with a silky lamina of a dense tex-
ture. These cocoons retain the colours peculiar to the cater-
pillar ; those being brown, which are fabricated by the dark
larva, and the others much lighter coloured. If we examine
the recent cocoon, we shall find the caterpillar within it en-
tirely destitute of hair, and much contracted. In a few days
it casts its slough, and becomes a chrysalis, of a dark brown
colour, and about three quarters of an inch long.* In this
state it passes the winter, and, within the first and twentieth
of June, the moth emerges from its chrysalis and cocoon, and
flies towards the meadows ; where, after the hymenaeal rites
are celebrated, and the eggs deposited, it dies.

* This is their average lengtli ; but some are longer and larger, as those re-
presented by figures 2 and 3,

SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR, 327

The moth is the perfect stiite of the insect. There are two
varieties, as to colour, corresponding with the caterpillars
from which they are produced. From the dark caterpillar
and brown cocoon proceeds a moth with ash-coloured wings ;
and, from the lighter coloured larva and cocoon, is disclosed
a moth whose upper wings are white, as are also the under
wings in some individuals. These colours do not designate
the difference of sex : for though the upper wings' of the
male are invariably white, those of the female are not as in-
variably ash-coloured ; but this difTerence or variety of the
femj le will be more distinctly described below. I would also
mention that the male, and the light-coloured variety of the
female, both proceed from caterpillars and cocoons of the
same colour.

The male moth will be first described.

Head and thorax white ; eyes black ; antennae black, and
doubly pectinated. Body orange-coloured, with six black
spots on the top of each ring, and a white line between a
double row of black spots on each side ;* beneath the abdomen
is a single series of four or five small spots : tail white. Up-
per wings white above, orange coloured beneath, spotted
with black upon both surfaces: under wings both above and
beneath orange-coloured, with a few large black spots.
Thighs orange coloured; legs and (aet white, spotted or
banded with black.

Female — Head, thorax, tail, both surfaces of the upper and
under wings, under part of the abdomen, and the thighs en-
tirely ash-coloured. The wings are spotted with black.
Upper part of the abdomen as in the male. Antennae doubly
(but slighted) serrated, not pectinated.

Variety of the female — Head, thgrax, and tail, white. Up-
per part of the body as in the male. Upper and under wings
white upon both surfaces, and spotted with black. This va-
riety very much resembles the male, when the wings are clos-

* The upper consisting of six, innumbet and size corresponding with those
on the back, and the lower of 4 or 5 spots, which are smaller than the former.

328 NATURAL HISTORY OF THK

ed, for then the under wings are not to be seen. It is how-
ever easily distinguished from the male by its antennas which
are serrated : and when we examine the under wings, and the
inferior surfaces of the upper wings, and body, we find them
to be destitute of the yellow or orange-colour, pecuhar to
those parts of the male.

I would only add to this description, that the moths, of
both sexes, are furnished with a short tongue, separable into
two filaments ; and have also two scaly palpi, above the mouth.

This insect is closely allied to several others, very common
in Europe, and some of which are also found here ; such as
Bombyx lubricipeda, Bombyx erminea,* &zc. These form
one family, and are arranged under the genus Arctia of La-
treille, and Leach. This genus contains those moths, which
have two scaly feelers ; pectinated or ciliated antennae ; a
short membranaceous tongue, composed of two, separate fila-
ments; and trigonate, deflexed wings: the caterpillar having
sixteen feet.

Professor Peck, to whom this moth was shewn, considered
it as a nondescript ; and proposed to call it pseud-erminea,
bastard ermine, from its affinity to the above mentioned Bom-
byx erminea.t I would therefore define the subject of this
memoir.

Arctia (pseud-erminea) alis masculis anticis albis ; posticis
fulvis, utrisque nigro punctatis : tergo fulvo, sex maculis ni-
gris supra notalo ; ventro quinquefarie nigro punctato. Foemi-
na variat alarum colore.

Larvae gregatae ; verrucis luteis piliferis.
Pupa folliculata.

Interdum maculam septimam super postrema corporis parte
videmus. Foemina alis (anticis posticisque concoloribus) al-
bis vel cinereis, nigro punctatis.

* Arctia lubricipeda. Leach. Arctia Menthastri ?

t Bombyx (Menthastri) alis deflexis albis nigro subpunctatis ; abdominis
dorBO fulvo, nigro punctato; femoribus anticis luteis.

Abdomen album, quinquefarie nigro punctulatura ; dorsoque fulvo. Anten-
njc subtus nigra;. Fabr. Entomolog. Systematica.

L

SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR. 329

There are two facts, in the history of these caterpillars,
that should be ascertained. First — the place where the eggs
are deposited ; this I have not as yet been able to discover ;
those eggs, which I obtained, were laid under glass vessels
upon paper. Probably they would be found around the culm
of the grass, or regularly arranged upon the leaf. Secondly
— whether, by bringing home, with the hay to our barns, the
caterpillars when fully grown, we are not liable to introduce
them eventually into our uplands, where they might become
as it were naturalized ; and thereby increase the evils we
already suffer from their devastations. This we have some
reason to fear ; since we know that the caterpillar at one
period, (and that sometimes for several days,) feeds indiffer-
ently upon all green herbage. Some observations, made
upon doubtful specimens of the larva and perfect insect, found
occasionally on the uplands, favour this opinion. The pecu-
liarities in the appearances of these specimens may possibly
have arisen from a want of the food most natural to the cater-
pillar. Still both these points are as yet merely matters of
conjecture ; further examination must estabUsh or refute
them.

From observation and experience I would recommend
the following plan, by which we may lessen the evils that we
suffer from this enemy.

First, to cut the grass early in July ; and secondly, to burn
over the marshes in March. In defence of early mowing, it
may be said, — that it is the only way by which we may save
the crop from those meadows where the caterpillars have
multipHed to any extent. The preceding history furnishes
the data, from which to calculate the best time for effecting
this purpose.

We have seen that the caterpillar is hatched about the
twentieth of June, and that its ravages are continued seven
weeks. If then the meadows, in one vicinity, are mowed
about the fourth of July, the caterpillars, being small and fee-
ble, will be deprived of their means of nourishment, and be-

Vol. VII. 43

330 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE

ing unable to wander far, will die, before the crop is gathered
into the barns. By the process of making the hay, most of
the succulent juices are evaporated, and the grass becomes so
dry and hard as to resist the efforts of these little devourers.
Thus we see that the Black-grass, by ripening early, is reject-
ed by them, and the crop is saved.

By the practice of late mowing, where the caterpillars pre-
vail, the crop is diminished, immense numbers of caterpil-
lars and grasshoppers are left to be dispersed upon the up-
lands, to multiply and increase the existing evil ; or are
brought in to perish in our barns and stacks, where they com-
municate a most unpleasant flavour to the hay, rendering it
unpalatable to our stock, and occasioning a waste of fodder.

Many beneficial effects result from burning over the mar-
shes in March. This has been long practiced in the British
province of New-Brunswick, and is getting into use in this
vicinity, to the manifest improvement of the crops. By it the
stubble or " old fog" is consumed, which becomes more
necessary from early mowing, in the preceding year. By
this means also we may destroy innumerable eggs and larvae
of grasshoppers concealed in the grass* the past autumn, and
which, if matured, wouLI produce a host more formidable than
tha'. of the caterpillars themselves. The roots of the grass are
no injured by burning the Ptubble ; they are fertilized by the
ashes, and in a short time afterward we shall be gratified by
seeing the grass springing from the blackened strrface with in-
creased strength and fresher verdure.

The preceding observations on the history of these insects,
are the result of the inquiries, investigations, and experience
of the writer for several years ; and the practice here recom-
mended is one that was first suggested by necessity, and whose
good effects have been reaped by many.

This little memoir is offered to members of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural Society, with the humble hope that they

* De Geer.

SALT-MARSH CATERPILLAR. 331

may derive some profit from what has been a pastime to the
author.

T.W. H.
Milton, 1822.

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES.

Fig. 1. The full grown dark caterpillar.

Fig. 2. View of the abdomen of the chrysalis.

Fig. 3. Aside view of the chrysalis.

Fig. 4. The male moth.

Fig. 5. The female.

Fig. 6. The male moth with wings expanded.

Fig. 7. Variety of the female moth with wings expanded.

Fig. 8. Antennae, of the male moth, magnified.

Fig. 9. Antennae, of the female moth, magnified.

SOME NOTICE OF THOMAS ANDREW KNIGHT, ESQ. PRESIDENT
OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. HIS EXPERI-
MENTS AND PRESENT TO THIS SOCIETY.

[By the Cvorresponding Secretary.]

If any apology could be necessary for the brief and imper-
fect notice which we are about lo take of one of the most
distinguished cultivators of the age, of a man who has done
as much to enlarge the boundaries of theoretical agriculture,
and horticulture, as any man living, while he has at the same
time done more than any man with whom we are acquainted
to advance that science practically^ it will be found in the
kind expressions of his regard for our country, and his gene-
rous exertions to make us partakers of the improvements he
has actually effected in his oion. To those who may be dis-
posed to consider horticulture as less interesting and less
within the province of this society, we would observe (at the
hazard oi repeating and reinforcing the remarks we made in

332 SOME NOTICE OF T. A. KNIGHT, ESft.

first article) that it is precisely the branch of agricultural in-
dustry which in our country needs the most attention. It is
the one in which we are most deplorably deficient. So long
as we were surrounded with Indian neighbours, and our crops
were so precarious that our only anxiety was to procure
bread corn sufficient for subsistence, it was natural, that we
should be indifferent to the rich profusion of vegetables and
fruits, which nature has provided for our luxurious enjoy-
ment. In this particular, we can without blushing, compare
ourselves with the European nations at a period not far dis-
tant ; and when we learn that the water-cress was the only
sallad for the royal table in the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
we may not be surprised at the scanty supply of our own
tables, fifty years since. But we are past that age, and we see
no reason, why we should not have the finest melons of Persia
which we can grow in the open air, while a Russian Prince
will enjoy them in spite of nature, by expensive hot-hous-
es heated by steam. We feel only a sentiment of humilia-
tion, when we reflect, that countries which the sun never
heats, produce the most luxurious fruits, while owr sun wastes
its powers in many parts of our country on a rich and pro-
ductive soil, which is applied, in most cases, to the raising
of the coarse vegetables, which our Indian predecessors
bequeathed to us. In this remark, we refer only to vegetables
for the table, not to our invaluable staple articles.

Much has undoubtedly been done in the vicinity of our
great towns, and horticulture has within our memory made a
progress equal to our growth and improvement, but much
remains to be done even here, and the inhabitants of the
country at large may be considered as to horticulture, in a state
of nature, excepting always some liberal, and spirited indi-
viduals who have made horticulture their study. After the
provision for the support of life, come our comforts and
rational luxuries, and if these can be obtained, without
neglecting the more substantial and important articles, it is
our interest to procure them. This is our apology for in-
troducing the character, discoveries, and exertions of Mr.

SOME NOTICE OP T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ. 333

Knight. He has devoted his life to the investigation of the
physiology of plants, and it has been his rare merit, to submit
his theories to the best test, that of experience. He no
sooner settled a principle than he undertook to shew its truth
by actual experiment, wnd to prove its importance, by apply-
ing it to the practical amelioration of horticulture. He early
announced, that individual varieties of plants have their /im?/e£?
agf"; that although by culture, and in favourable circumstances,
they may survive that age, they generally after that period
decline and become weak, and of course unprofitable. With
respect to the potatoe, he ascertained with as much precision
as the nature of such a subject will admit, that the specific
varieties do not last in perfection more than fourteen years.
No observing man in any country could doubt, as to the tem-
porary duration of the varieties of this vegetable, however
he might question the accuracy of the precise limits assigned
by Mr. Knight. There is not a single variety of the pota-
toe now cultivated with us with which we were familiar thirty
years since ; and within twenty years, we have known several
sorts which were invaluable, gradually run out ; and this too,
not from any want of attention, but from the impossibility of
raising them. We will mention two sorts, as examples, the
round cranberry potatoe, better than any now in market, a
great bearer, excellent in the spring after other potatoes
become flaccid and watery. We continued to raise them, till
they would not produce double the amount of the seed put in.
They are now extinct. Another was a blue potatoe, with
white spots — a delicious variety, brought from England
direct, and also from Connecticut. For the last four years,
it has become extinct. Some persons are deceived by appear-
ances. We have always white potatoes, and they think them
the same, but the varieties are infinite, and are constantly
changing. The long reds, called the River Plate potatoes,
have essentially changed their character, and ten years hence
we shall no longer see that very valuable variety. So far our
experience fully supports the theory of Mr. Knight.
Mr. Knight, if not the first to suggest the mode in which

334 SOME NOTICE OF T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ.

the sap circulates in vegetables, was, we are persuaded, the
first who proved it to the satisfaction not only of men of sci-
ence, but of the most incredulous and ignorant. Some of
his early experiments were made on plants whose parts are
transparent. He took, we believe, the Balsamine, or " Touch
me not." He watered it with a coloured fluid. He saw
that the fluid passed up in the central parts of the plant, made
its way into the leaves and having coloured them, it return-
ed by the bark which was the last iiffected. For the infor-
mation of those who have not attended to the structure of
plants, it may be remarked, that they consist of an external
covering which is generally very thin, called the Cortex ; of a
softer substance, which is usually confounded with the other,
called Liber; of a white portion, called by botanists,
Alburnum, and commonly known as " sap wood ;" and the
Heart-wood, which in more durable trees is usually much
the most dense and solid. Mr. Knight maintained that the
sap ascended in the Alburnum and descended in the bark,
or between the bark and the Alburnum, where it made its
deposit of new wood. This theory was not without \ts prac-
tical value. It explained the reasons of the fact of the
destruction of trees by decortication or a too great removal
of the bark, if accompanied with such zoounds in the Alburnum
as to prevent the formation of new bark. It was known
before, that you might cut off half the top and half the roots
of a tree and it would still flourish, but if yon should make
a wound of one inch wide through the bark, and into the
Alburnum, the tree inevitably perished. His theory led to
various experiments, founded upon its undoubted truth. Mr.
Williams of Great Britain applied it to the early maturation
or ripening of grapes, by taking off the bark to the extent of
a quarter of an inch in width ; it was found that the sap was
impeded in its descent, the parts above became larger, the fruit
swelled and ripened earlier and was more large and fne.
This experiment was repeated in this country by the writer of
this article, and its success was so perfect, that nothing could

SOMB NOTICE OF T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ. 335

be said against the theory by those who were eye witnesses
of its extfi. ordinary effects. Another consequence followed
from this discovery of Mr. Knight. If fruits can be hasten-
ed to maturity, and enlarged and improved by partial and
prudent and judicious decortication, why, it was asked, may it
not be applied to the bringing trees earlier into bearing, than
by the ordinary process of nature ? This it was said would
necessarily be the elTf.ct of detaining the sap preternaturally
in the branches, and thus forcing the plant to produce blos-
som buds instead of leaf or branch buds. It was before well
known to gardeners, that any thing which checked the growth
of a fruit tree, hastened the production of fruit. It was
reserved for Mr. Knight to shew the causes, and to submit
the whole process to rules as certain as are known in any
other branch of natural science. In all, we are stopped at
certain points, when we rashly veiUure to penetrate the great
secrets of nature, but this is no reason why we should not
search as far as we can find intelligible explanations and
facts.

Perhaps it would be satisfactory to our readers to have
experiments at home stated to them, in support of Mr.
Knight's theories, and we trust that due credit will be given
to our statement of actual experiments, especially as nothing
would give us more pleasure than to afford any cultivator
the most perfect satisfaction as to the accuracy of these state-
ments, if he will do us the honour to call and examine the
subjects of our experiments.

On two orange-trees from St. Michael's, which had never
borne fruit, though we had had them many years, we practised
decortication, taking otf a ring of the bark of half an inch in
width. In the following spring, this year, the gardener ex-
pressed to me his surprize, that those limbs were literally
loaded with blossoms. He had not been in the secret. We
pointed out to him the decortication or ringing, or as we say,
the " girdling," and it was found, that while every other part
of the tree was without blossoms, those which were operated

336 SOME NOTICE Or T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ.

upon were far too greatly covered with them. In this case we
committed a mistake. The orange-tree puts forth only once
in a year ordinarily in our climate, or under favourable cir-
cumstances, twice. Ringing or girdling should only be exe-
cuted when the sap is in the greatest possible degree of ac-
tion. These limbs are not healthy, and we fear will not hold
their fruit, but the experiment shewed the principle in its
clearest light. The general rule is, to girdle when the tree
is in its most rapid state of growth, to make the decortication
or ring larger or smaller according to the vigour of the plant,
but so little in all cases as to enable the tree to close the
wound during the same season. We made a similar experi-
ment on a flowering plant, the beautiful Passiflora Alata, and
we threw it by this process into flower, at a season in which it
never flowers in the ordinary course of nature, that is, in the
month of August. Its usual time of flowering with us, is
October and April.
But we proceed to experiments out of the green house, with-
in the reach of a// cultivators. We tried this plan on 20 young
pear trees, on one, two and three branches — trees, which
have been grafted from 10 to 12 years, without giving
fruit. The spectacle on so extensive an experiment, is re-
ally interesting and instructive, as shewing the power of hu-
man art over nature. A single branch in a tree is at this hour,
when weare writing,absolutely snowy white with flowers,while
every other branch on the same tree is as barren, and un-
prolifick, as it had been every preceding spring, when it had
blighted our hopes. We sported very much in ourexperiments.
On some trees, we girdled one, and on others 2 to 5 branches,
but the experiment is so perfect, that before you reach the
tree, you can decide precisely which were and which were
not girdled. The same experiment was made on plums, with
equal success.

Let us here, however, check any disposition which may
have been excited in favour of this mode of hastening early
bearing, by saying, that Mr. Knight, from whose theory the

SOME NOTICE Or T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ. SSt

experiments have been derived, is opposed to it on sl general
scale. He thinks it will shorten the longevity of the Hvhs
subjected to it; that it is adverse to the course of nature, and
is onl) justifiable when jou wish to be certain, whether the
trees you have bought or grafted are really what you suppo'
sed they were, or when you have new seedling fruits, to ena-
ble you to ascertan> some years earlier their qualities, iit or-
der to decide, whether you should reject them or not. I do
not carry my apprehensions so far (I say it with great diffi-
dence) as this learned cultivator. The effect of judicious
girdling is nearly the same with grafting ; that produces a
similar interruption of the sap, a callous is formed ttotween
the original stock and the graft, and yet we see the branches
continue productive, and eujoy excellent health. No doubt
great discretion and prudence should be exercised in the ap-
plication of it. Mr. Knight has adopted other modes of has-
tening the early production of fruit on young trees. Some he
raises in pots and boxes, others he bends down either to an
horizontal, or even to an anti-perpetidtcular form, if we nay
be aUovved a novel expression. The sap is thus impeded in
its course, and Mr. Knight has shewn, that the principle of
gravitation is as operative in the fluids oi vegetable life, as in
others. The effects are nearly the same as those of girdling,
producing earlier bearing.

But these are but a part of Mr. Knight's labours and servi-
ces. Following up (be Linnasan il'.eory of the sexual system
of plants, (or to speak in language bt.-tter adapted to all class-
es of readers.) proceeding upon the well established fact, that
certain parts of the flower, called Anthers, produce a dust
called Pollen, which is indispensable to the fertilization of the
germ or fruit, a fact known to be true, before Linnasas exist-
ed, but which never received perfect confidence, till be de-
monstrated it. Mr. Knight has devoted 35 )ears of his life
to the practical application of this theory, which he has not
only demonstrated by hundreds of exj)eriment?, but be may

be said to have created many new and valuable varieties of
Vol. VII. 44

338 SOME NOTICE OF T. A KNIGHT, ESQ.

friiils hitherto unknown. He has obtained new varieties of
the pear, the apple, the grape, the plum, and the strawberry.
He has demonstrated, that we can correct the ddrcts of one
variety of fruit by another, by introducing th^ farina of a pear
for example, which has too much austerity or acidity, into the
flower of another pear, which has too much sweetness, too
insipid a sweet, you may give to the new product a taste and
flavour, which may be perfectly agreeable. So it has been
ascertained by IVir. Knight, that by the same process, a fruit
which is defective in vigour, whicli bears with great reluc-
tance a cold climate, may, by intermixing it, or coupling it
with another tree of the same species of a hardy character,
ac(juire the vigorous constitution of one of its parents, and
still retain the excellent qualities of the other parent. There
is, indeed, no end to the changes which have been produced
by Mr. Knight and others, not in fruits, but in flowers, by this
process. We are aware, that this statement, to those who are
ignorant of liis exertions and success, may seem to be extrava-
gant ; but we can affirm, that he has done more to im[>rove
horticulture than an) person of whom we, in this western world,
have any knovvledge.

These remarks wore intended as an introduction to a notice
of Iht" efforts whii.h Mr. Knight has generou?!}' made to com-
municate to America some of his improved fruits. In 1822,
I had o< casion to write to Mr. Knight to procure the last
numbers oi the liorlif ultural Transactions, for the College;
he replied to my letter in the most friendly manner, appear-
ed to be highl) gratified with opening an intercourse with
our countr}, expressed his strong attachment to it, his disgust
at the libels on our country in some of the presses of Great-
Britain, and his intention to send to us the best new fruits
which the late improvements had introduced ; declaring at the
same time, that though he should confide them to my care, it
wa'^ under the full belief and expectation, that I should dissemi-
nate them as extensively as possible.^ I need not say, that he
could not havegiven me a charge more agreeable ; and thatwith-

SOME NOTICE OF T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ. 339

out the smallest regard to personal interest, I shall circulate as
rafudly as possible, by buds and ?cions, every variety of fruit
he may send. I shall consider myself steward for the pub-
lic— but 1 ought to remark, that as he sends but one indi-
vidual specimen, the progress must be slow, and that I must
exercise a discretion in giving scions and buds to sue!) persons
as will be most like to take good care of them ; but 1 shall do
it in all cases on the express condition, that the same freedom
of circulation shall be practised by all.

I shall close this article by inserting Mr. Knights last letter
to me, accompanying certain fruit trees sent this spring —

" Downton Castie, Feb. \5lh 1823.

" John Lowell, Esq.

" Dear Sir, — I have this day sent to Messrs. Thornely, of
Liverpool, to be forwarded to you, a box containing trees
and grafts o( ten new varieties of pears, which here ripen in
succession from October to May, and which 1 conclude in your
warmersummer climate will ripen in succession — 1 could have
sent a larger number of varieties, but those sent are the best
and the most productive, and inferior varieties that would
ripen at the same seasons, I did not think worth sending.
Each tree has a label and is also numbered besides, and 1 will
now give you a concise description of each variety. I have
also sent grafts of each variety from bearing trees, that you
may certainly have each variety.

No. I. Cassiomont — a large pear, yellow upon one side
and red upon the other, ripens in October.

No. 2. Tilhngton — This is described in the Horticultural
Transactions. It is perfectly melting or rather perfectly beur-
ree, and very rich, sprang from a seed of the autumn bergamot,
— and the pollen of the Jargonelle, and its form is precisely
such as you would expect from such a mixture. It is ripe in
November."

[iN. B. by the Corresponding Secretary.] — (This example
will shew our cultivators the process of Mr. Knight and the
great changes produced by it. He removed from the flowers

346 SOME NOTICE OF T. A. KNIGHT, ESQ.

of the autumn Bergamot all the anthers. He impregnated
the germ with tl»e pollen of the Jargonelle. He took the
seeds of the fruit, thus obtained, sowed them, and produced a
new pear, having a mixed form, between that of the Jargonelle,
which is long and eminently pear shaped — and lliat ol the
autumn Bergamot, whi<h is* flattened, and rather appk' shap-
ed— and it ripens near!) two months later than either of its
parents. Being a new seedling, it will have strength and
vigour and endure many )ears. Mr. Knight computes the
longevity of a new variety of pear at more than 150 years.
Wf^ may then form some judgment of the value of such an ac-
qui^iition, when we know and have perceived for many years
the gradual deterioration of the St. Germain, St. Michaels,
Chaumontelle, &c.)

" No. 3. Urbaniste — A large and nearly globular pear —
colour yellowish green — the flavour of rose water. Season,
November.

'• No. 4. Beurre Knox — Large, pear shaped, yellow. Sea-
son, November and December, an excellent (tear.

"■No. 5. Marie Louise — Middle sized — colour, pale yel-
low. Season November and December, a most excellent
variety.

" No. 6. Napoleon — Somewhat smaller than the Marie
Louise, exceedingly melting and juicy. Season November
and December.

No. 7 Florelle — Middle size and pear shaped, colour
brfght red, nearly scarlet, with minute dark points, a most
beautiful and excellent variety. Season November.

"No. 8. Colrnar d' Hyver — Shape varying from nearly
globular to pear shaped, colour yellowish green. Season
Jacuary — a meltmg pear of first rate excellence and very
productive.

"No. 9. Passe Colmar — Large and pear shaped, but very
broad towards the eye. An exceedingly fine melting pear,
vrhich by being kept in ditfereiit temperatures, may here be
brought to table in perfection from the begnining of January

SOME NOTICE OF T. A. KNT6HT, ESQ. 341

to th<» middle or end of April. This variety is productive to
a fn.ilt. I am general!) obliged to take off 9-lOths of the
fruit.

'•No. 10. Hardenpont de Printems* — A large pale green
prarwith raiher a roii>^)< skin. It ripens htre (in EriKiand)
in the end of April <u ^e^intitng of Mh} — and it< flesh at that
period nearly rosen>bles that of the Brown Beurre in Au-
tumn. It i« a very productive varn'ty, and '\n your climatt
will, I believe prove the most valuable variety o! all.

"No. 1 1 .Gillifla'verapplH-G/Y//'<.TO/«/^ Ae7<7 -Form angular
flesh pt rfuoied and remarkably yellow. It is in perkciion
in winter and spring. It would afford in a warmer climate
a most excellent cider.

"No. 12. Sweeney Nonpareil Apple — A very large variety
of the Nonpareil, very excellent ripened on a south wall, or
in a very warm season, and good situation, but too late for
our climate. I believe it would suit yours. It is entirely
new.

"No. 13. Black Eagle Cherry.

" No. 14. El*on Cherry.

"No. 15. Waterloo Cherry.

All these cherries are new varieties produced by Mr.
Kniiiht — they have been described in the horticultural trans-
actions and coloured plates of them given — they have all of
them valuable properties.

it should be recollected, that Mr. Knight often fails in his
numerous experiments, and it is only the excellent new varie-
ties which he presents to the public.

"No. 16. Downton Cherry — It is a white or pale red
cherry with white flesh, and it is believed will prove an ex-
cellent variety.

No. 17. Cooes Golden drop plum — A fine variety from
the original stock.

* So named I have observed fo»r Monsr. Harrienp'^rt of Mens in Brahant,
who raised it as a SPtrilinc^. It is christened by the French Gaifienei? Beurre
Prance, but the English cultivators give credit to its creator, oi raiser,-C'or.»Ser.

342 SOME NOTICE OP T. A. KNIGHT, £3^.

No. 1 8. A very large new plum of a green colour, whick
promises well.

Mr. Knight added also two hundred Downton Strawberry
plants ; a new variety, but they perished in the passage.

The trees were admirably packed, and although they start-
ed more than could have been desired on the passage, yet
there is no doubt we shall save every variety except perhaps
one or two of the cherries — but had they all perished, our
feelings towards Mr. Knight would not have been affected.
His good intentions — his kindness towajds our country, his
philanthropy, would not have been the less. Unsolicited, he
has bestowed upon us. what is of no small value, independent
of the excellent intention. One new, and excellent variety
of fruit is a great gain. How much have the St, Germain
and St. Michaels Pear contributed to the pleasures of our
tables ? Who would not be pleased to have ten neio and excel-
lent varieties o(pears,\u the prime of youth, to supply the place
of these, which we must soon lose ? We trust we shall find
some apologists for the zeal with which this article is written.
There is something so kind, in this intercommunication be-
tween cultivators of different countries ; it seems to be such
a forgetting of the old circumstances of separation, that one
cannot but be pleased with it.

PASTEL, OR WOAD, AND ITS CULTURE.

We insert with great pleasure, the following communica-
tions on the culture of Woad, (Isatis Tinctoria), and General
Dearborn will permit us to express our sense of the obligation,
which the public are under to him, for his continued efforts
to introduce the cultivation of this plant, now so important

PASTEL OR WOAD, AND ITS CULTUnE. 243

to our manufactures. During the late war, General Dear-
born made some interesting experiments on a saiall scale, to
prove the praciicabiliti/ of raising this important dye-stutf in
the UnitednStates. Though his experiments were not exten-
sive, thej were entirely satisfactory. He did more. He
compiled and wrote, and putilished at his own expence, a
treatise on the culture of this plant, which contains all the in-
formation necessary for a cultivator of it. The peace came ;
with it, low prices ; and the subject lost a portion of its inter-
est. But great changes have been wrought during the last
seven years, and the culture of woad has again become a sub-
ject of deep interest. The fact, that an extensive manufac-
turer, like IMr. Crowninshield, has found it for his intereet to
cultivate this plant, and has proved its value practically, seems
to set the question at rest. We invite our cultivators gener-
ally, to read with attention these communications, to procure
Mr. Dearborn's work on Woad, and to make some moderate
experiments upon this article.

Mr. Dearborn"^ s letter to Mr. Lozoell, Jpril 9, 1 823.
Dear Sir, — [ inclose a letter from Richard Crowninshield,
Esq. on the cultivation of woad, which, if you think proper,
pb'ase to cause to be inserted in the Agricultural Journal. It
is the largest experiment that has been made in this section
of the country. It shews that our manufacturers can raise
this valuable article for the dyeing vat, at little expense, and
with great ease.

With great respect, your most humble servant,

H. A. S. Dearborn.

Extract of a letter from Richard Crowninshield, Esq. of Dan-
vers, to Brigadier General Dearborn, dated March SfJ, 1 823.
" I planted about 5 acres with 9 bushels of woad seed, in
1822, some of which seeds you was so oblis/ing as to present
to nie. The remainder was procured from Connecticut,
New-York, and some were of my own raising in 1821,- from

944 PASTEL OR WOAD, AND ITS CULTURE.

SP<'d8 received from Dr. Nichols, in 1818. There was no
dfiTrence in the plants raised from those several parcels of
$e*^d. The soil was light, dry, and sandy. Tlie land was
brokm up in the spring of the same ye^r. Thtt4>sod8 were
removed, and the land crop plon^;hed. harrowed, and furrow-
ed out 2i feet between the furrows. About 40 cords of good
compost manure, (consisting of horse dung, cow dung, and
pig manure, mixed with about one fourth part of its bulk of
bog turf, which had been in heaps about 2 years, with some
ashes, lime, &c.) were spread on the land and ploughed in as
for Indian corn ; the furrows were slightly earthed. The
quantity of seed 2 bushels to the acre. They were sown
rather thickly in the furrows, in order that in gathering them,
there might be a fuM handful of plants to crop at the same
time. The seed was lightly covered. It was all sown be-
fore the 20th of May. It grew well, but required 5 or 6 men
to keep down the weeds in July. It was all picked or twist-
ed off quite to the ground. It was then again cleared of
weeds, and in 14 days the new leaves were from 9 to 14 in-
ches long in rich spots. The second crop was gulhered from
the 15th to the 20th of August, and produced about 4 tons ot
green leaves, about one ton less than the first crop. The
dry weather prevented a third crop from being taken. Some
leaves were however taken in October, 5 inches long, but I
preferred to let them generally remain to protect the plant
against the frost, having the last winter lost an acreofwoad, and
an acre of teazels, by frost. The loss in woad was much less
than in the teazels ; the plants which I lost of the latter would
have sufficed for 4 acres, and have produced much money,
being worth from 50 cents to 75 cents for every hundred
plants. All the woad plants are now alive, (that is, on the
29th of March, 1823.) and have gj-own half an inch. I have
also many thousands of teazel plants in good order.

" The expense of cultivnting woad is about equal to that
of cultivating onions, and 10 men will crop an acre in a day.

" There is son^ething remarkable in the woad plant. Some

PASTEL OR WOAD, AND ITS CULTURE. 345

roots which produced seeds last year, sprouted again from
every joint like cabbage sprouts. They are now again sprout-
ing from under the snow, the leaves are green, and may again
be cropped this spring. I shall have a great quantity of seed
to dispose of at $1,50 per bushel. I paid 2 dollars. There
are but few men in America who understand perfectly the
preparation of woad for the dyer. Our farmers, should it
become the policy of the nation to raise and manufacture all
our own woollen goods, equal to the national consumption,
will probably find it for their interest to raise woad, and de-
liver it green or dry, (as may be most convenient for them)
at regularly established mills, exclusively devoted, as in Eng-
land, to this article. Inclosed you have an article from the
New- York Statesman on woad."

The article referred to from New-York, is interesting, and
is, therefore, here inserted.

N. B. Gen. Dearborn has still a few copies of his work at
the command of persons disposed to cultivate the woad.

AMERICAN MANUFACTURES.

Extract of a letter from Cincinnati^ Ohio^ to the editors of the
Statesman,

" Having seen several communications in your valuable pa-
per, respecting the art of dyeing and the cultivation of the
woad plant, by which it seems that manufacturers in your part
of the country are doubtful, whether woad can be produced
in the United States, in the same perfection as in England, I
have thought proper to state, for their information, that in
1821, 1 planted two acres, and found the produce to be at
least one fourth more in quantity, having cut seven crops du-
ring the season. In England, 1 never knew more than^re.
Its strength, as a mordant, exceeded the English at least one
third, containing three times the colouring matter I have ev-
er found in any woad, after an experience of forty years, in
an extensive trade in England.

I herewith forward to you some patterns of wool, dyed

Vol. VII. 45

34B PASTEL OR AVOAD, AND ITS CULTURE*

with this woad, and regret I had not preserved some colour-
ed with woad only, by which artists acquainted with the sub-
ject, would know its superior quahties. I have always ob-
served in England, that our woad plant produces more in
quantity and better in qunlity, in a warm season ; and I at-
tribute its great perfection here to the same cause.

Your manufacturers of woollens cannot fully succeed until
they become well acquainted with this useful plant, as no
good blue, black, green, or purple colour can be produced
without it. All other modes are imperfect, expensive, and
mischievous. Having made this country my home, I shall
take pleasure in communicating this knowledge, to any one
that may need it, for a moderate compensation. Written di-
rections may be given for growing and preparing woad, with-
out any chance of error; but to use it properly, requires con-
siderable attention and good instructions.

I suppose it may be produced for three or four cents per
pound — perhaps for something less. I have sold some of
mine at Baltimore, this season, for 12 1-2 cents, by which
you will perceive there is great profit in its cultivation. In
my opinion no substitute for woad will be found worthy of
attention, although it seems your friend Hopson thinks he has
discovered one, which will answer the purposes both of woad
and indigo. Your correspondent will confer a favour on me,
by giving a description of the wild indigo plant, as he terms
it. I will itivestigate its properties, and communicate the
result to hirti.

Your correspondent who has written on the scarlet dr/e,
appears to be acquainted with only a part of the theory of
that art, as two essential ingredients are not mentioned, one
of which 1 have seen since my arrival in this country. Your
friend is also in an error in supposing he can render colour
more brilliant by using steam. I have made use of steam in
dying for nearly thirty years, and am well acquainted with
its advantages and disadvantages. It is a cheap and expedi-
tious mode ; but it cannot be used for Sne colours, such as

PASTEL OR WOAD, AND ITS CULTURE. 347

Saxon blue, green, pink, crimson, scirlet, orange, yellow,
and all other delicate colours, but at the expense of their
beauty.

All dyers should know, that when bright colours are want-
ed, (he first step to be taken is to clear the water of all mi-
neral and animal substances. This is all that is necessary to
prepare the liquor for any bright colour ; but if raw water be
added, or steam suffered to flow into the vessel, the beauty
of the colour will be destroyed, in proportion to the quantity
admitted."

The letter, from which the foregoing is an extract, adds a
number of other particulars, connected with the subject of
manufactures. It states, among other things, that large quan-
tities of Fullers' Earth are said to be found on ihe banks of
the Wabash ; but after diligent search, none, in a pure state,
has yet been discovered in the vicinity of Cincinnati. Our
correspondent has put to us the following questions, to which
we hope some one will furnish satislactory answers, as we
are unable to do it ourselves :

1. What quantity of woad would be consumed annually, in
the vicinity of New-York and Philadelphia, estimating one
pound of woad to five pounds of wool, dyed of a dark blue ?

2. Would the manufacturers give a reasonable compensa-
tion to be instructed in the art of dyeing generally ?

3. Whether it would answer any good purpose, for a per-
son who understands the manufacture of woad and its vari-
ous applications in the art of dyeing, to establish himself in
this part of the country ?

It is proper to remark, that we are wholly unacquainted
with the writer of this letter ; nor have we a sufficient know-
ledge of some of the topics embraced in his communication,
to judge of the accuracy of his remarks. Hopson will be able
to speak for himself, where his correctness is questioned.

The beautiful specimens of colouring, accompanying the
letter, may be seen at this office, where the name and address
of the gentleman who forwarded them may be obtained.

348 LETTER FROM REV. JESSE TOWNSEND.

[The following extract o{ a letter from a clergyman in Illinois was sent to ui
by Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, together with samples of the seeds of the two
plants described. If for no other reason, our respect for Dr. Shurtleff,
whose exertions as an agriculturalist meiit the gratitude of the friends of
agriculture, would have induced us to publish the letter. The seeds reach-
ed us too late for cultivation last year. We shall give them a fair trial
this season. We are not very sanguine on the subject. A plant, which
may succeed well in Illinois, may be of little value with us. For example;
the Illinois or Pecan nut, (JuglansOlivse-formis), so frequent at our tables,
will barely exist in our climate. Its shoots are annually destroyed, and it
is ascertained by our own experiments of seventeen years patient duration,
that it will never be a fruit-bearing tree with us. We cannot, therefore,
calculate, that an Illinois plant will of course be successful in New England.
Besides, though a substitute for chocolate or coflee may be very well in the
remote prairies of that state, it may be of little value to us. But they may
succeed, and perhaps prove as valuable as millet, which seems at present to
be acquiring favour. They may prove valuable as green-fodder. We shall
try them this year and render a faithful account of their growth and pro-
perties. Dr. Kilham of Wenham has, we believe, the oldest Pecan or Illi-
nois nut trees in the state. We should be glad to be informed whether he
or any cultivator in the Middle States has succeeded in producing ripe nuts
from this tree.1

6opt/ of a Utter from the Rev. Jesse Toronsend to Benjamin
Shurtleff. Townsend Prairie, Montgomery County, Illinois,
April 20th, 1822.

RESPECTED SIR,

-T ROM the representations which my friend Mr. Tillson has
given me of your disposition to encourage the agricultural
interest of the United States, and from an inclination on my
part, to co-operate with you in the promotion of these in-
terests, I take the freedom although a stranger to present to
you by the bearer, a small quantity of the Holcus Bicolor,
or Broom Chocolate, also some of the Orka Coffee, and
just a small specimen of cotton, which I raised last season on
my plantation.

The Holcus Bicolor resembles in its growth and stalk the
broom corn, and is very productive. It is, when rightly pre-
pared, equally good and nutritious as the best of chocolate
and affords a very heathful substitute. The way in which

LETTER FROM REV. JESSE TOWN8END. 349

my family prepare it for use, is to grind the seed in a coffee-
mill, merely cracking >t, then put about three gills into about
six or eight quarts of boiling water, with milk and sugar, and
boil all together, about five or six minutes, when it is fit for
use. Some however, have the seed ground in a grist-mill
and after sifting out the bran, mix with the tlour a 8n«all
quantity of butter, and then boil the same with milk and
sugar, according to our method of preparation and give this
method of preparation the preference. 1 believe we may
easily raise sixty bushels of this grain on an acre, upon our
rich Prairie, and that it may do very well on good ground at
the North. It ripens about the same lime with Indian corn.
It ought to be planted at the usual time of corn planting, in htUs
about three feet apart, and about six or eight seeds in a hill.

1 wish you to make trial of this grain, and if it succeeds
well to introduce it to public notice in your vicinity.

The Orka is to be planted in drills about three feet apart,
and the seeds six inches from each other in the drills, and
will need to be hoed two or three times.

The main stalk, with small branching limbs, rises about
four or five feet. The grain is produced in pods about two
inches long. As soon as these begin to open, the method to
harvest them is to gather the pods, as they open, with the
ha/nd, and lay them to dry thoroughly iu the. sun, when they
will be fit to shell out, and to begin to use the grain. The
preparation for the table is the same as thai in the common
coffee, I Orka and ^ common coffee may be used together to
good advantage. If Orka is used alone, a greater quantity is
necessary than in the use of the common coffee, and it pos-
sesses all the exhilarating and nutritious properties of the
common coffee. From what I have experienced, in the cul-
tivation of this excellent grain, it is my belief that 2000 iba.
can easily be obtained from an acre of our well cuiiivated
prairie land ; and I am in the belief it may be cultivated to
good advantage iu your country.

If an experiment should prove successful, you will confer
a favour on your fellow-citizens by giving it publicity.

OOO LXTRACTS FROM EVELYN's SYLVA.

EXTRACTS FROM EVELYN'S SYLVA.

EvEKV man of agricultural reading must have heard of
Evelyn, the father of English agriculture — the great propa-
gator of plantations of forest trees. He flourished during
the civil wars — I say flourished, because though persecuted,
and in hazard, he raised up a name, which will be immortal
in that country, and ought to be venerated in every other.
His misfortunes laid the foundation of his glory, by forcing
him to philosophick studies. Historians, biographers and
cultivators have united in admitting,that to his writings chiefly,
are the English nation indebted for those fine plantations of
the most valuable trees, which form at once its finest orna-
ment— its strength — and its best riches. The civil wars
had nearly destroyed their natural forests. The country was
almost as destitute of fine oaks, as old Massachusetts is at this
day. He created by l>is zeal, bis eloquence, his fine philoso-
phical spirit, a taste for planting. JMany an ancient family
whose finances were reduced, found themselves again restor-
ed to opulence by the provident exertions of those, whom
Evelyn inspired with a passion for planting trees. Who can
think of Evelyn, or Olivier de Serres, the great French culti-
vator, without interest ? Who can contrast their achievements
with those of the most successful conquerors, without feeling
a decided preference for them ?

We shall take as a specimen, Evelyn's reasons for preferring
planting the seed, where the tree is to grow, to transplanta-
tion. " It has been, says Evelyn, stiffly controverted by
some, whether it were better to raise trees for timber and the
like uses from tl^eir seeds and first rudiments, or to transplant
such as we find have either raised themselves from seeds, or
sprung from mother roots. Now that to produce immediate-
ly of the seed is the better way, these reasons seem to evince.

"First, because they take soonest. Secondly, because
they make the straightest and most uniform shoots. Thirdly,
because they will neither require staking, nor watering, which

EXTRACTS FROM EVELYn's SYLVA. 351

are two considerable articles, and lastly, for that all trans-
planting (though it much improves fruit trees) unless they are
taken up the lirst year or two is a considerable impediment to
the growth of forcul t7-ecs ; and though it be true that divers
of those which are found in woods, especially oaklings (or
young oaks) young beeches, ash, and soinc others spring fronn
sclf-so-jon seeds, yet being lor the most part dropped, and
disseminated among half rotten sticks, musty leaves, and per-
plexities of the mother roots, they grow scraggy, and being
overdripped (that is too much subject to the drippings fronn
the trees which shade them) become squalid and apt to gath-
er moss.

" Which checks their growth and makes their bodies pine."

Vir. Georgicks, Lib, II.

" Nor can their roots expand and spread themselves as
they would do, if they were sown, or had been planted in a
more open, free, and ingenuous soil. And that this is so, I
do affirm upon experience, that an acorn sown by hand in a
nursery, or ground where it may be free from these incum'
brances, shall in two or three years, outstrip a plant of twice
that age which has either been self-sown, or removed, unless
it fortune (happen) to have been scattered into a more na-
tural, penetrable, and better qualified place; but this dispro-
portion is yet ivfnitely more remarkable in the Pine and
Walnut trees, where the nut set in the ground, does usually
overtake a tree of ten years growth, which was planted at the
same time ; and this is a secret so generally misrepresented
by most of those, who have treated of these sorts of trees that
1 could not suffer it to pass over without a particular remark.'^*

Such were the opinions of tlie venerable Evelyn, express-
ed to be sure in the quaint language of his age in the middle
of the 17th century, and it is certainly no mean praise to say,
that all succeeding cultivators have agreed to the truth and jus-
tice of his opinions. No policy can be so bad as that of dicr-
ging up the weak and sickly plants of the forest to form the
ground work of new plantations. It icas not Eveljin's idea.

852 EXTRACTS PROM EVELYN's SYLVA.

that forest trees should not be raised in nurseries, and thence
transplanted to the plantation where they are to grow. He
expressly refers to nurseries, and excepts from his interdiction
of transplantation, trees of from 2 to 3 years old.

Those of us who have been employed in the work of plant-
ing forest trees, (on a scale miserably small we ad,mit, and yet
8o important, that if every man in the state who owned a farm,
had planted as many, we should have a rich supply of trees)
very well know, how wise Evelyn was. We had no nurseries
from which we could draw our supplies. We were obliged
to resort to seedlings of the forest, but we can affirm, that we
owe our success entirely to his hints. Trees of 2 or 3 years
old ; of two or three feet high, have far out stripped those of
ten years old, and which were removed at ten feet heighth.
Maay of the latter perished or became sickly, but of the
former which were so small, that we could raise and set them
with our thumb and forefinger, we can shew plants of 1 7 years
growth, which are 30 feet in heighth, and would almost furnish
joist, and some few of them small timber for building. Nothing
can be more pernicious to successful planting, than the greedy
desire to have great plants at once. The city of Boston has
always been possessed with this rage for planting great trees,
and they have lost more by this course than would have
made the Common a noble grove. Their trees have perished
by hundreds, and we can look around and see many of our
neighbours who have committed the same faults. But our
object, in introducing this topic, is far more interesting. It ii
to shew, how much we have promised, and how little we have
effected. One of the earliest cares of the Massachusetts Agri-
cultural Society, was to encourage plantations of forest trees..
They offered rewards for it ; we believe only two premiums
were ever claimed, and those were by Col. Robert Dodge,
an Essex farmer, and by Moses Bullen,Esq. of Medfield, We
should be glad to hear of the success of those experiments at
this day. If 30 years since, when hard wood was sold in Bos-
ton at 2 dollars per cord, it was thought an interesting object

THE STATE OF THE SEASON. 353

to encourage planting, what must it be now, when wood
is worth 6 dollars per cord ? The Legislature required of
all the agricultural societies, that the> should offer premiums
for new plantations of forest trees. Has there been om claim
for a premium since ? We fear not. We want some " Evelyn"
to rouse our attention to the subject. How many waste pas-
ture grounds are there, which do not give 2 per cent on their
value, which might be made in 15 or 20 years to produce
double their present value by timber ? Land within 30 miles
of Boston, valuable only as pasture is now worth only from 10
15 dollars per acre, and in 20 years if well and judiciously
planted, the xuoud alone would produce from 30 to 40 dollars.
Let our farmers think on this subject.

THE STATE OF THE SEASON.

[From the Daily Advertiser.]

Mr. Hale — 1 have for so many years given some account
of the progress of vegetation, that I find my friends, in town
and country, look for it. It is perhaps of as much use as
diaries of the weather and common thermometrical state-
ments. In some short remarks, which I sent you early in
this month, I observed, that though the season was exactly
one month behind the last, in the beginning of April, yet like
the Siberian summer, it had advanced so rapidly, that on the
first of May, it had caught even the precocity of the last sea-
son. After that communication, long continued cold easter-
ly and northerly winds set in. On the 6th of May ice was
made in the country, sufficient to bear a child of 10 years of
age, and all the appearances of the progress of vegetation
ceased. The buds half started from their winter protection,
remained for fourteen days nearly quiescent — yet the season
has advanced within a few days, and has acquired an average

Vol. VII. ^n

354 THE STATE OP THE SEA90*.

rate of forwardness. Rains have been most abundant — springs
which had been deficient for two years are amply supplied — ■
the grass is well set, and the season promises abundantly as to
all the fruits except apples. The shew of pear blossoms
never was exceeded — the country is literally white with them.
The applies will of course be less numerous, owing to the ex-
traordinary efforts of the trees, last year — yet there will be an
ample quantity, and while less loss will be sustained by the
cultivator, the consumer will feel no failure in the supply.
If apples may be a little dearer, the more important article
of hay will probably be cheaper. It will be impracticable to
give a schedule of the progress of the various seasons with-
out repetition — yet fiew persons preserve the statements of
former years, and it is not possible to give a correct view with-
out comparing many years. This will enable the curious to
make useful remarks — and it will convince all, that however
different the weather, and the progress of vegetation, we have
a superintending Providence above us all, who regulates all
seasons in mercy, and compensates by the heat, or moisture
at 07ie moment, all that may be deficient in another.

The statements are made from the same tree or plant — in
the same exposure, and situation, and therefore not liable to
the variations, which would appear from transient observa-
tions of passengers, or travellers.

The Cherry — its first opening,
In 1813, May 10

In 1816, May 6*

In 1818, May 17

In 1820, May 2

In 1822, May 1

The Pear — its first opening,
In 1813,1 May 20

In 1816,J May 12

* This was the most disastrously cold year afterwards,
t Cherries opened this year on the 10th of May, but cold winds kept back the
pears to the 20lh.

:f This was an exceedingly cold season afterwards.

In 1815,

May

10

In 1817,

May

6

In 1819,

May

6

In 1821,

May

9

In 1823,

May

7

In 1815,

May

20

In 1817,

May

7

In 1819,

May 17

In 1821,

May 13

In 1823,

May 13

In 1815,

May 25

In 1817,

May 12

In 1819,

May 19

In 1821,

May 13

In 1823,

May 19

THE STATE OF THE SEASON. 355

In 1818,* May 24

In 1820, May 9

In 1822, May 4

The Apple — its first opening,
In 1813, May 23

In 1816, May 18

In 1818, May 25

In 1820, May 11

In 1822, May 9

I will add the Lilac the ornament of our Election day.
In 1817, May 19 In 1818, May 27

In 1819, May 25 In 1820, May 20

In 1821, May 20 In 1822, May 12

In 1823, May 22

Thus it will be seen, that the present season is about an
average one in point of forwardness, while it is far above the
average in its verdure and promise.

N. B. — There is some danger, that seeds of squashes and
other tender plants committed to the ground early in May,
have rotted and will require re-planting. It is, we know, the
fact in some places. A ROXBURY FARMER.

Roxbury, May 22, 1823.

THE MODE OF MAKING CIDER ADOPTED BY THE RELIGIOUS
SOCIETY AT CANTERBURY, NEW-HAMPSHIRE, COMMONLY
CALLED SHAKERS.

[It is with great pleasure we insert this article, not only
on account of its intrinsic merits, which are great, it having
all the clearness, precision, and simplicity which you would
expect from men so well skilled, and who make the best ci-
der (it is said) in New-England, and who, in every thing they

* This season deserves notice, for though so late it was a fine one.

356 MODE OF MAKING CIDER.

undertake are eminently successful ; but because it gives us
an opportunity of speaking of the adnnirable exannple set by
this description of persons in all that relates to agriculture,
horticulture, and manufactures. With their peculiar tenets
and cerentvonies, an agricultural work has no concern ; but it
is its province to recommend excellent examples of neatness
in cultivation, and in care, and caution, and fidelity in manu-
facturing articles important to the farmer. It will not be
questioned, that the Shakers have set a most praise-worthy
example — not of industry, sobriety, and neatness merely, but
of exactitude. They undertake nothing in which they do not
succeed better than their neighbours ; and the secret of their
success will be found to consist in their system of order, and
the thorough and effectual manner in which every thing is
performed. It is highly probable, that this sect (should it
continue to maintain it? ground) will finally furnish the states
in which they live, with the best and purest seeds, with the
neatest and most faithfully manufactured implements. We
hope, that other sects of christians will shew, that there is
nothing peculiar in the opinions of the Shakers, which should
produce of nece^<sity these happy and honourable results, but
that tiiey will all strive to "have every thing performed de-
cently and in order." We hope to be able to reply to the
queries of the Shakers, as to the manufacture of woad, or ra-
ther its preparation from the leaf, for the immediate use of
the dyer. They will be pleased with the letters on that sub-
ject, of Gen. Dearborn and Mr. Crowninshield.] — Ed.

To John Prince, Esq. Treasurer of the Massachusetts Agricul-
tural Society. Canterbury, March i!4, 1823.
Much respected friend Prince,
I recently received your very liberal and worthy favour of
th* ^id ult. for which I ieel a grateful acknowltdgment, and
hope to make you some compensation whenever you call on
us again. We were very glad to hear of your safe return
home.

MODE OF MAKING CIDER. 357

You left with us one agricultural No. viz. No. 3, vol. 7, 1
fear through mistake, which (if so) we will rectify at our next
interview.

The Agricultural Nunnbers which we now have, including
those you sent us, are the following : viz. Nos. 2, 3, and 4,
of vol. 3, and Nos. 1, 2 3, and 4, of vol. 4, and No. 2, of
vol. 3, and Nos. 2, 3, and 4, of vol. G, and Nos. 2 and 3, of
vol. 7.

The No. containing Gen. Dearborn's letter on woad, we
have had ; but our clothier having cultivated this plant the
last season with success, is now in quest of information how
to manufacture and prepare it for use. He has respect to a
treatise to which the General's letter refers.

As to experiments and improvements to communicate to
the Agricultural Society, be assured we feel much indebted
to you, and also to Esq. John L. Sullivan, for your liberali-
ty, and should be willing to communicate any thing in our
power, that would be beneficial to mankind ; but as our minds
are not so intent on natural and external things as on an in-
terest in Christ, and as our agriculutural pursuits and im-
provements are so small and simple, we consider ourselves
inadequate to say much on that subject.

However, there are two or three small improvements we
shall mention for your consideration, having been under our
experience for some years ; and which we find to be benefi'
cial to us, and from which, if you and others can derive the
same benefit, we shall feel ourselves amply rewarded forgiv-
ing the following hints.

1st. The process in making and refining cider in'order to
have it good and wholesome, is so simple, (ihough important)
that many people entirely overlook it, supposing the mystery
so deep, as to be entirely out of their reach : and others, per-
haps, tenacious of the customs of their forefathers, shut their
eyes and ears to any improvement, however propiliouf to
their interest and comfort ; such will probably be contented
to smack over their ill-tiavoured and unwholesome beverage
through life.

368 MODE OF MAKING CIDER.

Now, friend Prince, if we should explain wbat we know re-
specting the management of cider, some people would laugh,
and say they did that and a great deal more : and I suspect
they do, and add many more ingredients, such as water, po-
mace, and rotten fruit ; and perhaps something more from
fowls, beasts, and vermin, none of which makes the cider any
better.

We shall not hesitate to give it as our decided opinion,
that cool climates are much more favourable to cider than
warm. However, what greatly contributes to the goodness
and delicacy of rider, is the cleanliness of the casks which
contain it. In fine, all utensils used in making cider, should
be kept clean, and not suffered to get sour through the whole
process ; even the press should be frequently rinsed down,
during the time of making cider, to prevent sourness or a
change in the cider.

To clean casks which have been used for cider, we take
them from the cellar as soon as convenient after the cider is
out, (reserving the lees for stilling) and rinse each clean, first
with a pailful! of scalding water, then with cold, leaving the
casks with the bungs down for a day or two, or till dry. Then
we bung them tight, and return them to the cellar, or some
convenient place (not too dry) for their reception. Previous
to filling these casks with cider the ensuing season, we scald
and rinse them again, as above. Foul mu*ty casks ought to
be committed to the fire. Hogsheads or large casks are the
best for cider, especially those that have recently been used
for rum or other spirit.

Apples that drop early we make into cider for stilling, it
being unfit for table use ; the spirit of which, together with
that of the lees, we return back to our store cider at the time
of racking, which is generally about the first of January. Ci-
der made of apples before they are fully ripe, we deem unfit
for drinking : and even when ripe, if they are made into ci-
der during warm weather so as to produce a sudden and ra-
pid fermentation, the cider will unavoidably be hard and un-

MODE OF MAKING CIDER. 359

pleasant. The fact is, the slower cider is in fermenting, the
better it will be at any age : consequently the later in the
season it is made, and the cooler the weather (if the business
can be conveniently performed) the better; especially for
long keeping. However, this is a cold work for tlie fingers,
unless pressed in a rack, which is the best method.

About the first of November we think a suitable season, if
the weather be dry, to gather and put undercover apples for
store cider. After lying in this situation till mellow, (not rot-
ten) we commence grinding.

Doubtless good cider for early use, or perhaps for the first
year's drinking, may be made previous to this time ; but cool
serene weather should be chosen for the business.

The grinding trough should be spacious enough to contain
a cheese, in order to admit the pomace (if the weather be
cool) to lie over one night before pressing. This method
contributes much, both to the colour and quantity of the ci-
der.

In the morning press it out gradually, and put it up into
the casks through straw, or rather a coarse sieve, fitted and
placed within the tunnel : after which, we convey it imme-
diately to a cool cellar, leaving out the bungs till the fermen-
tation chiefly subsides, which may be ascertained by the froth
lettling back at the bung-hole. We then drive in the bungs
tight, leaving a small spigot vent a while longer, if need re-
quire, to check the pressure, which must finally be made air
tight.

About the first of January, we rack it off free from the lees
into clean casks. Those that have been recently used for
spirit are to be preferred. But otherwise ; having drawn off
one cask, we turn out the lees, scald and rinse the cask as
above; add three or four pails full of cider; then burn in the
cask, a match of brimstone attached by a hook, to the end of
a large wire fixed in the small end of a long tapering bung
fitting any hole. When the match is burnt out, take off the
remnant ; apply the bung again, and shake the cask in order

360 MODE OV MAKING CIDER.

to impregnate the cider with the fume. Add more cider and
burn another match. Then add from one to three gallons
of spirit (obtained from the lees as above) to one hogsli- ad ;
fill up the cask with cider, and bung it down airtight, and let
it remain till it becomes of mature age.

Cider managed in this way will keep pleasant for years.
We would not be understood to suggest a notion, that good
cider cannot be obtained without the addition of spirit; es-
pecially lor immediate use, or the first year's drinking; but
the contrary. Yet spirit will give it a new and vigorous bo-
dy, and insure its preservation.

To make matches for stumming casks, take strips of linen
or cotton rags about 1 1-2 inch wide, and 3 or 4 inches long,
dip the end of each in melted brimstone, to the extent of one
inch.

2d. Another improvement, though very simple, we shall
recommend, as having been highly beneficial to us for some
years ; that is, the preservation of vines, and other plants,
from the depredations of bugs and insects, by means of wood-
en boxes. These boxes are made of thin boards, about one
foot square, and 4 or 5 inches deep ; covered with thin,
loose-woven cloth, either of cotton, hemp, or linen, quite as
thin as a coarse meal sieve. The cloth should be oiled over
with linseed oil. The boxes are placed and kept over the
hills till the vines become of sufltcient growth and strength to
bid deilance to the depredations of those devouring insects.
This is tiie cheapest, best, and finally the only effectual me-
thod that we have ever found to preserve our vines from de-
struction.

These boxes with careful usage will probably last for the
term of 15 or 20 years. They should be put under cover
when they are not in use ; and it would be well to repeat the
oiling of the cloth tops once in 4 or 5 years with train oil.

3d. Another thing having been under our experience for
many years, we find to be very beneficial to us in our joint
situation ; that is, it saves considerable manual strength and

MODE OP MAKfNa CIDER. 361

hard labour, viz. the taking off hay from the load and placing
it on the mow by a horse, with what we call grabs or hooks,
fixed to a tackle, which is suspended to the ridge pole or raft-
er of the barn, nearly over the centre of the mow ; and to the
rope of which (passing under a truck) a horse is hitched and
ridden by a small boy directly forward through the yard.
We frequently take off a ton of hay at four or five draughts,
each of which being suspended by a rope, is, by two hands
easily swung, as the rope slacks, to any part of the mow.
The rope is held by the loadman, while the horse turns about
and commences his trip towards the load. However, we
could not recommend this method to farmers who cut hay on
a small scale, or where but few hands are employed.

At any rate, we should rather prefer the location of a barn
(when practicable) on the side of an hill, so as to facilitate a
passage over a floor across the beams. This method we have
proved, and find it an excellent plan. I presume one man
in this situation, will get off more hay in the same time, and
with less fatigue, than four would in the ordinary way.

4th. And lastly ; we have a machine (moved by water) for
thrashing and cleaning grain ; wJiich we can, with confidence,
recommend to great farmers. This machine will thrash and
winnow unusually clean, at least 100 bushels per day : it has
done 16 bushels per hour. Thus it not only saves much
time and hard labour, but also enables us to secure our grain
from vermin and other waste, immediately after harvesting.
Although (as we understand) some sagacious speculator has
copied a model, or nearly a model, from our machine, and
obtained a patent for the same, as having been his own inven-
tion ; yet we think we are fully able to prove our right of
claim to the invention, it being the result of our own menta!
researches.

We never saw nor heard of any thing similar, previous to

our building the above mentioned machine for our own use, in

the summer of the year 1 8 1 9 ; to the benefit of which, we make

you and every other man freely welcome, having never in-
Vol. VII. 47

362 STEEPING SEEDS.

tended to make other people tributary to our avarice, by se-
curing a patent for this, or any thing else, that might be of
service to nnankind. However, as we have not roonn here
to give a plan, nor even a minute description of this machine,
you will please to call and see it the first opportunity, and
judge for yourself of its utility.

Although water may justly be considered by far the best
power of motion, yet I presume this machine may besocon-
strdcted as to operate by horses. The cost, exclusive of a
building to contain the grain, is probably about ^100.
I am, with due respect, your friend,

FRANCIS VVANKLEY.

P. S. One of your former numbers speaks much in favour
of florin grass ; if you think it to be profitable, we should like
to procure some means for propagating it ; also a small pa-
per of Mangel Wurtzel seed.

nEFLECTIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF STEEPING SEEDS IN
VARIOUS FRUCTIFYING LIQUIDS, WHICH HaS BEEN THE
SUBJECT OF MUCH DISCUSSION.

[Editors.]

Men have been always prone to devise, and adopt some
ready and mysterious way of hastening perfection in all the
arts. There is no one of them, that has not at times boast-
ed its philosopher's stone — some expeditious mode of dispens-
ing with what Providence has made indispensible to the
attainment of all good in this world, viz. constant, unremitted,
intelligent exertion. However futile and ridiculous these
endeavours may have been in other arts and sciences, (and
they are in this age of true philosophy regarded, as they
ougKt always to have been, as the chimeras of enthusiasts,)
in the art or science of agriculture, they are eminently

STEEPING SEEDS. 3.63

preposterous and absurd. There is in this art, no easy and
compendious road to success. The faithful division of the
soil by repeated nnd incessant labour, the application of pro-
per manures or composts to enrich it •, to impart to each
particular species of soil, the elements in which it is found
to be deiicient — these are the great secrets, and the only
secrets, of successful cultivation. While we were young pro-
ficients in this science, we read with wonder, not unmixed
with incredulity, the surprising effects of steeping seeds in
various liquors, impregnated with substances, which a vain
philosophy always more satisfied with novelty than with truth,
had decided to be the best food for plants. As we have
grown older, we have found, that the most rational physiolo-
gists are not yet agreed as to what is the proper food of
plants. They have contented themselves with simple facts,
that some plants prefer one species of soil or manure, and
others prefer a very different one. And they have endea-
voured, as far as possible, to give to each plant the kind of
soil and manure in which, and by which, it is found to flourish
best.

The supposition, that so small a seed as that of wheat, or
Indian corn can imbibe from being steeped for twenty-four
hours in any liquor, however fructifying or favourable, a
degree of force, which can enable it to withstand the effects
of an uncongenial soil, or to produce more abundantly even
in a congenial one, savours too strongly of mystery to be
readily adopted by any rational mind. We are not disposed
to deny any influence whatever to such experiments ; but we
think it must be very limited, and that it has been grossly
over estimated. It would be indeed strange, if there were
not some quackery in this art, as in all others, and while we
have at least one hundred medicines, which will cure every
disease to which man is subject, (though no visible diminu-
tion of disease has been as yet produced by any or all of
them,) agriculture should not also have its universal panacea,
competent to eradicate all disease, and to produce the highest

364 STEEPING SEEDS.

possible state of vegetable health. It is with no small plea-
sure, that we are able to slate, that Evelj'n, the Bacon of
philosophical agriculture, had a thorough disbelief in this
short hand mocie of producing luxuriant and prolific vege-
tation. In speaking of the soils in which forest trees flourish,
he gives this sly rebuke to the believers in fructifying stee[)S.
'• Rather, therefore, we would take notice how many great
wits and ingenious persons, who have leisure and faculty,
are in pain for ihe improvement of their heaths and barren
hills, cold and starving places, which causes them to be
despaired of and neglected, whilst they flatter their hupes
and vain expectations with fructifying liquors ; chymical
menstrumns, and such vast conceptions — at the same time,
that one may shew them as heathy and hopeless grounds and
barren hills as any in England, that do now bear, or lately
have borne, woods, groves, and copses which yield the owner
more wealth than the richest and most opulent wheat lands."
There is a strong vein of sarcasm and truth in these
remarks, and they had their effect in covering England with
valuable and beautiful forests and groves, as we now find it.
It may be of some practical use to add the experience of the
writer of this article. He planted sowe hills which consist-
ed entirely of sand or gravel, and which would not furnish
vegetables for the support of a single cow for six weeks in a
year. It was represented to him by his neighbours that trees
would not grow upon them. It seemed, indeed, to be a hope-
less undertaking. Still he persevered, and the wood now
growing at the end of fifteen years would pay, if cut down
and sold to the bakers, for a sum equal to the [)rice of the
land ; he believes, to double that price. But the most im-
portant remark? on this subject were made in a note by the
editor of Evelyn's Sylva, Alexander Hunter, the author of
the " Georgical Essays," a man of rare merit, philanthropy,
and good sense. He goes at large into the question of the
value and importance o[ steeping seeds, placing the questioUj
a8 we believe, on its true and rational ground.

STEEPING SEEDS. 365

" The steeping of seeds," he remarks, " in prolifick liquors,
is not of modern invention. The Romans, who were good
husbandmen, have left us several receipts for steeping grain,
in order to increase the powers of vegetation. In England,
France, Italy, and in all countries where agriculture is
attended to, we see a variety of liquors recommended for
the same purpose. Good nourishment has ever been ob-
served to add strength and vigour to all vegetables. Hence
it was natural to suppose, that by filling the vessels of the
grain with nourishing liquors, the germ with its roots would
be invigorated. Hortt far this is founded on just principles
remains now to be examined. For my part," says Mr. Hun-
ter, " I am not an advocate for steeps. All my experiments
demonstrate that they have no inherent virtue. 1 have
more than once sown the same seed, steeped, and unstecped,
and though all other circumstances were minutely alike, yet
1 could never observe the least difference in the growth of
the crops. / confess that when the light seeds are skimmed
off, as in the operation of brining, (or steeping in water satu-
rated with salt, which is heavier than common water) the
crop will be improved and diseases prevented, but these ad-
vantages proceed from the goodness of the grain sown, and
not from any prolifick virtue of the- sleep. I am happy in
not being singular in my objection to steeps. Many philo-
sophical farmers have been induced to quit their prejudices,
and are now convinced, from their own trials, that there is
no dependence on prolifick liquors, though ever so well re-
commended. Some people have been hardy enough to
persuade themselves, that the tillering of wheat, (its dispo-
sition to spread and send up many shoots from a single
kernel) may be so much increased by invigorating the grain
(by steeps) that only one half of the seed will be required.
Duhamel, one of the most accurate of experimental hus-
bandmen, and a most excellent philosopher, speaks in the
strongest terms against the practice of steeping, so far as it
supposes an impregnation of vegetative particles. 1 shall not

366 STEEPING SEEDS.

here repeat his experiments. I shall only observe, that they
are such as any farmer may make ; they are plain and con-
clusive. Good seed, when sown upon land in good tilth,
will always produce a plentiful crop. The best grain im-
pregnated to the full with the most approved steep and sown
uponland indifferently prepared, will forever disappoint the
hopes of the farmer. I do not presume to condemn the
practice in positive terms because my own experiments are
against it. Other experiments may be opposed to mine. I
shall therefore, rest the whole upon a description of what
happens to grain, after it has been committed to the earth.
The subject is curious, and the discussion of it not very diffi-
cult. A grain of wheat contains within two capsules, a con-
siderable share of flour, which, when melted down by the
watery juices of the earth, constitutes the nourishment of the
tender plant, until its roots are grown sufficiently large to
absorb their ozon food. Here is evidently a store-house of
nutriment, and of course the plumpest grains are the most
eligible for seed. From repeated experiments, I am con-
vinced that the plumpest seeds are always preferable to the
small ones. I have sprouted every kind of grain in a variety
of steeps, and can assure the farmer that the root and germ
never appeared so vigorous as when sprouted in simple ele-
mentary water — an argument that the seed requires no assist-
ance. The saine steep when applied in quantity to the soil
will undoubtedly invigorate the roots, and nourish the plant ;
but in that case it operates like other manures, and loses the
idea of a steep. As nitre, and sea-salt, and lime, are gene-
rally added to steeps, I have constantly observed that their
application rendered the radicle and germ sickly and yel-
low— a plain proof, that they were unnaturally used at that
season. Did the farina of the seed need any additional
particles, it might be supposed that broth made of the flesh of
animals would be most agreeable. [Probably founded on the
fact that animal manure is the most powerful. Editors.]
" To be satisfied of that, I sprouted some grains in beef

RAISING THE OAK, 367

broth, and an equal number in simple water. They were
afterwards sown, but I could perceive no difference in the
crop. As no invigorating, or fructifying liquor had ever stood
the test of fair experiment, we may venture to lay it down
as an established Iruth., that plump seed, clear of weeds, and
land well prepared to receive it, will seldom disappoint the
hopes of the farmer."

We are not prepared to express a decided opinion in
favour of Mr. Hunter's suggestions, though they derive great
weight from the support of two such men as Duhamel and
Evelyn.

There is one consideration which Mr. Hunter has cer-
tainly not pressed as far as he might have done. The bulk
of the seed is so extremely small compared with the roots
and top of any plant, (Indian corn, for example, whose root
and tops probably contain from 200 to 500 times as much
matter as the seed,) that it is incredible, that any productive
virtue (be it ever so great) could materially affect the growth
of a plant, which daily requires so much food. We thought
the article ingenious, and we give it the preference, be-
cause it is in opposition to long a established opinion, found-
ed in mystery.

ON RAISING THE OAK FROM THE ACORN, AND THE BEST
MODE OF DOING IT.

[By the Editors.]

It is very extraordinary, that, notwithstanding the Massachu-
setts Agricultural Society has for thirty years offered great
premiums for the culture of the oak in plantations, and espe-
cially since the legislature enjoined it upon the several agri-
cultural societies throughout the state to offer premiums for
the raising of forest trees, but two claims should have been
made. We tan only account for it on one of the following
grounds, either that the premium has not attracted the atten-

368 RAISING THE OAK.

lion of our farmers, or that they have not sufficient spirit and
enterprise, or that they are averse from any new culture,
however important and reasonable. V\ e shall take the arti-
cle of White Oaks, which were selected by our society, as
being the most valuable timber of the Northern States.

The premium offered in 1822, for one acre planted with
white oaks, and found to be in the best state in September
1823, (that is at eighteen months old.) was 100 dollars per
acre. The average price of good land throughotit the state
does not exceed twenty dollars per acre. The expense of
raising seedlings of eighteen months old would not exceed
twenty dollars more, if the following account be correct ;
indeed we believe it would not exceed ten dollars, as we can
see no reason why the expense of planting an acre of acorns
should exceed the expense of planting an acre of corn.
There would be left then of clear profit to the raiser of an
acre of oaks a profit of sixty dollars at least for two years
culture, and as is remarked in the following article, a crop
of grain may be raised at the same time sufficient to pay the
whole expense. Have we no man in the slate who is spirited
enough to set the example, and carry away the honour and
profit? The acre of oaks will afterwards be his, and there is
no mode in which he could employ his land to so great
advantage. It will not surely be said, that our farmers cari'
not spare any of their land, when our great error consists
in holdins more than we can. or do cultivate zoell.

On the mode of raising the oak ^^ from Hunter'' s Jfotes on
Evelyn''s Sylva.''^
" Having the ground properly prepared, (by breaking it
up and reducing it to a fine tilth, either by potatoes or
repeated ploughings) and having a sufficient quantity of
acorns, all gathered from the most vigorous, healthy, and
thriving trees, proceed to the setting them in the following
manner. In the month of February or March [but in this
country we say from experience, the months of November or

RAISING THE OAK. 3(59

December if (he latter month be open) let lines be drawn
across the ground for the rows, at the distance of four feet
from each other; but if ttiis be thought too great an interval,
the rows may be made three feet, in which case the acorns
iPMst be put down at a greater distance from each other.
Then having stick"; properly rounded to make the holes,
(a common dibbit) plant the acorns in the rows at ten inches
asunder. Let them be put down about two inches below
the surface, and see that the earth be properly closed upon
them to prevent mice or crows from injuring the seed. In
some places it is customary to sow the acorns after the
plough in furrows, but where the ground happens to be stiff,
great care sliould be taken not to cover the seed with too
thick a furrow.

" The hrst year after planting the acorns, the weeds must
be kept down by hoeing and hand-weeding, and this must be
done early in the spring before the weeds get so strorig as to
hide the tender plants, which would occasion many of them
to be destroyed in cleaning. It is also the cheapest, as well
as neatest husbandry, to take weeds down, before they grow
too large ; for though the ground may require an additional
hoeing iu spring, )et the weeds being hoed down when
young, a man may hoe over a great quantity of ground in a
day. Weeds cut in their tender state imnriediately die.
Whereas, when they are old and strong, they frequently
grow again, especially if rain tails soon after, they perfect
their seeds in a short time, and thereby injure the whole
plantation.

" The second year of their growth the common plough
may be made use of, to cultivate and keep the ground clean,
[or potatoes might be raised between the rc»ws if proper care
be taken not to trample on the plants. Editors.]

As these acorns sometimes fail, tlie author proposes a
nursery in the same field to supply the deficiencies.

"Having then given directions for the raising of wood,
I proceed," says the author, " to their future management.

Vol. VII. 48

37© KAfS}N6 THE OAK.

And first, the rows being four feet asunder, and the plant$
two feet apart in the rows, they may stand in this maimer
for twelve or fourteen years, when every second plant may
be taken out and sold for hoops or poles. After every
second plant is taken away, let the roots of those taken
away be grabbed up to give the remauiing plants more room
freely to extend their roots. The plants being now four
feet apart each way, they will require no more thinning for
seven or eight years, that is, till they are twenty years old,
when the healthiest and most thriving trees must be marked
to stand for timber, and the others cut down for poles, and
their roots left to produce future underwood.

" The oak will grow and thrive on almost any soil, if pro-
perly planted, thougii it cannot be supposed that their suc-
cess will be equal in all places. A rich, deep, loamy soil is
what oaks most delight in, though they will grow exceed-
ingly well in clays of all kinds, and in sandy soils, in which
last, the Jinest grained timber is produced,''^

The author then proceeds to inquire, which of the differ-
ent modes of raising oaks produces the best timber, from the
acorn, the seed-bed, or the nursery. Mr. Evelyn decides in
favour of planting the acorn, and Mr. Hunter adds, that
whoever will look at the woods which were sown, and com-
pare them with those which were planted from nurseries^
will not hesitate a moment to declare in favour of Evelyn's
opinion.

What are the obstacles to our following this excellent
example of the great farmers of England, in the age, . in
which our ancestors emigrated ? Is it because we ar^ too
impatient, and unwilling to await so tardy a return? Yet
there are constant pleasures in the annual growth of our
forests, they seem to be the work of our own hands, at least
of our own providence and care ; they are subject to fewer
hazards, and their profit is certainly greater than that of any
other employment of capital on land, or is this aversion to
planting the effect of an hereditary prejudice against trees ?

PROrESSOIl COGSWfitt's DONATION. 371

Our ancestors found their extirpation, their great-est lahowf
and do we continue to feel their prejudice, when woodland
is far the most valuable, and must constantly increase in its
comparative valae ?

PROFESSOR COGSWELL'S DONATtON OF A VAl,UABLE HERBA-
RIUM TO THE VISITORS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PROFES-
SORSHIP OF NATURAL HISTORY.

It is not, perhaps, generally known, that the Trustees of
the Massachusetts Society {or promoting agriculture, are al-
so, with the President of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences, the President of Harvard University, and the Pre-
sident of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Visitors of
the Massachusetts Professorship of Natural History, and, of
course, of the Botanick Garden.

Every thing interesting to that establis^hment ought, there-
fore, to find a conspicuous place in ^Ais journal.

It is not necessary at this day, to urge the importance of
botanical knowledge, and its necessary connexion with agTi-
cultnre. The liberal exertions of the government of the
United States under the administrations of Jeflerson, Madi-
sOti, and Monroe, to promote the knowledge of the vegeta-
ble productions of the extensive countries over which we
claim jurisdiction ; their employment of scientifick men to
explore these regions with views to the promotion of the sci-
ence of natural history ; the honourable progress made in
that science, which was scarcely known in the United States
40 years since, by the successive labours of Cutler, Muhlen-
berg, Peck, Cleaveland, Elliot, Silliman, Say, Bigelow, Nut-
tal, Torrey, and many others, render any remarks in its fa-
vour unnecessary and inexpedient.

We may, however, assume some praise for Massachusetts,
for its exertions, both public and private, in founding a bo-

3*72 PROFESSOR Cogswell's donation.

tanirk school ; and what is a rare praise in the United States,
in preserving wh^t it had founded. The Botanick Garden
at Cambridge, is the only surviving one in the UmJed States.
The opulent and extensive and liberal State of New York,
after paying ^80,000 for Dr. Hosark's garden, is said to have
sutTered it to pass into decay, while Massachusetts, without
any extensive graiit, has by a moderate annual encourage-
ment, wisely fostered an instiluiion nobly endowed by private
benefactions. We trust the rukrs of the State, seeing the
interest taken in this science, will now do more , and as a
State of the first importance, place the garden at Cambridge,
on a footing at least with that at Liverpool, created and sus-
tained by a single city of Great-Britain.

Professor Cogswell is entitled to great praise for the devo-
tion of his time, his thoughts, and his property, while abroad,
to the acquisition of the means of advancing the science of
natural history in his native country. Had he retained for
his own use, his valuable collections, he would still have beea
a benefactor; for every citizen who collects a library or a
cabinet of minerals, or a herbarium, renders essential services
fo his country, but when he presents these fruits of his zeal
and exertions to the publick, they are still more his debtors,
and the least they can do, is publicly to acknowledge their
sense of obligation. In this case, I personally know, that the
object of our notice would gladly have been spared this pub-
lic tribute; but private d'licacy must yield to public duty,
and superior public interests. J. L.

Cambridge, April 12, 1823.
Dear Sir, — When I was iu Switzerland. I procured a large
Herbarium of the plants of that country, which I look upon
as too valuable to be shut up in the private cabinet of an in-
dividual, especially of an individual, whose other occupations
afford him but little time for the study of Botany. 1 have
determined, therefore, to present it to the Massachusetts Pro-
fesiorship of Natural History, believing that it will there be

pRorESSOR Cogswell's donation, 873

in better hands than in any other in the country. T must beg
you to offer it to the Visitors of the Professorship in my
name. It contains 3172 specimens of dried plants of central
Europe, all of which, I believe, are in perfect preservation ;
of these, 555 are Lichens still attached to the substances on
which they grew. The Herbarium is put up in \olumes like
that, which accompanies this note, of which there are twelve,
beside a distinct one for the Cereales. The Lichens are in
a cabinet by themselves, in a different form. The plants
were collected partly by myself, and partly by Mr. Sevinge,
of Bern, who pressed and prepared the whole. This gentle-
man is constantly employed by Mr. De Candolle, for this
purpose, and consequently must be capable and accurate.
The Herbarium was examined by Mr. De Candolle, and ma-
ny of the plants verified by him ; he considered it very per-
fect of its kind. Dr. Bigelow examined it also, and was of
the same opinion ; and so was Mr. Nuttall, as far as he could
judge on a slight inspection. It is arranged according to the
natural order, and the catalogue is made to correspond. I
send a volume of the Herbarium and the catalogue, that the
gentlemen may see the state in which it is, and its extent.
Should the Board of Visitors do me the honor to accept this
Herbarium, you will please inform me into whose hands I
shall deliver it.

With great respect, I am my dear sir,

Your friend and servant,

JOS. G. COGSWELL.

Benj. Guild, Esq. Secretary of the Board of Visitors of
Mass. Prof. Nat. Hist.

The Visitors accepted this donation, and presented to Mr.
Cogswell their thanks in behalf of the publick.

374 0!N MILDEW.

ON MILDEW.

There is no evil to which the farmer of the Northern State*
is subject more injurious than mildew — none, which he is
more interested in seeing overcome. It is that principally
which prevenis his raising his own wheat, and as the tirst
step, towards discovering a remedy, is the ascertainment of
the cause of the evil, and its nature, the farmer is of course
interested in learning what mildew proceeds from, and what
it is. Much mystery has hung over this question, and oppo-
site opiiiious have been entertained respecting it, but we
trust that philosophical, and indeed all reading farmers will
be pleased by perusmg the following article from the pen of
the well known, and respected Mr. Knight, of whom we have
spoken before.

Oh the prevention of Mildew in particular cases. By Thomas
Andrew K?iight, Esq. F. R. S. (^'C. ^c. President of the
London Horticultural Society ^ read in 1813 and , printed
in 1818.

" The little pamphlet upon the rust, or mildew of wheat,
for W'hich the publick are indebted to the patriotick exer-
tions of the venerable president of the Royal Society (the
late Sir Joseph Banks) affords much evidence in proof, that
this disease originates in a minute species of parasitical
fungus, which is propagated, like other plants, by seeds,
and the evidence adduced would, I think, be sufficient to
remove every doubt on the subject, were the means ascer-
tained, by which the seeds of this species of fungus are con-
veyed from the wheat plants of one season to those of the
succeeding year. This, however, has not yet been done ;
and therefore some persons still retain an opinion that the
Mildew of wheat consists only of preter-natural processes,
which spring from a diseased action of the pozuer of life in
the plants themselves.

" An hypothesis, which differs little from this, has been pub-

ON MILDEW. ^7^

lished in the present year* respecting the dry rot, or Boletus
lacr}mans, of Timber. It is contended that the nstferent
kinds of fungus, which appear upon decaying timber of dif?
fe rent species, are produced by the remaining powers of hfe
in the sap of the unseasoned wood ; and that the same kind of
Jiving organizable matter, which, whilst its powers remained
perfect, would have generated an oak branch, will, when
debilitated give existence to a species of fungus. But if this
power exists, and becomes capable, during its rapid declen-
sion of deviating so widely from its original mode of action,
the species of fungus it would produce, might be expected
to become successively more feeble and diminutive : whereas
the most robust and gigantic of the whole genus, the Boletus
squamosus springs from wood, when that is in the last stage
of decay, and the best known, and the most valuable species
to mankind, of this tribe of plants, the common mushroom
[from which catchup is made, and which in Europe is a lux^
ury of the table] appears as obviously to spring from horse
dung under favourable circumstances, as any species of the
same tribe appears to spring from decomposing wood, with-
out the presence of seeds.! Yet it can scarcely be contend-
ed, that any vital power, capable of arranging the delicate
organization of a mushroom, can exist in horse dung ; and
the admission of such power would surely lead to the most
extravagant conclusions. For if a mass of horse dung can
generate a mushroom, it can scarcely be denied that a mass
of animal matter, an old cheese, may generate a mile, and if
the organs of a mite can thus be formed, there could be little
difficulty in believing that a larger mass of decomposing mat-
ter would generate an Elephant or a man.

" The hypothesis, therefore, which supposes the various

* Quarterly Review.

+ Mr. Knight refers here to the small and large mushroom, which are found
growing out of decaying timber, and are known by botanists by the names of
Boletus lacrymans, and Boletus squamosus. All persons of any observation
must have perceived these mushrooms on decaying timber. Editors,

376 ON MILDEW.

species of fungus to spring from seeds, appears to me much
the less objectionable; and, if the minute bodies, which are
supposed to be the seeds, be really such, it will not be diffi-
cult to shew that these are sufficiently numerous to a* count,
to a great extent for the ubiquity [the universal presence] of
the plants they are supposed to produce, particularly as such
apparent seeds, owing to their excessive lightness, are capa-
ble of being dispersed every where by winds.

" A few years ago 1 raised some mushrooms under glass
with the intention of collecting, and subsequently raising from
the seeds they might produce ; and I then endeavoured to
ascertain the number which would be afforded by a single
fructification ; for a mushroom appears to be nothing more
than a fructification of the plant, though it is generally spo-
ken of as the plant itself. I placed thin plates of talc, [isin-
glas vulgarly called with us] under a very large mushroom,
at the period when the minute globular bodies which are
supposed to be the seeds, first began to be disengaged from
its gills ; and I endeavoured to count the niimber which fell
during each successive hour, within the narrow field of a
very powerful lens. The labour to my eyes was^ however,
so severe, that I was unable to count with any considerable
degree of accuracy ; but the number which fell from a single
mushroom, within the succeeding ninety-six hours, exceeded
upon the lowest calculation that 1 could make, tzoo hundred
and ffty millions. I endeavoured to raise mushrooms from
these seeds, but I failed to obtain any decisive results ; for
though I readily procured mushroom spawn by mixing such
seeds with unfermented horse dung, I also obtained them in
equal abundance in some instances where I had not intro-
duced any seeds.

" Immense as the number of seeds produced by a single
mushroom appears, it probably is not much greater than that
which a single plant of mildewed wheat would afford ; and,
according to this calculation, a single acre of mildewed wheat
would afford seeds sufficient to communicate disease to every

ON MILDEW* 377

acre of wheat in the British empire, under circumstances fa-
vourable to the growth of the fungus ; [Mr. Knight proceeds
throughout on the belief of the doctrine advanced by Sir Jo-
seph Banks, that the mildew is a plant of the class which bota-
nists call fungus] and 1 have never seen a single acre of wheat
since the publication of Sir Joseph Banks's pamphlet so free
from mildew, but that it would have afforded seeds enough
amply to supply the adjoining hundred acres. There is al*o
reason to believe that the barberry tree (or shrub) commu-
nicates this disease to wheat, and I have also observed a
similar, apparent parasitical plant on the couch grass, in the
hedges of corn field?.*

"Neither the mildezo of wheat nor any other kind, caa
however, I think, be communicated directly from the leaves
and stems of one plant to those of another; very numerous
attempts made by myself to succeed in experiments of this
kind, having, I believe, proved abortive; though I once fan-
cied that 1 had succeeded in two or three instances. I am,
therefore, much inclined to believe that the parasitical fun-
gus, which occasions every disease of this kind, enters the
plant in the first instance by the roots, though it may proba-
bly be transferred by the graft, and probably by the bud,
from one fruit tree to another; and if the seeds be capable
like those of many other plants, of remaining sound a con-
siderable time beneath the soil, or in other situations, till
circumstances, which are favourable to their growth, occur,
the abundant appearances of mildew, or mushrooms, may

* We witnessed three years since the most unequivocal proofs of the effects
of the barberry on surrounding plants of winter rye. Several days before the
mildew was seen on ani/ other parts of the field, it appeared in extensive and
destructive influence around a barberry bush. We called the attention of
Dr. Bigelow to the fact, which could not be questioned. There was, how-
ever, some doubts on his mind whether the fungus on one and the other was
identically the same. But the fact cannot be questioned, that it first appeared
in the vicinity of the barberry, and thenre gradually and rapidly spread in
diverging lines over the whole field. The barberry is constantly affected
with this disease, and at an early season before it blossoms. Editors.
Vol. VII. 49

378 ON MILDEW.

be accounted for without supposing them to be generated
wholly by the bodies from which they spring.

" I sliall not trespass on the time of the Horticultural Society
by dwelhng longer upon the primary causes of the various
diseases, which are comprehended under the name of
mildew ; but shall proceed to the immediate object of the
present memoir, which is to point out the means by which
the injurious effects of the common white mildew may be
in particular cases, prevented.

'^ The secondary, and immediate causes of this disease have
long appeared to me to be the want of a sufficient supply of
moisture from the soil, with excess of humidity in the air,
particularly if the plants be exposed to a temperature below
that to which they have been accustomed. If damp and
cold weather in July succeed that which is warm and bright,
without sufficient rain to moisten the ground to some depth,
the wheat crop is generally injured by mildew. I suspect,
tha* in such cases, an injurious absorption of moisture by the
leaves and stems of the wheat plants takes place ; and I have
proved, that under similar circumstance much water will J>e
absorbed by the leaves of trees, and carried downwards
through their alburnous substance ; though it is certainly
through this substance that the sap rises under other cir-
cumsiances. i( a branch be taken from a tree when its
leaves are mature, and one leaf be kept constantly wet,
that leaf will ab?orb moisture, and supply another leaf be-
low it upon the branch, even though all communication
between them through the bark be intersected ; and if a
a similar absorption takes places in the straws of wheat or
the stems of other plants, and a retrograde motion of the
fluids be produced. I conceive that the ascent of the true
sap, or organizable matter, into the seed vessels, must be re-
tarded, and that it may become the food of the parasitical
plants, which then only may grow luxuriant and injurious.

" This view of the st.'bject, whether true or false, led me
to the following method of cultivating the pea, late in au-

ON MILDEW. 37i.»

tumn, by which my table has been as abunrlanf'y supplied
during the months of September and October as in June
or July, and my plants have been as nearly free from mil-
dew,

[To enable those who have not altcmpted to cul-
tivate late pease lo understand Mr. Knight, we would re-
mark, that both in Europe and America, the pea sowed
for an autumnal crop is generally, we might say, almost
universally subject to mildew, so that we cannot enjoy
this delicious green vegetable, for more than two months
in the year.]

" The ground is dug in the usual way, and the spaces
which will be occupied by the future rows are well soak-
ed with water; the mould upon each side is then collect-
ed so as to form ridges seven or eight inches above the
previous level of the ground, and then are well wateied.
After which, the seeds are sowed in single rows along the
tops of the ridges. The plants very soon appear above
the surface, and grow with much vigour owing to the great
depth of the soil and abundant moisture. Water is given
rather profusely once a week, or nine days, even if the
weather proves showery. Under this mode of management
the plants will remain perfectly green and luxuriant till the
young blossoms and the seed vessels are destroyed by frost,
and their produce will retain its proper flavour which is
always taken away by mildew. The pea which I have
planted for autumnal crops is a very large kind, of which
the seeds are much shrivelled, and which grows very high.
It is now very common in the shops of London, and my
name has been, 1 believe, generally attached to it. [It is
well known by us by the same name, and is an excellent
late variety.] 1 prefer this variety, because it is more
sweet than any other, and retains its flavour better late in
autumn. It is my custom to sow some of it every ten
days, and I rarely ever fail of having my table supplied
till the end of October.

380 ON MILDEW".

" The miklow of the peach and other fruit trees probably
originates in the same causes as the mildew of the pea,
and may be prevented by similar means. When the roots
which penetrate most deeply into the soil, and are conse-
quently best adapted to supply the tree in summer with
moisture, are destroyed by a noxious subsoil, or by excess
of moisture during winter, I have observed the mildew
upon many varieties of ihe peach to become a very for-
midable enemy. Where, on the contrary, a deep and fer-
tile loam permits the roots to extend to their proper depth;
and where the situation is not low as to be much infested
with fog?, I have found little of this disease ; and in a forc-
ing house (for prematurely ripening fruit) I have found it
equally easy by appropriate management to introduce or
prevent the appearance of it. When I have kept the mould
very dry, and the air in the house damp and unchanged,
the plants have soon become mildewed ; but when the
mould has been regularly, and rather abundantly watered,
not a vestige of the disease has appeared.

" It must be confessed, that it is not easy to account, at
first view, for the appearance of this disease under some
of the preceding and various other circumstances, if it be
produced by a parasitical plant which propagates by seeds,
but all we ever sec of mildew is simply its fructification.
The plant itself, if it be one, is wholly concealed from our
senses : it may consequently be transferred from one plant to
another by the giaft or bud, and never become visible, till
the health of the tree be effected by other causes.

" I could state some cases which are very favourable to this
opinion, for this disease appears readily to be communicated
by a graft to another tree, when that grows in the same soil,
and in similar external circumstances.

"The different species of minute insects, which feed upon
the bodies of our domestic cattle are scarcely ever seen, and
are never injurious so long as the larger animals retain their
health and vigour; but when these become reduced by fg-

THE CAROLINA POTATO. 381

mine, or disease, the insects multiply with enormous rapi-
dity, and though at first, they arc only symptomatic of dis-
ease, they are ultimately become the chief and primary
cause ol its continuance. The reciprocal operation of the
larger plant (on which the mildew feeds) and the mildew
upon each other may possibly be somewhat similar.

" I offer the preceding opinions merely as conjectures ; the
hypothesis I have chosen has led me to the successful treat-
ment of the disease in particular cases; and it may in the
same way lead to others, and I therefore venture to submit it
to the Horticultural Society without being very confident of
its truth. If however the countless millions of apparently
organized bodies, which are generated by the different spe-
cies of fungus, be not seeds, nature appears to wander widely
from its ordinary path ; for amidst all its boundless profusion
and exuberance, it does not ever, in other cases, appear to
labour wholly in vain."

So far Mr. Knight instructs, or at least attempts to instruct
us. No person can read his remarks without admiring his
philosophical caution and modesty, and yet it is obvious,
that he concurs with his predecessor, Sir Joseph Banks, in
considering mildew as a plant — an organized being endued
with vegetable life. How far the admitted discovery of this
fact may eventually lead to the extinction, or at least the di-
minution of this vegetable scourge, time only can decide, but
we cannot think our readers will believe their time ill spent
in perusing these ingenious suggestions.

THE CAROLINA POTATO, OR SWEET POTATO.

1 HIS plant is not a potato, though there is a vulgar opi-
nion, that the common potato transplanted to southern regions

382 THE CAROLINA POTATO.

becomes sweet, and that the sweet potato on being carried
to northern climes degenerates into the common potato.
The common potato is what the botanists have named a So-
lanum. It is not a running plant. Its native country is
probably the high lands of South America — a cold region.
It delights in cold seasons, and a moist soil, and it is a fact,
that it is drier and more mealy, when raised in such soils,
than in dry ones. The best potatoes known are raised in
the wet, flat and almost overflown grounds of Lancashire in
England ; and in Ireland, so famous for its moisture and ver-
dure, as to have received the appellation of the Emerald
Isle. It flourishes admirably in the fogs of Nova Scotia and
the lower parts of the state of Maine. The sweet potato
has no title to be called the Carolina potato. It is an exo-
tic, or foreign plant with them. It is a native of tropical re-
gions ; has been gradually introduced northerly, like the
Lima or Saba, commonly pronounced. Civet bean. The
sweet potato is not a solanum, but a convolvulus ; has all the
habits of the tribe of the convolvulus ; it is a running or
creeping plant. It never flowers in our country. It is very
hardy — is capable of bearing more frost than the common
potatoe, but in wet seasons it is watery and less sweet. It
may prove my great zeal, and somewhat theoretical turn,
^o recommend again the culture of this vegetable in Mas-
sachusetts, but four years experience gives me some right
to speak of it practically .

I recommend its culture on the following grounds.

First. It will grow and succeed here under ordinary cul-
ture.

Secondly. It is very prolific, making as good returns as
the common potato.

Thirdly. It is preferred by man, bearing usually a price
three times as great with us as the common potato.

Fourthly. It is preferred by all aninials of whatever
description. Cows and pigs eat it greedily, and even dung-
hill fowls will attack and consume it in a raw state.

NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 383

It will produce about 300 bushels to the acre. I have
never failed to raise it with success. The only impediment
to its culture is the difficulty of preserving the small tubes
or roots; but as soon as it is known that there will be a
demand for them, our market will be regularly supplied
from New Jersey, where it has been long naturalized. It
can be as easily raised, as cabbages. This I undertake to
affirm. J. LOWELL.

I would not be supposed to recommend this article ex-
cept for the culture of the southern and eastern parts of
the State, nor even there, except as a cheap luxury.

NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We received a pamphlet from John Young, Esq. Secre-
tary of the abovenamed Society, which contains much inter-
esting matter ; but from some accident, it reached us so late
as not to aflford time to make such extracts from it, and to
take such notice of it, as we should have been disposed to
do. Perhaps there is no district of Europe or America in
which a more fervent and zealous spirit in favour of an im-
proved course of agriculture has been awakened, than in
Nova Scotia. If we were to attribute this, in a very consi-
derable degree, to the industry, zeal and talents of Mr.
Young, we should be borne out, in the opinion, by the gene-
ral testimony of the inhabitants of that province. The New
England Agricultural Journal, a publication of great merit,
has made copious extracts from this pamphlet, which renders
our unavoidable omission less important. We cannot how-
ever omit the introduction of a very singular historical fact
stated by the Attorney General of that Province in a very
animated speech made at a meeting of the Provincial Agri-

384 NOTA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

cultural Society. One object of the speaker was to recom-
mend the culture of grain, in preference to raising cattle.

" There cannot be a greater folly (for reasons previously
assigned, said the Attorney General.) than rearing so many
cattle and neglecting the plough. This has not always been
the case in Nova Scotia ; for he had been lately turning his
attention to the ancient records of the Province as preserved
in the public offices; with a view to collect any facts illus-
trative of our agriculture. When the English took posses-
sion of this country, there might be 40,000 souls in it, and
the plough was the support of this population. He found
that an embargo w^as imposed to prevent the exportation of
rvheat and pease to the neighbouring state of Massachusetts,
Although this may appear strange to some, who have been
crying both long and loudly, that we could not raise onr own
bread, he could assure them it was a positive fact. What
was the consequence of this embargo, thus laid on the agri-
cultural produce of Nova Scotia? Why, the State of Massa-
chusetts takes the alarm, and sets forth a strong remonstrance
and complaint, that their supplies were cut off. On this, his
Majesty's council, taking their case into consideration, and
willing to give them all the relief m their power, grants them
a licence of three months for the exportation of wheat and
pease. This plain fact, which occurred in 1752, is suffi-
cient evidence to put down all sort of opposition, and shut
the mouths of those croakers who have annoyed us so long."
The learned gentleman then proceeds to state by what
means, the French, who were then the only settlers, were
enabled to do this. We are not prepared to say what this
does or does not prove, as to the capability of Nova Scotia
to raise its own bread stuffs. It is undoubtedly a very strong
fact. We cite it, as an historical curiosity merely, and it is
surely a very great one.

The same learned law officer, at an adjourned meeting
made another speech, principally against the culture o{ In-
dian corn in that Province, and wc entirely concur with

NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETV. 386

him in llie impolicy of attempting it. It is a precaiioue
ciop in goine seassoiis in some parts of the state of Maine;
but the learned 5«peaker was eiitirely mi-*tnfornn;d as to the
practice of the United Slates, when he said — "Corn, (mean-
ing Indian corn) was very fashionable in America ^ (nn ail-
ing the United State*) because th«ir sttrile and burnt np"
lands were tit for noll)ing else." Now it is precisely our
sterile and burnt uplands upon vvlnch judicious laiiners
never attempt to raise Indian com. To that invaluable plant
we generally devote our richest and best soils. On our
sterile and burnt uplands we raise rye, and barley occa-
sionally, but never liRlian corn unless a man has no other
lands on which he can raise it.

The learned gentleman stated another fact which the ex-
perience of JSew E'igland farmers certainly does not support.
" Take quantities," he says, " of Indian meal, and of oats,
and mix them with water in separate troughs, and you would
find that all the pigs would run to the oatmeal and eat it up en-
tirely before they would touch the other." The inferior ani-
mals, as well as man, are creatures of habit= and it is possible
that the Spanish swine who are fed on acorns and beech nuts
from infancy, would reject Indian corn if thrown down to
them, though we doubt it, because instinct is very strong
and very correct, and we believe that an English race-horse
brought up on oats, would not disdain a manger of Indian
corn, but this fact may be relied upon, that toe, who feed our
various domestic animals on every variety of grain, always
find them prefer the Indian corn, and fatten best upon it.
We had indeed thought, that Baron Humboldt's opinion in
favour of Indian corn, supported by that of Arthur Young,
had set that question at rest. Countries which arc so favour-
ed with heat, and a dry atmosphere, as to be adapted to the
culture of Indian corn, can never be persuaded that any
other grain is preferable. For Scotland and Nova Scotia,
undoubtedly any farinaceous vegetable is l)etter than Indian
corn. We should not of course think it Jiccessary to make

Vol. VII. 50

386 AGRICULTURAL INTELLfGENCE.

any remarks on the suggestion that oatmeal was a heartier
food for >nan than Indian meal, or the reasons assigned by
the Attorney General tliat " the former was more nutritious,
tha( Inbourers fed on Indian bread require five or six diets
per day, while a sturdy, resolute Scotchman at ani/ sort of
work would ouido forl^ of them."

Allowing for the natural hyperbolical expressions of a
man who is warmed with his subject, we may be permitted
to remark, that a Massachusetts farmer, whose bread consists
principall} of Indian meal, would at mowing, ploughing, hoe-
ing, or any olheV agricultural htbour, except digging peat,
compete single handed wi!h any labourer, whom either the
hig^jlands, or lowlands of Scotland ever produced. We do
not say this in a spirit of rivalry, or with any feelings that
are not entirely kind, but merely for the love of correctness.
Agriculture, like all other arts and sciences can only be pro-
moted, by precise statements o( facts. And while necessity,
the state of climate and seasons render oatmeal the unavoid-
able food, and the most economical food in Nova Scotia,
as the Iceland moss is in that country, and fish in Lapland,
there can be no use in denying the nutritious quality of In-
dian corn in countries, which are so favoured as to be capa-
ble of producing it. Editors.

AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

James Ombrosi, Esq. consul of the United States at Flo-
rence, has sent to the Massachusetts Agricultural Society,
through William Little, Et^q. of Boston, a few pounds of
a grass seed, which he calls Erba Medica, and which he says
is cut in Tuscany five or six times a year, and is there con-
sidered particularly nutritious food for cows or horses. It is
chopped up, or in some other way, mixed with hay for
cattle. Mr. Ombrosi and Mr. Little will be pleased to

AeRfCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE. 387

accept (he fhanks of the society for their attention. The
seed appi-ars to us to be that of some species of Trifoliiim.
evidently not the broad leaved clover of P'landtMS. which is
on the whole considered the best by European cultivators.

The Flanders clover, however, in our seed ?tores, is sadly
mixed with other varieties, and sometimes other speaes of clo-
ver. The seeds of the Trifohum officinale, or mehlot, or yel-
low Trefoil, are intermixt^d to so great an extent, ttiat gome
fields which we have sown with red clover seed, bought as such
in the shops, are now of a yellow colour from the prevalenre
of the melilot. The worst of it is, thut it is an incrtn^.g
evil. Ten years since the melilot, or yellow clover, was so
uucommon, that we examined it as a botanical novelty.

The Caledonian Horticultural Society in 1817, sent a
deputation into the Low Countries and France to ascertain
what improvements had been made in Horticulture or Gar-
dening, during the twenty years in which intercourse had
been cut off between Scotland and the Continent by that
scourge and disgrace of human nature, war. It was a most
praiseworthy example, and the reports of that committee
have been published this year, 182 3, in an octavo volume
full of interesting matter in relation to Gardeninij, to fruits,
and orchards. We Shall only have time and room for the
insertion of some short articles.

At Bruges in Flanders, proverbially the seat of the most
improved agriculture, the committee on the 12th of August,
make the following remarks : " In the course of our evening
walk, we were attracted by a novel appearance in husl>andry,
the labours of the seed time and harvest seeming here to be
united and contemporaneous. We entered a fine field of
luxuriant rve, part of which remained uncut, but a large pro-
portion had been cut down this morning (August 12th.)

388 AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

The crop bad been carried aside ; well rotted dung had been
pretty hbf^rallv laid on the stubble ; the Flemit-h plough was
novv at wmk ; and to complete this picture of industry,
and expedition, a nnan was actually ©Dgajjed in sowing tur»
nips on the same portions of the plounht-d fields from which
the rye crop had been reaped in the morning." This exam-
ple ought not to be lost upon u3. Our sun is much more
powerful, and our vegetation more rapid than in Flanders.
We know that some farmers do raise their second crops with
us; but may we not carry this system much farther? We
certainly can do it. bv limiting the extent of our cultivated
grouf>ds, and bestowing greater labour on the quantity we do
cultivate.

PROFESSOR VAN MONS OF BRUSSELS.

The Caledonian commirtee above mentiorv^d, visited the
nurseries of this active and intelligent horticuitur's-t. He
is Professor of Chemistry at Louvain, but has turr.cd his
attention very extensivdy to the improvement of fruit>«, prin-
cipally on the plan of .^Ir. Knight, by raising new \^rii>.]^>s»
Of new varieties of seedling pear?, raised chiefly by hm^self,
and Monsieur Duquesne, of Mons, he considers that his. col-
lection contains about 800 ; beinjj asked by the committee
whether he meant that they were all good, he replied, that
there were that number worthy of pres(;ivation. We must,
however, put down a considerable portion of these as lavourites
from paternal regard, for we do not find tiiat the London
Horticultural Society to whom he has sent his best samples
have as >Gt admitted more than half a dozen into the cata-
logue of good fruits. Still his zeal is worthy of great praise.
Our old fruits are running out, they are subject to constantly
increasing diseases. They must have been n\[Jirst obtained
by seedlings, and when a good variety was thus procured, it

AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE. 389

was propagat<»d by grafts. Thus it has been with our Seckle
pt'ar, she oiil) known excellent pear ever produced in the
United States. U is now in every good garden. But the
projient ag«; is not content with raising one yood sort in a
century. It is the fashion to try the powers of nature, and
the next generation will see not only a greater variety, but
probably enjoy nujch better kinds than any age which has
gone betore thenn.

The sweet potatoe (Convolvulus Batatas) has been of late
introduc«'d into culture at Paris, and sent to that market for
sale, and has been strongly recommended by Mons. Leiieur
in a nt»€nioir on that subject. Neither the soil, nor climate
of Paris is half as well calculated for this plant, as those of
the vicinity of Boston. All the counties of the Old Colony,
part of Middlesex, and some of the warm spots in Hampshire
are excellently adapted to it. In Worcester and Berkshire it
would probably not succeed, except i i some favoured spots ;
but if the horiicullurists of Paris have waited 200 years since
they were mtrodnced into Spain, it is not surprising that we
have so recentl> brought them into experiment.

A PHENOMENON IN GRAFTING.

At Brussels, the Committee of the Caledonian Horticul-
tural Society witnessed one of the most extraordinary ex-
periments in grafting; that, of inserting an entire tree, on the
stump of another. A neighbour, having in the spring
season cut down an apple tree, about fifteen feet high, which
professor Van Mons considered a desirable kind, and a good
healthy tree, he immediately selected a stock of similar di-

S90 AGRrCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE.

mensions, and cutting it off near the ground, placed on it by
the mode of peg grafting, the foster tree ; supported the tree
by stakes; and exchjded the air from the place of junction,
by plastering it with clay, and afterwards heaping earth round-
it. The experiment succeeded perfectly ; the tree becoming
in the course of the second season nearly as vigorous as
ever.

Now though we would not recommend this experiment,
because it must be very precarious, and seldom useful, yet as
being one of the highest triumphs of ihe horticultural art, we
thought it worthy of a place in this Jnurjril. The first thought
of transferring from one tree to another a different species of
fruit by a naked wooden stem, was undoubtedly bold and
happy ; but an attempt to transfer a whole tree in this manner,
is certainly original.

By peg grafting, it must be understood, that mode of graft-
ing which can only be practiced on trees oi exactly the same
circumference, the barks of which respectively will come into
perfect contract. A hole is made in the stock, of an inch or
more in depth, and the inserted tree or scion, is pared away
so as to fit exactly the hole so made. The surfaces of the
bark of each are then cut off smoothly, so as that the bark of
the inserted tree will fit exactly all round with that of the
stock. 1^ is indis|jerisable, that the liber and alburnum, that
is the inner bark and the white wood of each tree, should exact-
ly meet. The ex[)eriment was more curious than useful, but
as a fact in natural history, it is deserving of notice. Few
men would probably succeed in the attempt, but that it can
be done in any case, almost staggers our faith ; yet the au-
thority is very respectable. — Ed.

RECEIPT FOR DESTROYtNG CATERPILLARS, USED BY THE SO-
CIETY OF CHRISTIANS CALLED SHAKERS, AT CANTERBURY,
K. H.

" Take equal parts of spirits of turpentine, and train oil ;
apply them by means of a swab fixed on a pole, commence

AGRICULTURAL 1NTELL16ENCB. 391

the operation in the spring, (we suppose on the first appear-
ance of nests) when these devouring insects begui to appear,
and repeat the operation once a week, till the trees are in blow,
and ver| few will escape with their lives."

Signed F. W. the head of the Family.

We must express our admiration of this receipt, not be-
cause of its novelty, for either of the ingredients would be
quite sufficient to kill the insects, as will common soap suds
from every Monday's vva*h most thoroug^hly, without train
oil or spirits of turpentine ; but we admire it, as a specimen
of the practice and industry of these citizens. If our farmers
would only follow that part of the receipt, which requires a
weekly attention, for three successive weeks, it is immaterial
whether they use spirits of turpentine or train oil, or soap suds,
or the brush, proposed by Col. Pickering, the evil would be
cured at any rate. The great difficulty is the neglect to do
any thitig^uW after the Caterpillars have covered the trees with
nests. Then the labours of the sluggard commence, and one
tree, (let his receipt be ever so perfect and powerful) will
cost as much time and labour as ten trees would have requir-
ed tlirec weeks sooner. If our farmers would only adopt that
portion of the receipt, which requires a weekly attack on this
enemy, the evil would soon cease, and in ten years we should
scarce see a caterpillar in the country. By this course con-
tinually pursued, we have so murh reduced the labour, that
we have not one fourth part of the number we had three years
ago. — [Ed.

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE POPPY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PRODUCING OnUM.

We shall, on this topic, introduce an extract from a new
Massachusetts Scientific Journal, entitled " The Boston Jour-
nal of Philosophy and the Arts." Not in any degree interfer

8§5 AGRICULTURAL tWTELLIGENCK.

inp with that of Professor Silliman, the Journal in question
is intended to introduce to the American public, those arti-
cles in foreign publications devoted to Philosophy and the
Arls, which nkay be thought most useful. We meet this
stranger with the most hebily, and cordial welcome, livery
one who reads much kiows that it is impo«fibie in the pre-
sent stale of our (ountty, that tlie European sc'ent'fic jour-
nals can all of them, >'r ii deed an> o( them be ripubli^hed
here. The} ^annoi bt- imported without enormous eicpense,
owing to the inexplicable policy of laying heavy duties on all
works, without discriminating those which must have a
limited circulatioji, from those which are read b} the great
mass. TL.'S work is intended to give us a selection from the
European publications of those artic'es which are peculiarly
interesting to us, and adapted to our tondition and progress.
The Journal is under the manageuient of Dr. J. VV. Web-
ster, Dr. John Ware, and Mr. Danie! Treadwell, and we
cannot have a better pledge of sound discretion which will
be exercised in the seld'ctions, than the well merited reputa-
tion of its joint editors. We most earnestly hope that it
will receive that encouragement, which the very attempt
deserves, and which is due to tiie spirited efforts of these
scholars, and without which, no scienlitic exertions can be
long successful.

We now shall introduce the notice as to the raising of the
Poppy in the cold, ungenial climate of England.

" Messrs. Cowley and Staines of Winslow, Buckingham-
shire, have cultivated poppies for opium, with such success,
2^ to induce the belief, that this branch of agriculture is of
national importance, and worthy of support. In the year
1821 they procured 60 lbs. of solid opium, equal to the best
Turkey nphim, (quere ?) from rather less than four acres and
an half of ground. The seed was sown in February, came
up in March, and after proper hoeing, setting out, &ic., the
opium gathering commenced at the latt("r etid of July. The
criterion forgathering the opium was, when the poppies hav-

AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE. 393

ing lost their petals were covered with a bluish white mould.
[With great deference, we should say, that the directions
would have been more clear, if they had stated the size of
the capsules or seed vessels when the gathering began.]
They are then scarified, [or scratched with a pin or knife,
Ed.] and the head left till the juice is coagulated, about two
hours, when it is removed, and new incisions made. Opium
is produced until the third and fourth incisions, and in some
instances till the tenth. Ninety-seven pounds were procur-
ed at an expense of (one hundred and fortj-fivc dollars) and
this being dried in the sun, yielded above sixty pounds of
opium. The heads of the poppies were then allowed to dry,
and were thrashed, and the seeds, it was expected, as they
weighed thirteen hundred pounds, would produce seventy-
one gallons of oil. The oil cake was given to cattle and
pigs, with great advantage."

REMARKS.

If the cultivation of the Poppy for opium can be consi-
dered as an object of national importance in Great Britain,
it seems to be certain that it mus^t be so here. Our climate
is much better adapted to this plant. Sown in May, its cap-
sules are fit to use in July. They are larger and finer than
in England. The variety from which the Turkey opium is
obtained is the large single white poppy. The capsules are
of the size of a large pigeon's egg. When they have oMain-
ed their greatest size, the capsule is to be slit with a pin, or
sharp penknife; from the wound issues a milky kind of juice
which in two hours thickens, and should then be collected
and afterwards dried in the sun. In raising it on a great
scale, the poppies should be sown in row? or beds, so as to
permit thccoilecters of the opium to pass between them.

We have no expectation that such extensive experiments
will be made in our country, but many curious persons may
be disposed to raise a quarter of an acre each. The re-
marks which have been made are the result of personal ob-
servation by J. L. — one of the EdUors.

Vol. Vil. .51

394 PREMIUMS.

CATTLE SHOW, EXHimTION OF MANUFACTURES, PLOUGHING
MATCH, AAD PUBLIC SALE OF ANIMALS AND MANUFAC-
TURES, AT BRIGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ON WEDNESDAY
AND THURSDAY, THE 15th AND IGth OF OCTOBER, 1823. TO
COMMENCE AT NINE O'CLOCK A.M. ON EACH DAY.

1 HE Trustees of the Massachusetls Society for the Promo-
tion of Agriculture, encouraged by the patronage of the Le-
gislature of this State, intend to offer in Premiums, not only
the sum granted by the Government for that purpose, but
also the whole amount of the income of their own funds.
Tliev, therefore, announce to the public, their wish to have
a Cattle Show, and Exhibition of Manufactures, &c. &c. at
Brighton, on Wednesday and Thursday, the l^th and IGth of
October, 1823 ; and they offer the following Premiums :

FOR STOCK.

For the Best Bull, raised in Massachusetts, above one

year old - - - - - ^."^O

For the next best do. do. - - - 20

For the next best do. do. - - - - 10

For the best Cull Calf, from o to 12 months old - 15

For the next best do. do. - - - - 10

For the next best do. do. - - - 5

For the best Cow, not less than three years old - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 20

For the next best do. do. - - - - 15
For the best Heifer, from one to three years old, with

or without calf - - - - - 15

For the next best do. do. - - - * 10

For the next best do. do. - - - - 7
For the best Ox, fitted for slaughter, regard to be had

to the mode and expense of fatting - - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 25

For the next best do. do. - - - - 15

For the best pair of Working Oxen - - 30

For the next best do. do. - - - - 25

For the next best do. do. - - - 20

For the next best do. do. - - - - 15

PREMIUMS, 395

For the next best do. do. - - - ^10

For the best pair of Spayed Heifers, not less than one

year old ----- 25

For the best Spayed Sows, not less than fonr in num-
ber, and not less thai; tlve months old - - 20
The chiimant to be entitled to cither of these two last
premiums, must state, in writing, the mode of operation and
treatment, in a manner satisfactory to the Trustees.
For the best Merino Wethers, not le<5S than six in

number, having respect to form and fleece - 15

For the next best do. do. do. . - - 8

For the best Native Wethers, not less than six in num-
ber do. - - - - - 10
For the next best do. do. do. - ■• - 5
For the best Merino Ram, do. - - - 15
For the next best do. - - - - 10
For the best IMerino Ewes, not less than five in num-
ber, do. ----- 20
For the next best do. do. do. - - - 10
For the best Boar, not exceeding two years old - 12
For the next best do. do. ... 8
For the next best do. do. - - - - 5
For the best Sow - - - - 12
For the next best do. - - - - 8
For the next best do. . _ - . 5
For the best Pigs, not less than two in number, nor

less than four months old, nor more than eight 10

For the next best do. do. - . - 5

None of the above animals will be entitled to premiums,
unless they are wholly bred in the State of Massachusetts.
For the best Ram which shall be imported into this
State, after this advertisement, and before the 15th
of October next, of the improved Leicester breed
of long woolled sheep - - - - 7^

or a gold medal of that value, at the option of the
importer.

396 FREMIUMS.

For the next best do. do. • - - 50

For the best Ewe, of the same breed, imported un^
der the same terms, and for the like superior quali
ties - - - - - - 60

For the next best do. do. - - - - 40

To the person who shall import into this Slate, from
Europe, a male and female Goat, of the pure Casl -
mere breed - - - - - 100

The persons claiming these premiums to engage to keep
the imported animals within the State.

No animal, for which to any owner one premium shall
have been awarded, shall be considered a subject for any
future premium of the Society, except it be for an entirely
distinct premium, and for qualities different from those for
which the former premium was awarded.

Any of the above Stock, when raised and still owned
at the time of the exhibition, by the person who raised
them, will entitle the claimant to an allowance of ten per
cent, in addition. But Sheep, to be cntided to any of the
above premiums, must be raised by the person entering
them.

FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Indian Corn on an acre, not less than seventy bushels $30

To the person who shall make the most satisfactory ex-
periment, to ascertain the best mode of raising Indian
Corn, whether in hills or rows, not less than half an
acre being employed in each mode, in the same 6eld,
the quantity and quality both of land and manure to
be equal and uniform in each mode ; all to receive
a cultivation requisite to produce a good crop - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Vegetable?, grain, peas and beans excepted, for win-
ter consumption, of the stock of his own farm, and
not for sale, in proportion to the size of the farm and
stock kept, having regard to the respective value of
said vegetables as food, stating the expense of raising

PREMIUMS. 897

ibe same, and the best mode of preserving the same
through the winter - - - - 30

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
winter Wheat on an acre - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
spring Wheat on an acre - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greate/&t quantity of
Barley on an acre, not less than fort) -live bushels 20

To the person who shall raise the great<.'st crop of Mil-
let on an acre, cut and cured for hay, the claimant
giving evidence of the time of sowing, the quantity of
seed sown, and the quantity of hay produced - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Carrots on an acre, not less than six hundred bushels 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Potatoes on an acre, not less thantive hundred bush-
.eis, .... . -20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
common Beets on an acre, not less than six hundred
bushels, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Parsnips on an acre, not less than four hundred bush-
els, - - - . - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Mangel Wurtzel on an acre, not less than six hun=
dred bushels, - - - - - 20

To the person who sha'l raise the greatest quantity of
Ruta Baga on an acre, not less than six hundred bush-
els, - - -.----20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Turnips on an acre, not less than six hundred bushels, 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
common Turnips, after any other crop in the same
season, being not less than four hundred and fifty
bushels, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
common turnips, after any other crop in the same sea-

398 PREMIUMS.

son, being not less than four hundred and fiftj bush-
els, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Onions on an acre, not less than six hundred bush-
els, - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity of
Cabbages on an acre, not less than 25 tons weight,
free from earth when weighed, - - - 20

To (he person who shall give satisfactory evidence on
'Soiling Cattle,' not less than six in number, and
through the whole season, together with a particular
account of the food given, and how cultivated, - 36

To the person who shall make the experiment of turn-
ing in green crops as a manure, on a tract not less
than one acre, and prove its utility and cheapness,
giving a particular account of the process and its re-
sult - - - - - - 30

To the person who shall, by actual experiment, prove
the best season and modes of laying down lands to
grass, whether spring, summer or fall seeding be
preferable, and with or without grain on different
soils - - - - - - 30

To the person who shall raise the greatest quanity of
dry Peas on an acre, not less than thirty bushels, - 20

To the person who shall raise the greatest quantity
of dry Beans on an acre, not less than thirty bushels, 20

To the person who shall give proof of having produc-
ed the largest quantity of dressed Flax, raised on
half an acre, not less than two hundred and fifty
pounds - - - - - - 20

To the person who shall take up in the season, on
his own farm, the greatest quantity of good Honey,
and shall at the same time exhibit superior skill in
the management of Bees, - - - 10

For the best Cheese, not less than one year old, and
not less in quantity than one hundred pounds, - 10

For the next best do. do. • . . - fi

PREMIUMS. 399

For the best Cheese less than one year old, - - 10
For the next best do. do. - - - - 5

To the person who shall prove to the satisfaction of
the Trustees, that his mode of rearing, feeding and
fattening neat cattle is best, - - - 20

For the next best Batter, not less than fifty pounds, 15
For the next best do. do. - - - - 10

For the next best do. do. - «. _ - 7

For the next best do. do. - - - - 5

For the greatest quantity of Butter and Cheese, made
between the 15th of IM ay, and the 1st of October,
from not less than four Cows, the quality of the Bat-
ter and Cheese, asui the number of Cows to be tak-
en into consideration, and specimens to be exhibited
at the Show, of not less than twenty pounds of each,
and the mode of feeding, if any thing besides pasture
was used, - - - - - 20

To the person who shall prove by satisfactory experi-
ments, to the satisfaction of the Trustees, the utility
and comparative value of thf^ cobs of Indian Corn,
when used with or witht ut tiie grain itself, ground
or broken, - - - - - 20

For the best specimen of Cider, not less than one bar-
rel, made in 1822, manufactured by the person who
shall exhibit the same, and from apples grown on
his own farm - - - - - 20

For the second best barrel, - - - - 15

[These premiums will be continued in future years. Per-
sons claiming them must state, in writing, their process of
making and ma'naging their Cider, and the kind of apples
used.]

For the best specimen of Currant Wine, not less than
one gallon, exhibited by any person who shall have
made not less than 30 gallons in the same season in
which that which shall be exhibited was made, (a
statement to be given, in writing, of the process of
making the same,) - - - - 10

400 PREMIUMS.

For the next best do. do. - - - - 5

To entitle himself to either of the Premiums for Grain
or Vegetable crops, the person claiming, must cultivate a
tract of at least one acre in one piece, with the plant or
production for which he claims a premium, and must state,
in writing, under oath of the owner, and of one other per-
son, (accompanied by a certificate of the measurement of
the land by some sworn surveyor,) the following particulars :

1. The state and quality of the spring of 1823.

2. The product and generil state of cultivation and quan-
tity of manure employed on it the year preceding.

3. The quantity of manure used the present season.

4. The quantity of seed used, and if Potatoes, the sort.

5. The time and manner of sowing, weeding, and harvest-
ing the crop, and the amount of product, ascertained by
actual measurement, after the whole produce for which a
premium is claimed, is harvested, and the entire expense
of cultivation.

And in relation to all vegetables, except Potatoes, On-
ions, and common Turnips, (he fair average weight of at
least twenty bushels must be attested ; and if there be hay
scales in the town in which raised, not less than three
average cart loads must be weighed.

The claim under this head, together with the evidences
of the actual product, must be delivered, free of expense,
to Benjamin Guild, Esq. in Boston, Assistant Recording
Secretary of this Society, on or before the first day of De-
cember next — the Trustees not intending to decide upon
claims under the head of Agricultural Experiments, until
their meeting in December.

FOR INVENTIONS.

To the person who shall use the Drill Plough, or Ma-
chine, and apply it n>ost successfully to the cultivation
of any small Grains or Seeds, on a scale not less than
one acre, . . . > - - ^20

To the person who shall invent the best machine for
pulveiijiiug and grinding Plaster to the fineness of

fREMTUMS. 401

twenty-five bushels per ton, and which shall require
no more power ihan a pair of oxen or horse, to turn
out two tons per day, and so portable that it can be
removed from one farm to another without inconve-
nience, - .... . 30
To the person who shall produce, at the Show, any oth-
er Agricultural Implement, of his own invention, which
shall, in the opinion of the trustees, deserve a reward,
a premium not exceeding twenty dollars, according to
the value of the article exhibited, - - - 30
In all cases proofs must be given of the work done by the
Machine, before it is exhibited ; and of its having been used
atjd approved by some practical farmer. Persons who have
taken out Patents for their inventions, are not thereby exclu-
ded from claiming any of the above premiums.

FOR FOREST TREES.

For the best plantation of White Oak Trees, not less
than one acre, nor fewer than one thousand trees per
acre, to be raised from the acorn, and which trees shall
be in the best thriving state, on the first of September,
1823, . . . - . glOO

For the best plantations of White Ash, and of Larch
Trees, each of not less than one acre, nor fewer than
one thousand trees per acre, to be raised from the
seeds, and which trees shall be in the best thriving
state, on the first of September, 1823, - - 50

Bor the best Live Hedge made of either the White or
Cockspur Thorn, planted in 1820, not less than one
hundred rods, and which shall be in the best state in
1823, . - . - - 50

To the person who shall have planted out on his farm,
since the spring of 1 8 1 6, the greatest number of Apple
Trees, not less than one hundred in number, and who
shall exhibit to the trustees, at the Show in 1827, satis*
factory evidence of his having managed them with
care and skill, - - - - 50

Vol. VII. 52

402 PREMIUMS.

FOR DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

To the person or corporation who shall produce the best

specimen of fine Broadcloth, not less than 1 5-8 yards

wide, exclusive of the list, forty yards in quantity, and

dyed in the wool, ... - ^20

For the second best do. do. do. - - - 15

For the best superfine Cassimere, not less than 3-4 yard

wide, nor less than forty yards in quantity, 12

For the second best do- do. do. - - - . 8
For the best superfine Suttinet, 3-4 yard wide, not less

than 50 yards . - - . . . g

For the second best do. do. do. - - - 5

For (he best Sole Leather, not less than five sides, 10

For the second best do. do. _ - . 5

For the best dressed Calve Skins, not less than twelve

in number _ .... 10

For the second best do. do. - - - s

FOR HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURES.

For the best Woollen Cloth, 3-4 yard wide, not less than

twenty yards in quantity, - - - ^12

For the second best do. do. . - . g
For the best double milled Kersey, 3-4 yard wide, not

less than twenty yards in quantity, - - - 12

For the second best do. do. . - . - - 8
For the best Coating, 3-4 yard wide, not less than 20

yards in quantity, _ . . . . 8

For the second best do. do. - - - _ g
For the best Flannel, 7-8 yard wide, not less than 45

yards in quantity, - ... 10

For the second best do. do, . _ - . . 7
For the best yard wide Carpeting, not less than 30 yards

in quantity, - - - - - 15

For the second best do. do. - , - 7
For the best 5-8 yard wide Stair Carpeting, not less than

30 yards in quantity, - - - - 10
For the second best do. do. - - . .7

PREMIUMS. 4U3

For the best pair of Blankets, not less than 8-4 wide and

10-4 long, ... - - 6

For the second best do. do. - - - 4
For the best Woollen Knit Hose, not less than 12 pair

in number, - - - - - 5

For the second best do. do. . . - - 3
For the best Worsted Hose, not less than 12 pair in num-
ber, - - - - - - 5

For the second best do. do. - - - 3
For the best Men's f lalf Hose, (woollen) not less than

12 pair in number, - - , - - - 4

For the second best do. do. ... 2

For ■<ie best Men's Woollen Gloves, not less than 12

pair in number, - - - - 5

For the second best do. do. . . . S

For the best Linen Dnqier, 5 8 }ard wide, not less than

30 yards in quantity, ... 5

For the second best do. do. . - - 3
For the best yaid tvulc- Diaper, (for table linen) not less

than 30 yards m quantity, - - - 10

For the se':orid best do. do. ... 5

For the best specimen of Sewing Silk, raised and spun
in this State, of good fast colours, not less than one

pound, ....... 5

For the second best do. do. ... 3

For the best Linen Cloth (for shirting or sheeting) one

yard wide, and twenty -five yards long, - - 8

For the second best do. do. ... 4

To the person who shall produce the best specimen of
any Cotton fabrics in private families, not less than

five pieces, - - - - - 20

All the above Manufactures, (except when of Cotton) must
be of the growth and manufacture of the State of Massachu-
setts. And all Manufactures, when presented, must have a
private mark, and any public or known murk must be com-
pletely concealed, so as not to be seen, or known by the

40%

PREMIUMS.

Committee, nor must the Proprietor!' be present when they
are examined ; in default of either of these requisitions, the
articles will not be deemed entitled to consideration or pre-
mium.

Animals, Manufactures, or Articles, may be offered for pre-
mium at Brighton, notwithstanding they may have received
a premium from a County Agricultural Society.

It is understood, that whenever merely from a want of com-
petition, any of the claimants may be considered entitled to
the premium, under a literal construction, yet if, in the opin-
ion of the Judges, the object so offered is not deserving of any
reward, the Judges shall have a right to reject such claims*
Persons to whom premiums shall be awarded, may, at their
option, have an article of Plate, with suitable inscriptions, in
lieu of money. Premiums will be paid within ten days after
they shall be awarded.

That in any case in which a pecuniary premium is offered,
the Trustees may, having regard to the circumstances of the
competitor, award either one of the Society's gold or silver
medals in lieu of the pecuniary premium annexed to the
several articles.

That if any competitor for any of the Society's premiums
shall be discovered to have used any disingenuous measures,
by which the objects of the society have been defeated, such
person shall not only forfeit the premium which may have
been awarded to him, but be rendered incapable of being
ever after a competitor for any of the Society's premiums.

All premiums not demanded within six months after they
shall have been awarded, shall be deemed as having been
generously given to aid the funds of the Society.

PLOUGHING MATCH.

On the second day of the Cattle Show, viz. the 16th day
of October, Premiums will be given to the owners and plough-
men of the three Ploughs, drawn by two yoke of oxen, and to
the three Ploughs drawn by one yoke oxen, which shall be
adjudged, by a competent Committee, to have performed the

PREMIUMS. 405

best work with least expence of lab or ^ not exceedhig half aa
acre to each plough. Notice will be given in the public
Papers, at least six weeks before said da}', that a piece of
ground has been provided for twenty ploughs — ten double
and ten single teams ; and that entries may be made of the
names of the competitors until the morning of the 16th. Pre-
ference will be given to those who enter first; but if, on call-
ing the list at the hour appointed, precisely, those tirst nam-
ed do not appear, the next in order will be preferred. Tht.te
will be two Committpes, of three persons each — one to be
the judges of the ploughing by the double teams, the other of
the ploughing by the single teams — <he latter to have assign-
ed to them a part ofthetield distinct from that of the double
teams.

Premiums as follows, (being the same for the double and
single teams.)

First Plough gl 5 Second Plough ^10 Third Plough ^6
Ploughman 8 Ploughman 5 Ploughman 3

Driver 4 Driver 3 Driver 2

In each case, if there be no Driver, both sums to be award-
ed to the Ploughman.

The persons intending to contend for these Prizes, must
give notice, in writing, to S. W. Pomeroy, oi Gorham Par-
sons, Esq'rs oi Brighton, The competitors will also be con-
sidered as agreeing to follow such rules and regulations as
may be adopted by the Committee on the subject. The
ploughs to be ready to start at 9 o'clock, A. M.

The result of the last Ploughing Matches at Brighton, and
the satisfaction expressed by so many of their agricultural bre-
thren, will induce the Society to continue these premiums an-
nually, in connexion with the Cattle Show, as an efficacious
means for exciting emulation and improvement in the use
and construction of the most important instrument of agricul-
ture.

Persons intending to offer any species of Stock for premi-
ums, are requested to give notice thereof, either by letter

406 PREMIUMS.

(post paid) stating the article, or to make personal applica-
tion to Jonathan Winship, at Brighton, on or before the
I4th day of Octobef, and requsting him to enter such notice
or application, sothat tickets may be ready at 9 o'clock on the
15th. No person will be considered as a competitor who
shall not have given such notice, or made such application
for entry, on or before the time above specified, iw .'^.s^ i

All articles of manufuctures and inventions, must be enter-
ed and deposited in the Society's Rooms on Monday, the 13tli
of October, and will be examined by the Committees on
Tuesday, the 14th, the day before the Cattle Show ; and no
person but the Trustees shall be admitted to examine them
before the Show. The articles so exhibited, must be left till
after the Show, for the satisfaction of the public.

The applicants will be held to a rigid compliance with this
rule relative to entries, as well as to the other rules pre-
scribed. '

The examination of every species of stock, (except work-
ing oxen) will take place on the 15th ; and the trial of Work-
ing Oxen, and Ploughing Match, on the 16ih of October.

The Trustees also propose to appropriate, on the second
day of the Cattle Show, their Pens for the public sale of any
Animals, that have been offered for premium, and also of any
others, that are considered by them, as possessing tine quali-
ties ; and their Halls for the public sale of Manufactures.
Both sales to take place at half past eleven o'clock, precise-
ly. And for all Animals or Manufactures, that are intend-
ed to be sold, notice must be given to the Secretary, be-
fore 10 o'clock of the 16th.- Auctioneers will be provided
by the Trustees.

By order of the Trustees,

R. SULLIVAN,^

J. PRINCE, \ Committee.

G. PARS'jNS, [
E. H. DERBY, j

January, 1823.

INDEX TO THE Tilth VOLUME.

Address of Rev. Henry Colinan .... Page 1

Agricultural Intelligence ...... 96

Agricultural Journal of the Massachusetts Society, and the manner in

whish it has been conducted — and its rules .... 113

Agricultural Intelligence ...... 191

Address of Col. Pickering to the Massachusetts Agricultural Society . 213
Agricultural Journal of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, its de-
fence against some recent attacks .... 313

American Manufactures ...... 345

Burnham, Daniel, on the culture of Indian Corn . . . 274
Barley — account of an experiment of raising it . . . 305
Baker's, John, description of the mode of spaying Sows . . 308
Cogswell, Professor, donation of Herbarium to Massachusetts Profes-
sorship of A^atural History ...... 371

Colman's, Rev. Henry, address before the Massachusetts Agricultural

Society in 1822 ....... 1

Cattle Show at Brighton in 1821, and the several reports of the Com-
mittees ........ 17

Caterpillar, destructive to the Salt marshes — Natural history of 322

" Nat. Hist, of ...... 322

" receipt for destroying ..... 390

Carrots, account of their culture . . . . .72

Cows, the best mode of winter keeping .... 163

Comparison of various seasons, as to their earliness . . . 127

Cattle Show at Brighton in 1822, and the several reports thereon . 238

Carrots and Swedish turnips, the culture of . . , 281

Cattle, the best mode of raising and fattening them . . , _ , 294

Crovvninshield, Richard, Esq. on the Culture of Woad . . 34;'>

Cider, mode of making . . . . ^. . . 3oJ

Dey, Anthony Esq., of New York, his remarks on the culture of flax,

and his machine for preparing it for uso . . . . 61

Dwinel, John, of Salem, his mode of cultivating a piece of land which

was unusually productive . . . . ... IG-i

Same, his culture of potatoes . . . . . .170

Deane's New England Farmer — a new edition . , . 192

Dearborn's, H. A. S. Esq. letter inclosing Mr. Crowninshield's on Woad 34fl

Extracts from Evelyn's Sylva ...... 35U

Evelyn on steeping Seeds ...... 364

Editorial remarks b}^ J. Lowell ...... 313

Flax, its culture and its best mode of preparation for use, by a new

machine of Mr. Dey . . . . . . CI

Forest trees, their growth and sundry important facts concerning them,

By Hon. Mr. Welles . . . . . , .90

Fruit trees, some hints as to their treatment by a Norfolk Gardener 160
Felling of timber, the proper time of doing it with reference to is dura-
bility, by the Hon. T. Pickering . . . . .181

Grafting, a phenomenon in . . . . . . i!Of<

Green crops, manuring with, by turning them in, by S. W. Po\neroy,

Esq. . . . . . . ■'174

Vol. VII. 5f^

408

INDEX.

Grasses, some valuable remarks on their respective loss in drvinj, by

the Hon. Mr. Welles . . . . . . 309

Harris, Dr. T. W. Nat. Hist. Silt marsh caterpillar' . . ' . 322
Herbarium, Professor Cogswelfs presentation of to Massachusetts Pro-
fessorship of JNatural History • . . . . 371

History of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, &c. . . 313
Husbandman and housewife, a practical and useful treatise, some no-

ti'-e of ........ 192

Hull, William Esq., on the culture of carrots ... 72
The same writer — on irrigation or watering land . . .78

The same — on Swedish turnips • .... 75

Holconih, Rev. lleuben, on the management of the silk worm and the

production of siik ....... 83

Horticultural connnunications ...... 1.36

Hull, William Esq., on the culture of carrots — a second article . 281

The same writer on the culture of Indian corn . . . . 285

The same — on the same subject generally . . . . 291

How, Nathan, on the culture of Indian corn .... 305

Harris, Dr. T. W., Natural history of the salt-marsh caterpillar . 322

Holcus bicolor or chocolate plant, &:c. by Rev. Mr. Townsend . . 348

Hunter, Alexander, on steeping seeds .... 365

" " on raising oaks from the acorn . . • 367

Irrigation, its advantages, by Wm. Hull .... 78

Indian corn, its culture, by various persons, see pages 271. 274. 278.

285. 291. 303. 305. 306

Indian corn, a dwarf species, lately discovered . . . 153

Indian corn, its culture, by S. Wiiglitjjun. . . . 16G

Jackson, William, on the culture of spring wheat . . . 307

Kale, sea, or crambe maritime, culture of . . . . 132

Knight, T. A. Esq., notice of . . . . . . 331

" " letter from to J. Lowell . . . 339

Little, Tristram and Henry, remarks on culture of Indian corn . 303
Lowell, John, remarks on the manner of conducting the Massachusetts

Agricultural Journal. ..... 113

" " editorial remarks, &c. . . . . 313

" '' comparison of the seasons . . . 127. 353

" " remarks on the culture of Sea-Kale and salsafy . 132

" " horticultural communications . . . 136

" " notice of the Larch tree, and its value . . . 155
" " further remarks on the conduct of the Journal of the

Massachusetts Agricultuial Society, and defence of it 313
" *' notice of Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. President of the

horticultural Society of London . . . 331

*' *' state of the season ..... 3o3

" " on steeping seeds ...... 362

" " on raising oaks from the acorn . . . 367

" *< on the cultivation of the poppy .... 391

Members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society in 1822, list of 195

Mildew, prevention of, in particular cases .... 374

Natural history of tlie salt-marsh caterpillar .... 322

Nova Scotia Provincial Agricultural Society, notice of . . 385

Oaks, on raising them from the acorn .... .367

Potato, Carolina, culture of recommended .... 382

Poor's, Benjamin, remarks on the proper season of felling timber for use 86

Premiums of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society for 1822 . 100

<' «« « 1823 . . 394

Prince, John Esq., his remarks on the winter keeping of cows . . 163

<' " his account of tlie general produce of his farm in 1821 168

Pomeroy, S. W. Esq., on manming land by green crops . , 174

Pickering, Hon. Timothy, remarks on felling timber and the proper

season for so doing . . . . . . 381

INDEX.

409

rickering's, Hon. Timolliy, address to the Mnssachusctts Af^iictilnnal

Society ••...... 21;^

Pastel, or woad, culture of . , . . . . 342

Poppy, OK the cultivation of . . . . . . 391

Ruia baga or Swedish turnips, some remarks on their culture . . 7'>

Reports of cattle show . . , . . .17. 238

Rice, Asa jun. on the best mode of feeding and fattcDin^ cattle . 294

Seeds, steeping of ...... . 362

Season for cutting timber to secure its durability . . .84

Silii worm, the mode of treating it, and produciu-i silk . . 88

Slicpliard, Thomas Esq., of Northampton, hih mode and success in

raising Iniian corn ...... 171

Sulsafy or oyster plant, its value ..... 132

Scanmiell, John C, account of his success in raiting Indian corn . 306

Spaying sows, mode of ..... . 308

Slate of the season ....... 353

Sweet potato, cultivated at Paris ..... 389

Townsend, Rev. Jesse, on some Illinois plants .... 348

Valentine, Joseph, on the culture of Indian corn . . . 271

Welles, Hon. John, on forest trees, their growth, and sundry curious

facts concerning them . . . .90

" " his notices of the loss on various kinds of grasses

in drying . . . . .309

Wright, Samuel jun. on the culture of Indian corn . . 166

AVilliams, Paj-son, on Indian corn ..... 27:t

Wilkins, Jacob, on raising spring wheat .... 307

" '* on raising barley . . . . .301

Woad, the culture of ...... 342

" extracts concerning the value of woad to the d\'er . . 345

Winkley, Francis, head of tlie establishment of Quakers at Canter-
bury, on cider, &r. ...... 355

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR 1823.
Aaron Dexter, M.D. President.
Samuel W. Pomeroy, Esq. \st Vice-President.
Thomas L. '^Vinthrop, Esq. 2cZ Vice-President*
John Prince, Esq. Treasurer.
John Lowell, Esq. Corresponding Secretary,
Hon. Richard Sullivan, Recording Secretary.
Benjamin Guild, Esq. .Assistant Recording Secretary.

Hon. P. C. Brooks,
Hon. John Welles,
Hon. Josiah Quincy,

trustees.

S. G. Perkins, Esq.
Gorham Parsons, Esq.
E. Hersey Derby. Esq.

EXD OF VOLUME Vir.

T^E

Massachusetts Agricultural

REPOSITORY and JOURNAL.

NUMBER I VOLUME VII.

CONTENTS.

Mr. Colmaa's Address < . i
Reports of the Committees at the
Cattle Show, Exhibition of Maau-
i'actures. Public Sale of Animals,
&c. at Brighton, 1821 - 17—48

Indian Corn - - - - 48 i

English Turnip - - - - 5oi
Potatoes - - - - - 52 1

Mangel Wurtzel - - - - 54 i
Cabbages - - - - - 56 !

Ruta Baga 58 i

Beans - . . . 60i

On FJax > 61

On Carrots 72

On Ruta Baga ~ - - - 75
On Irrigation - - - - - 78
On the most suitable season of the
year for the cutting of Timber,
with reference to its durability - 80
On the Silkworm - - - - 88
Mr. Welles' Letter - - - 90
Agricultural Intelligence - - 96
Cattle Show, Exhibition ef Manu-
factures, &c. &c. - - - 100

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tin-
gle.

6
G
6
6
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6

8
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10
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3
3
3

4

3

3

3

3
4

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6
10

per
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81
66
56
56
56
56
56

81

56

90

37|

28

28

28

37^
28

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90
374

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90

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hundred-

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4
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4
4

4

5
4

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2

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2

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1 50

1 50
2

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4

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XHfc

Massachusetts Agricultural

REPOSITORY and JOURNAL.

NUMBER II VOLUME YII.

COMENTS.

Remarks on the manner in which tins
Journal is conducted, and the rules by
which the Commiltee, entrusted with
tlie publication, are governed. By J,
L. one of that Committee - 113

On the culture of Pease - - 122

Comparison of the present with some past

seasons - - - 127

On Uie culture of Sea Kale (Crambe Ma-
ritima,) and of the Salsafy, or Oyster
Plant, (Traggopoon,) for the market,
and for private use. By J. Lowell 132
On Horticulture . - - 136

Dwarf Indian Corn ... 153

Some slight notices of the Larch Tree —
(Pinus Larix,) known in various parts
of our country under the several names
of Juniper — Hackmatack and Larch.
Bv John Lowell ... 155

Fruit Trees - - - 160

Bad Winter Keeping of Cows - 163

Corn - - - - 1G6

Carrots - - - - 167

Vegetables - - - 168

Potatoes - - - 170

Corn - - - - 171
An Essay on the advantages of manur-
ing with Green Crops. By S. W. Pome-

roy, Esq. - - - 174

TJip Felling of Trees for Timber 181

AGRlCCI.TtJRAL INTELf,IGENPE.

The Husbandman and Housewife 192

Dr. Deane's New-England Farmer 192

Massachusetts Agricultural Society 194

List of Members - - 195

Officers Elected, June 1822 - 211

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lUassachusetts A gricultui'al

REPOSITORY and JOURNAL.

NUMBER III VOLUME VII.

CONTENTS.

Mr. Pickering's Address

Trustees' account of tiie Cattle Show,
Exhibition of Manufactures, &c. at
Brighton, 1822

No. I. On all the larger horned Cattle,
(except Heifers.) . . . •

JVo. II. On the smaller animals

Jyo. III. On Manufactures

No. IV. luventions

No. V. Working Oxen

No. VI. Ploughing Match

No. VII. Agricultural Kxperinients .

Indian Corn.

Carrots and Ruta Baga

2? 1.274.

213

238

233
245
249
253
255
257
259
278
281

Indian Corn ... . 285. 291

On raising, feeding and fattening cattle,
also on the utility and comparative
value of the cobs of Indian Corn when
used with, or without the grain itself
ground or broken . . . 294

On raising Corn ..... 299
Jacob Wilkins' claim for Barley . . 301
Indian Coin , . .303.385.306

Spring Wheat . . . . . 307

On Heifers, Swine, fee. . . . 303

On Grasses . . . . . 309

Notice , . . 31'S

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sons and arguments. Though written principally with a view lo the New-K.ng-
Jand States there is no part of the United states in which it will not be found
of great value, and perhaps it may not be and ought not to be its smallest recom-
mendation to the farmers of the United States, that excepting the Rev. Jared
Klliot's small tract, it was the earliest and by far the most respectable agricultu-
ral work ever published in the United States.

* A great part of the rcviiion and correctioua tyere made by Tl^ont^s 0. FcMendea, E»^.